Tempting

Open Hands, Open Heart

A few days ago, I had a great time with a dear person in my world. We laughed, giggled, and found a few items for our homes at great sale prices.

Then, I found a beautiful gathering table set. It seemed sturdy, solid, and was so comfortable. I sat. I pondered. It was more than my budget. I crunched numbers in my head. I tried to figure how I could do it. Thankfully, it wouldn't fit in the car we were in.

To make a long story short, at the end of the evening as I entered my home, I had complete peace about saying, "no, not now." I had a budget, a plan. I must stick to the plan.  This was not in the plan for now.  The more I thought about passing on it, the more peace flooded my being.  

God has provided for me in amazing, amazing ways.  I get to be faithful, diligent, and wise to what He has entrusted me with. For today, that is saying, "no" to a table set. :

The Gift of All

Merry Christmas!

I was given awesome advice by a dear friend. "You need to get the perfect family postcard picture out of your head. The holidays are simply another day to celebrate the gifts God has given you."

They were beautiful words of truth, and so very freeing.

So, maybe you have the perfect family with the perfect postcard picture...

However, for me, and many I know, life is messier than that. There is loss, pain, disappointments, unmet expectations, frustrations, stresses, inconveniences, confusion, hurt....

The great news is that Jesus came.  He is the gift of all at Christmas.  He came to our mess. He is the light and hope in the darkness.  There is joy and peace in the pain.  He comes to the darkness with us.

As I heard at church tonight, "we can still have peace and joy with whatever happens because the God of the universe loves us." (Joel Dombrow) Is there still pain in this world? Yes. I know of deep pain by dear friends even as I type tonight. I also know that God enters into pain and brings peace, and light even when we don't see any light at the time.  He is there, and when we look back later, we can see He was there all along.

So, I celebrate the amazing, loving gift of all at Christmas-Jesus has come. He has brought peace to my heart today.  With His love filling me up, I can tell a loved one with Alzheimer's again, and again, and again, the plans for tonight, and tomorrow as the same questions are asked again, and again.  I celebrate the precious gift of a friend who came by to give a Christmas hug before leaving town with her family.  I celebrate precious moments spent with dear friends today as I heard them both tell of when they were engaged 22 years ago. I loved watching how they looked at each other with twinkling eyes retelling the story-each piping in to add different details.  I celebrate how I was able to sit with dear friends at church tonight. They just "happened" to be at the service, and right there when I came in.  :) I celebrate the sweet text messages I received today from two dear friends, and the phone call from another.  I celebrate the moments spent last night giggling and laughing with one who has filled in mom roles.  I celebrate the total joy of a visit made to a special little boy.

 I celebrate the amazing family and friends God has placed in my world.  I am loved.

I am so loved by the God of the universe that He would send His only son. That is huge love.  That is the gift of Christmas.

What to do?

What do I do when my heart is breaking for another's pain?

What do I do when the broken pieces of the heart hurt?

What do I do when there are unknowns?

What do I do when a heart is broken due to loss?

What do I do when there are no answers to why?

I travel the road with family and friends. I am real. I get to love others tangibly. Sometimes, that means a hug, sharing tears, a card in the mail, a phone call, praying for another, or just being there without saying a word about it-being present. Sometimes there are no words. Presence can speak volumes.

I claim what I do know and believe to be true.  I put those things that I don't understand in a file in my head entitled, "I don't get it God." It is a place for me to put them.  I tell God, "I don't get it.  I don't understand. But, this is what I do know for sure. You are good! You love me. You love my friends, and family. You are with me. You are with them..."

I look for my gifts daily.  Today, I saw several birds in the lawn. They are gifts as I watched them closely.  They remind me that as God provides for the birds, He is and will provide for me.  I am reminded that He is with me. I am reminded that He created them with such details. How is it that they can fly? :) As I look for my gifts, my heart is filled with joy, and I see God in my day daily. I am reminded how very loved I am and all that I have to be thankful for.

I get to live life boldly and with great love-Loving God, and Loving Others.

