Henry and Joseph on their new motorcycles

Here is some news cut from an email from Frank:

Joseph has been working on the website to make it meet the specifications you requested.

Lawrence has been in charge of the newsletters and contents therein and has been collecting articles and other pieces of information from all team members so that he can put it all together. I requested him to also collect information we will put in the special edition newsletter but that will get a special review from both Joseph and I before sending over to you.
I have Jack overseeing the rest in the various tasks they are performing as well as assign tasks to the other team members based on abilities. He is also sourcing the prices of printing the booklets for the pastors will forward the same to you for approval. We had a leaders' meeting and discussed the matter in detail.
In a previous leaders' meeting last week, we also discussed the various expense lines for the orphan administration funds and created a monthly budget for the same. I am working with Joseph in coming up with the document detailing how the orphan program works and we will have it as a document and also integrate it into our website.
I am also working on have some team members responsible for updating and keeping our Facebook fan page current so first I had to walk everyone through either configuring their phones or computers to receive TGD mail through outlook. It is faster, costs less because of shorter internet time and allows them to compose mail while offline and only make a connection when ready to send. Also all received mail are easily available on the local computer especially for reference purposes.
In summary I thank you so much for considering Henry and purchasing him a bike. You can tell from his facial expression that he is all happy and excited and we share in his joy as his trips and journeys have now been made more manageable. I have attached pictures for you to share in the joy. God Bless you so much.
On the side, I have made several attempts to send Kevin's glasses via Fedex and they refuse to take them without a prescription so I wrote to Kevin explaining the same and requesting him to scan his prescription for the glasses so that I can attach with them but I haven't heard back from him so I am waiting. I was also required to write a letter explaining that the glasses belonged to an American citizen and were forgotten in the vehicle while they were at the airport. Quite honestly I did not think that it was that difficult to send a pair of glasses to the States. Apparently they are classified together with medicine or something and so there is a process involved. Oh and in addition there is yet another form I have to fill. I don't mind the process but thought I should highlight the situation on the ground so that you may understand why the delay.


Okay, now this is Stephanie writing: I wanted to add that part about the glasses. It is very difficult to do things in Kenya that we take for granted. Many things take more process and more time. It's just hard. So when someone asks me to do this or that--sometimes I am not able to convey how difficult it can be going through the steps needed. The glasses are just a picture of normal business operations in Kenya. I pray God bring them the breakthrough!

Met with Titus! In the USA!

I had a great time in Southern Illinois this week. I drove down to see Titus and Rose. How exciting to see them in the USA! I had been planning to go see Anita ever since I've moved up here in April. But my personal travel schedule has been full and I've had a lot of wonderful visitors to my home. So it was God's timing and I rejoiced to make the 6+ hour drive with the beautiful changing tree colors of red, orange, gold, brown, green and just so many shades of beautiful.
I was so blessed to meet Anita's friends and see some I'd met before. I love Ed and Anita--they are Mom and Dad AND Brother and Sister to me. I've known Ed since 1987--BEFORE I WAS SAVED! And who knows if the Lord used him at that time? Jesus revealed Himself to me in December of 1987 and my whole world changed forever.
Anita was such a blessing to me as a young mom. She is very down to earth and loving and friendly. We are so much alike except that I was uptight about EVERYTHING and fearful and just plain inexperienced in life. Anita showed me the way of peace. She led me in serving the Lord with joy and abandon and Ed showed me how to walk with the Lord, learning His Word and obeying His Commands. We had a wonderful church family to raise our children (my children are about the same ages as Ed's and Anita's.)
Well, I ALWAYS love coming to Little Chapel! I first came for Rachel's wedding. Titus was there and oddly, we did not meet at that time! I did meet Joe Roberts, I remember.
but to come up again and meet friends at the Missions Board--what a blessing. People with the same heart as mine, loving the Lord and loving others. I really enjoyed visiting. I really enjoyed hearing Titus speak and even getting a chance to affirm what the Lord is doing in his community through him and Rose. He had a great video which was like coming home for me to watch. I love my Kenyan family! They are a part of me and it is my joy to serve them however the Lord makes a way.
I got to meet several orphan sponsors: Jody Williams, Cindy Winters, Heather Sais, Terah Ann Stearns, and Darla Martin. AND the Lord added Lisa and Jerrilyn to our family (Oh Jerrilyn, I may have misspelled your name because it is not right in front of me. I'll get it right soon! Hugs!)  We had SO MUCH FUN (well, I had fall off your seat fun) talking about the children and my experiences in Kenya. Anita and I just really enjoyed it. These are her home group women and we had a blast. We laughed, we cried, they gave and I love them for it! Glory to God! THANK YOU WOMEN OF GOD!
I pray the Lord gives me some time to go back there. What a great time I have with Anita and her friends and family. Love Love Love.
All Glory to Jesus for those He knits our hearts to!! He is too good to me. I praise Him!

Bible Study Report: Photos down below Erick's testimony

It is great joy to see the gospel spreading to more people. People getting to understand the true picture of the bible. The bible materials you left is a great boost to the spreading of the gospel in this community. Most people in this community don’t know how to read and write and only a quarter of the Christian population owns bibles. This means that Pastors have a great task to make people understand the word of God. But also this poses a great challenge; most preachers and teachers lack efficient teaching materials. We thank God for these few teaching materials from Willow Creek Church. It is what is making the whole difference.


God enabled us to attend two sermons in different churches and one thing in common was that all the pastors were using teaching materials from willow creek church. We worshiped and praised together. There was a mighty moving of the Lord in these sermons.

I had hard time choosing in which church to go because almost every pastor that attended the teachings last Sunday wanted us to fellowship in their respective churches. Most Pastors were eager to share with their congregations using the bible teaching materials that they received. We decided to visit two churches today and those are Ituti and Shitsitwi Cornerstone Ministries. As you are aware this is a ministry that has more than 40 branches in this locality.

The main speaker at Shitsitwi was Mr. Raphael Indoshi, a bible college student and a member of cornerstone. We reached there at around 9:00am. Mr. Raphael had an initial plan of visiting all of the 40 plus churches to teach the people the word of God. When he received the teaching materials, He decided that he will be using them in most of his meetings. God is empowering these teachings and this is a blessing. He only taught section one and a general overview of the material and it took Him long. I think these materials are deeper and we pray that God will open the understanding of His people so that they may understand His purpose to them. We praised the Lord together and left for Ituti.

Rev. Stanley Ingoka of Ituti Cornerstone also taught section one and a general overview. We arrived there in the course of the teachings. What interested the people was the cards. Those cards I think made the congregation livelier and it made them to understand better, especially the pictures. This pastor is really a gifted teacher of the word. He taught this material fluently in Luhya, the community language. We also had much to learn through these teachings. This is the best way to make people understand the bible. Most pastors have found these materials to be interesting and very effective in teaching the word. They Plan to ensure that the teachings reaches to more people and we praise the Lord for this.

Pastors requested us to pass their thanks to you and Willow Creek Church. They greatly appreciate these bible materials. Pastor Ingoka advised the congregation to take the teaching seriously and teach them to their families. We pray that God is opening ways for these pastors to get more materials and use them to change the world to Christ.

