Friday, April 29, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Joseph Omuto Visits Evangeline's church and has visitor to our computer classes!
On Monday I visited a family friend whose son is a friend of mine too. The young man is called Adams and he has completed his second year in African Nazarene University in Nairobi pursuing a bachelors degree in Computer Science. (He actually met and encouraged our students last year when we were still a one-machine-all-students class at Shibuli). I spent a good part of the day with him, discussing his progress and latest developments in the university. The bottom line was he squeezes his program and pay our students another visit on Wednesday (today).
He honoured his promise and to cut the long story short, he's been with the students at Center the whole day. We've just parted ways about an hour ago. As I dashed to Shibuli with Frank, he remained in class with our students. That was around 11:00AM. We came back at three in the afternoon and they were still at it. He took them through Java lessons, showed them the program he came up with using Java and how he did it, the codes, the interface and more. He took them through a quick C# review, tested their knowledge and competence in a few elements in C# and gave them an assignment. He promised to come back on Friday to share more stuff with them. What can I say. The students had a great day and this, they confessed.
What impressed me the most was the passion Adams has to share his knowledge with our students, despite having a break of only one week before he resumes his classes back in Nairobi. He is commencing his third year next week on Tuesday and he traveled from Nairobi on Sunday. He is such an encouragement to the students.
The students are eagerly looking forward to meeting their little brothers and sisters in their respective homes this Saturday as we partake of our monthly distribution. They are set for the day. Apart from the Saturday visit, they have planned to be visiting the young ones at least once a month and spend the whole day with at least an orphan or two. They want to know how their 'siblings' spend the day away from school, where they sleep, how they use their supplies and how they socialize or relate with their peers and other family members.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Orphan Administration
I couldn't be more pleased with the way the Orphan Program has progressed. The happy pictures I get each month and the testimonials. I have posted some here and I have sent some out to the TGD family through newsletters. What a great blessing to be part of changing the lives of these young ones. Who can they depend upon? Even their relatives are struggling in poverty.
Frank and Joseph have really kept a watchful eye on these children. It satisfies my heart when they come back to me with reports of special needs. There was the occasion that they suggested blankets for Ben and Noel. They both live with a handicapped grandmother and they slept on rags. They had very old blankets which were dirty and in shreds. Upon observing this, Frank suggested we use some of their money for blankets. How delighted I was to see little Noel wrapped in a blanket like a papoose with a big smile on her face and her eyes bright! I love that she is so young she probably takes this new interest in her life for granted. Children under five years old don't know to reflect much upon their situation. They just accept that this is the way the world works. Contrast that with Abednego who was clearly ashamed of his orphan status. He didn't even want it spoken and looked down and scraped the dirt with a stick. He knew that other children had both parents and here he was in his uncle's home as an orphan. It breaks your heart when you see that pain. Oh but things have changed for him. He's an honored member of the household now who brings in supplies! He brings blessing to his home! What a change of status! I sit and ponder this sometimes in wonderment. I can't know what it is like to be an orphan. My parents are both still alive. And I grew up with both of them. I didn't know about going without anything. I had more than I needed and even often got those things I asked for at Christmas time! There were never any grave illnesses, never any broken down cars, never any fights about money and never any lack. So when I try to think of how a poor child looks at the world, I have to really work at it. It has helped knowing people who really struggled in poverty as children. There is a desperation in children because their survival instinct is always kicking in and what can they do? A child is so limited in control. They have no authority, no resources, and they need guidance and nourishment. God help our little children in Kenya and the suffering young ones around the world. They only know what they are told. They only know what they see. They have to come to a certain level of development to look beyond their circumstance--and many die before they reach that age.
So I am thankful for Frank and Joseph. Who have taken their jobs very seriously. Frank has remained involved even through his own devastating loss in March (Not even two months ago!) Their dedication is glory to the Lord. Their service brings Him honor. Their work puts praise unto God into the mouth of babes. I am so thankful.
Here is an indicator of Frank's watchful eye, diligence, and determination to find a way to benefit these children the most. I wonder if all of us would take such trouble to make sure someone prospered. I thank him for monitoring the situations and not just "doing duty"but going beyond and loving. Here is an email I received today.
We call her Sharon 2 because there is the 1st Sharon who got the cow. Sharon 2 has AIDS (she is in the blue dress) and went without a sponsor for a long time. God had mercy on her and sent a sponsor with a heart for the broken. I wasn't even sure we should sponsor her since she is so sick and yet her sponsor was sure. God is so good. He is so good.
Frank and Joseph have really kept a watchful eye on these children. It satisfies my heart when they come back to me with reports of special needs. There was the occasion that they suggested blankets for Ben and Noel. They both live with a handicapped grandmother and they slept on rags. They had very old blankets which were dirty and in shreds. Upon observing this, Frank suggested we use some of their money for blankets. How delighted I was to see little Noel wrapped in a blanket like a papoose with a big smile on her face and her eyes bright! I love that she is so young she probably takes this new interest in her life for granted. Children under five years old don't know to reflect much upon their situation. They just accept that this is the way the world works. Contrast that with Abednego who was clearly ashamed of his orphan status. He didn't even want it spoken and looked down and scraped the dirt with a stick. He knew that other children had both parents and here he was in his uncle's home as an orphan. It breaks your heart when you see that pain. Oh but things have changed for him. He's an honored member of the household now who brings in supplies! He brings blessing to his home! What a change of status! I sit and ponder this sometimes in wonderment. I can't know what it is like to be an orphan. My parents are both still alive. And I grew up with both of them. I didn't know about going without anything. I had more than I needed and even often got those things I asked for at Christmas time! There were never any grave illnesses, never any broken down cars, never any fights about money and never any lack. So when I try to think of how a poor child looks at the world, I have to really work at it. It has helped knowing people who really struggled in poverty as children. There is a desperation in children because their survival instinct is always kicking in and what can they do? A child is so limited in control. They have no authority, no resources, and they need guidance and nourishment. God help our little children in Kenya and the suffering young ones around the world. They only know what they are told. They only know what they see. They have to come to a certain level of development to look beyond their circumstance--and many die before they reach that age.
