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!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
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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