Erick's Testimony--Scroll down for his picture....

Am Erick, I was born in a very small and pour family within Kakamega District, western province part of Kenya. I lost my father and mother at the age of 4 and 5 consecutively and therefore I did not enjoy the parental love and care. My dad was polygamous, He had three wives and my mother happened to be the small woman and I was the only child from my mom. I stayed with my step mother who did some menial works in farming to keep me, her four children and my six step-brothers of her deceased co-wife. We hardly had meals in a day and we found it a problem to get basic needs like clothing and shelter.


I was thereafter adopted by my paternal uncle who was also not financially stable to fully sustain my studies and basic needs as well even though he wished to. My uncle’s family was God fearing and this made me to know Jesus at the age of 10 years. We went to church every Sunday and my uncle used to encourage and motivate me. I therefore recognized the magnitude of God at my early stage, by seeing many things He had done in my life. Whenever I was either spiritually or physically wounded he comforted me and gave me hope in life. This kind of life transformed me to a hard and strong young boy in the locality.

Despite the problems and difficulties I faced, I kept pushing on and working hard both at school and home. I used to help the family in doing some of jobs like washing, digging, cleaning the compound and more others. My hard-work brought me some opportunities for example through good performance at school, a well wisher stepped in to help me in paying school fees. This man of God paid my primary and secondary school fees. However, I used to guard his home, look after his animals, guard his farm, cleaning and some other manual jobs within his compound. However, the breakthroughs and experience made me to realize that the created universe is all about glory of God.

I stayed a prisoner life because I could not express myself or suggest any thing myself even if the thing had to affect my life, this kind of hostile environment scorned and intimidated me so much, but I prayed to God for freedom. My sharp brain made teachers to like me and always used me as an example to teach others. After my forth form course, I stayed home for two years jobless only to meet small opportunities that could come on my way like digging, weeding, harvesting and house construction for money.

In the year 2010 I was enrolled in the tgd community computer training where I studied computer packages and thereafter am studying computer programming course. This has involved some of programming languages like: html, xhtml, css, sql, C#, Asp.net among others. I also learned some other skills like: picture managing, web applications, Leadership skills by John Maxwell just to mention but few. At first, programming seemed to be so hard but when I deed it now and then, it has become fun in life. I therefore like it and I ask God to open the ways for tgd Kenyan programming team to start applying programming skills and knowledge in the daily life scenarios.

Apart from learning, I got an opportunity to work in the orphan’s project whereby I and my friends ensures that we visit orphans’ homes and find out some of basic things they need e:g food, medical, clothing, bedding and more others. We also visit them at schools and find out their curricular activities, education progress and challenges for instance, school fees, school uniform, course books, and shoes. By the fact that I grew up as an orphan, I stand a chance to understand very well problems affecting our orphans.

I not only monitor their physical growth but also encourage and motivate their spiritual development. I always tell them that God has a purpose for them and that Jesus is the father of orphans. My testimony sounds a blessing and miraculously encouraging to them thus giving them a step of faith and hope in life. I have a passion in serving them. I love and care for our orphans. Working with orphans is now part and parcel of my life because I enjoy being close to them as my brothers and sisters. Before I joined in the computer classes for my studies, I was very childish and I had fear to even speak before people, but I thank God because am now transformed in a new object that can boldly speak and express myself before congregations. This only happened after several lessons from good speakers like Stephanie, Steve and many other skilled speakers who taught me communication skills.

In addition, I advocate for the rights of orphans and weakened. Right now I stay with my Grandmother who initially found it rough to fully sustain her family of 6 grandchildren inclusive of me, but she now found it ease because of my support. I basically help the family in making decisions, buying food and many other social and basic issues. However, I glorify the lord because of the great transformation in my life because I see a great change and global growth in me spiritually, physically mentally and socially which gives me something to tell other people about God. This transformation has made me to be resourceful in the community, hence realizing leadership and development potential in me.

On 5th October, Mama Stephanie gave us a very wonderful talk; she encouraged us through her testimony. I learned that hard work pays and that God raises His people from very low background to a high level no matter what. Very many youth were happy, blessed and felt that Mama comes and to speak to us more. This is because many of us run short of faith and wisdom but such teachings gives hope and builds youths’ motives in working for God. However, I reflected my life and tried to compare with the teachings and realized that the teachings came to me at the right time, because I had lost hope in life and seen myself to be inferior.

Last but not list, God gave us a good team in Kenya which promotes love and unit. We don’t work to compete but to complete one another. We work and follow the footsteps of our fore leaders for instance Frank, Joseph and Henry who harmoniously work to make sure that we grow and perfect in our areas of profession. We see God’s manifestation of love and caring in the community and we wait to see what He has in stalk for us. I humbly take this golden opportunity to also thank the Almighty who inspired Mama Stephanie, Steve, Kevin, Pastor Ade, Anita as tgd vision bearers and other sponsors who came and brought light that will save lives of many Kenyans. I pray God to give them long lives, protect their families and bless works of their hands. Yours Erick.

Sunday October 16 ALL PRAISE TO GOD!

All praise to God for the opportunity He gave our churches! Through Trinity Global Development, God used Willow Creek Community Church to supply Cornerstone Church Kenya with Bible Study Materials. You may have seen earlier pictures of Jackson teaching pastors (scroll down.) Here Jackson is attending Ituti and Ishisitswe (not sure how to spell that one! but that is how I say it.) where Pastor Stanley and then Pastor Raphael taught these materials. We are greatly rejoicing with the pastors who now have a resource that has such depth that they can continually teach through this and offer their congregations another solid teaching of the Word.

Sharon goes to hospital

FRANK WRITES: Yesterday,  I accompanied Sharon and her guardian, Mary Salasia to the Kakamega General Hospital where she underwent x-ray, ultra sound and malaria tests. Sharon has been complaining of chest pains every now and then with excruciating pain that has made her school attendance erratic. The doctors examined her, gave her medication and scheduled another appointment should the attacks kick in again to enable them analyze the case further. She was also found to have the malaria parasites and was treated for malaria too.

Tiny taste of my recent trip-- I will have larger photos from Kevin later

oh my goodness these came out so small!  This is Gladys.

Here is Cynthia.

Sharon and me.

I am with Abednego here.

I've got Vivian on the left and Lillian on the right and they both need sponsor renewal or new sponsors. They are precious girls! Then Gladys is on my left and Fridah on my right.

Pastors getting Bible teaching materials

Special thanks to Dan Lovaglia, Teaching and Content Director at Willow Creek Community Church for giving Bible resources to the Pastors of Cornerstone Ministries in Western Kenya. Our Orphan Team Lead, Jack, reviewed the materials with several pastors across three hours. Many pastors traveled long distances to access these materials for their congregations after serving in their churches that Sunday morning. Praise God for these Bible overview materials that have 12 flashcards telling God's Story through His Word. It is a broad overview entitled, "Long Story Short" and begins with Genesis and going through the Old Testament showing God's redemptive plan through easy to draw pictures culminating in the promised Savior and the birth of a new people, His Church, who are one in purpose and move out to tell the world of this great plan of salvation through Christ and a relationship with our Mighty God who saves. WE ARE SO THANKFUL TO GOD!!! And so thankful for this system of teaching God's Word that is so deep yet so simple that even those without education can recieve LIGHT! The pictures are easy to draw and easy to memorize and easy to understand. We rejoice in the Love of God bringing understanding and revelation to His Beloved around the world! Our TGD Kenya team photographer, David, will be with Jack at the Ituti village church when the pastor presents to his flock. We'll have photos to show how the Good News is spreading to the poor! Hallelujah!

