Sometimes, I feel like I live in The Matrix, as though my life isn’t real. I feel like I am living in a dream. I have always thought there was something different out there, something worse, something better. Is there really that much poverty going on in the world? Is God’s love so far beyond me that I can’t even come close to understanding it? I feel as though I sit in between those two thoughts, and today they come closer and closer.
People like to tell me I’m real, to a fault most times. I hope that’s true, not the fault part. I am positive that I am flawed. I experience it firsthand every day. I mess up! Those of you who know me are probably saying, “Tell us something new.” Well, I say this because I am doing these discipleship studies with the boys at the center. Later today I will talk about being holy or set apart. This always bothers me, even when I speak to my youth about it. I don’t understand God. It makes me laugh. Why God chooses to use the flawed people, I don’t know? I take solace in the fact that he knew what the disciples were before he let them take control too. I try to be Holy. I try to do what is right. I just fail so often. But God encourages me to do better. So I try! He loves me and supports me. And so I try again! I don’t like to fail, so, mistakes drive me to the point of being physically sick. I try to focus on Jesus and remember to keep plugging away. He is the example that I want to strive for, and when I am teaching, he is the teacher I want to be like.
Sunday, I spoke to the boys about being servant leaders, forgiveness, and the first shall be last. It was funny to watch their faces as the words were interpreted to them. Their lives are tuff. Their pasts are painful. Their hurts are real. They make real mistakes. They do dumb things. They are flawed just like me. Each hour provides an opportunity to show them what God wants from us. I try! I teach! I pray! I SMILE – as I watch all the older boys wait at the end of the line this week to get their food and when they say sorry as they knock others down. I encourage as I see them fail. I remember that I do too! When the gospel is new to people, sharing it can feel like real ministry. So here we are trying, learning, failing, encouraging, receiving, and trying again. I appreciate the realness I see in them.
I want them to know that God’s love is even greater than they can comprehend as well. I want them to know that it is REAL! Each day is full of love. Yes, it comes in all different forms. It comes from many of you reading this now through your prayers and your sponsorship. Those gifts help meet their physical needs and bring them spiritual support. They hear it when you skype them and smile and laugh. It’s in their care givers who wake them two or three times a night so they won’t wet the bed. The hours they sit and fix their hair. The times they pick them up when they fall. It’s in the cooks who prepare their 3 meals every day. It’s in the laundresses who wash their clothes and clean up after them. It’s in the nurse who puts ointment on boo boos. It’s in the administrative staff, Quammi, Osseh, and Mohammed, who are on the go all over town. It’s in the security who make sure they are protected. It’s in Cari who tirelessly gives of herself to be here and make sure everything runs. It’s in the board of directors who execute decisions to benefit each and every child. It’s in Erica and Tina who make it possible for these children to feel it all. It’s in God because it is who He is.
Each day here is real. Poverty is all around us, but God’s love is too. This center is set apart because it acknowledges that. As these precious children are provided the opportunity to learn from us all, may we be real. Acknowledging our humanness, but striving for God’s holiness. I appreciate your prayers as I work toward that too. May you choose 2B real today and may you encourage others in their pursuit of holiness.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Half way to what?
Today marks the middle of my time here. As I write I am sitting in Cari’s office listening to the rain hit the concrete as it runs off the roof. I can hear the preschool class that has been moved downstairs repeat their numbers over and over. It’s humid in the office, but I’m happy. I am a little tired, maybe, but that is true every morning. Cari is back at the guesthouse sick. Daniel has the day off. So, it’s just me today. It's also the first day of circumcisions, but I will write about that later. 3 weeks ago, I would not have known what that meant to be in charge. If I did, it might have scared me, but not anymore. Each day becomes more normal. I feel as though I belong, minus the fact that I still don’t speak Krio. Each day I watch, I listen, and I learn. Although some days I am not sure what I just saw, what I just heard, or if I learned anything.
Mostly, I wait. I wait for the kids to have a break from school so I can love on them. I wait for school to be out so I can eat with them. I wait for 1:35, so I can make the hike up the hill to the school were the others are to pick them up. I wait for nap time to be over so I can watch them stumble around from a good sleep in their own beds, under their own roof, in their own house. I wait for prayer time to hear them lift thanks to God. I wait for the sun to go down from the balcony. I wait for my bedtime. If I go to bed too early I will be up in the middle of the night. I wait to come back, so I can start raising money for our needs. I wait on God. I wait for His answer to my question “Is this where you want me?” I WAIT!
As I hear Quami arrive, I think about the things that have become familiar; the honking of the horn to let security know to open the gate, the questions about “how de hand?” the screams of delight when the bell rings, the older kids studying during their free time, the kids yelling “Uncle! Uncle!” every time I walk in a room, the fact that my body is a jungle gym when it’s play time, the smiles from the nursery kids when I come in and poke their bellies, the hands that randomly slide into mine, and the stares up at me from precious faces.
Now the preschoolers are repeating “Jesus turned water into wine.” I think we just said it for the 30th time in a row. It makes me wonder what I have given them. Each day I hear “Thank you Uncle” after the meals and I say “I don’t have anything to do with it. Thank God.” I have given things that physically will be here after I leave. However, will they realize what I want to leave the most. Will the boys and girls who I have sat with and answered questions with remember what I have told them about God? Will they understand that the love I pour out comes from my love for God? Will they understand God has helped provide all they have? Will they grasp the depth of God’s love for them.
It will be a miracle if they do. It’s a miracle when I do, because God’s love is beyond my comprehension. It’s a miracle that some of them are walking and talking. It’s a miracle that some of them are here. It’s a miracle what this place is doing. Can we expect Jesus to continue doing miracles? I think so. He is in the miracle business. I hear the kids reminding me for the 50th time now.
Mostly, I wait. I wait for the kids to have a break from school so I can love on them. I wait for school to be out so I can eat with them. I wait for 1:35, so I can make the hike up the hill to the school were the others are to pick them up. I wait for nap time to be over so I can watch them stumble around from a good sleep in their own beds, under their own roof, in their own house. I wait for prayer time to hear them lift thanks to God. I wait for the sun to go down from the balcony. I wait for my bedtime. If I go to bed too early I will be up in the middle of the night. I wait to come back, so I can start raising money for our needs. I wait on God. I wait for His answer to my question “Is this where you want me?” I WAIT!
As I hear Quami arrive, I think about the things that have become familiar; the honking of the horn to let security know to open the gate, the questions about “how de hand?” the screams of delight when the bell rings, the older kids studying during their free time, the kids yelling “Uncle! Uncle!” every time I walk in a room, the fact that my body is a jungle gym when it’s play time, the smiles from the nursery kids when I come in and poke their bellies, the hands that randomly slide into mine, and the stares up at me from precious faces.