I'm Believing God! :)

Carved by Gloria Goebel
LOVE this pumpkin! :)

I had waited, hoped, and prayed that the level being checked by the doctor would be low as he thought it would be.
It was like a needle in a haystack being found.
It was a huge answer to many prayers for many years.
It was a root cause of health challenges including why I've gotten so sick when I go to Rwanda.
If this level was low, it would help explain why my system had a very hard time fighting off bacteria, parasites etc. etc.

I sat in the dr. office as he showed me the lab report saying, "yes, that is significantly low." 
I was relieved, and yet I had another question. "How do we raise it?"
The doctor sat back in his chair and said calmly, "it is very hard."
I wanted to burst into tears on the inside.
He told me what he knew we could do, and then we will re-check it in 2-3 months.

As I got ready the following morning, it hit me! "Wait a minute! God is the God of the hard and the impossible! God parted the red sea.  He saved Noah and the animals in the ark. God can help me raise this level in my system! He lead me to this doctor. I get to do my part. I also get to believe God. NOTHING is impossible with God." My heart was buoyed. This was the truth. This is what I believe.   It is so God that this low level was found. I get to take one step at a time. One day at a time.  

So grateful to have an answer. So grateful I did have some health challenges this summer. Those challenges lead me to this doctor.  I am getting to share my story with him and others in that office. I'm getting to share my heart for Rwanda. I'm getting to share why I can't wait to return.  I am getting to share God's love in the journey.

God is at work.  He sees and knows the whole big picture.  In awe of how detailed our body systems are, and how He created us.
I am grateful.
I'm believing God.

Love & Grace :)

Shortly after returning home from Rwanda, I sat on the couch sobbing to God. I was sick-again. My tears were from the depth of my heart-"I can't keep doing this. I can't keep going, and getting sick. Yes, I am not as sick as last year. I'm grateful. But, I am sick. I've tried. I can't do this again."

Thankfully, God has given me amazing friends who would not let me stay there. :) One, especially, would absolutely not let me stay there! "You are not allowed to make that decision now!" "How do you know God is not at work in big ways?" I argued. I wanted, and valued her input though.  It took me about 48 hours to come around.  I wrote back, " Okay, yes I don't get to make that decision now.  Yes, God is at work even in this." :)

However, before coming around, I had given away all my suitcases, backpack, carry on, and some traveling items. I was going to be part of the sending team. I wouldn't need those items.

Once I came around, I thought, "I will have to buy all those items again. That's part of my consequence." :)

Then a friend called, "I have your backpack, carry on, and items in the back of my trunk for you. Your suitcases can also be picked up, for I think you are going to need them again."

Total Grace! God's grace.

 I didn't deserve them back.

I have now received them back. Yes, God has totally used me being sick to connect me with another doctor. So grateful!

So grateful for a friend who loves me enough to speak the truth in love, for friends who travel the road with me, and for my luggage, backpack, and travel items back. Can't wait to use them again when I return to Rwanda. :)

Soft Socks

On a crisp, cool morning this week, I went to my drawer to pull out black socks to wear. I pulled out one pair.  I put it back thinking, "I want the soft ones."

My mind echoed the thought, "I want the soft ones." I immediately was back in Rwanda with my sweet Maria.  I had bought her socks at her school.  I purchased 3 pair, and asked the staff if that was a normal amount of socks to have. For, I wanted her to have all the socks she could use, but at the same time I didn't want to cause her jealousy issues with friends, or neighbors.  The staff assured me that was a good amount.

Socks. I drove to work, and the whole way I was grateful for socks. I thought about the many children and adults I've met in Rwanda who didn't have shoes, let alone socks. And, I wanted the "soft socks."

I was so grateful for my soft socks, and for all my socks.  They are gifts from God; His provision for me.

I am blessed, and those blessings aren't for me to hold onto myself.  I get to be a vehicle for God to work in and through me. I'll be asking my other 2 sponsored girls if they need socks.

Is there anyone that you can give some "socks" to today?

Love to you!