Program of school visitation; sponsored children with their teachers

These are pictures taken by the TGD Kenyan team photo lead, David Okedi last month, but I didn't have time to put them up. I wanted to add them now because I have seen such a tremendous transformation in these programming students, Christabel and Erick. Truly when I met them, they were as young people although very eager to learn and very quiet. When I met with them privately on my recent visit, I saw adults. I saw confident, capable adults. Erick shared his testimony of how God has really transformed him. He is an orphan and he felt sure that confident and intelligent people came from good families or went to the best schools or had privileges that he did not have--and yet, now he sees that HE is a leader and HE is capable and GOD can do anything through him! His computer abilities amaze him, and the training we have given him in leadership and business manners have increased his confidence 100x. Frank got the students to go through a John Maxwell series, "The Leader in You." and it was yet another leaping point of growth for everyone. Erick and Christabel really enjoy visiting with school officials and guardians through out the month. They enjoy giving one on one personal attention to the sponsored children. Whenever TGD team members arrive, the children all light up because they feel the love and support that they get from the TGD Kenyan workers. It is as if they are all one family. Erick is able to encourage them where they are at and build life into them. Christabel can sympathize with the unique problems girls face. They are great role models for the children and we bless the work they are doing --as they are the Hand of God to our children. Here we have photos of Dianah in blue who was so excited to hear from me that she has a high school sponsor for next year! She is a top performer in her school and sure to be admitted to Butere as Jane was---how awesome that by God's design, but by chance in our experience, we have managed to sponsor such top children! (it thrills me!) Dianah has a very faithful sponsor who gives automatically each month and now another sponsor is saving up to give her the extra $400 she will need as a 9th grader .....what they call Form 4. Next is Vivian. Vivian has been without a sponsor for many months. I have been covering her but she really needs someone to come along and commit to her. I feel I cannot put her out of the program, but the program is best run if someone else sponsors the children while I pay the salaries of the staff and workers and other various expenses we have in the broad TGD range. We have a few general donation givers who help us with projects and general expenses, but Vivian really needs a sponsor of her own. Please consider Vivian!
Lastly, we have Ben and Yvonne. Yvonne is a little ball of sunshine. I am pleased even to see Ben smiling here! Ben is quite shy and a very gentle young man. He is doing well in school, though. Yvonne is new to the program and she has AIDS but is responding well to medication. We will put her on a wholesome diet and continue to give her love and support. Praise God for sending her a sponsor! and God bless Ben's sponsor as well. We give Glory to God for His tenderness and love to our Kenyan family.

yes, amazing pictures are coming

Kevin took his cool camera and took pictures of the children, the staff/students, and the safari. We saw LIONS! It was overwhelming and cool. There they were, giant cats, snoozing just so close to us. And even a hyena in the trail--we were going up a steep hill and the mist was obscuring our vision but as we approached, we could just make him out there--and Kevin managed to pop his head out of the sunroof and get a photo. We had no idea what we would see except we were pretty certain we would get the baboons and zebra. Then there were also giraffes, ostrich, rhino, oh so many animals! and we were RIGHT THERE in their home. No zoo for these guys. It was a testiment to the Lord. All Glory to Him who created us!
It was so good to see the children, too. I greeted each one. I changed their food to healthier options. we aren't going to be giving sodas during distribution day and we are choosing breads with whole grains. Everyone got a toothbrush and Dr. Powell's office, here in Barrington IL also gave toothpaste. We had enough toothbrushes for all the preschool, all the orphans, AND the staff and students plus some left over. For $40, I purchased 2 boxes of 144 temporary toothbrushes with instant toothpaste on them. Toothbrushes should be changed every 3 months (or less!) and so anyone who wants to donate for toothbrushes on any future trip--please do! We have SO MANY people in need--and it is just a great blessing!
I can't remember all that we did even though I am freshly returned. I really did try to document more though. I promise you, I am NOT thrilled to be in these photos. Even harder is sort of shouting from the rooftop about the things you are doing. So it is a battle, but I want to fight for the well being of my Kenyan friends and family. I am overjoyed to be their advocate. I praise GOD that He allows me to work for others and serve others. This work that you share with me brings praises to God. Those who receive are SO THANKFUL!!!
As I met with each of the students who have been promoted to working in the orphan program, there was so much gratitude. It was the kind that swells in your heart and spills over--even some were at a loss for words. But I could see it and it was a great blessing to know these students have been blessed by the Lord. One student, Don, has been living very well in his village because everyone now knows to call on him if they have a computer problem. He finds he can fix most things and can install software for people and trouble shoot and more---so he is called upon and makes money now. It is something he could have never done without the TGD training! Another student, Derrick, has so little money and works his garden as a farmer in the early morning before coming to programming classes. He has a wife and two children, one just born three months ago. When LifeStraw came to his area, he was given a job because he was the only one in his village area who could use a computer (and he can do it well!) Plus one of our students, Agnes from Pastor Steve's church, has dropped her classes because she has gotten a job as a secretary due to her fine computer skills! Plus, another student, Ruth, now works for a member of parliament! PRAISE GOD!
We will be working on bringing you a photo and an expanded story of the above. This is one of my 10,000 life long dreams come true! (That's my phrase borrowed from Daggit of Angry Beavers---he also had 10,000 lifelong dreams in one day.) All glory to Jesus for how He lifts us up and how He rewards work! These students are reaping the rewards of their hard work---amen!

Had a full day Friday

Morning we greeted students- Kevin taught about various programming languages. Then read storybooks to preschool and passed out toothbrushes. One child was gashed on his knee, i bumbled to clean and tape it shut. He needed stitches but I waited for the parent. We got permission to take him to the doctor. Then I had 1x1 with Senior and Junior Staff. Then dinner with Titus and Rose.