Now the preschoolers are repeating “Jesus turned water into wine.” I think we just said it for the 30th time in a row. It makes me wonder what I have given them. Each day I hear “Thank you Uncle” after the meals and I say “I don’t have anything to do with it. Thank God.” I have given things that physically will be here after I leave. However, will they realize what I want to leave the most. Will the boys and girls who I have sat with and answered questions with remember what I have told them about God? Will they understand that the love I pour out comes from my love for God? Will they understand God has helped provide all they have? Will they grasp the depth of God’s love for them.
It will be a miracle if they do. It’s a miracle when I do, because God’s love is beyond my comprehension. It’s a miracle that some of them are walking and talking. It’s a miracle that some of them are here. It’s a miracle what this place is doing. Can we expect Jesus to continue doing miracles? I think so. He is in the miracle business. I hear the kids reminding me for the 50th time now.
Monday, September 20, 2010
LOVE
In the 11th chapter of John there is a story about Jesus raising Lazarus to life. I believe if you asked anybody they would consider this a miracle. I like miracles! I like looking for them. Sometimes, I find myself disappointed. Other times I am overjoyed to hear of someone’s miracle. Each day at The Covering, I am surrounded by miracles. I find myself thinking back to the intake photos for most of the kids. I think about what they looked like and where they are coming from, the stories behind their eyes. Each day the darkness fades more and more from each one of them.
I like to look people in the eye when I am listening. I found out this week it is a sign of disrespect here. I was talking with Sam and he wanted to know why I stare in His eyes. I am always looking. Looking for what isn’t on the outside. Looking for what is fading. I am looking for the miracles in their lives, and I find Jesus. I find hope. I find LOVE.
Sunday, after Cari had finished her message and worship was over, we again invited the kids who wanted to talk more to stay. This week our crowd was bigger. You never know where the conversation may go after the initial discussion is finished. On this day it did go somewhere deep, somewhere behind those eyes. Safienatu mention that she worries about bad things happening. We quickly asked everyone else is they felt the same way knowing their pasts. As we talked, more and more of them opened up about their fears and how could they overcome them. I was so excited to see these children open themselves up and let Cari and I in. However, I believe it was God who was breaking down the barriers on this day. As we talked through ways they could help each other, help themselves, and allow God to help, you could see them relax. We decided to pray for each person in the circle. They immediately jumped in and allowed everyone to pray and lay hands on them. God’s power and healing could be felt. The little miracles that call me Uncle every day, were receiving their own miracle as God removes the darkness from their eyes. I am so thankful to be part of it.
Oh you thought that was it too, didn’t you? Well, Sunday wasn’t over. One of my favorite things is when the kids all gather together and dance. Sam usually leads this. The kids form a large circle and Sam will call one child into the middle who will then dance. The beats are usually provided by Amidu, Big Dauda, Fallua, Joseph, or Abdul. Sunday we danced because was on hour 13 of 16 straight hours of rain. First, I love how this builds self-confidence in them. Can you imagine 80 American kids just calling each other out to dance in front of their peers? Second, I love the family atmosphere. The kids all clap, cheer, encourage, support, and love on each one who is in the circle while they are there and after they are done.
Sunday, one of our miracles struck me. In that same story in John, Jesus says in verse 40 “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” Maybe, well OK sometimes, I just don’t believe. In I John 4:8 it states that God is LOVE! So love can bring about miracles. Clearly it was shoved in my face Sunday. Who was brought into the circle first and second you ask? Lucy and Moses were the first to be cheered on. Each one was lovingly carried in their chair to the center of the circle as everyone cheered. Moses and Lucy are both children with special needs. We all know that is something to overcome anywhere, but in Sierra Leone, it is even worse. I watched as Moses drooled! Then I watched Lucy concentrating, as all the other girls do, on the motions she made with her hands and her head. The older girls got real excited and laughed with pleasure. Each day I watch the girls pop into the nursery to love on these two. Lucy gets better every day. Can God, I mean LOVE, perform a miracle in her life? As the next to last beat was laid down and everyone was invited to dance, there was one more dance to be had. Isatu picked Lucy out of her chair and helped her walk to the middle for one more dance, this time on her feet. With the love of Isatu’s hands holding her, and the encouragement of the other girls, Lucy shook it for God!
It is nice to know that miracles are around us all the time. And thanks to the LOVE, I mean God, in those who work with The Raining Season and those living at The Covering there are many more to come. May you choose2 believe that you will see the glory of God in the miracles around you today.
I like to look people in the eye when I am listening. I found out this week it is a sign of disrespect here. I was talking with Sam and he wanted to know why I stare in His eyes. I am always looking. Looking for what isn’t on the outside. Looking for what is fading. I am looking for the miracles in their lives, and I find Jesus. I find hope. I find LOVE.
Sunday, after Cari had finished her message and worship was over, we again invited the kids who wanted to talk more to stay. This week our crowd was bigger. You never know where the conversation may go after the initial discussion is finished. On this day it did go somewhere deep, somewhere behind those eyes. Safienatu mention that she worries about bad things happening. We quickly asked everyone else is they felt the same way knowing their pasts. As we talked, more and more of them opened up about their fears and how could they overcome them. I was so excited to see these children open themselves up and let Cari and I in. However, I believe it was God who was breaking down the barriers on this day. As we talked through ways they could help each other, help themselves, and allow God to help, you could see them relax. We decided to pray for each person in the circle. They immediately jumped in and allowed everyone to pray and lay hands on them. God’s power and healing could be felt. The little miracles that call me Uncle every day, were receiving their own miracle as God removes the darkness from their eyes. I am so thankful to be part of it.
Oh you thought that was it too, didn’t you? Well, Sunday wasn’t over. One of my favorite things is when the kids all gather together and dance. Sam usually leads this. The kids form a large circle and Sam will call one child into the middle who will then dance. The beats are usually provided by Amidu, Big Dauda, Fallua, Joseph, or Abdul. Sunday we danced because was on hour 13 of 16 straight hours of rain. First, I love how this builds self-confidence in them. Can you imagine 80 American kids just calling each other out to dance in front of their peers? Second, I love the family atmosphere. The kids all clap, cheer, encourage, support, and love on each one who is in the circle while they are there and after they are done.
