Tuesday, March 27, 2012
church day
In India, the history tells a story of girl children not being equal in value to boy children. Girl children grow up and need to marry, which requires their parents to provide a dowry....which is costly. Many families are poor. Having girls is stressful and inconvenient. History tells that many girl children are aborted, or killed at birth, because of their gender.
I submit that in Christ, by the cross of Jesus, all are equal, all are sinful and all are worthy of love, respect, compassion, hope and a future. I submit that the girls of India could one day rock the world for Jesus....because that is precisely why He came to die for us.
I submit that in Christ, by the cross of Jesus, all are equal, all are sinful and all are worthy of love, respect, compassion, hope and a future. I submit that the girls of India could one day rock the world for Jesus....because that is precisely why He came to die for us.
Claire knows how to run the washer/dryer. Isaac can sort-of clear the table, unload and load the dishwasher....Jeremiah can play "Mystery" with Precious and entertain her. I think they will survive for 2 weeks. Roger is competent, willing and patient. They will be ok. They won't eat many vegetables, other than what sweet Becca put in the hot dishes she put in my fridge (THANK YOU!!!) and they may stay up too late. They may not have good music playing in the kitchen after supper.....or get a smile and a kiss as they head to the bus....but they will make it. They will be brave and cheerful and optomistic. Why?
Because they believe in me. They believe that this matters. They know the children that I am going to see....and they care about them. They are excited that I get to go love the kids at SCH for awhile. That's the kind of family I have. They know the verses in the bible, about caring for orphans, and blessed are the meek. They know that Jesus loves these kids so much. They will share mom for 2 weeks. Not for a lifetime, but for 2 weeks. I will miss my family a great deal. I am grateful that they are blessing me to go.
These kids in India. These kids were left. Left by their mothers and fathers. Left. Lost. and then found. These kids are now found. I want to treat them as found kids, not left kids. I want to love them and celebrate them as found kids. Please, please help me pray for them. Many, many families have responded to God's invitation to adopt these found kids but the way is so hard in India. It's not impossible, but it is just so, so hard. These families didn't say "yes" to the Lord because adopting these found kids would be "fun". They said "yes" because God asked. But God didn't make an easy path so these families need us to pray, really intensely, just as you would if the child you bore and raised and loved was lost and found. Please pray these kids into their families.
I get to go to India in just over 24 hours. I get to be a part of a big Christian revival, a big rescue, a big God moment.....just by loving on found kids. My found and loved and competent kids here will be fine, and they will be better for it.....and so am I.
Because they believe in me. They believe that this matters. They know the children that I am going to see....and they care about them. They are excited that I get to go love the kids at SCH for awhile. That's the kind of family I have. They know the verses in the bible, about caring for orphans, and blessed are the meek. They know that Jesus loves these kids so much. They will share mom for 2 weeks. Not for a lifetime, but for 2 weeks. I will miss my family a great deal. I am grateful that they are blessing me to go.
These kids in India. These kids were left. Left by their mothers and fathers. Left. Lost. and then found. These kids are now found. I want to treat them as found kids, not left kids. I want to love them and celebrate them as found kids. Please, please help me pray for them. Many, many families have responded to God's invitation to adopt these found kids but the way is so hard in India. It's not impossible, but it is just so, so hard. These families didn't say "yes" to the Lord because adopting these found kids would be "fun". They said "yes" because God asked. But God didn't make an easy path so these families need us to pray, really intensely, just as you would if the child you bore and raised and loved was lost and found. Please pray these kids into their families.
I get to go to India in just over 24 hours. I get to be a part of a big Christian revival, a big rescue, a big God moment.....just by loving on found kids. My found and loved and competent kids here will be fine, and they will be better for it.....and so am I.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
the B's
Today, I unloaded everything I had sort-of packed and then spread it out over the suitcases and totes. We have B's. I'm just smiling. I often read through the Beatitudes, from Matthew...and here I am packing the "B"s. Backpacks, bibles, bumbo chair. Blankets. Coloring books. Bubbles. Bows for hair....etc. Yes, lots of "b"words. Blessed are the meek, the humble, the contrite, etc. Blessed are they....and blessed am I. I get to go and hold them, and clothe them and play with them and minister to them. But really. They are blessing me. They are balancing out my excess, my favor, my indulgence, my over-the-top comfort. I'm going for them....but even more, I'm going for me.
Meanwhile.
My crew here will lean on others, will be thankful for others, will rely on the talents and generosity of others. Someday. Someday they will either go themselves, or be the ones who minister here at home and bring a meal, give a ride, straighten hair (smile), be a prayer partner, cover a shift washing dishes or taking nursery or something else. They get it. They really do. They don't want a souvenier or a trinket or treasure...they want Max, and Nora, and Judah and Zinnia....they want kids. Well, not
Roger....he mostly wants me home again, safe and sound, on the other end of the trip. But my kids....they want me to gift "their kids" and skype with "their kids" and connect with "their kids"....yep. The kids with no name or identity or family. My kids want those kids. That's pretty good digs.
I can't even begin to write about how amazing it will be to do this trip with my mom, Nana Barb (another B)...she is beyond and above and exception....just taking her along blesses me so much. India has no idea what blessing is until they get to encounter her. Can you tell I've moved past stress and worry into crazy excitement and joy? Well, I am.
Tomorrow Precious and I will get some billable work done and get our nails done. Tuesday and Wednesday I work....and Thursday I get on the plane. 2 weeks. Then home. So fast. So important. So good.
Thanks for checking in, everyone. I'll try post but may not have many pictures until I'm home. It's easier on facebook with my phone. Thank you all....so much....and stay tuned......the best is really yet to come.
Meanwhile.
My crew here will lean on others, will be thankful for others, will rely on the talents and generosity of others. Someday. Someday they will either go themselves, or be the ones who minister here at home and bring a meal, give a ride, straighten hair (smile), be a prayer partner, cover a shift washing dishes or taking nursery or something else. They get it. They really do. They don't want a souvenier or a trinket or treasure...they want Max, and Nora, and Judah and Zinnia....they want kids. Well, not
Roger....he mostly wants me home again, safe and sound, on the other end of the trip. But my kids....they want me to gift "their kids" and skype with "their kids" and connect with "their kids"....yep. The kids with no name or identity or family. My kids want those kids. That's pretty good digs.