So I am thankful for Frank and Joseph. Who have taken their jobs very seriously. Frank has remained involved even through his own devastating loss in March (Not even two months ago!) Their dedication is glory to the Lord. Their service brings Him honor. Their work puts praise unto God into the mouth of babes. I am so thankful.
Here is an indicator of Frank's watchful eye, diligence, and determination to find a way to benefit these children the most. I wonder if all of us would take such trouble to make sure someone prospered. I thank him for monitoring the situations and not just "doing duty"but going beyond and loving. Here is an email I received today.
We visited Sharon 2 and realized that the monthly supplies going to her may not be effectively serving her. This is due to the fact that the home has nine children and several adults all of whom share in whatever Sharon gets. I talked with Florence and Sharon at length and considering what I saw, I propose a slight change on how we serve her as follows.
- I will talk with the school administration so that we can pay the school and have Sharon take her lunch at school.
- We will also be buying a box of pasteurized milk that she will be drinking a packet daily. This will be at the TGD offices which is just across her school and she can be passing by the office each day after school. We can also arrange for her to get a fruit a day for a month.
- We will also buy porridge flour that is mixed with several healthy ingredients.
- The remaining amount will be used to buy personal effects and food stuff that will go to the home but in small quantities and probably in bits for the sake of regulation.
I discovered that using our current method, by day three almost everything we have supplied has been exhausted and the girl struggles for the remaining days of the month. I talked to the care giver dealing with her case who assured me that she is improving and really only needs good nutrition.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Today in Chicago
I posted a photo to facebook. It was snow on the building roofs. That's just wrong. And as I walked to my hair appt, the little pansies freshly planted were surrounded by ice. There were signs out on the sidewalk saying "Caution: Falling Ice"
What?? I looked up and the building had so many stories. I could not imagine ice falling down on my head from up there. It seems like it could kill you. I walked out closer to the road!
I crossed the bridge over the river and the icy wind gust hit my face. It was only about 39 degrees and it seemed to me like it was so much colder. I was so thankful for my down coat. I was wondering about the poor homeless people. I had my little snow boots on because they are waterproof and cushioned. How privileged I am to live like this! My cheeks were feeling the burn of the cold but I could put my scarf over my face and I also had a nice roomy hood with a furry edge. The cold couldn't really hurt me!
I had only gone probably six blocks and I was thinking....oh man...so much more left to GO. My toe was rubbing in my shoe. I told my toes to tough it out. Get used to it! we need to do more of this! The nice thing is that being on the streets makes you walk so much faster. You are always coming to the road and you want to make that WALK signal, so you rush up to the corner and cross. Then it is there again up on the next one.
I would never take a walk that fast unless my dogs were pulling. But here, it is normal. I walk fast but people are passing me right up. Carrying a purse is hard because you can't swing your arms to make your legs go faster. I need a backpack.
It's so funny and dark here in the day. The big buildings obscure the light but at night all the street lights make everything lit up. Sort of backwards. But it is different. There is so much to see. So many details. The buildings have different architecture and styles and messages and names. There are shop windows and you can look into the cafes. Taxis are everywhere and trying to run you over. Buses stopping, trains overhead, dogs, beggars, and the occasional woman in spiked heels. The nice thing is most people are dressed in black (MY FAVE) and wear comfortable shoes--oh yeah! but everyone is thin. There are not too many overweight people and not too many short people.
(if you are short and overweight, i need you here.)
In Texas, there are LOADS of short people (Kenya, too.) I remember moving to Texas and looking around thinking, "Whoa, I can see over some people." In Arkansas, you had to be with children to get that. Well, I'm back to the land of tall people. So many tall women. Sarah fits right in with her white skin and dark hair. Not so many blonds around here. They stand out--and look pretty. Sarah is also tall and skinny. She's 5'7" and so many of the women here are that. It's an interesting change. They all look so pretty in their boots and trench coats. Sarah loved all the boots here. So much variety. Well, it is so cold here, they have to wear boots for MONTHS! They probably have 10 different ones! Like we have sandals and flip flops (oh which are much cheaper.)
The people don't look at you too much and don't greet you as you walk by. That's nice, since there are so many. I can't help looking at them because we look at each other in the south and say hi. I have managed to be careful not to be too smiley. Sometimes I find a smile pasted on my face as I'm walking (yes, i'll be thinking of Jesus or something happy.) and then I'll realize I've got that look on. I reduce it to just kindness. It cracks me up that I might be too friendly.