No Make-Up: No Problem :)

It's been many, many weeks since my eye doctor explained that it would be best to not wear eye make-up.  I immediately, thought, "no problem!" It was one less thing to do in the morning. (not that I wore lots of make-up anyway)

I laughed hard with a friend as she said, "of course you do!" when I explained I had extra (non-contagious) bacteria on my eye lids and eye lashes. We laughed and were grateful for some solutions to help.

I've smiled in my heart recently when I've heard compliments such as, "you look so pretty today." Or, "you look so nice today"... A few times I've thought, "and I don't have any make-up on." :)

At times I've thought of my very beautiful Rwandan friends in Rwanda. The children along with many adults are SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!! That is usually without make-up. :)

True beauty is found on the inside-how one loves God, and loves others. That love shines from the inside out. It doesn't matter what make-up we wear or don't wear.

What really matters is how we are living life. Are we loving God, loving others, and doing stuff? :)

Stay means, "stay!"

I am so grateful for three new favorite doctors that have become a part of my team! :) After returning from Rwanda, I had some health challenges, and God placed amazing doctors in my world to help.

After talking with one doctor for a very long time, he printed a list of foods, and said to only eat certain foods on the top of the paper. I was to stay away from foods on the bottom part of the paper. He paused and waited for a long time for a response from me. He may have been waiting for a protest from me. I was in though-whatever it took to get well. No problem. :)

The diet immediately made a big difference for me. When I returned on the second visit, the doctor was so pleased that the diet was helping. He said for me to "stay on the diet."

Well, a few days later, I stopped by Burgerville, and they had their fresh blackberry milkshakes. I thought how I had been doing so well. I should be able to have one of those and be okay. I really wasn't to be eating the blackberries or the milk.  The shake tasted so very good! HOWEVER, in a short amount of time, it was VERY CLEAR to me that stay means, "stay!" The doctor said to stay on the diet, and that means stay!!! :)

The doctor isn't trying to be mean to me, and take away foods that I enjoy. He is trying to help me. He sees the bigger picture. I must cooperate and do my part.

God also sees a bigger picture for me. I get to do my part in what He asks me to do or not to do as well.   "Am I loving God, loving people, and doing what God asks me to do?"

So, everyone else fully enjoy those blackberries, and milkshakes. I'll be passing for now, and enjoying Raspberry Sorbet instead! :) What a wonderful gift Sorbet is!!!! :)

Love to you!

So FUN!!!!

As I went through the checkout stand at Costco tonight, I noticed a very kind gentleman putting my items in a box for me. I had one item that wasn't scanning, and so assistance from another employee was needed.

I glanced down the counter, and the gentleman who had been packing my items was fully reading an entry of the Jesus Calling book that I was buying as a gift.  I asked him if he had that book.  He said he'd seen several people come through the line with it.  I said how great it was, and that I so enjoyed mine.

As I went past the customer service desk to leave, I stopped to wait my turn in line.  I explained that I had just bought this book, Jesus Calling, and that I wanted it to be given to the gentleman in the white and striped shirt who was helping pack items.  The employee said that he didn't know if he could do that, and he would need to get a supervisor.  I smiled, and said, "Okay, would you call your supervisor? :)

The supervisor came, and I explained whom I wanted the book to be given to. They both asked me if I was sure. I assured them. I was sure. :)

I danced out of Costco.

Love Does! :)

Overwhelmed?

 " Love God. Love People. Do Stuff." (Bob Goff)

I woke up this am already overwhelmed, and I hadn't even gotten out of bed yet.  There was so much to be done in so many areas.

I have fought this battle often recently-pushing back the waves of being overwhelmed.  There is much to do at work-more than there is time for- much to be done at home- more than there is time for.

So, I focus on that which is most important. I remind myself of the priorities. Love God-Love People. Do the next thing.

Purposely, lately,  I've tried to do one tangible act of love for another-send a card in the mail, write an email, make a phone call each day.  I am to live a life of love. As I ask God in the am, what is it that He would have me do today, something often comes to mind. Send ---- a card. Send ---- an email.  Call ------.  This has helped keep me grounded in remembering what is important.

