Faces New and Old

Day 2 2011

First day of regular ministry, what a great blessing today has to all of us. We began the morning sharing stories of a night of good sleep for some and difficult sleeping for others.  But all were praising God to be here in this hot, humid, lush, green and exciting place where hope is growing.

Following a breakfast of cereal and milk, some of us joined in the construction project.  We started by clearing the little bit that remained of the previous rotten house that the family had mostly removed, just a little bit of crumbling cement.  Then the contractor laid out the design and Dale Zach and Bob along with some men from the community spent the morning digging out footings for the new house.  By the end of the day they had dug all the foundation and cut and tied rebar for the project.  Along with the home-owner to be some neighbors joined in also.  Our lead host from FH, Maria, mentioned that she heard a number of people say they were confident the project would be finished because it is the Americans, not the government.  Our commitment to them offer these three years is breeding hope, not in us but hope in general and a believe that they are cared for.

The rest of us, Lori, Corianne, Misti and Greg, went on some home visits for the morning.  It was very exciting to see the expectation of relationship between Misti and the children she and her family sponsor.  They know that we are here because we care and because of God’s love for them.  Seeing Lori and Corianne visit their sponsored children was to witness relationships grown over three years of contact and love. 

In the afternoon, Greg and Zach led VBS with the help of very talented FH staffer, Maria and Willman our blessing of and interpreter.  We shared the story of the first day of creation.  It was great to see their enthusiasm for learning and joy in singing songs and playing together.  We look forward to a week of sharing God’s love with them in action and word.

Much of the free time was filled with playing with children, meeting old friends again and making new ones.  We are so well cared for by the FH staff here.  Praise God for them and the way God is working here.

Prayer requests for the team:  Greg is struggling with his energy level a little as he is still getting his thyroid level balanced.  Bob asks for prayer as he prepares to preach on Wednesday night.    For the whole team, the heat and humidity is a constant challenge.

We thank God for the prayer and support we know we have from you.  God Bless!