I learned that in the south! I learned it from Jesus! I am not just naturally friendly at all! before I was a Christian, I don't think i was very friendly EVER. and I didn't have many friends, either. One at a time was enough for me. Now I've met so many wonderful, beautiful people---how can I limit myself?! I love so many people because they are so delightful! and I am so thankful that I actually have managed, by God's grace, to have some friends who love me. OH God is GOOD!
and God was good to send me to Shaun Blythe at Aniko Salon on Wabash in Chicago. 75 for highlights and 60 for a hair cut--not bad at ALL for downtown prices!! woo! and She was a BELIEVER. Oh how nice is that?! and I was just going along, being my Jesus self, you know, and somewhere along that she just got excited and asked me ....questions about church/mild questions to find out where I was standing, you know, and she was so happy and just smiled with relief because she's in a sea of non-Christians and she's a real believer of Jesus. so she was so happy to talk and told me all manner of things about herself (super fun) and she has a church that meets outside in the summer to minister to the rejected people --not trying to get the rich suburb folks but trying to reach people in need. Oh we had a great time. Plus I was my neurotic self about my hair and being fat and obsessively NON-confident and she was just so cute as ever and we had a nice time. I'm definitely sticking with her. How awesome to find a winner on the first try! woo!
and then, since I had a hideous migraine last night, I went back to the chair massage girl and got 20 minutes of a nice light soothing massage and good conversation. Thank you, God, for Cassie who is 27 and has a little 2 year old girl--awwww. I swear it felt like three minutes! she said it was actually 25 since we talked. ahhhh. what a TREAT!
so I walked my 1.7 miles home and took the puppies out to walk. Both went #1 and we headed back up to our 10th floor. I ate half a cheese Totino's froz pizza (cooked, of course!) and a glass of milk and came here to tell you about my day.
God bless you friends if you bothered to read it. I am so thankful for the people in my life. Just filled with love and joy about how good God has been to me to send me such fine people.
Makes me warm inside.
What?? I looked up and the building had so many stories. I could not imagine ice falling down on my head from up there. It seems like it could kill you. I walked out closer to the road!
I crossed the bridge over the river and the icy wind gust hit my face. It was only about 39 degrees and it seemed to me like it was so much colder. I was so thankful for my down coat. I was wondering about the poor homeless people. I had my little snow boots on because they are waterproof and cushioned. How privileged I am to live like this! My cheeks were feeling the burn of the cold but I could put my scarf over my face and I also had a nice roomy hood with a furry edge. The cold couldn't really hurt me!
I had only gone probably six blocks and I was thinking....oh man...so much more left to GO. My toe was rubbing in my shoe. I told my toes to tough it out. Get used to it! we need to do more of this! The nice thing is that being on the streets makes you walk so much faster. You are always coming to the road and you want to make that WALK signal, so you rush up to the corner and cross. Then it is there again up on the next one.
I would never take a walk that fast unless my dogs were pulling. But here, it is normal. I walk fast but people are passing me right up. Carrying a purse is hard because you can't swing your arms to make your legs go faster. I need a backpack.
It's so funny and dark here in the day. The big buildings obscure the light but at night all the street lights make everything lit up. Sort of backwards. But it is different. There is so much to see. So many details. The buildings have different architecture and styles and messages and names. There are shop windows and you can look into the cafes. Taxis are everywhere and trying to run you over. Buses stopping, trains overhead, dogs, beggars, and the occasional woman in spiked heels. The nice thing is most people are dressed in black (MY FAVE) and wear comfortable shoes--oh yeah! but everyone is thin. There are not too many overweight people and not too many short people.
(if you are short and overweight, i need you here.)
In Texas, there are LOADS of short people (Kenya, too.) I remember moving to Texas and looking around thinking, "Whoa, I can see over some people." In Arkansas, you had to be with children to get that. Well, I'm back to the land of tall people. So many tall women. Sarah fits right in with her white skin and dark hair. Not so many blonds around here. They stand out--and look pretty. Sarah is also tall and skinny. She's 5'7" and so many of the women here are that. It's an interesting change. They all look so pretty in their boots and trench coats. Sarah loved all the boots here. So much variety. Well, it is so cold here, they have to wear boots for MONTHS! They probably have 10 different ones! Like we have sandals and flip flops (oh which are much cheaper.)
The people don't look at you too much and don't greet you as you walk by. That's nice, since there are so many. I can't help looking at them because we look at each other in the south and say hi. I have managed to be careful not to be too smiley. Sometimes I find a smile pasted on my face as I'm walking (yes, i'll be thinking of Jesus or something happy.) and then I'll realize I've got that look on. I reduce it to just kindness. It cracks me up that I might be too friendly.
I learned that in the south! I learned it from Jesus! I am not just naturally friendly at all! before I was a Christian, I don't think i was very friendly EVER. and I didn't have many friends, either. One at a time was enough for me. Now I've met so many wonderful, beautiful people---how can I limit myself?! I love so many people because they are so delightful! and I am so thankful that I actually have managed, by God's grace, to have some friends who love me. OH God is GOOD!
and God was good to send me to Shaun Blythe at Aniko Salon on Wabash in Chicago. 75 for highlights and 60 for a hair cut--not bad at ALL for downtown prices!! woo! and She was a BELIEVER. Oh how nice is that?! and I was just going along, being my Jesus self, you know, and somewhere along that she just got excited and asked me ....questions about church/mild questions to find out where I was standing, you know, and she was so happy and just smiled with relief because she's in a sea of non-Christians and she's a real believer of Jesus. so she was so happy to talk and told me all manner of things about herself (super fun) and she has a church that meets outside in the summer to minister to the rejected people --not trying to get the rich suburb folks but trying to reach people in need. Oh we had a great time. Plus I was my neurotic self about my hair and being fat and obsessively NON-confident and she was just so cute as ever and we had a nice time. I'm definitely sticking with her. How awesome to find a winner on the first try! woo!
and then, since I had a hideous migraine last night, I went back to the chair massage girl and got 20 minutes of a nice light soothing massage and good conversation. Thank you, God, for Cassie who is 27 and has a little 2 year old girl--awwww. I swear it felt like three minutes! she said it was actually 25 since we talked. ahhhh. what a TREAT!
so I walked my 1.7 miles home and took the puppies out to walk. Both went #1 and we headed back up to our 10th floor. I ate half a cheese Totino's froz pizza (cooked, of course!) and a glass of milk and came here to tell you about my day.