I REFUSE to get caught up in the whirlwinds of being overwhelmed with all the "to do's."

I came across a "to do" list from months ago. At the time, I remember feeling stress with so much needing to be done.  However, now, months later, I do not remember the items on the list. I do remember the kind emails, chats, cards, walks, laughter, tea, coffee, and time spent with family and friends during that season.

So this am, I spent time with God. I lied down all the "to do's," and all the things that seemed to have my shoulders crawling to the top of my head wondering how I was going to get it all done.  I read in the Bible how God is with me, that I get to trust Him, and as I let go, peace flooded over me.

Yes, I am to run this race well, and for me, lately, that means pushing back the waves of being overwhelmed.

I get to do the next thing, which this am meant taking a few minutes to write on a card that could be mailed today.

It also meant spending time with some amazing people tonight.  My heart and soul are encouraged, and refreshed.

As I need to, I will continue to push back the waves of being overwhelmed.  There is not a verse in the Bible that says, "thou shall be overwhelmed." It says, "don't be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus." (Philipians 4:6)  "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." (I Peter 5:7)

Yes, I get to do my part in all that needs to be done.

I also get to have God's peace along the way, while also loving God, and loving others.

What About...?

Yesterday, in my quest to get lots of laundry done, I didn't do the best job planning.  By the time I was ready to go to bed, the sheets were still washing.

It was no problem. I had a clean mattress cover that had just come out of the dryer. I had a comforter, and I had a favorite blue, cozy, soft blanket. As I put my comforter over the mattress pad, and went to the closet to pull out 2 other pillow cases, my mind quickly wandered...What about my Maria, Deodetta, and Hajati? Are they warm tonight? I knew I had other blankets if I was to get cold. What do they and so many other children do when they need another blanket? What about all the children who sleep on the mud ground without a mattress? How are they warm, or are they? Do my girls need more blankets? Maybe I should check on that.

As I slept last night, and would pull my blanket over me for warmth, again, I would think of my girls, and other children.

I thanked God for my bed, for my mattress, for my pillows, pillow cases, sheets, and blankets.  I will also be writing my girls to ask if they need more blankets.

I love what Charles from Africa New Life says, "You can't change the whole world, but you can change the world for one." I can't buy more blankets for the whole world, but I can be sure my three sponsored girls have enough warm blankets.

Whose world can you change today?

Turn it Around :)

I tell people often, "come with me to Rwanda.  It will wreck you in the most beautiful way."  :)

One of the many ways that I have been changed is that I find myself turning around thoughts.  For example, "Oh, I have to clean the bathrooms today." I try to quickly turn it around with, "I am grateful I have a bathroom to clean today." Recently, at school there were many boxes to unpack. Instead of, "I have so many boxes to unpack, I tried to focus on, "I am grateful for the boxes, for in them are items that I can teach with." Or how about, "I have so much laundry to do." I turn it around with, "I'm grateful for a washer and dryer to help me do laundry." "I have to run errands." Turn it around with, "I'm grateful for a car to run errands, for money to pick up what I need, for stores, for paved roads to get there easily, for health to be able to run errands...."

I find myself turning around thoughts daily.  Give it a try today-turn those thoughts around. :)

Rwanda 2012

Wow! It was an amazing month in Rwanda, Africa with Africa New Life Ministries!

Thank you to everyone who was part of Team Rwanda 2012 by praying for me, and/or contributing financially.  You made a difference in Rwanda. Many were touched with God's love. Thank you!

Several days after returning from Rwanda, I heard the song,  Live Like That, by Sidewalk Prophets.  It instantly became a new favorite song.  It so captures my heart's desire to live life loving God, and loving others.

Click below to view video of Rwanda 2012:

A Fork

My Maria and Hajaiti :)

Last week, I was putting clean dishes away. As I reached down to pick up a fork, I instantly thought of my Maria, one of my sponsored girls in Rwanda, Africa.