Stephanie Rivers
Trinity Global Development
100% of your donation goes to
Kenya! www.TGDonline.com
www.TexasRivers.Blogspot.com

Arrived

I am in Kenya at long last. The flights were amazing. I had a three row to myself and the other flight had a seat between me and a very quiet woman. I slept three times on each flight! We had a hotel room instead of waiting through a 12 hr layover.
When I was getting my luggage, a man came up asking to see inside a bag. He questioned me, " what do you have inside- show me, Do you have drugs in that suitcase? " i explained it was only books. He had no badge so I asked him to show me one. He stalled but I insisted. Oops-- he did have one, so I opened my case. No drugs.
Well, that threw me off and I grabbed my other one and headed out. I remembered to get the two bags with items for our community--- and forgot my personal case with underwear and clothing! Eeek!!
I didnt realize it until I was in my hotel room ( which has a blow dryer and a fan -- woohoo!) and poor Frank was dispatched to retrieve it for me. What a stupid mistake. And he hasn't slept like I have!! I sure appreciate him. He just texted me to say, "Got it!" big sigh of relief. At least I remembered to lock that one!
Stephanie Rivers
Trinity Global Development
100% of your donation goes to
Kenya! http://www.tgdonline.com/
http://www.texasrivers.blogspot.com/

Praying

Pray with me:
Lord, i come before you through the blood of Jesus. Thank You for Your cleansing blood. Thank You for Your Holy Name! Blessed be the name of the Lord! Lead us by the Holy Spirit. Illuminate Your Word. Let there be Light!
I ask that Your Will be done on this trip in Jesus name. I pray I have Kingdom eyes and a heart of Gods Love. Help us dwell in unity and adore You! Help us glorify Your Name!
Provide for Your children Lord. Prosper Your people. Let shouts of Joy and Victory resound in the hearts of the Righteous of the Lord. Nurture the bruised reed, guard the smoldering wick that it may fan into a flame of fire burning for You. Show Yourself Mighty!
Grant us repentance!
Reveal our sin that we may turn from it by dependence on Your Saving Power and righteousness. We believe the Good News! We receive Your Righteousness! Forgive our unbelief! Increase our faith!
We forgive those who have hurt us, insulted us, slighted us, ignored us, accused us of anything, misjudged us, misunderstood us, cut in front of us, scared us, irritated us, disappointed us, frustrated us, refused to change, done it again and those who have engaged in wrongful behavior. We bless them all and ask You to have mercy on us all- for we have likewise done these things. You have given us power to forgive and overcome evil with good. Strengthen us by Your spirit in our inner man so Christ dwells in our hearts through faith. Establish us in LOVE, knowing JESUS who LOVES us and likewise loving others.
Guard us in our weakness. Help us flee the things we see and want ( lust of eyes,) favorite foods/comfort/excitement (lust of the flesh) and wanting people to approve even admire us ( pride of life 1John2:6.) lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Awake our soul to YOU that we may flee sin.
You are the center of all existence. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. You will come on Your white horse with Your robe dipped in blood ( Rev 19) and You will tread the winepress of the fierce wrath of God! Come Lord Jesus! You will gather Your Beloved and make all things new. Hallelujah! We rejoice in our God!
May we walk in trust, Lord. Sanctify us in Your Truth. Work in our hearts that we bear fruit for You.
We thank You for travel mercies. Lord, bring comfort and endurance to our flesh on the long flights. Guard us from mischief and mayhem on the roads and among the peoples. Bring supernatural appontments-- and obedience at every turn. It is a blessing of joy to be in the service of the Lord and to be about Your business. Guard attitudes and let words be annointed, dripping with dew.
We bless You, We Praise You! We ask these things in Jesus name, Amen.

Beautiful WELL! Bumamu Has a WELL!

Can you imagine 300-500 lives changed by the presence of a well? (I'll check on those numbers when I get there and be more certain!) Hallelujah that God Gave and HE gives US hearts to Give! Special thanks to those Christians moved to consider the poor. Thanks to all of you who find your joy in giving! When Christ fills you up, you overflow with thankfulness and beautiful event occur through your life. I pray that this abundance leads those who receive to be generous from their heart as well. You can make a difference!  Keep looking for ways to give to the poor and needy!

Julien in Germany

By the grace of God (because I am a terrible mailer,) Julien received my gift of a talking book. I read him a Hallmark recordable book that is a prayer to God. You turn the page and when it senses the light, it activates the voice recording for that page. Pretty cool! It was one way I could be with him while I am far away. You can see on the left side of this photo that I also sent a printout letter with a picture of me and Steve. That way he could easily connect who it was from and who is loving him! I had a short time with him in Germany, but I so enjoyed him. I pray the Lord takes us back to Germany and I get more Julien time! and time with his mommy, daddy, and sister Sophie, too! Thank you, Jesus!

New Computer Students

These computer students are in the community and paying a very small fee in order to cover the costs of printing and such. Here is a report from Oscar, one of the students-turned-instructor, a very gifted programming student:

The community training program continues and there have been a number of activities that have taken effect in the last few couple of days and it is important to bring to your concern. The teachers are committed to encourage learners to gain intellect in spiritual and moral well-being as it is the only way to get exceptional achievement in any learning institution. We keep reading scriptures to them and instill the fact that God is all powerful and Has got good plans for us to prosper.


Teachers sat down together and saw it vital for the students to have an exam so as to be rest assured of how capable is each one of them as far as the areas covered is concerned. We then came up with questions and printed them out. I was encouraged because the students received the news about the exam with awe and stated that this will also make them be sure of how best they understand computer applications they have covered.

On 7th of this month was the exam day. We gave them at around 2:00 PM in the afternoon. In one and a half hours time, they were through and we immediately started marking the papers. The following are the results; Patrick – 70%, Bonface – 50%, John – 28% and Corazone – 62%. Patrick and Bonface scored low marks because they joined us late when other areas were already covered. They have promised to work an extra mile to make sure that they also stand a good chance of attaining higher marks. This is absolutely good. Yesterday and today has been revision all through. We pray that God opens up their minds to absorb this important knowledge that is brought to them.

We are trying as much as possible to create awareness concerning the community computer training that is already on the ground. This is so because people perish due to lack of information on knowledge. Indeed, we appreciate the gift of love that God manifests in us so that we are able to create healthy relationships with the community and the world at large. Praise be to the Lord.

For unto us a cow is born, unto us a calf is given! Wonderful!

Hi Mama Stephanie

Joseph got the report about the delivering of the cow that belongs to Sharon Mukoya. He requested Jackson and i to dash there and take the pictures of the cow with its new born calf. It is joy to see the cow at last with the calf, we are now counting two instead of one. I think the Lord is blessing the area through TGD because the cow seems to be a breed that produces a lot of milk. When we arrived at Shianda where sharon stays, we only managed to find her together with some children. The guardian had just left the house few minutes ago before our entry. Sharon was happy from the way she expressed her statements to us. On Saturday we had been at the site where the cow is being taken care of and therefore we confidently walked there accompanied by Sharon herself. The cow was eating nappier grass and it seemed to be in a perfect condition in terms of health. It is a beautiful cow that denotes a great blessing to the society at large. When I looked at the calf I was amazed to see that it was so big and yet it is only two days old. The cow is still producing colostrum and therefore the calf is under control so that it should not over suckle the colostrum from the mother. Thanks to SERVANTS OF JESUS for such a great gift.
I my own view this is very encouraging to see such great blessings come to the society. We have hope that there is a better tomorrow. The headlights are now shinning brighter and hope is now blossoming. If God can do this it is just an indication that he can do more and more than we can imagine. The myriads of activities that God is fulfilling under TGDs Umbrella are now growing. As we count the increase in orphans that are being sponsored through TDG, we also count our blessings such as this of the cow.
Blessings, Lawrence.