Sunday, one of our miracles struck me. In that same story in John, Jesus says in verse 40 “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” Maybe, well OK sometimes, I just don’t believe. In I John 4:8 it states that God is LOVE! So love can bring about miracles. Clearly it was shoved in my face Sunday. Who was brought into the circle first and second you ask? Lucy and Moses were the first to be cheered on. Each one was lovingly carried in their chair to the center of the circle as everyone cheered. Moses and Lucy are both children with special needs. We all know that is something to overcome anywhere, but in Sierra Leone, it is even worse. I watched as Moses drooled! Then I watched Lucy concentrating, as all the other girls do, on the motions she made with her hands and her head. The older girls got real excited and laughed with pleasure. Each day I watch the girls pop into the nursery to love on these two. Lucy gets better every day. Can God, I mean LOVE, perform a miracle in her life? As the next to last beat was laid down and everyone was invited to dance, there was one more dance to be had. Isatu picked Lucy out of her chair and helped her walk to the middle for one more dance, this time on her feet. With the love of Isatu’s hands holding her, and the encouragement of the other girls, Lucy shook it for God!
It is nice to know that miracles are around us all the time. And thanks to the LOVE, I mean God, in those who work with The Raining Season and those living at The Covering there are many more to come. May you choose2 believe that you will see the glory of God in the miracles around you today.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Championship Game
I know some of you back home have been waiting to hear the results of the final game. So here goes my attempt to bring you what happened.
As soon as nap time was over the stands began to fill up. Aunty Lori FC and Aunty Tina FC received their jerseys, were introduced to the crowd, gathered for the pregame pictures, and then stood at attention as everyone sang the national anthem. Albert, coach of ALFC, gathered his team together for some last minute instructions and a team prayer. As the honorary referee, I was a little nervous after hearing we would be playing 35 minute halves. 35 minutes is a long time to keep these kids from hurting each other. Besides determining what is a foul and what is not is really hard here, but I had my cards ready and off we went. It didn’t take long for ATFC to get on top. A shot from long range snuck under Sori in goal and it was 1-0. The crowd stormed the field and it took awhile for the ref to regain control. Before you could blink, ATFC had put another in this time on a rebound. At the 26 minute mark the lead grew to 3-0 for ATFC on a goal by Ibrahim Shareef. However, just before halftime ALTC put one on the board to make it 3-1 at the break. As the coaches gathered their teams it began to rain. The rain made for a slippery and sloppy second half. 5 minutes in Tina FC looked to have sealed the game on another goal from Shareef. 30 seconds later, Sawaju scored to make it 4-2. The game stayed this way until the last 5 minutes when a goal by ALFC was controversially disallowed by the referee for being too high. The final whistle blew with Aunty Tina FC taking home the trophy. Sawaju was named most valuable player for the entire tournament. There were also no cards issued during the final game, I am happy to say.
As soon as nap time was over the stands began to fill up. Aunty Lori FC and Aunty Tina FC received their jerseys, were introduced to the crowd, gathered for the pregame pictures, and then stood at attention as everyone sang the national anthem. Albert, coach of ALFC, gathered his team together for some last minute instructions and a team prayer. As the honorary referee, I was a little nervous after hearing we would be playing 35 minute halves. 35 minutes is a long time to keep these kids from hurting each other. Besides determining what is a foul and what is not is really hard here, but I had my cards ready and off we went. It didn’t take long for ATFC to get on top. A shot from long range snuck under Sori in goal and it was 1-0. The crowd stormed the field and it took awhile for the ref to regain control. Before you could blink, ATFC had put another in this time on a rebound. At the 26 minute mark the lead grew to 3-0 for ATFC on a goal by Ibrahim Shareef. However, just before halftime ALTC put one on the board to make it 3-1 at the break. As the coaches gathered their teams it began to rain. The rain made for a slippery and sloppy second half. 5 minutes in Tina FC looked to have sealed the game on another goal from Shareef. 30 seconds later, Sawaju scored to make it 4-2. The game stayed this way until the last 5 minutes when a goal by ALFC was controversially disallowed by the referee for being too high. The final whistle blew with Aunty Tina FC taking home the trophy. Sawaju was named most valuable player for the entire tournament. There were also no cards issued during the final game, I am happy to say.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
A Student
It’s now been two weeks since I arrived in Sierra Leone. So, I thought I would fill you in on some things I have learned.
The rainy season means it rains, even if it is coming to an end. 2. Anything that can collect moisture will be damp, clothes, sheets, skin, etc. 3. It is hot here even if you see half the people bundled up in full winter jackets every day. 4. I am white. 5. I will be called white man every time I am in public at the market and I will drive up the prices. 6. I do not like shopping at the market. Too many people! 7. I really like socks. I did not know this before, but they are the controlling factor to good days and bad days. 8. Socks take a long time to dry when it rains every day! 9. There is no since of time here. People move at their own speed, slow. I have put up clocks around the center in hopes of improving our time management. 10. I love the breeze. I wish it would blow more. 11. The sunset is incredible every night! 12. Showering with a bucket and a cup isn’t that bad. 13. Abdul’s banana bread is amazing! 14. The fruit here is delicious. 15. Peacocks are not just loud at the zoo. They are loud if your neighbor has them too. 16. It’s not considered a meal unless you have rice. 17. Water that comes in plastic bags, creates more trash. 18. Trash is everywhere! 19. Taking a picture and showing them is a good way to break the ice. 20. No matter how you feel or how you slept the answer is always “fine!” 21. I can make a room full of women laugh at me no matter what continent! The caregivers love that. 22. Electricity comes and goes. Sierra Leone just got it last year, and there is no guarantee it will be on. Even if it is on there is no telling whether the switch will work either. 23. Naptime every afternoon at the center is wonderful. I wanna take them, and it gives us old folks a time to breathe. 24. Pastor Daniel is amazing with our kids! 25. Mohammed does look like Eddie George. 26. I am not as bad as I thought at reading books to kids. Or at least they keep bringing them to me and asking me to read to them. 27. I am going to be good at jumping rope by the time I leave. 28. I still have a little game on the soccer field. 29. Prayer time at night is my favorite time. 30. It apparently is a requirement to know how to play the jimbay. 31. I do not have as much rhythm as I thought. 32. I enjoy learning new songs and teaching new songs. 33. I love it when they teach me a song and I know it or when I teach them and they know it. 34. Lucy makes me smile. She is aware of when people are speaking to her and tries her best to speak back. 35. I never liked nurseries until now. 36 It is OK to leave each day with spit and slobber all over your shirt from the little ones. 37. The kids are excited about learning. 38. God’s spirit shines through each of the kids in their smiles, laughs, hugs, and tears. 39. God is using me in ways I didn’t expect. 40. God is good all the time. I feel His presence when I wake up and when I go to sleep. I notice Him when I am happy and when I am frustrated I hear Him laughing at me. 41. I am so thankful for the opportunity to come and learn. I pray God will continue to use TRS, The Covering, and all those I meet to teach me more and more about Him, His Love for all people, His love for me, and how we can change the life of the orphan!