I was able to sit with her at lunch one day.  She had disappeared quickly, and quietly for a few minutes.  When she returned, she was carrying a fork. I asked her if she went to get a fork, and she smiled with a, "yes." I don't know where she had retrieved the fork.  Her home would have been too far away.  She was very happy to have it though.  I looked next to me, and there were 3 girls sharing the same fork.  They were smiling big, and each of them were waiting their turn as one would take a bite, and the fork would be passed.  

As I put my own fork in the drawer, I thanked God for a fork.  

It's not about if I have a fork or not.  It's am I thankful for all the amazing gifts God has and does give me daily? That includes a fork.  

How about being able to walk, read, breathe? How about the first of the beautiful fall leaves on a tree I saw today? I could go on and on. So much to be grateful for. 

Grateful, very grateful. 

What are you grateful for today?

"Thank you-er"

:) While reading the post below, my heart was smiling big for many reasons...

How can you be a "thank you-er" today?

Who can you thank?

What can you thank God for?

Can you thank Him for that "challenge" in your world-whatever it may be? I've gotten to do that this past week. As I chose to see the challenge as a gift, I then saw all the many gifts that are coming from the challenge. The challenge has become a joy. Yes-a joy! :)  I thank God for the challenge.

I also see God at work in BIG ways in my heart and life.

Great post below from Ann Voskamp:

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/08/how-to-make-sure-your-kids-you-have-the-best-job-in-the-world/

Gifts & Joy :)

James 1:2
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides."
(Message version)

James 1:2
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy."
(New Living Translation)

James 1:2
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds."
(New International Version)

Greetings from Home :)

Greetings from home! I was giddy with joy to return to Rwanda for a month. Then I was giddy with joy to return home. :)

During the last days in Rwanda, the team joined the Rwanda New Life team to help with a  two day Bible Festival in Kigali.  Hundreds of kids joined together to sing to God, and for several different stations. The stations included Bible story, art, games/sport, small group, and craft.

On the first day when kids started arriving, one of the team members grabbed another one, and formed a bridge for kids to walk through when they arrived at the church.  Others quickly joined, and kids were walking through a long bridge.  The smiling faces brought great joy to each team member.  It was a special two days with many Rwandan children.

An Honor

Shopping with Specioza

On Thursday, I had the privilege to visit one lady and one gentleman who are sponsored in Kigali (the city) by friends.  I was able to go into the shop with Specioza to purchase rice, maize flour, soap, cooking oil, and Vaseline.

The dirt road to Sorange's home was filled with pot holes. It was a very, very bumpy road.  I recognized it as a road I had been on before.  I couldn't wait to be on a different road, and yet this is the same road that many walk up and down on daily.  

Some of the food being carried to Sorange's home

Sorange's mom was so grateful we had come, and immediately came out of her home to welcome us.  Her little brothers also came to greet us.  

Reading the letter from the sponsor

I read to her the letter from her sponsor, and she enjoyed opening the tissue paper with a special shirt. She immediately put on the shirt, and liked it so much. 

Sorange with her new shirt :)

Her mom was so very grateful we had come, and thanked God for the food, and supplies.  She has HIV and is taking medicine.  She works at a local factory which pays her enough for rent, and food.  Her prayer request is that God extends her life, so that she is able to see her children grow.  She also wanted us to pray God would provide a home of their own for her, and her family.  There is quite an unpleasant smell in the house.

As we prayed several of the children, and mom were in tears. My heart hurt for all of them.

Sorange and her family

Sorange and her mom were so grateful to God that we had come, and for the items we had brought. They both walked us up the short walk to the road.

Sorange and her mom

I LOVE how Africa New Life Staff show love to
children!

I am standing right in front of Emmanuel and his mom with
hardly enough room to stand

Next, we went to Emmanuel's home.  The car was parked on the side of a road as we walked through an alley to get to his home.  When we arrived, the metal door was locked with a padlock.  He said that his mom was at church. He ran off to get her. In just a few minutes, he reappeared with his mom.  She immediately gave us hugs, and smiled big.