I can't even begin to write about how amazing it will be to do this trip with my mom, Nana Barb (another B)...she is beyond and above and exception....just taking her along blesses me so much. India has no idea what blessing is until they get to encounter her. Can you tell I've moved past stress and worry into crazy excitement and joy? Well, I am.
Tomorrow Precious and I will get some billable work done and get our nails done. Tuesday and Wednesday I work....and Thursday I get on the plane. 2 weeks. Then home. So fast. So important. So good.
Thanks for checking in, everyone. I'll try post but may not have many pictures until I'm home. It's easier on facebook with my phone. Thank you all....so much....and stay tuned......the best is really yet to come.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
4 days
In 4 days, we leave for India. I'm so not ready. It's so fine. Today, we cleaned up the backyard and planned and dreamed and shared the future of spring, summer, fall and years to come. We didn't talk about my trip to India. We don't need to. We have travel stuff and donations all over the house. People stop by with bibles (how cool is that), and the walmart shopping is through-the-roof....so its always here with us these days, but today, we just did Spring. It was lovely. We had dinner with friends in their backyard. Grilled burgers, a bonfire, kids on the swings. Simply lovely.
I'm considering what it was I learned on my last trip to India. I learned alot, probably more than I can put here. I'm wondering what it was I went for last time, to know what to expect this time. I can't really answer. I learned so much last year, about worship, about sacrifice, about love and about obedience to a call from God. I learned that God loves India. He loves orphans. He loves His Whole World....which is so vast. I'm excited to learn what lessons God is planning for this trip. I feel confident they will make me a better Christian, a better mom, wife, friend and more. These last 4 days will be jam-packed with useful time spent.
When I get on that plane on Thursday, I hope I can just sit with the Lord, and with a fresh new notebook, and my bible, and some worship tunes....and just listen and breathe and be. I'm ready to just be.....but to be in a state of expectation, of pregnant pause, of launching. Yes, yes.
I'm considering what it was I learned on my last trip to India. I learned alot, probably more than I can put here. I'm wondering what it was I went for last time, to know what to expect this time. I can't really answer. I learned so much last year, about worship, about sacrifice, about love and about obedience to a call from God. I learned that God loves India. He loves orphans. He loves His Whole World....which is so vast. I'm excited to learn what lessons God is planning for this trip. I feel confident they will make me a better Christian, a better mom, wife, friend and more. These last 4 days will be jam-packed with useful time spent.
When I get on that plane on Thursday, I hope I can just sit with the Lord, and with a fresh new notebook, and my bible, and some worship tunes....and just listen and breathe and be. I'm ready to just be.....but to be in a state of expectation, of pregnant pause, of launching. Yes, yes.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
a week
Well, we're down to a week. A week from today we will be somewhere between Dallas, Tx and London, England. Crazy. From now on, there is no time for wondering or dreaming or if-ing. Every day matters. Every day counts. Shopping for India, shopping for home. Packing for India, making lists for home. The preparation definitely takes longer than the trip itself. Things are falling into place well with timing, offers to help, etc. Roger and the kids will do fine. I'm so proud of them all and so grateful that they will sacrifice, be brave, be extra-mature and just be willing so that I can do this again.
Please pray for my mom and I. Pray we don't forget anything major, like an immunization or something. Pray that our family stays healthy and strong while we are gone. Pray that the bibles we are taking breeze through customs without question or comment. Pray for good weather, good time with the Lord, good work done. Pray the full armor of God over this trip, and ultimately, that Jesus is glorified in all of our efforts and all of our experiences. Without that, it's just passing time.
I'm going to be packing suitcases this weekend, starting tomorrow. If you are sending or delivering something to me to take along, please don't wait until next tuesday or wednesday. I'll have time to mess with the suitcases this weekend so get stuff to me asap, ok? Thank you to everyone who contributed something to this trip. God is in the hair bows, the clothes, the backpacks, the bibles, the toys, the food, the money, the everything. God will be with all this stuff all the way to India and to these precious children.
I'm just so stinkin excited I can hardly stand it.
Please pray for my mom and I. Pray we don't forget anything major, like an immunization or something. Pray that our family stays healthy and strong while we are gone. Pray that the bibles we are taking breeze through customs without question or comment. Pray for good weather, good time with the Lord, good work done. Pray the full armor of God over this trip, and ultimately, that Jesus is glorified in all of our efforts and all of our experiences. Without that, it's just passing time.
I'm going to be packing suitcases this weekend, starting tomorrow. If you are sending or delivering something to me to take along, please don't wait until next tuesday or wednesday. I'll have time to mess with the suitcases this weekend so get stuff to me asap, ok? Thank you to everyone who contributed something to this trip. God is in the hair bows, the clothes, the backpacks, the bibles, the toys, the food, the money, the everything. God will be with all this stuff all the way to India and to these precious children.
I'm just so stinkin excited I can hardly stand it.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
medicine
Tonight: "Mom, is there anything I can do for you, to help you feel more ready and get ready for India?" Ache in my chest....tears fill my eyes. "Aw, Claire. What a nice thing to ask. Thank you so much for asking. Let me think about it, ok?" "OK mom. Good-night."
Claire. You can help me with the medicine. I'm taking medicine to India. It isn't the kind of medicine that comes in a white bottle, with a label. It's a different kind of medicine. I'm bringing it because it is not as effective if I fed-ex it, or email it, or pray it. I have to deliver it. It treats symptoms of lonliness, sorrow, grief. It is applied physically, with human hands and a smile and sometimes tears. It takes some prayer for it to work. It warms the soul when the Holy Spirit takes hold of the recipient....and benefits the one applying the medicine as well. I'm taking this special medicine to India, to SCH.
How can you help, my sweet daughter? You already have. Your love proves to me that love grows healthy children. Your compassion and your readiness to give prove to me that when the Holy Spirit dwells in children, they can be whole. This is special, magic medicine and it is very valuable. God is trusting me to deliver it. Please help me by being the person who is proof that the medicine works.