The rainy season means it rains, even if it is coming to an end. 2. Anything that can collect moisture will be damp, clothes, sheets, skin, etc. 3. It is hot here even if you see half the people bundled up in full winter jackets every day. 4. I am white. 5. I will be called white man every time I am in public at the market and I will drive up the prices. 6. I do not like shopping at the market. Too many people! 7. I really like socks. I did not know this before, but they are the controlling factor to good days and bad days. 8. Socks take a long time to dry when it rains every day! 9. There is no since of time here. People move at their own speed, slow. I have put up clocks around the center in hopes of improving our time management. 10. I love the breeze. I wish it would blow more. 11. The sunset is incredible every night! 12. Showering with a bucket and a cup isn’t that bad. 13. Abdul’s banana bread is amazing! 14. The fruit here is delicious. 15. Peacocks are not just loud at the zoo. They are loud if your neighbor has them too. 16. It’s not considered a meal unless you have rice. 17. Water that comes in plastic bags, creates more trash. 18. Trash is everywhere! 19. Taking a picture and showing them is a good way to break the ice. 20. No matter how you feel or how you slept the answer is always “fine!” 21. I can make a room full of women laugh at me no matter what continent! The caregivers love that. 22. Electricity comes and goes. Sierra Leone just got it last year, and there is no guarantee it will be on. Even if it is on there is no telling whether the switch will work either. 23. Naptime every afternoon at the center is wonderful. I wanna take them, and it gives us old folks a time to breathe. 24. Pastor Daniel is amazing with our kids! 25. Mohammed does look like Eddie George. 26. I am not as bad as I thought at reading books to kids. Or at least they keep bringing them to me and asking me to read to them. 27. I am going to be good at jumping rope by the time I leave. 28. I still have a little game on the soccer field. 29. Prayer time at night is my favorite time. 30. It apparently is a requirement to know how to play the jimbay. 31. I do not have as much rhythm as I thought. 32. I enjoy learning new songs and teaching new songs. 33. I love it when they teach me a song and I know it or when I teach them and they know it. 34. Lucy makes me smile. She is aware of when people are speaking to her and tries her best to speak back. 35. I never liked nurseries until now. 36 It is OK to leave each day with spit and slobber all over your shirt from the little ones. 37. The kids are excited about learning. 38. God’s spirit shines through each of the kids in their smiles, laughs, hugs, and tears. 39. God is using me in ways I didn’t expect. 40. God is good all the time. I feel His presence when I wake up and when I go to sleep. I notice Him when I am happy and when I am frustrated I hear Him laughing at me. 41. I am so thankful for the opportunity to come and learn. I pray God will continue to use TRS, The Covering, and all those I meet to teach me more and more about Him, His Love for all people, His love for me, and how we can change the life of the orphan!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Can I see the kids menu?
Many times when I take my youth out to eat you can hear that question. I can promise you, you won’t hear it here. If you have been following, you will have read that I will enjoy eating with the kids and staff on most days. They love watching me eat and looking for my reaction. However, I can’t eat that much! The first day they offered me food to try I asked for A LITTLE or SMALL SMALL. I was doing all I could to eat all they put in my bowl. Not because it taste bad, because I like it a lot, but it was a healthy portion.
Eating at the guesthouse has been interesting as well. Abdul is fixing Cari and I dinner each night. I have been trying to retrain my eyes for eating. Although, it may not look appetizing, the food has been great. I can promise you that whatever is fixed for us it will include lots of onions and everything else will also be mixed in it together instead of being separated. As someone who doesn’t like for my food to get together on my plate, it is an adjustment to already see all the other veggies and additives having a party together in the same bowl.
The other day in town I did see my first overweight child. He had a school uniform on so I figure his family is well to do. It may seem strange that they eat so much and don’t get over weight. Granted they are ten times more active than the typical American and we aren’t sitting around playing our video games either. Another thing that may help them is they drink so little. I am doing all I can to stay hydrated. I drink and drink and just sweat it out all day long. My pee still looks like mellow yellow but I am trying Mom! The kids here seem fine without drinking. It is my hope then that I will come home with the African male look, you know, the six pack and all. Just let all the single ladies know it’s coming I can feel it.
So back to the food thing. We have found it is probably what they want the most each day. It’s what they think about. They are hungry! My hope is that I can work with them to change the physical hunger into a spiritual one. Tomorrow I will start my first discipleship class with the older guys. I am anxious to see what comes of it. They have been given a lot of the sweets of the faith, the stuff that really tastes good. I want to give them some protein now, some stuff that will help them grow. I pray God uses me as a vessel for Him. I pray these kids will feast on God’s word. Finally I pray that they will continue to choose 2B hungry forever!
Eating at the guesthouse has been interesting as well. Abdul is fixing Cari and I dinner each night. I have been trying to retrain my eyes for eating. Although, it may not look appetizing, the food has been great. I can promise you that whatever is fixed for us it will include lots of onions and everything else will also be mixed in it together instead of being separated. As someone who doesn’t like for my food to get together on my plate, it is an adjustment to already see all the other veggies and additives having a party together in the same bowl.
The other day in town I did see my first overweight child. He had a school uniform on so I figure his family is well to do. It may seem strange that they eat so much and don’t get over weight. Granted they are ten times more active than the typical American and we aren’t sitting around playing our video games either. Another thing that may help them is they drink so little. I am doing all I can to stay hydrated. I drink and drink and just sweat it out all day long. My pee still looks like mellow yellow but I am trying Mom! The kids here seem fine without drinking. It is my hope then that I will come home with the African male look, you know, the six pack and all. Just let all the single ladies know it’s coming I can feel it.
So back to the food thing. We have found it is probably what they want the most each day. It’s what they think about. They are hungry! My hope is that I can work with them to change the physical hunger into a spiritual one. Tomorrow I will start my first discipleship class with the older guys. I am anxious to see what comes of it. They have been given a lot of the sweets of the faith, the stuff that really tastes good. I want to give them some protein now, some stuff that will help them grow. I pray God uses me as a vessel for Him. I pray these kids will feast on God’s word. Finally I pray that they will continue to choose 2B hungry forever!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Andrew, you the new carpenter?
That was the question that Osseh asked me this morning. Maybe it was a fair question based on my day. My day was mainly spent doing two things, repairing desks and moving them up to the rooms for class and fixing all the beds. The desk work was all done by me. The bed work was really Pastor Daniel’s thing. So, I help him with it, since we have one hammer, and he really wanted me to help him finish today. So as I left today, I was tired from working and moving the 30 or so bunk beds and getting them secured and ready for their bed nets. While the kids were taking their afternoon nap, Cari and I talked about some things we want to work on. That really is about it, a lot of work and not a lot of detail for a change. Check ya later.