As we entered his home, we could barely walk in.  There was hardly room for I and the ANLM staff member to stand in the doorway.  The bed was right there with everything else that they own surrounding the bed.  It was barely the size of a double size bed.  The staff member said my thoughts out loud, "oh my! oh my!" They cook               outside, and then bring the charcoal stove in at night, so that it's not stolen.

We learned that the mom sells items on the streets to provide an income. However, the government has required people to go into shops to sell items.  People can go in together to rent the shop space.  She does not have the initial money to pay to go in with others for a shop.  I asked how much it would cost. It would be about $300 for the first year. That would include electricity as well.  Now, items are taken from her when she tries to sell them on the street.  I said that to us it's lots of money, but to God, it is pocket change.  We prayed over the family, the home, and for God to provide the funds for her to sell items in a shop.

Emmanuel and his mom

Emmanuel has a brother who is at boarding school. I do not know how all of them sleep in that very small space and bed.

We walked to the car, where the mom had a neighbor help carry some of the food back to the house.  The mom put a huge bag on her head and carried it.  She was thanking God that we had come, and for all that we had brought.

My heart hurt for Emmanuel, his mom, and his brother.  I asked the staff member if she thought the mom would be able to pay the shop fee after the first year. She said that yes, she thought the mom could.

It was an honor to visit these homes on behalf of their sponsors.

Sending much love to you!

Precious Days...

It was wonderful to get to greet friends on the Portland team at the airport on Saturday night. Thankfully, all of their luggage arrived as well.  Another team member came in on Sunday, and the Chicago part of the team arrived at 4am on Tuesday morning. They had quite the challenges getting to Rwanda.  We are hoping their luggage shows up tonight.

Kira being baptised

On Sunday, we all enjoyed church at New Life Bible Church.  Worship is always so special, and it was great to hear Pastor Charles speak.  We had a wonderful time eating lunch at what is known as Hotel Rwanda.  Teams try to give the guest house staff a break from cooking on Sunday afternoons.  Later in the afternoon, we headed to a local swimming pool for 2 people to get baptized.  One from our team wanted to do it here in Rwanda, as did one of our Rwandan friends.  It was a very special afternoon.  Fred and Anna baptized both of them.  Others at the pool watched.  An invitation was given for anyone else who wanted to be baptized, and a 10 year old girl immediately stepped forward.  It was so beautiful.

Pheone being baptised

Hajati's first car ride

On Monday, we all headed to Kayonza.  I knew that I was going to get to visit my two girls in their home. I was excited to get to be with them, and to deliver gifts.  As soon as I arrived on the campus, I kept my eyes out for Maria, and Hajati. Within minutes, I spotted Maria under a tree with some other kids. I called her name and she came to me. I asked about Hajati, and she was standing right there with the other kids. I had looked over her head when I spotted Maria. The girls toured the school grounds with us, stayed with us when we ate our packed lunches, ate their own lunch in the dining hall, and rode in the van to their home.  I split food I had in thirds for each of us have a little bit. They really liked the Sport Beans. They were troopers to try the different bars I had.

Maria was so happy to be in the bus too.

Big hug from the little brother :)

Maria, Hajati, a goat as a gift, and I

They were happy to be in the little bus with us. It was Hajati's first time in a car.  Their three year old brother greeted us at their home by smiling big, dancing around, and yelling, "mazzongoo! mazzoongoo!" He was so happy, and knew we were coming to his house.  Their mom greeted us very warmly.  It was an honor to get to deliver lots of food, hygiene kits, underwear, Bibles, mattresses, bedding, and a few things I had brought from home. The mom was speechless with joy, and gratitude. The girls really liked  the Bibles.  They wanted me to be sure and see the goats.  Two goats that I had previously given had babies. That was great news.  I was invited to see the small room off of the one main room.  My heart broke as I saw how little the home is, and how there are sticks coming through the mud.  We prayed for God's provision for another room to be built.  They wanted me to be sure to greet my family for them, and to tell them that they are praying for them.  There isn't a kitchen, and a pit toilet is now being dug for them. Until now, they have not had even a pit toilet.  They cook outside as well.