Heidi Baker newsletter

Here is a quote from the newsletter of Heidi Baker and her husband:
https://www.irismin.org/news/newsletters/view/core-values-at-iris#jump-losing-one-airplane-gaining-a-better-one

4) We understand the value of suffering in the Christian life. Learning to love requires willingness to suffer for the sake of righteousness. Discipline and testing make saints out of us, and produce in us the holiness without which we will not see His face and share His glory. With Paul we rejoice in our weaknesses, for when we are weak we are strong. Under great pressure we learn to rely on God, who raises the dead (2 Cor. 1:9).
Jesus was rewarded for enduring evil opposition without sin. Our reward in heaven will be for the same -- doing the will of God. We resist sin, to the point of shedding blood, if necessary, by considering His example (Heb. 12:3). Jesus is glorified now not because He exerted His power against His enemies, but because He overcame them with love. That kind of love entails suffering, the willingness to turn the other cheek, go the second mile, deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Him. He showed us the only way to be counted worthy, and the angels sing of him, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing" (Rev. 5:12). There is no shortcut to our heavenly inheritance. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs -- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory" (Rom. 8:17).

Email from Jackson

Hi Stephanie,




Today the junior staff spent the day packing the items ahead of tomorrow’s’ visit. The distribution of this month is very significant to these needy children. The price of essential commodities continues to rise and many families have been going without some. I know they have been waiting eagerly for this day and God is visiting them tomorrow. There is a great meaning in this ministry of feeding the hungry. I can’t imagine how they could have coped with the current food crisis if there was no help, but God renews hope to the hopeless.

We present tomorrow to our almighty God. Trinity Global development belongs to Him and what He has started will definitely accomplish His purpose no matter the obstacles. He has called us by our names to serve Him. Let His will be done.



God bless you abundantly,



Jackson.

Brenda and her mother

Brenda and Shaline---that is a precious countenance on Shaline!!!

TGD Kenya new staff behind four new students

These are actually PAYING students! That helps with materials they use and need.

Jackson, newly working as the team lead over orphans under Frank's supervision along with Lawrence at his side. Here he is with Zanaibu and her guardian.

September Newsletter Posted!

Please check out http://www.tgdonline.com/ and see the new orphan profiles!! PLUS the September Newsletter is also posted.
I am so thankful for the TGD Kenya staff, specifically Joseph Omuto and anyone who helped him! Thank you to Jesus that we now are getting the website updated!

check it out!

Coming Soon--More pictures

Thank you so much for reading the blog here. I am grateful for those who check in and live this precious life with me and/or for the Lord.....or even for curiousity. A special thanks to those who honor the friends and the children who benefit from the donations in Kenya. God bless all of you. I pray He reveal Himself to You and give the the Joy of Giving and the unity of our humanity on this temporal world.

The Love of Human Praise as the Root of Unbelief

This is the second one----listen to the other sermon (of the same name) FIRST


The Love of Human Praise as the Root of Unbelief

The Love of Human Praise As the Root of Unbelief

The Love of Human Praise As the Root of Unbelief

No One Ever Spoke Like This Man! on Desiring God

No One Ever Spoke Like This Man! on Desiring God

The Common Root of Unbelief in the Brothers of Jesus and the Jewish Crowds on Desiring God

The Common Root of Unbelief in the Brothers of Jesus and the Jewish Crowds on Desiring God

Mobile Library begins for orphans and their schools

Your sponsorship purchased these books and learning aids! They will be circulated amongst the sponsored children AND their schools---which are sorely lacking in any addition reading materials. Now the children are learning that the blessing coming to them can spread to others as well. Let God be their glory and the lifter of their head. Let Him crown them with honor and life.

Benjamin

Our apprentice leaders doing an excellent job! Duncan, Jackson, and Lawrence. We commend them to you and ask for your prayers for their health, determination, creativity and perseverence, in Jesus' name.

Shaline

Noel

New Latrines for Cornerstone Preschool and a new mobile library for TGD sponsored children and their schools!

Letter from Jackson, our new leader

Jackson leads with Frank's guidance. I wanted to share the letter I received this morning regarding Grace and Everlyn. Note that they would like storybooks. I can suggest some solid type of reading of a classic sort if you would like to send them or any of the other children some books.

Lawrence and I visited two orphans on Sunday. That is Everline and Grace. We really wanted to worship together with them but unfortunately they normally complete children Sunday service just at 9.00am. The service is conducted in their house by their uncle who is a preacher of the Anglican Church. On that day, the uncle was on a mission in the neighboring town.


We rushed to a nearby church, Word Center, where we had our Sunday service and promised to see Everline and Grace after the service. We really wish that these kids grow to fear the lord, that their spiritual life is nourished. We pray that they will live to be a great testimony in the kingdom of God.

After the service, we went back to Owaga’s home where Everline and Grace live. We were warmly welcome by their guardian. She could not hide her joy. It is a holiday season and almost all the children are at home. Our main aim of the visit was to know the general progress of these orphans. We inquired about their education, health, discipline and their hobbies if any.

These girls are really working hard at school. Their performance is remarkably good. We did not have a chance to look at their recent school report books because when they were closing the school, their guardian was not at the venue to pick their report books. She promised to go for them the following day. The health of these children is good. The guardian said that their health is very stable due to monthly distribution where these kids are supplied with food and clothes. Jackets have played a big role especially during this rainy season. These girls have at least a number of clothes and they now look presentable. The guardian hasn’t received any reports of indiscipline from the school and she pointed out that they are very obedient and she corrects them whenever they go wrong.

These children do love to study. Their guardian identified this as their hobby. Though they have insufficient school material such as books especially story books. We really insisted on education. Education progress of these children means a lot, not only to them but to the society as a whole. This is the gospel that we shall continue to preach to guardians. We need these children to excel in education. We had a great time with this family and chatted on many issues with the uncle who likes speaking about politics and current affairs. After the talk, we said goodbye to the family. Everline and Grace accompanied us to the nearest market where we bought some lollipops for them. They promised to share with the other kids. They were very excited.

As we boarded the vehicle back to our destination, they remained waving in the air unceasingly bidding us goodbye.

We intend to pay frequent visits to our children especially during this August holiday. There are challenges but we pray God will take us through.

God bless you and let us thank Him for showing us the true meaning of this life.