I will hold children and pray over them and sing to them. I will take lots of pictures and make some memories and beg God to help me memorize these kids so that when I get home and I miss them and I ache to hold them some more because they do not have a mama and they deserve on, when that happens I will be hurting. I will come home sad and overwhelmed and broken by their have-not.....but Claire will have some of the medicine here. For me. She will give it to me when I get home. She helped research this medicine. She, too, has the patent. I'm trusting her to keep enough to "fix mom" when I get home.
This medicine is of the Lord. We all have access to it. Some of us have it sitting in the medicine cabinet, used once and forgotten. Better check the expiration date.
Claire. You can help me with the medicine. I'm taking medicine to India. It isn't the kind of medicine that comes in a white bottle, with a label. It's a different kind of medicine. I'm bringing it because it is not as effective if I fed-ex it, or email it, or pray it. I have to deliver it. It treats symptoms of lonliness, sorrow, grief. It is applied physically, with human hands and a smile and sometimes tears. It takes some prayer for it to work. It warms the soul when the Holy Spirit takes hold of the recipient....and benefits the one applying the medicine as well. I'm taking this special medicine to India, to SCH.
How can you help, my sweet daughter? You already have. Your love proves to me that love grows healthy children. Your compassion and your readiness to give prove to me that when the Holy Spirit dwells in children, they can be whole. This is special, magic medicine and it is very valuable. God is trusting me to deliver it. Please help me by being the person who is proof that the medicine works.
I will hold children and pray over them and sing to them. I will take lots of pictures and make some memories and beg God to help me memorize these kids so that when I get home and I miss them and I ache to hold them some more because they do not have a mama and they deserve on, when that happens I will be hurting. I will come home sad and overwhelmed and broken by their have-not.....but Claire will have some of the medicine here. For me. She will give it to me when I get home. She helped research this medicine. She, too, has the patent. I'm trusting her to keep enough to "fix mom" when I get home.
This medicine is of the Lord. We all have access to it. Some of us have it sitting in the medicine cabinet, used once and forgotten. Better check the expiration date.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Why am I going to India?
I'm going to India next week to meet Nora and to tell her that life is worth living and that Jesus loves her. I'm going to deliver the bible that Claire chose for her, purchased for her, highlighted special verses for her. I'm going to spend time with Nora and maybe even give her some tools to help her be a FORCE for the Lord to use to advance His Kingdom and defeat Satan. Nora's my girl. She's on my team....she just doesn't know it yet.
I'm going to meet Chelsea. 
And I'm going for her. I want to tell her "thank you, Emma. thank you for fighting so hard to live. Thank you for proving to me that fighting matters." 
Holy Spirit help
Last night I went to bed nervous for all of the details of the trip. I was anxious about not forgetting major details, over-looking things for Roger and the kids....and I struggled. Alot. I said to God, "what was I thinking? Why did I want to do this again?....I could so easily have skipped this this time and here I am, freaking out about it, wishing....." and I didn't sleep well. I asked God to reveal to me in a dream, in the night, what I was going for.
Once sleep found me, mercifully, I slept hard and well. I woke up this morning knowing I needed to get in the Word. Whenever nerves take hold, the word of the Lord calms me and sets me back upright. (and, of course.....slays to silence the voices of fear and doubt that do NOT come from God).
I spent time praying for my friends who left today for a week in Haiti. One verse on their prayer guide was Psalm 23. The Lord is my Shephard, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures....he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. Yes. He does. He did. Prayer. Scripture, worship songs. Peace. Joy. An inspirational email revealing more of how God is working in India to bring Christian revival....and the best part (for me) is that He is choosing to use sweet little babies to do it. and.....He chose to use me. Smile. Deep breath. Nod.
Last night at bible study, we were left to reflect on a question: I've got Jesus. Why do I need the Spirit? Well. For moments like this. Salvation in Jesus' name could get me to India to serve and love and give....because it is biblical. The Spirit. The SPIRIT of the Living God is the one who recognizes my fear, my weakness, my unworthiness....and He takes hold of Me. He holds Me. He shows Me. He reminds me and inspires me and blesses me and ignites Holy Fire in Me to do what He called me to do.....to Go.
I'm excited again....because the Holy Spirit helps us live out the will of God in our lives. And not to just live it, or survive it, or endure it.....but to get fired up, to get excited, to get infused with joy and favor for it. Holy Spirit, continue to help me. I just don't want to do life without you.
Once sleep found me, mercifully, I slept hard and well. I woke up this morning knowing I needed to get in the Word. Whenever nerves take hold, the word of the Lord calms me and sets me back upright. (and, of course.....slays to silence the voices of fear and doubt that do NOT come from God).
I spent time praying for my friends who left today for a week in Haiti. One verse on their prayer guide was Psalm 23. The Lord is my Shephard, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures....he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. Yes. He does. He did. Prayer. Scripture, worship songs. Peace. Joy. An inspirational email revealing more of how God is working in India to bring Christian revival....and the best part (for me) is that He is choosing to use sweet little babies to do it. and.....He chose to use me. Smile. Deep breath. Nod.
Last night at bible study, we were left to reflect on a question: I've got Jesus. Why do I need the Spirit? Well. For moments like this. Salvation in Jesus' name could get me to India to serve and love and give....because it is biblical. The Spirit. The SPIRIT of the Living God is the one who recognizes my fear, my weakness, my unworthiness....and He takes hold of Me. He holds Me. He shows Me. He reminds me and inspires me and blesses me and ignites Holy Fire in Me to do what He called me to do.....to Go.
I'm excited again....because the Holy Spirit helps us live out the will of God in our lives. And not to just live it, or survive it, or endure it.....but to get fired up, to get excited, to get infused with joy and favor for it. Holy Spirit, continue to help me. I just don't want to do life without you.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
an annointing
At the end of this wonderful weekend, this lovely Sunday, I am feeling the need for a fresh annointing.....of time-management. I trust the Lord to provide me with exactly enough minutes in the day to accomplish all I need to....but I don't trust myself. I don't always manage my time well. Granted, I'm a bit distracted much of the time, by kids, the puppy, cardinals in the back yard, a good song on Pandora, my friend Sarah in India popping onto facebook for a chat.....but seriously. I need some serious time-management. I have 10 days until I get on the plane for my 2 weeks in India.