Monday, September 13, 2010
School starts
Today was the first day back to school for the kids. I got to the center just in time to walk the kids who go to school outside the center with Pastor Daniel and Mohammed. Walk is a relative term. Hike would be a better one. It is probably about a mile with half of it uphill. Can’t say I’m looking forward to making that one several times a week. The views at the top of Juba Hill are excellent though. We met the principal and got the uniforms for most of them. Some didn’t fit and they forgot to make one. When we got back to the center it was time for a staff meeting. That meant Sam and I were entertainment for the kids while the meeting went on. Sam started to tell them stories. It was in Krio so I don’t know what it was about, but I heard Papa God a lot. It is amazing to watch Sam lead. All the kids just gathered around, were quiet (an amazing feat), and just listen to him intently. I was interrupted as the electrician arrived to look at the problems with the lights. I’m not sure if it is wiring or just that we need bulbs. So now that we have an estimate, I will try to fix it and get back to them if we need help. Soon they started school upstairs and I waited for the staff to get out of their meeting.
Next it was time for our exciting trip to town. Cari, Mohammed, Terresa and I took the seven kids Sam, Fallah, Dauda, Betty, Fatmata, Asatu, and Rugiatu to get stuff they need for school. We walked from the center to the closest market in Lumley. After arguing with several vendors we were able to get bags for a couple of them. Next we jumped in a van and headed to downtown Freetown. Our van got a flat on the way. While we were out waiting on the side of the road for him to fix the tire, I forgot and leaned on the van……….the driver is alright, it just slipped off the jack and nobody knew why. I didn’t offer a reason either (that’s a secret). We found the shoe alley and proceeded to get shoes for all but two. Our adventures carried us all over town. By the time we were done we were panty shopping. Yeah, that was not on the list of things I thought I would be doing in Freetown, much less in the market here. After 4 hours of shopping we caught a poda and headed back. I think everybody was wiped out. One of my jobs is to evaluate the staff while I am here, something else they don’t know. It was great to see how Mohammed protected the kids all the time. He would stand out in the road (not a smart thing to do) and herd them. Terresa was very caring for their needs as well. It’s always good when you can feel good about who watches them all the time. Dinner tonight was mushroom, corn, and pepperoni pizza. Yeah they were all on the pizza.
It was interesting to watch these kids all day. I watched how they behaved when we walked the streets and how their eyes got big as we went through town. Cari and I have been talking about getting them out of the center a little more. I like the idea. They need more stories of good things outside The Covering. I hope we get the chance to provide that. It’s fun watching kids be kids!
Next it was time for our exciting trip to town. Cari, Mohammed, Terresa and I took the seven kids Sam, Fallah, Dauda, Betty, Fatmata, Asatu, and Rugiatu to get stuff they need for school. We walked from the center to the closest market in Lumley. After arguing with several vendors we were able to get bags for a couple of them. Next we jumped in a van and headed to downtown Freetown. Our van got a flat on the way. While we were out waiting on the side of the road for him to fix the tire, I forgot and leaned on the van……….the driver is alright, it just slipped off the jack and nobody knew why. I didn’t offer a reason either (that’s a secret). We found the shoe alley and proceeded to get shoes for all but two. Our adventures carried us all over town. By the time we were done we were panty shopping. Yeah, that was not on the list of things I thought I would be doing in Freetown, much less in the market here. After 4 hours of shopping we caught a poda and headed back. I think everybody was wiped out. One of my jobs is to evaluate the staff while I am here, something else they don’t know. It was great to see how Mohammed protected the kids all the time. He would stand out in the road (not a smart thing to do) and herd them. Terresa was very caring for their needs as well. It’s always good when you can feel good about who watches them all the time. Dinner tonight was mushroom, corn, and pepperoni pizza. Yeah they were all on the pizza.
It was interesting to watch these kids all day. I watched how they behaved when we walked the streets and how their eyes got big as we went through town. Cari and I have been talking about getting them out of the center a little more. I like the idea. They need more stories of good things outside The Covering. I hope we get the chance to provide that. It’s fun watching kids be kids!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Tired
Apologies to anyone who has a hang up on grammer, cuz I don't there will be no proof reading here.
Oh, today did not start the way I wanted. I did not sleep at all last night due to several things, but mostly because my mind would not slow down. I was asked to move from upstairs with the air conditioning and the curtains, to the downstairs bedroom which is the only bedroom in the house with no curtains, no overhead fan, and no AC. Needless to say, my sheets are always wet from the humidity and the security guards like to scare the crap out of me by speaking to me when making the rounds in the middle of the night. Most of these things do not bother me and won’t during the course of the trip, but last night they did.
All complaining aside, I headed over for worship with the kiddos this morning. Asatu and Betty lead worship. Cari gave the message on the feeding of the five thousand. The kids were very attentive today, which is great of those of us who are trying to keep them quiet. We ended with a time of prayer. Cari invited any of the kids who wanted to ask questions or learn more about the story to stay. Asatu, Safi, Aminata, Rugiatu, Fatmata, Albert, Sam, Fallah, Joseph, Betty, and two other boys I can’t remember right now stayed so we could talk with them. We discussed how Jesus did this, how God wants to use them to do great things just like the disciples, and how can we make our own gifts multiply. We also talked about the parable of the lost sheep and how God want s to change us on the inside more than the outside. As you can tell we had some serious discussion. After that I sang for them and then they returned the favor by teaching us a song. *Side note – I absolutely love walking around the center during the day and hearing the kids sing songs of praise all day. Sometimes they do it in groups and other times they are just singing by themselves*
Then it was time for some outdoor fun. I worked with Abdul on his soccer juggling. The guys listen to me due to my soccer skills and not just about sports. It’s an advantage I have to wow them. I got a chance to sit down with Ibrahim today. My youth sponsor him. He likes to stay in the back and not stir up trouble. We sat and worked on math problems. Peter became my extra limb today. Always hanging on me or sitting in my lap if I sat. Then we went upstairs to help get lunch ready. Mabinty and Katiatu washed dishes while Joseph and I got the water ready. Another fun thing for the kids to try today was my lemonade. Don’t think anyone wanted a second drink, but their faces sure were funny.
After lunch, I went back to the guesthouse to take a nap. Sweet sleep. I hopped back over to the center for some more time later. *Side Note – today may have been the prettiest and hottest day since I arrived. It rained all last night and today has not really had any clouds* I made my rounds, stopping by to smile at Lucy and Moses as I do every time I arrive. If you are having a bad day the going to see Lucy is the thing to do. Many of you know her story, but for those who don’t, TRS has been fighting to get this precious special needs child in our care for a long time. We just gained custody last week. She is always smiling. As I was making my way around I saw one of the caregivers, Ischa, was sitting alone in the corner looking very sad for her. So, I went over to check on her. I asked if she was ok and she did the usual American thing and said yes, so I did my typical youth minister stuff when I know something is wrong and I asked if she was really ok. She said no, but I could tell she didn’t want to talk so I let her know she could come get me if she needed. I then went to speak to the cooks and Aminata. After yesterday, Aminata was very quick to talk to me all day. While we were talking, one of the boys came and got me and told me Auntie needed me. My assumption was Cari, but it was Ischa who was waiting to talk to me. She is the oldest sibling. Her Father is very sick and dying and they have come to get money to pay for his death. I let her tell me the story and then I prayed with her. She started sobbing. In that moment it was very sad and very pleasing to know that the staff could now turn to me for things of this sort. I sat with her for a while and then came back to the guesthouse. It’s Sunday night which means me and Cari have to come up with food for ourselves. Tonight we are having some of Abdul’s leftovers. Hope they are as good as they were the first time!