God bless you friends if you bothered to read it. I am so thankful for the people in my life. Just filled with love and joy about how good God has been to me to send me such fine people.
Makes me warm inside.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Well, well! A new well!
What is God up to?? Blessings!
One of Gods servants is giving a well anonymously!!
But Jesus sees everything and oh people ard going to give Him Glory!!
One of Gods servants is giving a well anonymously!!
But Jesus sees everything and oh people ard going to give Him Glory!!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Short report from Joseph on Everlyne
It's a mixture of joy and sorrow for TGD. Joy for the new kid on the block aka Fredrick and sorrow for the Owaga family. Just as you heard from Frank, the Owaga family story is a distressing account. Each of William's children has a challenge to tackle. The first born (Mr. Otieno) has a problem with the leg, the last born (Mr. Omondi) has a big tumour on the forehead, kidney problem and lung infection. Christine Akinyi Owaga, Everlyne's aunt, has a celebral palsy case which earned her a separation from the husband. All are jobless. A family of orphans. Yet God has remembered them, by having Everlyne sponsored through TGD.
I had another tough week and that saw me slag in my communication. I had serious tooth problem that saw my left upper jaw swollen badly. By Tuesday morning my left eye had sunk inside the wollen flesh. I had to see a dentist that morning, had my tooth removed and am now recuperationg. I could only move from my house to the funeral. That's the farthest I could go after my encounter with the dentist. Am ok now and everything is back to normal.
I had another tough week and that saw me slag in my communication. I had serious tooth problem that saw my left upper jaw swollen badly. By Tuesday morning my left eye had sunk inside the wollen flesh. I had to see a dentist that morning, had my tooth removed and am now recuperationg. I could only move from my house to the funeral. That's the farthest I could go after my encounter with the dentist. Am ok now and everything is back to normal.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Everlyne's future
The home actually has a total of four orphans all of whom were under the care of the late. The eldest is in grade seven while the youngest is in grade two. Mr. Owaga's daughter will be the guardian of all the orphans. Her name is Christine Akinyi Owaga. She was staying with her father and taking care of him after her husband sent her away due to the fact that she gave birth to a child with mental disorder (he suffers from cerebral palsy).
In short the home is a sorry state of affairs but I am glad that the Lord is using TGD to reach to His children in this home. All the orphans perform exceptionally well at school and I am confident that they will be very successful in life.
The body of the late will leave the morgue on Friday and go to his home church for prayers (He was a church elder in the local Anglican church) after which it will spend the night at his home and finally be laid to rest the following day on Saturday 16th April.
TGD Kenya computer student, Don, passing out a treat to Dianah: sponsored by Eleanor Prince.
These awesome cute little guys looking so prosperous and healthy after a few months sponsorship! Don't they look spiffy! They are adorable! Thank you to Brian and Juanita Piland and Megan Wise for helping these little guys out!
We are so thankful to Laura Stubbins who sponsored little Everlyne. What joy came to her grandfather! There aren't words to describe what the gift meant to the man, but he thanked the TGD Kenya staff profusely and with such gratitude and joy! He passed away soon after--but thanks to sponsorship, this little girl will be taken in by an aunt.
Newly sponsored Elizabeth was in such serious poverty. Thank you to Matt and Brenda Metzner for changing Elizabeth's situation. 
These are some, but not all, of the families your gifts have blessed. It really changes things for them. Most families in Kenya are making a dollar a day, so a sponsorship of their home brings $50!! They get the food and relief from the burden of educating an orphan they've taken in. You cannot imagine--but you KNOW that God is moving and blessing through you to do things you cannot imagine! THANK YOU for changing the world here!Monday, April 11, 2011
GREAT SADNESS. William Owanga
It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of one of our new guardians, Mr. William Owaga the guardian to Everlyne Adhiambo. Coincidentally we paid the old man a visit on Saturday and had a long chat with him only for him to complain of chest pains the following day in the evening and succumb to death at around 9pm Sunday night.
I was informed of his death this morning and Joseph and I went to the home and saw his lifeless body on the same bed we talked with him a few days back. I am glad that the old man was born again and discussed and confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour over his life.
The family was still gathering in preparation to taking the body to the morgue. I expect the burial to take place this coming Saturday and I believe by then we will know the fate of the two girls who were under his care.
JOSEPH WROTE ME ON SATURDAY: (Frank)
suggested we pay Evelyn a visit. Evelyn's home is a neighborhood away from where I stay, so we strolled to the place. As usual, the old man's daughter was there to usher us in and took as to the now familiar room, the old man's bedroom. He immediately identified us from our voices. He sat up in haste as we we were brought stools to sit next to him. I wish you understood Luhya and Swahili. Those are the languages Mr. William Owaga used through out our discussion, as he expressed his gratitude every after three or five minutes.
What surprised us was the vibrancy in the old man, who is Evelyn's guardian, during that discussion. He actually dominated the discussion, telling us his life history, the laghter and tears he experienced, how he settled in Kakamega 63 years ago (in 1948), his life as a youth and later as a married man, before salvation and after he gave His life to Christ. Well, we didnt ask him to get into the trouble of taking us through his life record, yet here he was, freely and comfortably (I can add, joyfully) telling us all about himself and his family. To make it more interesting, he even know the positions his two grandchildren got in the end of term exam they had last week. He talked so well about the supplies that changed the mood in that home, the Saturday supplies we gave to Evelyn. He almost jumped up (literally) with joy when Frank reminded him that the supplies will be monthly. It's like he had forgotten that it's gonna be a continuous program.