I have some specific things to get done at work, and I want time to cover all my bases at home, and to prepare for India. My friend prayed today that God would prepare me even while I sleep.....efficient. I like it. Lord, prepare me while I sleep, to go to this land that is so interesting and rich in history and complex. Help me to be the salt and light of Jesus there, for the believers at SCH and for the unbelievers we will encounter all along the journey. Help me to do good work and accomplish helpful tasks and bless everyone I can. Show me, God, just show me. Reveal yourself to me. Teach me things and equip me to be your hands and feet.
Annoint my family with fresh wisdom and revelation of your heart, God, of your desire for us, of your love for hurting children. Let them partner with me, from home, and to grow right along with me as I travel around the world and back again. I already can't wait to come home again, and I have not yet left.
I have some specific things to get done at work, and I want time to cover all my bases at home, and to prepare for India. My friend prayed today that God would prepare me even while I sleep.....efficient. I like it. Lord, prepare me while I sleep, to go to this land that is so interesting and rich in history and complex. Help me to be the salt and light of Jesus there, for the believers at SCH and for the unbelievers we will encounter all along the journey. Help me to do good work and accomplish helpful tasks and bless everyone I can. Show me, God, just show me. Reveal yourself to me. Teach me things and equip me to be your hands and feet.
Annoint my family with fresh wisdom and revelation of your heart, God, of your desire for us, of your love for hurting children. Let them partner with me, from home, and to grow right along with me as I travel around the world and back again. I already can't wait to come home again, and I have not yet left.
Friday, March 16, 2012
A fabulous Friday means I got to sit in the sun and get my cheeks pink, go for a walk, and hang out with my baby. The big kids all spent time with friends and dad got the tramp almost all the way up....
I should have done some work that I get paid for, but I was just relaxed today, and a bit preoccupied with India. I've been at this job for about 11 years and they will give me grace to be less-than efficient until I get back from India. I packed away winter clothes, did laundry, played with Precious and made lists. I have a big pile already forming for things to take to India. I want to spiritually prepare for the trip, but just like last year, I'm doing life right up to the moment of departure. God understands. Once I board the plane, He has my undivided attention and I will be ready when I set foot on Indian soil.
Life is so short. Every minute truly matters. Knowing my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, being good to my family, living my life to help the orpan, widow, powerless.....it all matters. You know what else matters? Feeling the warm sun on my skin, tasting grilled cedar plank salmon for dinner, playing with our puppy, praying for hurting people, driving my daughter to violin lessons, dancing in the kitchen, noticing the moon, hearing birdsong, seeing the first butterflies of spring. Chatting with the school-girl who walks by the house, paying my bill at the jewelry store(my wedding ring almost lost it's diamond...saved just in time and secured...), and all of the other stuff we do in the day that make up the event of life. There isn't much of the time I spent today that was wasted. It all mattered somehow. That's a really good way to end the day....and the post.
May you all have a wonderful, relaxing, joyful and fullfilling weekend.
I should have done some work that I get paid for, but I was just relaxed today, and a bit preoccupied with India. I've been at this job for about 11 years and they will give me grace to be less-than efficient until I get back from India. I packed away winter clothes, did laundry, played with Precious and made lists. I have a big pile already forming for things to take to India. I want to spiritually prepare for the trip, but just like last year, I'm doing life right up to the moment of departure. God understands. Once I board the plane, He has my undivided attention and I will be ready when I set foot on Indian soil.
Life is so short. Every minute truly matters. Knowing my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, being good to my family, living my life to help the orpan, widow, powerless.....it all matters. You know what else matters? Feeling the warm sun on my skin, tasting grilled cedar plank salmon for dinner, playing with our puppy, praying for hurting people, driving my daughter to violin lessons, dancing in the kitchen, noticing the moon, hearing birdsong, seeing the first butterflies of spring. Chatting with the school-girl who walks by the house, paying my bill at the jewelry store(my wedding ring almost lost it's diamond...saved just in time and secured...), and all of the other stuff we do in the day that make up the event of life. There isn't much of the time I spent today that was wasted. It all mattered somehow. That's a really good way to end the day....and the post.
May you all have a wonderful, relaxing, joyful and fullfilling weekend.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
backpacks and bibles and blessings
Tonight we made a quick trip shopping. Due to unseasonably warm weather, my school kids have nothing to wear. Jeremiah does, because he gets all of Isaac's stuff, but the other two have sized OUT of last summer's clothes. It dawned on me that if I didn't take them today, it likely would not happen until the third week in April when I am home from India....so we went. Thanks to Nana Barb who kept little Precious, and dad who quietly swallowed, took a deep breath, and sent me down the road to Scheels and Target....the big kids are set for awhile.
I'm now preparing for our trip. We leave in 2 weeks. Yesterday I got excited. Today I started to plan. Well, we all know that I've been excited and planning since about 1 shower after I got home last time....but seriously, it just got real. We are collecting sturdy backpacks for the school kids. 28 were requested and we have 19 big backpacks and 35 nylon draw-string ones. In 24 hours! I'm just so proud of Christian Community.
Another focus is bibles. Not just any bibles. There are 12 school-age girls who are learning, or will likely learn English and Sarah would love it if they each had their own English bible. There are a few who need pre-school age bibles and the rest are capable of reading a "real" bible...at least a teen-type one. I have about half of them committed by people already. This means that I said, "would you buy a bible for so-and-so and I'll deliver it" and that person or family said, "yes!". There are a few more girls who need to be matched so if this interests you, please let me know.
I had decided to buy a bible for Nora. She is about 9 and knows quite a bit of English, according to Deanne and others who have spent time with her. She struggles alot, with a really dark past....yes, a 9-year old can have a night-mare called her life.....before she came to SCH. Sarah told me about Nora when we were in India last June. She fought for her, asked to have her and was granted the request so Nora made the "new kids" list. I've been praying for Nora since BEFORE I went to India last time. In fact, let me just say, that as we were travelling across southern India, I told Sarah that a girl name I never got to use was "Nora" and later, she said to me on facebook: "I decided to call _____ , "Nora" for her blog name. So, yeah, she's got a special place in my heart.