Yours in Christ Jesus,

Jackson Nerrickson.

just got home

Not much time to sort things out yet, but it was so good to have Sarah and Nicole pick us up at the airport! And Nicole's little belly is growing with Raynor inside. I took a look online hoping to find some midwives in the Jackson, MS area, but to no avail. Well, I did find SOME things, but it was terribly hard to really get information. I don't think there are just stand alone birthing clinics there as there used to be. I went to midwives when I was pregnant with Kevin and I know Cindy delivered Doug somewhere about 30 minutes out of Jackson--did she say Meridian? There may be a birthing center there.
and there is no birthing at home in Illinois, either, because Anita is a Doula who would love to be a midwife. I'd love for her to be with Nicole, she is so matter of fact. of COURSE you can do this! Push that baby out! :-)
My puppies were glad to see us. They both went right to Steve and Penelope peed all over the place. She still does that sometimes as a submissive greeting pee. Yuck. She managed to spray Steve's shoe. Oliver did his special dance. I showed Sarah and Nicole some things I brought for them. I am not a big shopper so they are blessed to get anything! I bought something for Laura, Mom, and Kevin, too. Steve bought himself some new large collar dress shirts. I got myself a purse. We ate a lot of food. Meat, potatoes, cheese, wine. Steve had beer. I had milk. It's good to be home, as always. We have some house guests who came before I got home so that will be interesting when we run into them. They are here in Chicago for the Jesus Culture meeting at the Allstate center by the airport. I'm sure it is awesome and I'd love to be there but there is only so much running about that a wimpy soul can take.
I really pushed to make the trip to London include deeply spirtual aspects but I do think it pulled me down into the flesh in plenty of ways. So much human viewing, so much judging. At first, I was praying. If I saw anything untoward, I said a prayer. I blessed passersby. In the end, I was thinking things like, Oh I like that dress. Look at her hair. I'd like a purse like that. Oh she is so beautiful. Oh goodness they are an ugly couple. what were they thinking when they went out in THAT? I don't know. I think so many people ---just SO MANY PEOPLE sort of wore me down.
but in the quiet of St. Elizabeth's chapel, I spent a beautiful hour praying. It's just outside of Westminster Abbey. The tour through there is so disappointing as it is more of a shrine to man. Obviously, we all want to be praised and remembered. God deliver us from desiring praise from Man and let us work for your praise. I know when I left out of there, my prayerfulness was restored and I felt cleansed by the work of Christ on the cross and I know He makes peace for me. God's wrath, His justifiable wrath against me is removed as I look upon Jesus in love and faith. and I'm so thankful for the silence in there.
I wanted to go through Westminster, though, to this place on the inside where the cloisters were. There is a garden and I thought I could access it without going through the tour, but I could not. They had another little museum in there, something like what the clerics wore through the years maybe--I can't remember now, but I remembered my delight from the past. I had hoped to sit outside in that courtyard and just be silent before God (yes, I always find that hard unless I'm really blitzed mentally. then I am mostly unable to pray which is quite different from silence before the Lord.)
but I loved the history of Christians, even though it is torrid and we're horrible people and the faithful fall even as bad as the weeds/goats that grow up among us. It shouldn't be like that.
on the way home, in the plane, the girl sitting next to me was horridly annoying. She dominated the arm rest and continually spilled over into my space. I prayed a thousand times for grace. Shifted myself away suddenly as a subtle hint which she never seemed to care about. I thought about what would I seem like if I TRULY loved God and was able to really access His Love for me and allow His grace to generate love for her. what would that be like?
well, I likely wouldn't be reading the Economist and Marie Claire. I mean, can you see Mother Theresa or a Tibetan monk reading a fashion magazine? No. Does that mean I shouldn't? unsure. Diana was a precious soul and she read fashion magazines---not that I use her as an excuse. I know JESUS did not read fashion magazines because they didn't have them.
but I do know that he had a form such that you would not desire him. so he wasn't charasmatic or a dandy or slick.
I just know I don't EXUDE Jesus. I think about Him all the time. I love Him most of the time (the other time I'm not thinking of Him, that's all.) I eagerly await the grace to be given me when He appears. I appropriate the grace for living TODAY.
I just wish I were more.
you know. I want to be the perfect Christian. Probably just to get the praise of man, which is sin. so let's not go there. I want to glorify GOD!
Even as I set about to serve Him in one way or another, I was thwarted. So then I realized--hey, I obeyed, right? I think it is this American Thing about PURPOSE. We want to be efficient and have PURPOSE.
So I laid it down and said, okay, so I made the effort because of what I thought you wanted and it didn't happen and that's okay, right? because it is between You and me. and then what happened??? The follow through. I DID get to do that thing (unmentionable here--but you have this experience, too, so just fill it in with your attempts to serve Him in Love.)
and then I was happy all over. Take it in because it is fleeting! Happy all over. Thank you, Jesus. I run in the path of your commands for You have set my heart free (is that in Psalm 119?) That's how I feel.When you love someone, doing something for them is so delightfully easy. When you don't love someone, it feels like slavery and so burdensome. Same with God. Loving Him makes everything easy!
(even tolerating someone taking up your personal space repeatedly for over 8 hours.)
well, maybe I didn't make it on that one. I'm still sort of miffed.
Forgive me, Lord, and cleanse me with your blood. Your precious blood that saved me --I died with you on that cross. and You raise me up. Hallelujah!

Laura's wedding on Tribeza blog

http://tribeza.com/myblog/behind-scenes-caterer%E2%80%99s-view-wedding

It's all about the fabulous caterer, but if you click on the link where "Laura and Garson" are first mentioned, it takes you to their engagement photos by Forever Photography and you can scroll down to see them if you haven't seen them before.

Illuminated manuscript - Victoria & Albert Museum - Search the Collections

Illuminated manuscript - Victoria & Albert Museum - Search the Collections

Victoria and Albert Museum

Now i have so many things on my mind. I wrote Frank in Kenya and wrote Sarah/Brenda about precious Lily cat needs to have her final nap. I am in the room by myself while Steve does Very Important Things. and then I found that Susan had taken a fabulous photo of me and Steve kissing at Laura's wedding. (THANK YOU SUSAN!!) I saved it off to Steve's computer and loaded it up here. Happy Me!
Then, i've been hearing all these Londoner's speaking. Nicole has discovered the delicious cinnamon bear, but Sarah tells me they are so sticky on teeth that they've not eaten many of them.

Today was the Museum. We've gone to it before, but it is such an amazing place that you wear out before you can take it all in. We did the medieval area, of course. But we have just been to Germany and I've watched the movie "LUTHER" on my ipod, and then going to St. Martin's----I'm just full of Jesus in a ceremonious way. I long for the structure and beauty and form of worship where you sit and kneel and stand. where there are symbols and processionals. I learned just today that the reason the catholics have that censor of incense is to create an atmosphere of the tangible presence of God. Oh that's lovely.
His presence is ALWAYS with us. Read Psalm 139--you cannot flee from God! There is no place without Him! and then He is holding all things together. Now God is not the tree. God made the tree and He holds the tree together. He holds the universe together and He manifests Himself to us. Oh that the God who created a vast universe would pierce my consciousness and SPEAK! I love Him.
To see all these elaborate articles of worship and these beautiful tapestries that have been created by someone somewhere who treasured Christ. There were these beautiful panels which depicted parts of the book of Revelation. I stopped and marveled and noticed the audio headset there. I picked it up and got an interpretation of the scenes. There was also chants unto God, beautiful singing and the interpretation. I was transported. When I saw some works lovingly made --religious articles, true, but some of those artists LOVED HIM. And they glorified Him in their work and there I was standing looking at it and someday I may meet them and say, "I saw what you made and I worshipped God there."
There is so much more to say, but now that I've written that, everything else seems silly. Worthy is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Kiss of love and joy at our daughter's wedding

Thanks to Susan for taking this great photo!