Now, that can't explain even a tenth of the experience we had with him. That's why I said that what we see (and write about) is just a tip of the ice-berg of the the breakthroughs families and individuals are experiencing here as a result of what God is doing through TGD. I wish you could feel it, because we felt and saw the joy and ambiance that radiated from this home today. As we stood to leave, Mr. William Owaga was so grateful of our visit that he said "Thank You" in four languages.
Friday, April 08, 2011
doggie diaries
Today I drove the puppies an hour north so they could poop in the parking lot of a target (I had my special bags!) I drove the new Jeep that Steve traded for the Viper (even trade, just paid tax, title, license.) I am not thrilled with that thing. Steve got the lift kit, I guess, and we are towering above the road. He bought a rubber mat in the back so puppies could stand and grip it. But when you lay the seats down, there is a gaping hole where the hinge is---ouch. Little puppy paws slip down into that.
I almost wasn't up to it but needed ground beef for tacos. yes, i drove an hour outside of downtown --because if I had to walk the seven blocks to the closest grocery store--it was raining and puppies can't poop in the rain very well---even in Austin!
and sure enough, we got out there to that big wide parking lot and they were all tails UP! happy puppies! no whirring cars zipping by. It was worth it to me. It was so cold (about 41?) that we weren't good for too long. But they were ready to get back in the car. Sarah sat with them while I went into target. I looked for a 25 foot leash so we could let them have the sensation of running around---but they only had five foot ones. There is a petsmart around here somewhere and a pet store of some type just a block or so away.
we'll see. I could pay someone 16 to come walk them for 25 minutes--but it is the DOGS who I am most concerned about--not me.
we did see this square of sorts---like a green oasis amongst the checkerboard streets --- little sidewalks and trees instead of a building on that block there. A woman with her small dog was walking through. It was right in front of some big majestic library where all these people were standing outside on the sidewalk and across from them were a line of cars like parents picking up elementary students at a school---but these were adults and young adults....so I could not grasp what was happening. All I could see is that GREEN---and only about 10 blocks north and maybe four or five blocks east. oh if my puppies could WALK to that then I could let them poop there in less traffic----but i think they might pop their eyes out of the sockets on the way. They lunge forward (nothing new) but with a frantic look about them (new). Penelope's little legs quake. It moves me with compassion.
but when they won't go potty, I'm moved to self-pity and whining. "Penelopeeeeeeee.....go wee-weeeeeeee, pleeeeeeeeease. NOW! GO WEE WEE!" She turns and looks me right in the eye. Just to see if I am serious. and I am, so she looks away and at the dirt and at the cars.
oh....I may drive an hour north tomorrow, but first I'll try to find a parking space near that green patch nearby.
I almost wasn't up to it but needed ground beef for tacos. yes, i drove an hour outside of downtown --because if I had to walk the seven blocks to the closest grocery store--it was raining and puppies can't poop in the rain very well---even in Austin!
and sure enough, we got out there to that big wide parking lot and they were all tails UP! happy puppies! no whirring cars zipping by. It was worth it to me. It was so cold (about 41?) that we weren't good for too long. But they were ready to get back in the car. Sarah sat with them while I went into target. I looked for a 25 foot leash so we could let them have the sensation of running around---but they only had five foot ones. There is a petsmart around here somewhere and a pet store of some type just a block or so away.
we'll see. I could pay someone 16 to come walk them for 25 minutes--but it is the DOGS who I am most concerned about--not me.
we did see this square of sorts---like a green oasis amongst the checkerboard streets --- little sidewalks and trees instead of a building on that block there. A woman with her small dog was walking through. It was right in front of some big majestic library where all these people were standing outside on the sidewalk and across from them were a line of cars like parents picking up elementary students at a school---but these were adults and young adults....so I could not grasp what was happening. All I could see is that GREEN---and only about 10 blocks north and maybe four or five blocks east. oh if my puppies could WALK to that then I could let them poop there in less traffic----but i think they might pop their eyes out of the sockets on the way. They lunge forward (nothing new) but with a frantic look about them (new). Penelope's little legs quake. It moves me with compassion.
but when they won't go potty, I'm moved to self-pity and whining. "Penelopeeeeeeee.....go wee-weeeeeeee, pleeeeeeeeease. NOW! GO WEE WEE!" She turns and looks me right in the eye. Just to see if I am serious. and I am, so she looks away and at the dirt and at the cars.
oh....I may drive an hour north tomorrow, but first I'll try to find a parking space near that green patch nearby.
Dog prayers
With the world situation and people suffering and the USA government looking at a shut-down, it is strange that my prayers are "Please, Jesus, get Penelope to pee! Please have her poop!" and likewise for Oliver---who is a little more accomodating.
But each of us lives in our own small world that we see from our own two eyes. In my world, there are two dogs locked up in a high-rise building in downtown Chicago. At least four times I day, I hope for the best in order to keep the corporate apartment from becoming a doggie-toilet. I intercede for my dogs daily (and several of you as well and my husband, children, extended family and more) praying that they will be calm enough to release their bladders. Penelope can hold for 24 hours. It's amazing and frightening. and she has had two small overflows onto the carpet. Very small considering she can hold about four cups worth and only went about 1/4 cup onto the carpet both times. We got her downstairs and outside to the clanging banging roadside where we ask her to go on the sidewalk or on the little patches of dirt by the light poles or bushes. Some businesses have their little bushes fenced in. Oh how I'd love to take a bunch of pictures of all I am describing. a video would be so informative and you could see what I deal with.
and so while I'd like to be thinking of all the other details I must continually attend to her in my new home and during this transition---I am hounded with thoughts of....."Would the dogs go now?"