Nora has had a really tough time and I wanted to be the one to buy her bible and to highlight some specific scripture before I gave it to her. I planned to take her aside and look at those verses and talk about them and pray together....and then my dear friend Deanne reminded me that nothing goes the way you think it will go in India....good reality check. Thanks, friend. I let the pretty little dream bubble pop and moved on. Tonight on the way to the shopping endeavor, I told Claire all about the bible gifting and Nora and what a hard time she was having. I asked Claire if she would be willing to be a prayer partner for Nora and offered to print off a picture of her, to frame and have in her room, as a kindred soul, a sister, a friend. She was excited about that. Then she said, "Mom. Can I buy the bible for Nora? With my money? I want to. I want to highlight the verse about not worrying....from Matthew (Claire's life verse thus-far) and some other good verses. Can I also share about Nora at school for prayer request time?" You bet, Claire. You may use your own money and buy a bible for Nora and high-light verses for her. You can even tape a picture of yourself inside. Maybe if I get to spend some time with her, we can skype and you can meet her. Maybe you can become pen-pals and write back and forth. Alot. Absolutely, honey. Thanks for offering.
Claire has about $150.00 to her name because she saves her birthday and Christmas money and any money left from babysitting that I don't make her give me to pay for dance. She wants to buy Nora a bible. She's gonna flip out when she discovers that bibles are expensive. Isn't that wonderful? Isn't that so right? She hardly has anything....and she's committed. What would the ratio be....$150.00 total minus a $40.00 bible? Compare that to any of our net worth....even our monthly income....and do the math. Would we give out that many bibles/messages of hope/lifelines?
Humbling for me. I'm going to India in 2 weeks. God reveals Himself to me every time I say "yes". I learn more about my weakness and frailty and desperate need for my Saviour when I say "yes". My family is also learning those things when I say "yes".
Please pray for us these next 2 weeks and beyond. None of this is easy. It is exciting and it is good....but it's not easy.
I'm now preparing for our trip. We leave in 2 weeks. Yesterday I got excited. Today I started to plan. Well, we all know that I've been excited and planning since about 1 shower after I got home last time....but seriously, it just got real. We are collecting sturdy backpacks for the school kids. 28 were requested and we have 19 big backpacks and 35 nylon draw-string ones. In 24 hours! I'm just so proud of Christian Community.
Another focus is bibles. Not just any bibles. There are 12 school-age girls who are learning, or will likely learn English and Sarah would love it if they each had their own English bible. There are a few who need pre-school age bibles and the rest are capable of reading a "real" bible...at least a teen-type one. I have about half of them committed by people already. This means that I said, "would you buy a bible for so-and-so and I'll deliver it" and that person or family said, "yes!". There are a few more girls who need to be matched so if this interests you, please let me know.
I had decided to buy a bible for Nora. She is about 9 and knows quite a bit of English, according to Deanne and others who have spent time with her. She struggles alot, with a really dark past....yes, a 9-year old can have a night-mare called her life.....before she came to SCH. Sarah told me about Nora when we were in India last June. She fought for her, asked to have her and was granted the request so Nora made the "new kids" list. I've been praying for Nora since BEFORE I went to India last time. In fact, let me just say, that as we were travelling across southern India, I told Sarah that a girl name I never got to use was "Nora" and later, she said to me on facebook: "I decided to call _____ , "Nora" for her blog name. So, yeah, she's got a special place in my heart.
Nora has had a really tough time and I wanted to be the one to buy her bible and to highlight some specific scripture before I gave it to her. I planned to take her aside and look at those verses and talk about them and pray together....and then my dear friend Deanne reminded me that nothing goes the way you think it will go in India....good reality check. Thanks, friend. I let the pretty little dream bubble pop and moved on. Tonight on the way to the shopping endeavor, I told Claire all about the bible gifting and Nora and what a hard time she was having. I asked Claire if she would be willing to be a prayer partner for Nora and offered to print off a picture of her, to frame and have in her room, as a kindred soul, a sister, a friend. She was excited about that. Then she said, "Mom. Can I buy the bible for Nora? With my money? I want to. I want to highlight the verse about not worrying....from Matthew (Claire's life verse thus-far) and some other good verses. Can I also share about Nora at school for prayer request time?" You bet, Claire. You may use your own money and buy a bible for Nora and high-light verses for her. You can even tape a picture of yourself inside. Maybe if I get to spend some time with her, we can skype and you can meet her. Maybe you can become pen-pals and write back and forth. Alot. Absolutely, honey. Thanks for offering.
Claire has about $150.00 to her name because she saves her birthday and Christmas money and any money left from babysitting that I don't make her give me to pay for dance. She wants to buy Nora a bible. She's gonna flip out when she discovers that bibles are expensive. Isn't that wonderful? Isn't that so right? She hardly has anything....and she's committed. What would the ratio be....$150.00 total minus a $40.00 bible? Compare that to any of our net worth....even our monthly income....and do the math. Would we give out that many bibles/messages of hope/lifelines?
Humbling for me. I'm going to India in 2 weeks. God reveals Himself to me every time I say "yes". I learn more about my weakness and frailty and desperate need for my Saviour when I say "yes". My family is also learning those things when I say "yes".
Please pray for us these next 2 weeks and beyond. None of this is easy. It is exciting and it is good....but it's not easy.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
updates
1. Jedi the puppy came home today. We had to wait until he was officially 8 weeks old. So far, he is subdued, quiet and snuggly. He has a nice little world set up downstairs in the utility room with his kennel, his poop pad, his fuzzy high-dollar pillow (from Nana Barb, of course) and his Incredibles blanket....and some food and water. I did let Isaac fall asleep with Jedi on his belly, then quietly went in to move him....a boy does deserve that from his birthday pup.
2. We invested in a new washer and dryer, after 15-plus years of married life and 6 family members' worth....and I'm soooooooooooo caught up on laundry. Who knew that a functioning dryer could get the job done so fast?!
3. Tourist visas are approved and in the mail, on the way back here. We have our plane tickets. We leave March 29 and get back home April 12. Thanks to those who offered to bring home-cooked meals for my family, and for those who asked what could be sent. (If you can get to sterile gloves, that is a need. ) We would also like to take some crafts or musical instruments,like bells or maracas along if you have such things.