Oh, today did not start the way I wanted. I did not sleep at all last night due to several things, but mostly because my mind would not slow down. I was asked to move from upstairs with the air conditioning and the curtains, to the downstairs bedroom which is the only bedroom in the house with no curtains, no overhead fan, and no AC. Needless to say, my sheets are always wet from the humidity and the security guards like to scare the crap out of me by speaking to me when making the rounds in the middle of the night. Most of these things do not bother me and won’t during the course of the trip, but last night they did.
All complaining aside, I headed over for worship with the kiddos this morning. Asatu and Betty lead worship. Cari gave the message on the feeding of the five thousand. The kids were very attentive today, which is great of those of us who are trying to keep them quiet. We ended with a time of prayer. Cari invited any of the kids who wanted to ask questions or learn more about the story to stay. Asatu, Safi, Aminata, Rugiatu, Fatmata, Albert, Sam, Fallah, Joseph, Betty, and two other boys I can’t remember right now stayed so we could talk with them. We discussed how Jesus did this, how God wants to use them to do great things just like the disciples, and how can we make our own gifts multiply. We also talked about the parable of the lost sheep and how God want s to change us on the inside more than the outside. As you can tell we had some serious discussion. After that I sang for them and then they returned the favor by teaching us a song. *Side note – I absolutely love walking around the center during the day and hearing the kids sing songs of praise all day. Sometimes they do it in groups and other times they are just singing by themselves*
Then it was time for some outdoor fun. I worked with Abdul on his soccer juggling. The guys listen to me due to my soccer skills and not just about sports. It’s an advantage I have to wow them. I got a chance to sit down with Ibrahim today. My youth sponsor him. He likes to stay in the back and not stir up trouble. We sat and worked on math problems. Peter became my extra limb today. Always hanging on me or sitting in my lap if I sat. Then we went upstairs to help get lunch ready. Mabinty and Katiatu washed dishes while Joseph and I got the water ready. Another fun thing for the kids to try today was my lemonade. Don’t think anyone wanted a second drink, but their faces sure were funny.
After lunch, I went back to the guesthouse to take a nap. Sweet sleep. I hopped back over to the center for some more time later. *Side Note – today may have been the prettiest and hottest day since I arrived. It rained all last night and today has not really had any clouds* I made my rounds, stopping by to smile at Lucy and Moses as I do every time I arrive. If you are having a bad day the going to see Lucy is the thing to do. Many of you know her story, but for those who don’t, TRS has been fighting to get this precious special needs child in our care for a long time. We just gained custody last week. She is always smiling. As I was making my way around I saw one of the caregivers, Ischa, was sitting alone in the corner looking very sad for her. So, I went over to check on her. I asked if she was ok and she did the usual American thing and said yes, so I did my typical youth minister stuff when I know something is wrong and I asked if she was really ok. She said no, but I could tell she didn’t want to talk so I let her know she could come get me if she needed. I then went to speak to the cooks and Aminata. After yesterday, Aminata was very quick to talk to me all day. While we were talking, one of the boys came and got me and told me Auntie needed me. My assumption was Cari, but it was Ischa who was waiting to talk to me. She is the oldest sibling. Her Father is very sick and dying and they have come to get money to pay for his death. I let her tell me the story and then I prayed with her. She started sobbing. In that moment it was very sad and very pleasing to know that the staff could now turn to me for things of this sort. I sat with her for a while and then came back to the guesthouse. It’s Sunday night which means me and Cari have to come up with food for ourselves. Tonight we are having some of Abdul’s leftovers. Hope they are as good as they were the first time!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Girl day Yay!
I'm going to change up the blog, as now that I have more time to write, people would like to know what is going on and not my thoughts on things. Don't worry I will still write the occasional thought.
So today started out kinda slow. Cari hasn't felt good all day, so she slept in. I made it over to the center at about 10:30. When I got there the kids were in Bible study. After Bible study was over I gave hugs, said "How de body?" to the staff, I went out to play with the guys. I threw the frisbee with Abdul and big Dauda for like 30 minutes. I taught themsome trick throws and catches. They thought that was cool. It is the most I have seen Dauda smile since I got here. Later I went up to fix the cubbies that the girls keep breaking and putting the ones for the nursery together. After I finished I stopped by the older girls room. We agreed I would teach them English if they would work on my Krio. After laughing for a little bit Cari showed up looking for the keys that we realized I had now lost. So both girls room went on a search party for it. Finally it was found and all sanity was restored after Cari gave them a treat for finding it. Well, then all the boys wanted a treat because they are boys. I taught the younger girls how to fix the cubbies. Then I was able to sit with one of the care workers, Bintu, and one of the teen mothers, Aminata. I have been wanting to talk with the teen mothers and the older girls but I had not found the right time as of yet. Today was the right time though. We talked for about an hour and a half about marriage, why I don’t have a wife, how I should just go down to the beach and get one, how a man should treat a woman, divorce, America, politics, our neighbor the former president, food, if I was coming back my new wife would have to come, things I needed to do around the center, and just some stuff. It was a great time and I was real happy to have a chance to talk with Aminata. She did tell me that I should go home and marry her sister Emily since I thought she was pretty. Emily is adopted and lives with one of the founders of TRS, Tina. I told her she was too young. I then got all the water ready for lunch and ate with the kids. They think it is the funniest thing to see me eat with them. They just stop and stare and laugh. So I asked “Why de laugh?” Sam told me it is because everybody is so surprised to see me eat with them.
I went back to the guest house for a break *SIDE NOTE - The guest house and the center are separated by the previous president of Sierra Leone’s house. You walk 200 yards down hill to the main road. One block around the president’s house and back up 200 yards. And I mean uphill :) * When I came back this afternoon a soccer tournament had started. 4 teams were involved Team Erica FC, Team Lori FC, Team Tina FC, and Team Cari FC. This was serious stuff too, referees, cards, half time, and even a crowd! The championship game will be played next Saturday. While I was watching Betty and Rugiatu came over to talk to me. Betty seems to be happier and is laughing and talking and leading a little more now. They wanted me to sing worship songs with them. So I taught them some and we sang ones we all knew. We discussed what are favorite foods and colors were. We talked about school and what they learn. We wondered why I was so harry. In general we just enjoyed laughing and sitting together. I have started to work with Rugi and she doesn’t realize it, but those who were here on the team will know why. I have felt since I walked in the first day that I was supposed to help her. So I left really happy. A day to hang with the girls. Needless to say, while all this was going on the others were around too. Yay for girl day!