Today it was raining! Add another insult to the process. All these other thing I blow off saying, "Through Jesus, I can do anything!" and yet.....I can't seem to just lean into this one. I'm suffering ---over DOGS. and i love these dogs. They are precious animals and I know them well. They rely on me and I care for them. They are quite confused about my requests out there in that noisy potty spot. What? Here? A truck is coming! That train is crazy-loud! I'm SCARED!
Please, if you are reading this. It is Thursday morning and I pray my Penelope and Oliver will potty outside today at lunch time and after I feed them their dinner. Pray for grace. Pray for Dog Blessings. I am relying on Jesus and I am discouraged---send hope and perseverence my way by the Holy Spirit. God bless you.
But each of us lives in our own small world that we see from our own two eyes. In my world, there are two dogs locked up in a high-rise building in downtown Chicago. At least four times I day, I hope for the best in order to keep the corporate apartment from becoming a doggie-toilet. I intercede for my dogs daily (and several of you as well and my husband, children, extended family and more) praying that they will be calm enough to release their bladders. Penelope can hold for 24 hours. It's amazing and frightening. and she has had two small overflows onto the carpet. Very small considering she can hold about four cups worth and only went about 1/4 cup onto the carpet both times. We got her downstairs and outside to the clanging banging roadside where we ask her to go on the sidewalk or on the little patches of dirt by the light poles or bushes. Some businesses have their little bushes fenced in. Oh how I'd love to take a bunch of pictures of all I am describing. a video would be so informative and you could see what I deal with.
and so while I'd like to be thinking of all the other details I must continually attend to her in my new home and during this transition---I am hounded with thoughts of....."Would the dogs go now?"
Today it was raining! Add another insult to the process. All these other thing I blow off saying, "Through Jesus, I can do anything!" and yet.....I can't seem to just lean into this one. I'm suffering ---over DOGS. and i love these dogs. They are precious animals and I know them well. They rely on me and I care for them. They are quite confused about my requests out there in that noisy potty spot. What? Here? A truck is coming! That train is crazy-loud! I'm SCARED!
Please, if you are reading this. It is Thursday morning and I pray my Penelope and Oliver will potty outside today at lunch time and after I feed them their dinner. Pray for grace. Pray for Dog Blessings. I am relying on Jesus and I am discouraged---send hope and perseverence my way by the Holy Spirit. God bless you.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
week one
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord! Chris and Tracy Leon will be sponsoring our 25th orphan! Hallelujah! What a Savior is Jesus! It is so exciting!
I am so thankful to orphan sponsors and general donors. I am so blessed to see so many hearts that get excited about what US dollars can do in an impoverished area. It is not just that children need shoes ( i read in an article today) but that the REASON they don't have shoes needs to be addressed. Their parents don't have an education. Their parents don't have jobs. So let's employ some working adults, let us train young people and let us educate those who are the least in society.
I am so thankful to orphan sponsors and general donors. I am so blessed to see so many hearts that get excited about what US dollars can do in an impoverished area. It is not just that children need shoes ( i read in an article today) but that the REASON they don't have shoes needs to be addressed. Their parents don't have an education. Their parents don't have jobs. So let's employ some working adults, let us train young people and let us educate those who are the least in society.
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Good morning Chicago
I rolled out of bed this morning, ready to make Steve some coffee and oatmeal. I knew I had to feed the dogs but not before I was ready to take them out to walk. I'm still stiff and sore. My fourth toenail split on our first night here--it is a vertical split from the edge of the nail to the nail base and it is all the way through to the bed of the nail. did I say Ouch? I was wondering how I would walk yesterday, but a bandaid helps protect the nail and make it lay down (instead of the crack lying open.) I can wear my running shoes and then I discovered that a new pair of boots I bought on sale when I was here looking at houses is perfect. there is a lot of room in the toe box-so much that the top of the shoe part does not even touch the top of y toes at all. Hooray! so I was able to go take care of registering cars for parking and then go out to eat (only a block away) and then go to CVS--one block in the other direction. And I could walk the dogs.
probably this isn't interesting.
My house is up on the market in Pflugerville.
http://www.realtyaustin.com/idx/homes/texas/pflugerville/78660/1008-vanderbilt-cir/3066764.html
We priced so low but Pflugerville has a lot of homes at a great price. Most don't have as much cool stuff as mine did, so I'm hoping hardwood floors and heated pool really catch the eye of some mom who wants to bless her family with a great home. and prayers! I've prayed and prayed in and over the house. We have scriptures written in the foundation and in the innermost parts of the home which we wrote during the building process. Many times the Steve, the children and I went out to the building site and prayed over every step and for the future. Now someone can receive all those blessings!
The owner of our future home wants to stay in the home an extra couple of weeks (groan.) We expected to move in on May 1st. Now it may be mid-may. I still have to settle in so I can work towards Laura's wedding. I need to mail out some save-the-dates for Laura. We haven't gotten the invitations yet and the wedding is in July. (July 16 in Austin.) I can't wait to share my joy! I am so happy and full of hope and faith and love for Laura and Garson. What a blessing. I praise God.