4. Our church is sponsoring the education of two girls from SCH. They are both about 9 years old. One girl got expelled because of a medical condition that she has no control over. Please pray that the school allows her back in to finish her year. She is bright, and she is hurting over all of the yuck from her life so far. Please pray that Jesus, the great Redeemer, will touch her in a special way so that she will know how valuable she is to the Father. I hope to spend some time with her when I'm there and give her her own bible and highlight some verses for her....she means alot to me. The other child we sponsor for school will have a big surgery late April, so pray that the funds come for that. In India, you pay ahead for surgery.
5. Precious Maryn is quite healthy these days. The tonsillectomy helped alot. She still doesn't sleep great but it is so much better than it used to be, that I can't even complain. Se is very happy, sweet and fun. Her latest favorite thing is to dress up in a purple tu-tu and pink tights and dance to Jamie Grace....and yes, she continues to live up to her name. They boys are done with swim team and enjoying leisure after school. Since the weather got warmer, they've started riding bikes, playing in the back yard and bugging dad to set up the tramp. Claire is almost done with volleyball and will stay busy with orchestra, band and dance until the end of the school year. Roger and I are just trying to keep up and smile along the way...because live is very, very good.
2. We invested in a new washer and dryer, after 15-plus years of married life and 6 family members' worth....and I'm soooooooooooo caught up on laundry. Who knew that a functioning dryer could get the job done so fast?!
3. Tourist visas are approved and in the mail, on the way back here. We have our plane tickets. We leave March 29 and get back home April 12. Thanks to those who offered to bring home-cooked meals for my family, and for those who asked what could be sent. (If you can get to sterile gloves, that is a need. ) We would also like to take some crafts or musical instruments,like bells or maracas along if you have such things.
4. Our church is sponsoring the education of two girls from SCH. They are both about 9 years old. One girl got expelled because of a medical condition that she has no control over. Please pray that the school allows her back in to finish her year. She is bright, and she is hurting over all of the yuck from her life so far. Please pray that Jesus, the great Redeemer, will touch her in a special way so that she will know how valuable she is to the Father. I hope to spend some time with her when I'm there and give her her own bible and highlight some verses for her....she means alot to me. The other child we sponsor for school will have a big surgery late April, so pray that the funds come for that. In India, you pay ahead for surgery.
5. Precious Maryn is quite healthy these days. The tonsillectomy helped alot. She still doesn't sleep great but it is so much better than it used to be, that I can't even complain. Se is very happy, sweet and fun. Her latest favorite thing is to dress up in a purple tu-tu and pink tights and dance to Jamie Grace....and yes, she continues to live up to her name. They boys are done with swim team and enjoying leisure after school. Since the weather got warmer, they've started riding bikes, playing in the back yard and bugging dad to set up the tramp. Claire is almost done with volleyball and will stay busy with orchestra, band and dance until the end of the school year. Roger and I are just trying to keep up and smile along the way...because live is very, very good.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Surreal
It is beyond surreal to me that in 2 1/2 weeks I'm leaving for India. There is plenty I could do to prepare by hussling up donations of clothes or toys or whatever....but I'm really just hoping that if people want to give, they will give money. I'd love to take money along to give to Sarah to spend on needs as they arise. I'm sure I'll stock my 2 suitcases full of donated gifts and clothes, etc. that I have piled up for SCH already, but I just don't want to take a hodge-pog mix of stuff again this time. I've asked Sarah to let me know if there is something specific she would like us to bring. So far, the only thing she asked for was sterile gloves so if you have access to any of those, send them my way!
We get to spend 2 weeks working with Sarah, preparing files for adoptions, and getting to know kids. I'm asking God to help me to really know as many of the kids at SCH as possible, in that 2 weeks, because I just don't know when I'll get to go again. I would hope to be able to plan a trip at least once a year, but if God has other plans, then we all know that won't happen. What I know, for now, is that He wants me to go back. He wants me to hold children and breathe in the fragrance of them and memorize the feel of the weight of them, the softness of their skin, the light in their eyes, and to LOVE THEM. He wants me to know them by name and to take their pictures and to tell their stories....and quite possibly, to find families for many of them. Quite possibly, He wants me to bring them to your homes in the way of awareness, of prayer and of support. Quite possibly, someone out there will adopt a child from SCH and I can be a part of that story. A-ma-zing. A child that one family casts aside can be the very one that another Christian family fights for, longs for, prays for and draws in.....and God is letting me watch. So surreal. Such an honor.
I've had several deep and rich conversations recently with mamas who are seeking the Lord's guidance on whether they should adopt. I love those talks. The long answer takes an hour...or a week....or many weeks of hours. (smile). The short answer is "yes". Yes you should. If you think you are too old or too busy or too messed up to adopt yourself, then help someone else do so. 147 billion orphans are in the world. Seriously, it's just yes.
Going to India for 2 weeks every year is costly. It costs my family in money, in time, in emotional security...and it costs me. It would be much easier to just not. It would be much easier to tell the Lord, "Look. I know they are over there. I know they need to be held on a lap and rocked and prayed over and sung to. I know. Send someone else. I'll pray for them....or not, depending on whether I forget or not"...etc. Instead. I'm going. Jetlag. Malaria pill funk. Homesick. Churny stomach. Use of vacation hours at work. Anguish over the poverty. Heart-sick for the very idea of ORPHAN. Overwhelming truth that nothing I do will fix anything. At all. Skyping my family and watching my kids wipe away tears because they miss me and I miss them so, so much.....do not, for a minute, believe that this is not a costly venture. It's God's idea. It really is. When I pray and ask Him to line up my desires and my will with His.....my love for SCH and the orphans of India, and the director, Sarah....it just grows. SCH is God's passion. I know it. I'm going. Surreal, impractical, excessive. Just like my Lord.
We get to spend 2 weeks working with Sarah, preparing files for adoptions, and getting to know kids. I'm asking God to help me to really know as many of the kids at SCH as possible, in that 2 weeks, because I just don't know when I'll get to go again. I would hope to be able to plan a trip at least once a year, but if God has other plans, then we all know that won't happen. What I know, for now, is that He wants me to go back. He wants me to hold children and breathe in the fragrance of them and memorize the feel of the weight of them, the softness of their skin, the light in their eyes, and to LOVE THEM. He wants me to know them by name and to take their pictures and to tell their stories....and quite possibly, to find families for many of them. Quite possibly, He wants me to bring them to your homes in the way of awareness, of prayer and of support. Quite possibly, someone out there will adopt a child from SCH and I can be a part of that story. A-ma-zing. A child that one family casts aside can be the very one that another Christian family fights for, longs for, prays for and draws in.....and God is letting me watch. So surreal. Such an honor.