So today started out kinda slow. Cari hasn't felt good all day, so she slept in. I made it over to the center at about 10:30. When I got there the kids were in Bible study. After Bible study was over I gave hugs, said "How de body?" to the staff, I went out to play with the guys. I threw the frisbee with Abdul and big Dauda for like 30 minutes. I taught themsome trick throws and catches. They thought that was cool. It is the most I have seen Dauda smile since I got here. Later I went up to fix the cubbies that the girls keep breaking and putting the ones for the nursery together. After I finished I stopped by the older girls room. We agreed I would teach them English if they would work on my Krio. After laughing for a little bit Cari showed up looking for the keys that we realized I had now lost. So both girls room went on a search party for it. Finally it was found and all sanity was restored after Cari gave them a treat for finding it. Well, then all the boys wanted a treat because they are boys. I taught the younger girls how to fix the cubbies. Then I was able to sit with one of the care workers, Bintu, and one of the teen mothers, Aminata. I have been wanting to talk with the teen mothers and the older girls but I had not found the right time as of yet. Today was the right time though. We talked for about an hour and a half about marriage, why I don’t have a wife, how I should just go down to the beach and get one, how a man should treat a woman, divorce, America, politics, our neighbor the former president, food, if I was coming back my new wife would have to come, things I needed to do around the center, and just some stuff. It was a great time and I was real happy to have a chance to talk with Aminata. She did tell me that I should go home and marry her sister Emily since I thought she was pretty. Emily is adopted and lives with one of the founders of TRS, Tina. I told her she was too young. I then got all the water ready for lunch and ate with the kids. They think it is the funniest thing to see me eat with them. They just stop and stare and laugh. So I asked “Why de laugh?” Sam told me it is because everybody is so surprised to see me eat with them.
I went back to the guest house for a break *SIDE NOTE - The guest house and the center are separated by the previous president of Sierra Leone’s house. You walk 200 yards down hill to the main road. One block around the president’s house and back up 200 yards. And I mean uphill :) * When I came back this afternoon a soccer tournament had started. 4 teams were involved Team Erica FC, Team Lori FC, Team Tina FC, and Team Cari FC. This was serious stuff too, referees, cards, half time, and even a crowd! The championship game will be played next Saturday. While I was watching Betty and Rugiatu came over to talk to me. Betty seems to be happier and is laughing and talking and leading a little more now. They wanted me to sing worship songs with them. So I taught them some and we sang ones we all knew. We discussed what are favorite foods and colors were. We talked about school and what they learn. We wondered why I was so harry. In general we just enjoyed laughing and sitting together. I have started to work with Rugi and she doesn’t realize it, but those who were here on the team will know why. I have felt since I walked in the first day that I was supposed to help her. So I left really happy. A day to hang with the girls. Needless to say, while all this was going on the others were around too. Yay for girl day!
Water
Water is a pretty important thing around here. Not that it isn’t at home, but it isn’t really something we think about. We don’t think about whether water will come out when you turn the sink on. We don’t think about whether you can drink it or not. We don’t think about if we are running out either. And that is what makes some of life different here. I don’t know that that is a bad thing.
As I am writing it is beginning to rain again. I believe that makes 6 of the 9 days here it has rained at some point. During this season rain is also just a part of your day. Life goes on unless you get one of the ones you can’t see through or the road washes out from the run off. When the rain starts, you just grab your bucket and collect it. It beats walking to go get it somewhere. I guess that is a part of life here too. You always see people gathering the water.
Jesus talked a lot about water. It was very important in His time too. People had to spend time gathering their water. They did so because it was essential to life. It still is. Jesus refers to himself as the living water. Letting others know He is essential to life. Without Him, we all dry up and die. Here, searching for, gathering, and bringing the living water in is done daily. It is in their speech, their music, and their thoughts. They are thankful to have God in all they do and they want more of Him. However, at home, we don’t have to try to get our water. If our water stopped coming to us, would we even know where or how to get it. Do we seek God out in our lives every day and bring Him home with us.
Each day as I walk down the hill from the guesthouse to go to the center, I pass kids collecting water. They take apart the water lines that run to the house and fill their jugs up. This is how they get their water. We asked, “Don’t you stop them? They are taking your water.” They simply say no. They are poor. Everyone knows it is being done, all day every day in fact, and they need it too. Can you imagine someone tapping into your water line at home and getting the water they need from you. Here they share the water that is essential to life. They share their faith so others may know how to live. They share their water. When was the last time you gave someone a drink of the water you have? When was the last time you shared with the poor. Most important of all, when was the last time you thought about the water that brings you life?
As I am writing it is beginning to rain again. I believe that makes 6 of the 9 days here it has rained at some point. During this season rain is also just a part of your day. Life goes on unless you get one of the ones you can’t see through or the road washes out from the run off. When the rain starts, you just grab your bucket and collect it. It beats walking to go get it somewhere. I guess that is a part of life here too. You always see people gathering the water.
Jesus talked a lot about water. It was very important in His time too. People had to spend time gathering their water. They did so because it was essential to life. It still is. Jesus refers to himself as the living water. Letting others know He is essential to life. Without Him, we all dry up and die. Here, searching for, gathering, and bringing the living water in is done daily. It is in their speech, their music, and their thoughts. They are thankful to have God in all they do and they want more of Him. However, at home, we don’t have to try to get our water. If our water stopped coming to us, would we even know where or how to get it. Do we seek God out in our lives every day and bring Him home with us.
Each day as I walk down the hill from the guesthouse to go to the center, I pass kids collecting water. They take apart the water lines that run to the house and fill their jugs up. This is how they get their water. We asked, “Don’t you stop them? They are taking your water.” They simply say no. They are poor. Everyone knows it is being done, all day every day in fact, and they need it too. Can you imagine someone tapping into your water line at home and getting the water they need from you. Here they share the water that is essential to life. They share their faith so others may know how to live. They share their water. When was the last time you gave someone a drink of the water you have? When was the last time you shared with the poor. Most important of all, when was the last time you thought about the water that brings you life?
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Speechless
It is very hard to put into words what has happened the last three days. It’s hard to say that you choose 2B speechless, but I def have been. Worship on Sunday morning with the kids was unbelievable. I cried many tears, but tears of Joy as I watched a roomful of children praising God for what he had done for them. Just the pure passion and joy in the room was intoxicating. Even as good as worship was on Sunday, prayer time before bed each night is even more powerful. We praise God through song, dance, and prayer. I find myself weeping most nights, as I am unable to reach the same level of passion. I am reminded of the quote “In America you believe in God. In Africa we depend on God.” I continue to find myself speechless when worshiping with the kids.