beautiful service

Today we started out early. Skipped the pricey room service and stopped at a local outdoor cafe for breakfast. Kind of an Italian place, we'd eaten there before. They had a full English breakfast for 7 pounds. I had scrambled eggs and cheese bread. The real food to mention, though, was our late lunch back again near our hotel---Steve got the roast beef and yorkshire pudding. A family favorite. I've given out the recipe to friends. IT WAS FABULOUS! (made me think of mummy and duhdy--my fake English accent there.) It was not as beefy since we add bacon drippings but oh my goodness, the eggy delight. I'm getting that next time. I opted again for cheese toast--2nd time in a day. Garlic, I should add.
The best part of the day is that at breakfast we could hear the church bells ringing. I knew we were near St. Martin's in the Field ( you can google it.) But those bells started at 9:15 or something. Just a tad rude to the folks nearby perhaps? Not that I minded, but I think of those muslim calls to prayer. You know, the faithful only need a bit of a honk and they will get to praying or head to church. Drawing it out only irritates the unbelievers----doesn't likely bring any conviction at all. so what is the point? not that I'm deciding what any one needs to do. I'm not on the bell committtee. But I DO love to worship Jesus and particularly observe a special time on Sunday where I worship with others. Any one who follows Jesus Christ is my buddy so off we went. Steve suggested we go in, I think I was nervous once we approached. I have truly visited so many churches around the USA and the world, but I just felt awkward.
In we went and they handed me the program as we passed by. I scooted as close to the front as Steve allows and moved in below the place where the man preaches. It's those olden days kind where he's stuck out there like Martin Luther or one of the Puritans, I don't know. It'd different than those just at the front. I didn't know if we were in a protestant place, angelican or catholic. No matter to me because I read through the program and it was deeply reverent, filled with scripture, and fully loving Jesus. yay! and they had those super cool prayer benches. (I WANT A PRAYER BENCH!)
it's a service you can easily chime in with locals because it's all played out for you. I sang the songs off key because I didn't know them and it is hard to follow in real time. You know, the go up on the note and I was in mid range following them up on that last syllable but whoops, they were going down just then. a bit comical. especially when they got to the greeting part because I know to say God be with you  and answer "and also with you" and so I turned to the guy on the other side of me. but he did not extend his hand. I said, "Aren't we supposed to shake?" he said, I think in just a bit. OOPS. nervous laugh. and then it was time and he was obviously a real Christian, that warm nice look in his eye and he said it with meaning. and all the people around me did also. Wow, not common to actually land in the middle of a bunch of people who actually MEAN to love you in that moment. so that was pretty cool. I was blessed. because I am one of them, too, reaching out to each person, even that guy I messed up with: "God be with you." from my heart. Be saved, be forgiven, be loved, be changed, love others joyfully and many more things I mean when I say it. They meant it, too, oh I wish I could describe better.
I didn't take communion, although I usually do, because they do the "drink from the same chalice" stuff and that guy was NOT doing a good job of wiping like they did over in Westminster Abbey when we did communion there. THAT time the guy wiped hard and fully inside and out on the lip of the cup. I just figured I'd pass. You could go up if you were in Christ but they also offered a blessing if you wanted to come up and just bow your head and not get communion. Well, i had worn FLIP FLOPS---kind of not church wear. i still could have gone, right? The preaching was really good and I loved all the symbolism since we dont' have that much. Turns out they were Catholic when they prayed for their father in rome. Well, I pray for him, too. God bless him and lead him. He's an influential man.
This church is particularly meaningful because I am descended from a couple who were married there in that church! how awesome is THAT? and there I was in that church.....great great great something rather. have to ask my dad. He found out about how Clark goes back so far in England and then on one of the women's lines we can go back to 1473. 
After that wonderful morning, we got on the underground and headed over to the tower of London and to see the tower bridge. we meant to make it to the Globe Theatre but we had to get there before 12 and we spent so much time trying to find the restrooms after church that we wouldn't have made it. maybe later. We knew from the messsage not to push it. Leave room for silence. Go slow. rest. That's what we are doing now. (uh...i'm not being silent but I am resting.)
Looking at couples and families and clothing and hearing accents and dialects and languages is pretty entertaining. Throngs of tourists. we mingle and weave. The sun was shining brilliantly and the wind was blowing a cool relief and we got to see a great little play just outside of the Tower of London. We went into the National Gallery and found a portrait of the boy who inspired Christopher Robin holding his beloved Pooh bear and i melted and grabbed him close, loving him through his cellophane wrapping. Oh darling pooh. You are a beloved icon! i read it on CNN. I've always loved you, my adventurous bedfellow. All those nights I rescued you from the floor of lava and just barely got you onto the raft (bed) safely. From there we could pick out the mickey mouse and donald duck figures on the sheets together. Silly bear. how I love you.
Perhaps Nicole's little Rayner needs a bed fellow? Or would sarah and I weep at the loss? One favorite sweet quote from little Sarah....."you think I only love pooh bear because you love him???? no. i love him myself." how precious is that? and she said it with the most earnest loving charm and assurance. We still have him and he's lovely. Not like this wild and flamboyant pooh bear of today. Next thing you know, Peter Rabbit will be morphing into Roger Rabbit like Pooh has sort of done. But this sweet old original bear....he even comes before our pooh. We'll decide all together about his future.