So much going on in Kenya. I talked with Titus ---wait.....I actually talked with ANITA but I emailed and texted Titus. No, no....I DID talk to Titus--ha ha! I talked to him while I was driving.
Anita was telling me of a child that goes to the school where Rose teaches. He is about 11 or 12. He has five siblings. His mother abandoned them for a new man and now the young boy is the head of the home. He does what he can but they have been suffering. Rose took Titus to their home and immediately Titus could see they needed to do something for these children. Some people came to help them plant some vegetables so they could eat. When it was time to harvest, the mother snuck back with her husband and they harvested in the night and stole the food away. The children were left destitute as before. Even one little girl of about four has been sexually abused repeatedly by a neighbor and has visible venereal disease. The injustice is so painful and makes me angry. Can hell burn hot enough? People don't want others to go to hell--and you think we should not PAY for all the evil we do to one another!?!? Jesus has laid all that sin upon Himself that we could go free---even that mother and her husband could go free. Even that diseased pedophile could go free --but they refuse to accept the grace of God and turn from sin---so the little girl suffers and knows no different than to have large men abuse her painfully and for pain to be her constant companion and who knows how this will affect her heart and mind as she grows. We are molded by our environments to some degree---and for her there is no love and nurture---there is abuse and pain and sickness. I grieve!
I do what I CAN do---and I do not know this family ---but I join Rose and Titus in wanting to change the course of their lives. Titus does what he can all the time. He does more than you can imagine. His life is a constant service to hurting people and nasty jealous complaining people and joyful loving servant hearted people. He is a pastor to thousands. I don't envy his job one bit, but I commit to him and his service to God within his community. He could come live here, folks. He could come with his family and two of his children might not have died. But he serves that broken community where poverty tries to destroy everyone and so much evil is hidden. God is at work there, shining a light and bringing hope and He hears the cry of the children and rescues them.
and I think it is easy for us to forget how much evil is in our own hearts. We live in a materialistic world of comfort where our irritations are slow internet service and cars that cut us off on the highway. Our fingernail (or TOENAIL) breaks, our A/C wears out, we get a flat tire, or our boss is irritated and it wasn't even our fault. Those are our problems.
but when you look deeper, there is still divorce, adultery, lying (oh God help me -how Christians lie and pervert the truth!) and jealousy, envy, greed, sloth, wastefulness (guilty!), anger (guilty!) and there is perversion as people watch movies where they look upon the nakedness of others and just sit there as if God is not grieved????? Oh, if you were watching those people naked right in front of you---you would realize how evil your actions! but our commercials are filled with naked ladies rubbing soap on their hip--the only thing missing is nipples and pubic hair---how much of that do you watch?
we will see all that has been done on judgment day and it can't come a moment too soon. Let men call upon the Lord and be saved. Let us turn from our sin and unto the Holy One and Worship Him in beauty! why do we think we need all this delicious food and a massage and movies and concerts and pleasure and sensuality? (Not that we should not enjoy this life. Come on. You are looking for excuses when you criticize me as if I mean that life should not be good. We bless God for all this goodness but we must turn away from our sin----let the Holy Spirit convict us.)
I wish I could rescue souls from hell. Yes, even the mother of those abandoned children and even the pedophile --who for some reason thinks he needs to dominate this small child to get his needs met unnaturally. God forgive him his perversion and cruelty and save him that he might turn and repent and be cleansed. Let us not judge him but let us rescue her! let us rescue him, too! let us rescue each other! it is so easy to see how wrong the pedophile is---but let us turn from our sins, too! OH GOD, send me someone who cares enough for me to call me out for sin and rebuke and love me and forgive me---there is a better way by the Holy Spirit. Let us walk by the Spirit and we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
probably this isn't interesting.
My house is up on the market in Pflugerville.
http://www.realtyaustin.com/idx/homes/texas/pflugerville/78660/1008-vanderbilt-cir/3066764.html
We priced so low but Pflugerville has a lot of homes at a great price. Most don't have as much cool stuff as mine did, so I'm hoping hardwood floors and heated pool really catch the eye of some mom who wants to bless her family with a great home. and prayers! I've prayed and prayed in and over the house. We have scriptures written in the foundation and in the innermost parts of the home which we wrote during the building process. Many times the Steve, the children and I went out to the building site and prayed over every step and for the future. Now someone can receive all those blessings!
The owner of our future home wants to stay in the home an extra couple of weeks (groan.) We expected to move in on May 1st. Now it may be mid-may. I still have to settle in so I can work towards Laura's wedding. I need to mail out some save-the-dates for Laura. We haven't gotten the invitations yet and the wedding is in July. (July 16 in Austin.) I can't wait to share my joy! I am so happy and full of hope and faith and love for Laura and Garson. What a blessing. I praise God.
So much going on in Kenya. I talked with Titus ---wait.....I actually talked with ANITA but I emailed and texted Titus. No, no....I DID talk to Titus--ha ha! I talked to him while I was driving.
Anita was telling me of a child that goes to the school where Rose teaches. He is about 11 or 12. He has five siblings. His mother abandoned them for a new man and now the young boy is the head of the home. He does what he can but they have been suffering. Rose took Titus to their home and immediately Titus could see they needed to do something for these children. Some people came to help them plant some vegetables so they could eat. When it was time to harvest, the mother snuck back with her husband and they harvested in the night and stole the food away. The children were left destitute as before. Even one little girl of about four has been sexually abused repeatedly by a neighbor and has visible venereal disease. The injustice is so painful and makes me angry. Can hell burn hot enough? People don't want others to go to hell--and you think we should not PAY for all the evil we do to one another!?!? Jesus has laid all that sin upon Himself that we could go free---even that mother and her husband could go free. Even that diseased pedophile could go free --but they refuse to accept the grace of God and turn from sin---so the little girl suffers and knows no different than to have large men abuse her painfully and for pain to be her constant companion and who knows how this will affect her heart and mind as she grows. We are molded by our environments to some degree---and for her there is no love and nurture---there is abuse and pain and sickness. I grieve!