The ladies really enjoyed having their picture taken,
and then wanted to see it on the camera. 

On Tuesday, the team was at the Dream Center to see the campus there.  We had an incredible worship time with the ladies in the sewing program.  It is a sewing program, which gives them a job skill.  They pulled most all of us up front to dance with them as they sang. We didn't know the words, but couldn't stop smiling. We danced, danced, and danced some more.  We were all out of breath and sweating by the time we sat down.  Then a few of the woman shared their stories. Totally Heartbreaking!! However, they now have hope, know they are really loved by God, each other, and those at Africa New Life.  Their lives have been transformed.  Many never smiled when they first came.  They now smile, and have real joy.  The guys on the team served them lunch, and some ladies had baked Betty Crocker cake mixes as well.  The woman really enjoyed the cake.

Jerry! I met him last summer. Now, he
is sponsored by a friend! :) 

From there, we all piled into 2 different vehicles for home visits.  It is always very special to get to go on home visits. Food is delivered, love is given though hugs and words, and we pray together.

The day wasn't done yet! Next, we went to the Esther Home where 14 college girls live.  It is a home for these girls while also proving food, school fees, and love.  I enjoyed getting to talk with a few of the girls.  Their stories are also heartbreaking.  It is wonderful how they, too, now have such joy, hope, and peace.  God is real in their lives.  We were humbled as they served us pop. They were so gracious, and kind.  God has amazing things in store for each of them!

It was wonderful to get to know these amazing
ladies!

Trying to catch bubbles that Darcy was
blowing

On Wednesday, we went to Burgesera, the new community that ANLM opened in Jan.  I was able to take photos for Darcy as she gave gifts to several friends sponsored children.  We then were able to write, and draw with these 3 great boys.  I also talked with some of the staff. The cook wanted to know if I cook in America like they do here. The kitchen there is made of mud, and has big pots with a charcoal fire to cook.  I tried to explain an oven in the house.  I was reminded again how easily things are taken for granted in America.

At one point today, I looked across the field, and thought, "wow, I'm in Africa! This really is amazing!"

Thank you to all who are praying for me, and who made this month here possible. You are all apart of my team, and I am so very grateful!

Much love to you!

Special Day :)

Students in "Baby class" (preschool) sang for us
at  Kayonza

Hello from Rwanda! :)

Yesterday, Friday, was a special day. The Hotchkiss family and I traveled to Kageo with Steven driving us in the van.  It is a 3 hour journey with about 1 1/2 hours of it on a very bumpy, dirty, pot hole road.  It is so worth it though! For at the end we all were able to see and visit the homes of our sponsored girls.

The journey to get there is an adventure.  Many children come out of their homes waving both hands shouting with big smiles, "mazoongoos!" Allan calls it the parade route, and we are the parade. :)

On the road to Kageo, we saw some cows along the way

We stopped in Kayonza at the school to use the last flushing toilet until we returned to Kayonza.  That is a gift in itself, for Kayonza used to have pit toilets.

When we arrived in Kageo, our girls were waiting for us. Everyone was so very happy!!! We were able to walk to the school and go into the girl's classroom. We learned my Deodetta, and their Molly are in the same class, P2. (P2 is grade 2, it stands for primary 2) We greeted the afternoon class of P2, and prayed for the students. Molly and Deodetta showed us where they sit in the morning. There are 2 sessions-an am and a pm class.

We also visited a friend's child of the Hotchkisses as well.

Deodetta was waiting for me!

Deodetta grinned from ear to ear so many times. She was so happy to be with me. She stayed with me while we visited other homes.  I think she really enjoyed being in the van with us.

Deodetta riding in the van

As we approached her home, she smiled big as neighbors saw her in the van with us.

Deodetta, her mom, and I

Her mom immediately greeted us. She was so happy we had come.  I had purchased gifts on line for her. They included lots of food, a goat, mattress, bedding, a Bible, toothbrush, toothpaste, Vaseline (used for skin in Rwanda), soap etc. and some items I brought from home.  I also gave the mom, and grandma red scarfs from here in Rwanda.  I told them I picked red ones for them to remember that God loves them very much.  The mom was so very, very grateful!!!!