The Bible says that when we get to heaven we will find ourselves praising God continuously around His throne. I feel as though I am getting a clearer picture of what heaven looks like each day. I use to think I would like to talk to Jesus and ask him some questions about things, but now I’m pretty sure the whole worship all the time thing will be just fine by me(as if it has anything to do with me). I am grateful for what I have already learned about myself from the kids. I am grateful for the example of worship they are for me. Finally, I will choose 2B speechless many more times.
The Bible says that when we get to heaven we will find ourselves praising God continuously around His throne. I feel as though I am getting a clearer picture of what heaven looks like each day. I use to think I would like to talk to Jesus and ask him some questions about things, but now I’m pretty sure the whole worship all the time thing will be just fine by me(as if it has anything to do with me). I am grateful for what I have already learned about myself from the kids. I am grateful for the example of worship they are for me. Finally, I will choose 2B speechless many more times.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Amazed
I don’t really know how to put everything into words for the first three days. Getting here was a trip. From long flights, to long layovers, a day in Senegal that included 2 fights, a stolen bag, and Andrew’s French, no helicopter, long boat rides, and no electricity, water, or internet, it was pretty easy.
But once in Sierra Leone, things have been incredible. The country is beautiful. It has been hot and muggy as all get out. I’m not sure what the weather channel has been measuring but it hasn’t been our temperature. The humidity is 99% and when it gets to 100 it rains. Then we start over again. The new buildings are great. The guest house is wonderful with tons of space. The Covering itself is still transforming since the move was started on Monday. Not everything is set up but the kids like that they have room. The views are beautiful but the kids are even more breath taking.
This morning we had our welcome ceremony. The kids were all dressed in their Firefleyes outfits and met us at the main road to walk us up. After all the hugs, they sang to us, prayed for us, introduced the staff, and welcomed us. Listening to them pray, makes me think about how little we give credit to God for. When was the last time you thanked God that you can go to the grocery store? We returned the favor with horrible dancing and singing. Afterwards we had the kids take us around the Covering on a tour. Each one of us has been assigned 8 kids to keep up with and be close to for the week instead of trying to get to know everybody. The other team members have the kids they sponsor or requested and I have just picked up some of the others, because I have 6 weeks versus one.
This afternoon I was able to enjoy a wonderful conversation about the future of TRS. I am amazed when I get a chance to be partnered with such wonderful people. We went back to the center to give a new outfit to all the kids for church tomorrow. Can’t wait! I also got to play a little soccer. Makes me wanna coach, so much talent. The 8 kids I have, have been hanging on “Uncle Andrew” all day. They also find it fun to squeeze his hand where it hurts. The love they have for us has amazed me as well.
Sunset tonight was, yeah you guessed it, amazing as was our dinner. Tonight has been story swapping and looking at each other’s pictures. I love the fact that I am not just here for a short time. The relationships that I will have the opportunity to develop will be great. They asked if I wanted to go and preach at a local church while I am here. I told them to let me think about it. God has left me sweaty, smiling, and speechless. And it’s just the 1st day here! Choosing 2B amazed!
But once in Sierra Leone, things have been incredible. The country is beautiful. It has been hot and muggy as all get out. I’m not sure what the weather channel has been measuring but it hasn’t been our temperature. The humidity is 99% and when it gets to 100 it rains. Then we start over again. The new buildings are great. The guest house is wonderful with tons of space. The Covering itself is still transforming since the move was started on Monday. Not everything is set up but the kids like that they have room. The views are beautiful but the kids are even more breath taking.
This morning we had our welcome ceremony. The kids were all dressed in their Firefleyes outfits and met us at the main road to walk us up. After all the hugs, they sang to us, prayed for us, introduced the staff, and welcomed us. Listening to them pray, makes me think about how little we give credit to God for. When was the last time you thanked God that you can go to the grocery store? We returned the favor with horrible dancing and singing. Afterwards we had the kids take us around the Covering on a tour. Each one of us has been assigned 8 kids to keep up with and be close to for the week instead of trying to get to know everybody. The other team members have the kids they sponsor or requested and I have just picked up some of the others, because I have 6 weeks versus one.
This afternoon I was able to enjoy a wonderful conversation about the future of TRS. I am amazed when I get a chance to be partnered with such wonderful people. We went back to the center to give a new outfit to all the kids for church tomorrow. Can’t wait! I also got to play a little soccer. Makes me wanna coach, so much talent. The 8 kids I have, have been hanging on “Uncle Andrew” all day. They also find it fun to squeeze his hand where it hurts. The love they have for us has amazed me as well.
Sunset tonight was, yeah you guessed it, amazing as was our dinner. Tonight has been story swapping and looking at each other’s pictures. I love the fact that I am not just here for a short time. The relationships that I will have the opportunity to develop will be great. They asked if I wanted to go and preach at a local church while I am here. I told them to let me think about it. God has left me sweaty, smiling, and speechless. And it’s just the 1st day here! Choosing 2B amazed!
Healed
Well, maybe you should have seen this coming. Some of you know I messed my hands up on Saturday during a bike ride. Basically I have pulled all the skin off of the pad on my left hand. Since, it is an open wound there was question about whether I could leave for Africa today or not. Well as I have spent the last couple of days cleaning and treating my hand, I have prayed 2B healed.
In my prayer and in my preparation for the trip I was reminded of the blind man in Mark 8:22-26. Jesus takes the man away from everyone and heals his eyes. Next, Jesus laid his hands on him again and scripture says he saw everything clearly. Many people has argued why Jesus would need to try twice to heal someone, but others argue that Jesus restored his physical sight and then gave him real eyes to see with, His eyes! My prayer is that God would physically heal me, but I also want him to heal the broken, messed up, distorted, ugly, human weaknesses that I have.
The good news is my hand continues to get better fast (and I have only hit it about 50 times). We will see how god heals my soul! May we all choose 2B healed!
In my prayer and in my preparation for the trip I was reminded of the blind man in Mark 8:22-26. Jesus takes the man away from everyone and heals his eyes. Next, Jesus laid his hands on him again and scripture says he saw everything clearly. Many people has argued why Jesus would need to try twice to heal someone, but others argue that Jesus restored his physical sight and then gave him real eyes to see with, His eyes! My prayer is that God would physically heal me, but I also want him to heal the broken, messed up, distorted, ugly, human weaknesses that I have.
The good news is my hand continues to get better fast (and I have only hit it about 50 times). We will see how god heals my soul! May we all choose 2B healed!
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