I've had several deep and rich conversations recently with mamas who are seeking the Lord's guidance on whether they should adopt. I love those talks. The long answer takes an hour...or a week....or many weeks of hours. (smile). The short answer is "yes". Yes you should. If you think you are too old or too busy or too messed up to adopt yourself, then help someone else do so. 147 billion orphans are in the world. Seriously, it's just yes.
Going to India for 2 weeks every year is costly. It costs my family in money, in time, in emotional security...and it costs me. It would be much easier to just not. It would be much easier to tell the Lord, "Look. I know they are over there. I know they need to be held on a lap and rocked and prayed over and sung to. I know. Send someone else. I'll pray for them....or not, depending on whether I forget or not"...etc. Instead. I'm going. Jetlag. Malaria pill funk. Homesick. Churny stomach. Use of vacation hours at work. Anguish over the poverty. Heart-sick for the very idea of ORPHAN. Overwhelming truth that nothing I do will fix anything. At all. Skyping my family and watching my kids wipe away tears because they miss me and I miss them so, so much.....do not, for a minute, believe that this is not a costly venture. It's God's idea. It really is. When I pray and ask Him to line up my desires and my will with His.....my love for SCH and the orphans of India, and the director, Sarah....it just grows. SCH is God's passion. I know it. I'm going. Surreal, impractical, excessive. Just like my Lord.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Rejoice
Words from God Wednesday....here we are again. Didn't have anything last week so....ya know. Today, God said this: "For those who seek the Lord rejoice." Here's how it happened.
Last week we got our travel visas completed, money orders purchased, and documents gathered. We gave the envelope to Roger because his office is a fed-ex pick up. Last Wednesday. No confirmation came thursday or friday and I was a wee bit concerned....Monday he told me that the fed-ex guy had not even COME the rest of last week....so the package went out Monday. (insert quiet, clench-teeth scream here) Yesterday, around 3:30 I get the coveted "confirmation" that they got my stuff. Mom got a different email. Hers said something like this: got your money but not your passport. What!?! How can that be? I just knew I had put everything in there because I checked and double-checked.....but we all know that I lack skills in admin and details.....so even though I could picture myself inserting everything into the envelope.....I still got down on my hands and knees to look under the table, the sideboard, the island, etc. I felt like a nutcase for doing it, but I had to check!
I rallied some prayer warriors before bed and then slept fitfully, wondering what we were going to do with only 3 weeks until we travel! This morning, I woke up praying, worrying, wondering. Mom had a plan to fire off emails every hour until she got answers. (Don't mess with my mama....she is a force to reckon with.). I felt God nudge me to just sit before Him in prayer. I got the kids all situated for the day and came home and did just that. I poured a tall glass of water and went to one of my favorite spots in the house. It's a big window that looks over my back yard and I heard the birds singing and could face the pool and pine trees and not see the chaotic mess of toys, laundry, dishes behind me. I just bowed my head, facing that south window, and I prayed and asked God to fix this. I asked Him to get rid of the opposition, the distraction, the antics that were keeping me from peace and confidence and excitement to return to India and soak in the ministry I love so much.....
That's when I heard it. In my left ear, as a matter of fact. "For those who seek the Lord rejoice." You can call it what you want, but I choose to call it a reassuring word from God, that it was all gonna be ok because I was trusting Him with it. I opened my eyes and looked down at the heat vent in front of my crossed-leg lap...and noted all the stuff Precious Maryn has been shoving down there. Sigh. I hoisted myself up, with this fresh resolve from my Lord, and I went about my day. I can't tell you I didn't worry or wonder or fret or harrass my mom to check and call and email. I did all that. But I did it with confidence, people. I just wanted to know WHEN my God was gonna fix it.
The answer came late afternoon. My poor mom submitted her old, expired passport....not her current one. This is a very fixable problem. We are still going to India. On time. Those who seek the Lord can rejoice. Even if the answer isn't clear, or predictable, or timely. Rejoice anyway. He dared me to. I made a feeble attempt at it.....
I know these words are in scripture. Tomorrow night, I hope to spend some time leafing through my bible and high-lighting how many times He actually said it.
Oh a side-note. I felt really silly on my hands and knees looking for a passport I knew I had mailed....but I felt sillier still this morning when I found the box of toothpicks we couldn't find anywhere last night....in the refrigerator.
Smile. Rejoice.
Last week we got our travel visas completed, money orders purchased, and documents gathered. We gave the envelope to Roger because his office is a fed-ex pick up. Last Wednesday. No confirmation came thursday or friday and I was a wee bit concerned....Monday he told me that the fed-ex guy had not even COME the rest of last week....so the package went out Monday. (insert quiet, clench-teeth scream here) Yesterday, around 3:30 I get the coveted "confirmation" that they got my stuff. Mom got a different email. Hers said something like this: got your money but not your passport. What!?! How can that be? I just knew I had put everything in there because I checked and double-checked.....but we all know that I lack skills in admin and details.....so even though I could picture myself inserting everything into the envelope.....I still got down on my hands and knees to look under the table, the sideboard, the island, etc. I felt like a nutcase for doing it, but I had to check!
I rallied some prayer warriors before bed and then slept fitfully, wondering what we were going to do with only 3 weeks until we travel! This morning, I woke up praying, worrying, wondering. Mom had a plan to fire off emails every hour until she got answers. (Don't mess with my mama....she is a force to reckon with.). I felt God nudge me to just sit before Him in prayer. I got the kids all situated for the day and came home and did just that. I poured a tall glass of water and went to one of my favorite spots in the house. It's a big window that looks over my back yard and I heard the birds singing and could face the pool and pine trees and not see the chaotic mess of toys, laundry, dishes behind me. I just bowed my head, facing that south window, and I prayed and asked God to fix this. I asked Him to get rid of the opposition, the distraction, the antics that were keeping me from peace and confidence and excitement to return to India and soak in the ministry I love so much.....