I learned that the two goats I had previously purchased each had a baby. So, now Deodetta has 5 goats-2 babies, and 3 adults.  They have a goat pen in the back of their home.  Goats are great gifts for they can have babies. Then the babies or the adult goat can be sold.  The mom wanted me to be sure to see the goats. :)

Goat pen

Deodetta, her mom, and I

Deodetta's mom came to the van for one more hug
goodbye. Neighbor children 

I prayed for Deodetta and her family.   It was special to get to spend time with her. I'm very happy to know that for awhile, they will definitely have food to eat.

Yay!!!!! The Portland team arrived tonight. My heart is very, very happy!

Thank you to all who are praying for me! Thank you for being a part of my team! I sense your prayers!

Beautiful sunset on the way back to Kigali

Sending much love to all of you!

Birds are singing! :)

Greetings from Rwanda!  It's 4:50 pm, and the birds have been singing all afternoon at the guest house.

Very, very bumpy road on home visit

On Wednesday, the team visited a sponsored child's home In Kigali, while also delivering food, soap, and cooking oil.  Once we turned off the main road, the road was very dusty, and filled with pot holes.  We were shaken back and forth for about 15 minutes and then we arrived.  Many neighborhood children came out to see and chat with all the mazoongoos (white people). The sponsor also prayed for the family.  As we drove back on the same road, all I could think was, "dear Lord Jesus." I couldn't wait for us to get back on the paved road.  Yet, this is the road that children and adults walk on daily. It was very hot as well. People, children and adults, along the way look so serious. But when you wave and smile, they usually smile big while waving back.  For many here, life is hard. There is not running water in many homes.  Many walk a long distance to get water that may not even be clean water.  Electricity is a luxury.  Food is a blessing.  Many cook outside on charcoal stoves.  We take much for granted in the US.  This is not a new concept to me, but one I am reminded of often, especially when I am in Rwanda. Many go to bed hungry, and wake up hungry. And yet, many are so joyful.  They really trust on God for EVERYTHING-breath-to be alive, food, health... It is always very humbling.  I probably have more clothes in my suitcase here than many people have in their homes.  I/we have SO MUCH to be thankful for.

Many neighbors come out for a home visit-Lisa
& her girls

The team returned to the Dream Center to pick up some of their items they had ordered from the family center. (dresses, bags etc.) They were then headed shopping. I had to go back to the guest house to rest.  Robert called a taxi for me.  I was able to take a long nap, which was greatly needed.

On Thursday, the team from Oklahoma packed up and we all went to the Dream Center for the dedication of the Bible College Library. This is the first of it's kind in all of Rwanda! 20,000 books! It is a big deal, and a huge dream come true! Pastors from around Rwanda came for the celebration.  At one point, all the Rwandans were praying over the library. African praying is where everyone prays out loud at the same time. I prayed, but stopped at one point to soak in the moment. God's presence could be felt in a very special and real way.  Then everyone sang and walked through the library praying over it. They sounded like angels singing. Rwandans singing praise songs always seems like angels singing to me. It is beautiful!!!

The team enjoyed a lunch at Mr. Chips.  It is the only fast food in Rwanda. Hamburger and fries may be purchased there.

Singing over library

They then returned to the guest house to get luggage and head to the airport.  We all held hands and prayed for a safe journey for them as they return home.  It was a joy and honor to get to be with this Oklahoma team. New friendships were made. It will be exciting to see how God directs their path with Africa New Life in the future.

Lisa, and I enjoyed taking a nap this afternoon, and getting some rest.  We will be taking the guest house staff to dinner. They work so hard and have teams back to back for a long time. They must be exhausted.

We are looking forward to the Portland/Chicago team arriving on Saturday evening. In the meantime, it will be good to rest, and hopefully get in some home visits.

Happy Thursday! Much love to all of you!