From Germany to London

It has been strange to be unconnected to the general populace. My phone stays off and we rarely have internet connectivity as we are out and about.
Germany was another new country and we drove along the Rheine seeing castle after castle on the high hilltops on either side. Quaint little towns below with adorable old buildings lining the river banks. Barges and boats floating by. The weather was perfect, very warm with a slight wind. We were in the car but we would have loved to climb those steps to the castles which had differing qualities of repair. Some were just ruins and others were clearly still in use in some manner. Oh to have google at my finger tips! I would have looked up St. Goar and Obervessel (I have that second one spelled incorrectly.)
We had driven on the autobahn to Veldhoven in the Netherlands--I have already been through Amsterdam but now I was really somewhere in the Netherlands rather than just passing through. and there was no border check. That was odd. It was just like crossing a state line in the USA. Just a sign and then you are somewhere else.
and oh I already miss precious little Julian and little Sophie!!! My goodness those children have captured my heart. I asked to speak to Julien on the phone and he said, Aunt Stephanie, I am missing you. (PRECIOUS!) because we had gone around that day talking and talking. He's such an interesting little guy. Very verbal in both languages. He told us he wanted to be a train driver. Then later he said he wanted to be a bus driver. His mom asked him, Which one then? and I explained that it depended on what he liked. Did he want to have lots of people get on and off and make lots of turns and go around different places? or did he want to go in one sort of straight line but with lots of power. He thought a minute and said; " I want the power." I told him, "Trains it is, then."  and he agreed.
and now we've come to London. It is always good to be in London. Such a hub of activity! and the variety of peoples everywhere--great to watch and pray for. We are close to Picadilly Circus in this crazy hotel. It is very expensive due to location, but they are really working on everything to be ready for the Olympics in 375 days (we saw a countdown clock in front of the National Gallery.) I wish I could show the room--I did make a video because I was incredulous. Purple crushed velvet bedding and garish silver printed lavender leather for a wall of a headboard. Purple couch and well, you half expected to see something like a mirror on the ceiling, but praise God, they didn't go that far. The toilet room had a bidet and a sink and a door for privacy but the tub in like smack in the middle of the whole suite! It's shaped like half an egg shell. I love baths but it seems scary to try to get out of that one and step on the marble floor. The towels hang on heated bars--that is super cool--but steve made it super COOLER and by that I mean cold! the room was at 19 c and I froze this morning. I had them bring an overpriced breakfast to the room and I guess I'll make do in the future with something from a nearby grocery in order to avoid those costs. We got that blood sausage which looks like a black jimmy dean sausage patty but if you bite into it, you spit it right out--UGH! I did get them to leave off the tomato and mushrooms. Just not what I like to see in the morning. and the baked beans don't work for me in the states, I sure don't want them here.
I have no idea what we'll do today. We keep trying to decide. We've done all our supreme favorites at least twice already--but we may do the tower of London anyway. I'll go out to the Kew Gardens and view the National Gallery when Steve works on Mon and Tues. I'd like to go see if I can find something cool for Nicole's baby due in November. Other than that, I never buy trinkets for anyone because they end up in the trash or worse--some people keep them and clutter their lives needlessly. I am really not a shopper anyhow and so although everything looks so cool, the prices here will keep you from reaching out to bring something home. No---just look and smile and walk on by.
I think I am finally rested. My shoulder seems to have stopped bothering me for now. I am working well on this time zone. It's 9am here and I want the room to warm up a bit before getting ready. We are near a lovely park and I'd like to go sit and watch the geese or hear some music in the square. I am right by Jeremyn St. where I think an ancestor was a butcher--unless that's the one that was a watchmaker/jeweler. I had ancestors who were from SoCo when it was nice and then in the70s it turned into a dive. Now it is restored again and I hear it is lively in a good way.
We are at Leicester square (really I should check out the spelling in the guide) but it does seem like a bit of a red light district-and I don't recall seeing it this way before. The theatres are all around here--maybe that is part of it, but we feel so out of place in this modern hotel. In Germany, it was so cool and European. Everything seemed so European--because it was!! ha ha! Here, we get to speak our language---I keep struggling on accident to say Bitte (please) or Dankeshen (thank you spelled wrong by me) or even Spanish or Swahili. I want to say, Asanta Sana (thank you very much.) it is fun. I'm in England. The motherland. Steve was in his German motherland. Actually, I am a citizen of heaven on my way home and I can't wait---but for now, I am in this part of the world where the congestion of Chicago seems mild and suddenly everything in the US seems low priced and reasonable.
I'd like to visit some churches. I'd like to sit in the parks. I might go see a palace on mon or tues. I know I want to see some gardens. I watched Martin Luther (the movie) on my Ipod last week and really enjoyed Germany thinking about him. How good it is that he translated the bible to common language. how thankful I am.
in the middle of all this here in London, I spied a white board where someone had written Psalm 107. (He sent His Word and healed our disease.) and I was so encouraged in my heart. What is this life but a gate to the next? A testing. An opportunity to love and obey God. when you love Him, it is so easy to obey--He puts that love in your heart and you love other people! When you don't love God, I can see and remember how everything feels like you aren't allowed to have your own way. it feels like you are shamed and you resist that shaming. When you come to Christ in repentance, your sins are forgiven and what power to LIVE! and to live well. and to enjoy things! Did I even notice the flowers before i knew Jesus? Did I even see the beauty in others before I knew Him? Did I long to help the downtrodden or the helpless? maybe a little of that, but mosty I just cared for me and mine. Mostly I wanted to avoid getting hurt by all the mean people in the world. Now I care that they understand God's love and I understand they are hurting or just sinful, as I am. Meanness has such a small effect on my now, although it can make you lose your balance at first from shock.
We saw a guy in the lane who seemed to be persuing the crowd for an opportunity to steal. We prayed for him in several ways.
How can I make a difference in this world for Jesus as I'm here in London? I ask the Lord but I am unsure if I will do anything I would consider meaningful. For now, I'm with my husband who prefers to travel WITH me. I got to visit family on the other side of the world. That was lovely. and I guess I will just enjoy where I am at and praise Him.

In Germany

I won't have any pictures of Laura's wedding for a while. When some friends send them to me, I will try to post a couple of good ones here. For those on facebook, it is much easier to see a variety of photos that people have already posted. Plus, I am tagged in some of those photos.

I wasted all of today in Germany by sleeping. We came into the city on Saturday morning and we went straight to bed and slept all day and night. Then Ben Weeks, Steve's nephew, came out to pick us up at 9:30am on Sunday morning. We had a great day with him and Leah's family! We had Jael's (Leah's sister) birthday dinner with the family --it was delicious! We had a wonderful assortment of German foods and their favorites. We got to see baby Sophie, who is so adorable, she can't even help but be perfect! and little Julien, now four, was a hoot. He is very verbal in both languages. He wanted more food than his father put on his plate. We all chuckled at him. He stood there on his chair, looked around and said, "There is nothing here to laugh at." with all seriousness. Of course, we laughed all the more. His father told him, "They are just laughing because you are so cute." which was true. He's a precious boy and very smart and active--as four year olds tend to be.

We got to go visit St. Elizabeth's Church. She was married to some rich ruler (I forget which one) but when he died, she went on to live a life of simplicity but work for the poor. She founded a hospital of sorts and was very generous and kind. A church was built over her burial spot and then later they dug up her bones to put them in the altar for veneration. I'm sure she would not be pleased! She wouldn't want a giant church in her honor or she could have built that. She would want to inspire others to serve the poor. I liked her. I bless her. I pray I meet her in heaven. They certainly built a lovely church in her honor and I had a peaceful moment of prayer amidst the mutterings of tourists around me.

Then we went to the Castle Marhlburg or something. I'll have to come back and correct that spelling. It was amazingly large. It was built on a hilltop. So interesting to see these castles jutting up in the sky. Their good vantage points are obvious. There were many delightful relics in the place. We went up and down miles of stairs. The stairs here tend to be in circles; definitely a space saver. There were some gorgeous tapestries. One of them made my jaw drop and I had to resist my strong instinct to brush my hand across it. It was maybe 10 feet wide and about 7 feet high. I was not allowed to take pictures and in that moment I was longing to break the rules and steal a photo. (The Holy Spirit gave me grace and I went away honorably.)
Steve enjoyed the armour and the shields. It was a beautiful place with a lovely view of the town below.

I had hoped to get up today to go to Grandpa's 80th birthday but my body refused to wake. I am still having shoulder/neck pain and it drains my already lazy body. I hoped all the sleep would help but it is there haunting me still. All prayers are appreciated. Drugs are not helping. Nothing seems to help. and then today I had that carpal tunnel issue in my left hand. Chronic pain is so unnerving! It leads me to compassion for people who experience far deeper levels than I can imagine. All over the world, even the rich are unable to soothe what ails them--and the poor? They suffer with so many ailments we quickly dismiss with this or that treatment. Pray today for those less fortunate than you. Pray today looking at what you DO have rather than focusing on what you want. Oh Lord, we are grateful to You. Oh Lord, grant us your mercy by the Holy Spirit in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.