That's when I heard it. In my left ear, as a matter of fact. "For those who seek the Lord rejoice." You can call it what you want, but I choose to call it a reassuring word from God, that it was all gonna be ok because I was trusting Him with it. I opened my eyes and looked down at the heat vent in front of my crossed-leg lap...and noted all the stuff Precious Maryn has been shoving down there. Sigh. I hoisted myself up, with this fresh resolve from my Lord, and I went about my day. I can't tell you I didn't worry or wonder or fret or harrass my mom to check and call and email. I did all that. But I did it with confidence, people. I just wanted to know WHEN my God was gonna fix it.
The answer came late afternoon. My poor mom submitted her old, expired passport....not her current one. This is a very fixable problem. We are still going to India. On time. Those who seek the Lord can rejoice. Even if the answer isn't clear, or predictable, or timely. Rejoice anyway. He dared me to. I made a feeble attempt at it.....
I know these words are in scripture. Tomorrow night, I hope to spend some time leafing through my bible and high-lighting how many times He actually said it.
Oh a side-note. I felt really silly on my hands and knees looking for a passport I knew I had mailed....but I felt sillier still this morning when I found the box of toothpicks we couldn't find anywhere last night....in the refrigerator.
Smile. Rejoice.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
My Isaac is 10 today. Here is his birthday gift. He named him Jedi. I have high hopes for them. I hope they will be best friends and that Isaac will tell him all of his deepest secrets, his hardest hurts, his quiet celebrations. I hope that the hard things in Isaac's life will just melt away when this little guy sits on his lap or snuggles on his chest. This gift is more than just a puppy. This puppy is more than just a gift. Look at Jedi....he knows. He's really smart...he is the Jedi Master. He's got it all under control.
Isaac is really significant. He matters. His life matters. He is wonderful, silly, complicated and so full of love and devotion that it almost overwhelms me. He will make a fine and steadfast Christian man some day. I am so proud to be his mama. I am thrilled to give him a puppy for his birthday this year....they will grow up together. Happy birthday, bud. Wishing you many, many more.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
at the grocery store
I haven't been very good at taking my children grocery shopping. I tend to do that when they are at school/daycare for a reason. It's always a spendy venture and I need to THINK and read my list and plan....so I like to do it alone. Last night, I put the boys to bed and Isaac was hungry (big suprise there) and nothing sounded good to him. I decided that they should come shopping occasionally, see what the choices are, and contribute to the ideas of what to have in the house to eat.
After school today, Claire was at volleyball so I took the other 3 along to the store. It was a necessary trip. We were out of eggs....and peanut butter....and popcorn, apparently. Right away, Jeremiah thought we should take that horrific cart with the kid seats and steering wheel with a roof.....and once we got the excited Precious in there....he figured out he was too big for it. Sadly, the last time he came shopping with me, he must have fit. :( His solution was to hang out of the window....so of course his sister thought she should do the same. Ugh. I picked up my pace and decided the list was not as important as getting to the last isle. Precious started getting wild...and loud. I didn't hear one single other voice in the store, other than hears in that "bwah-ha--ha!" laughter....and then she knocked over 3 boxes of club crackers.....and Isaac, my foodie...was in a comatose state because he was surrounded by so much food.....
By divine provision, we found the chips isle. I opened a can of pringles and let Precious have at it, under the condition she stayed IN the gawdy red and yellow cart/car seat.....Isaac, "mom....I'm not very comfortable with this. Isn't it against the rules to open the food before you pay for it"...."uh...no, hun. it's fine.....please find me the orange juice...."
I saw and heard a grandma from my church who I know and love laugh out loud at me, by then, pringles in hand, I was laughing as well. Then, an older gentleman I didn't know came up to us and wanted to know where our "colored child was from"....triple ugh. He was friendly and sweet and had his own story of a grand-child that had adopted from Ethiopia, etc., etc.
We made it through the store....and the boys did great and were very helpful and excited to know what we had to eat. I'll definitely take them again. Precious finished off half a can of Pringles and was very sweet and agreeable when the boys took her to the car as we packed the purchases in. We survived the grocery store. We have food to eat. I realized as I watched sweet Jeremiah hanging out of the stupid kiddie cart, that the boy is in serious need of a haircut....but that can wait for another day. One thing at a time.
After school today, Claire was at volleyball so I took the other 3 along to the store. It was a necessary trip. We were out of eggs....and peanut butter....and popcorn, apparently. Right away, Jeremiah thought we should take that horrific cart with the kid seats and steering wheel with a roof.....and once we got the excited Precious in there....he figured out he was too big for it. Sadly, the last time he came shopping with me, he must have fit. :( His solution was to hang out of the window....so of course his sister thought she should do the same. Ugh. I picked up my pace and decided the list was not as important as getting to the last isle. Precious started getting wild...and loud. I didn't hear one single other voice in the store, other than hears in that "bwah-ha--ha!" laughter....and then she knocked over 3 boxes of club crackers.....and Isaac, my foodie...was in a comatose state because he was surrounded by so much food.....
By divine provision, we found the chips isle. I opened a can of pringles and let Precious have at it, under the condition she stayed IN the gawdy red and yellow cart/car seat.....Isaac, "mom....I'm not very comfortable with this. Isn't it against the rules to open the food before you pay for it"...."uh...no, hun. it's fine.....please find me the orange juice...."
I saw and heard a grandma from my church who I know and love laugh out loud at me, by then, pringles in hand, I was laughing as well. Then, an older gentleman I didn't know came up to us and wanted to know where our "colored child was from"....triple ugh. He was friendly and sweet and had his own story of a grand-child that had adopted from Ethiopia, etc., etc.
We made it through the store....and the boys did great and were very helpful and excited to know what we had to eat. I'll definitely take them again. Precious finished off half a can of Pringles and was very sweet and agreeable when the boys took her to the car as we packed the purchases in. We survived the grocery store. We have food to eat. I realized as I watched sweet Jeremiah hanging out of the stupid kiddie cart, that the boy is in serious need of a haircut....but that can wait for another day. One thing at a time.
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