I do what I CAN do---and I do not know this family ---but I join Rose and Titus in wanting to change the course of their lives. Titus does what he can all the time. He does more than you can imagine. His life is a constant service to hurting people and nasty jealous complaining people and joyful loving servant hearted people. He is a pastor to thousands. I don't envy his job one bit, but I commit to him and his service to God within his community. He could come live here, folks. He could come with his family and two of his children might not have died. But he serves that broken community where poverty tries to destroy everyone and so much evil is hidden. God is at work there, shining a light and bringing hope and He hears the cry of the children and rescues them.
and I think it is easy for us to forget how much evil is in our own hearts. We live in a materialistic world of comfort where our irritations are slow internet service and cars that cut us off on the highway. Our fingernail (or TOENAIL) breaks, our A/C wears out, we get a flat tire, or our boss is irritated and it wasn't even our fault. Those are our problems.
but when you look deeper, there is still divorce, adultery, lying (oh God help me -how Christians lie and pervert the truth!) and jealousy, envy, greed, sloth, wastefulness (guilty!), anger (guilty!) and there is perversion as people watch movies where they look upon the nakedness of others and just sit there as if God is not grieved????? Oh, if you were watching those people naked right in front of you---you would realize how evil your actions! but our commercials are filled with naked ladies rubbing soap on their hip--the only thing missing is nipples and pubic hair---how much of that do you watch?
we will see all that has been done on judgment day and it can't come a moment too soon. Let men call upon the Lord and be saved. Let us turn from our sin and unto the Holy One and Worship Him in beauty! why do we think we need all this delicious food and a massage and movies and concerts and pleasure and sensuality? (Not that we should not enjoy this life. Come on. You are looking for excuses when you criticize me as if I mean that life should not be good. We bless God for all this goodness but we must turn away from our sin----let the Holy Spirit convict us.)
I wish I could rescue souls from hell. Yes, even the mother of those abandoned children and even the pedophile --who for some reason thinks he needs to dominate this small child to get his needs met unnaturally. God forgive him his perversion and cruelty and save him that he might turn and repent and be cleansed. Let us not judge him but let us rescue her! let us rescue him, too! let us rescue each other! it is so easy to see how wrong the pedophile is---but let us turn from our sins, too! OH GOD, send me someone who cares enough for me to call me out for sin and rebuke and love me and forgive me---there is a better way by the Holy Spirit. Let us walk by the Spirit and we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
Monday, April 04, 2011
We are in Chicago!
Friends, thank u for emails n calls! I love u!! I am going to try and update u through my blog so I dont bore too many.
It was quite an ordeal to get here. Puppies did great and pooped each day outside during pitstops. They were happy and spastic in hotels-- but I drugged them and they slept well. Training pays off!! Obedient children are a reward. They are not too thrilled living downtown in the loop, especially when a train goes by overhead! They are snoozing on my bed here with me now. Sarah thinks downtown looks old and rusty but she likes the area where we purchased a home. I have to get a P.O. Box set up so we get bills and TGD donations. You are all so faithful. I see Gods Grace in you. I give Him GLORY and cheer Him for His lovingkindness to the poor and in moving our hearts to care-- and making us ENJOY giving! We have His nature within.
I think living downtown is crazy. I have often traveled and enjoyed downtown hotels-- but these people live here. It is sensory overload right now but God will adjust me. And i can go to the aquarium and marvel at His creations or the planetarium to hear His glory proclaimed by the stars.
Steve had his first day at Navteq. I cant wait to hear! I know he will come home excited and brimming with fresh ideas and plans and dreams. He will fulfill Gods purposes like Moses or Joseph. Everything new and different. And he might collapse from exhaustion if God does not refresh him. We have worked and worked to prepare the house for sale, travel, and set up.
Doug came over and walked me n sarah to grocery store then pizza delivered and played a game together. Good family time.
It was quite an ordeal to get here. Puppies did great and pooped each day outside during pitstops. They were happy and spastic in hotels-- but I drugged them and they slept well. Training pays off!! Obedient children are a reward. They are not too thrilled living downtown in the loop, especially when a train goes by overhead! They are snoozing on my bed here with me now. Sarah thinks downtown looks old and rusty but she likes the area where we purchased a home. I have to get a P.O. Box set up so we get bills and TGD donations. You are all so faithful. I see Gods Grace in you. I give Him GLORY and cheer Him for His lovingkindness to the poor and in moving our hearts to care-- and making us ENJOY giving! We have His nature within.
I think living downtown is crazy. I have often traveled and enjoyed downtown hotels-- but these people live here. It is sensory overload right now but God will adjust me. And i can go to the aquarium and marvel at His creations or the planetarium to hear His glory proclaimed by the stars.
Steve had his first day at Navteq. I cant wait to hear! I know he will come home excited and brimming with fresh ideas and plans and dreams. He will fulfill Gods purposes like Moses or Joseph. Everything new and different. And he might collapse from exhaustion if God does not refresh him. We have worked and worked to prepare the house for sale, travel, and set up.
Doug came over and walked me n sarah to grocery store then pizza delivered and played a game together. Good family time.
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