The remaining four children of the late Mr. Owaga sat and discussed the future of the orphans and when Joseph and I visited them today, they had agreed on who was to be the guardian of the orphans.
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.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
GREAT SADNESS. William Owanga
Frank wrote me:
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
2 new orphans sponsored!
I am so thankful that we have Everline and Elizabeth sponsored! Praise God! and we have support for some of our already sponsored children who need half donors. TWENTY FOUR CHILDREN SPONSORED! That's just a miracle and it is a blessing. I cannot imagine the impact this will have on these orphaned children who felt alone in the world. At the bottom of their social world, they were chosen and loved. It makes the heart soar! The beauty in the world eclipses the pain because some people are not discouraged to the point of apathy. God renews hope in this life. All Glory to Jesus that He does not leave us in despair.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Please donate to Frank and Cynthia Adungosi in their loss
Please give a financial gift to our beloved friends in the Lord who had two days with their son before he passed away and was buried on the third.
http://www.tgdonline.com/
Please donate online through paypal on the Trinity Global Development site and send me and email at sarivers@sbcglobal.net to clarify the amount for Frank and Cynthia.
Please pray for their strength and blessing and their health as Cynthia recovers from birth and cares for her energetic toddler son in her grief. Please pray that Frank can lead his family in Jesus as they go through this difficult loss.
http://www.tgdonline.com/
Please donate online through paypal on the Trinity Global Development site and send me and email at sarivers@sbcglobal.net to clarify the amount for Frank and Cynthia.
Please pray for their strength and blessing and their health as Cynthia recovers from birth and cares for her energetic toddler son in her grief. Please pray that Frank can lead his family in Jesus as they go through this difficult loss.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Ephraim Favour Adungosi Feb 24-Feb26 2011
This beautiful young man was born to Cynthia and Frank Adungosi and he was loved in his short life. Who is to say what impact such a short life can have? and yet God was pleased to bring him into the world. We grieve that he could not stay longer and learn of his family with his natural earthly mind. His mother mourns with empty arms, the father cannot make the pain go away. Their good living, their good health, their quick action, their nourishing food, could not keep him here. I am so grieved and sad! I have loved this baby before I met him. I have prayed for him in the womb. I have delighted with his parents over his soon coming. I have prayed blessings for his health, safety and long life in Jesus. Now the unbelievable has happened. and I cannot even go to their side. They will have to bury their newborn son and with what money? They will pay the hospital bill for the birth and emergency visit--with what funds? Life is Kenya is harsh and relentless. The people struggle under so great a burden. Here this moment was one of celebration....and now we say goodbye to the beautiful little soul I never got to connect with personally. All their hopes and dreams for him have to rest in Jesus and their only comfort is his better life. But we wanted him here. They wanted him to grow with his brother Ethan. They wanted him to get an education, learn and live for Jesus, take a wife, have a child of his own, bless others with his generosity and wisdom and compassion.
It has that shock of the impossible. I know babies die all over the world. but this is not some baby, this is little Ephraim. These are my friends. This is my family. I grieve and cry out to the Lord to comfort them. To comfort His people. To hear their cry and have mercy on them. To send them some relief. My God is an awesome God and He will encourage them. He will stand with them forever. He is their glory and the lifter of their head. He is their redeemer and He has forgiven their sins and brought them into eternal life. They will share their joy with Ephraim on another day. But today we mourn with them as they do the hard work of burial preparations. Remember Frank and Cynthia. Remember them in their time of need.
It has that shock of the impossible. I know babies die all over the world. but this is not some baby, this is little Ephraim. These are my friends. This is my family. I grieve and cry out to the Lord to comfort them. To comfort His people. To hear their cry and have mercy on them. To send them some relief. My God is an awesome God and He will encourage them. He will stand with them forever. He is their glory and the lifter of their head. He is their redeemer and He has forgiven their sins and brought them into eternal life. They will share their joy with Ephraim on another day. But today we mourn with them as they do the hard work of burial preparations. Remember Frank and Cynthia. Remember them in their time of need.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Jane -- We give glory to God for what He has done for this young girl!
God has given Jane the ability to excel in school, but her parents are no more. Her guardians have sacrificed to send her to school and they were willing to suffer to give her this reward she has earned, but they did not have enough. It is about $1000 to send Jane to Butere Girls School, a nationally ranked girls school--a great achievement, a great privilege. But Jane would not have been going except for those who have loved a girl who can do nothing for them. For the joy of giving to the poor and helpless, donors in the USA have heard the heart of God and sponsored Jane through the year. Her sponsorship is $50 a month, or $600 a year. As a girl starting high school, her costs would take up at least half of that money. But to go to the private school would cost significantly more. Her school of choice, an excellent school, costs about $1000 a year for education and boarding. But God didn't leave Jane, he sent another to give her what she needed to make her dreams come true! Let's remember Jane and pray she makes the most of this opportunity she's been given. It's a hard road for a woman in Kenya, but God is with her and we are behind her all the way. God bless those who have given generously for this girl.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Ahhhh, Fred is upright! Oh please help this little guy!
SEE FREDS PROFILE BELOW
Fred needs a sponsor. Is God calling you to partner with us for this little man?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Little Fred is sideways....
Poor little Frank didn't upload properly, but I want to show you one of our new children needing support.
I had to do some tricks to get this photo to stand upright. I am having technical difficulties, but please, open your heart to little Fred!Fredrick Maina lost his mother in 2005 and his father followed suit in 2006. Both parents died of AIDS
related complications. Elizabeth Nanzala, who is Fredrick’s aunt, took custody of the young boy. Fredrick’s
dad was Elizabeth’s brother. His paternal grandmum, though alive, is blind and can’t take care of Fredrick.
Elizabeth takes care of about five grandchildren excluding her own children. She sells basic foodstuff and a
few snacks for a living, while Mr. Donald (her better half) is jobless.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Jane-Oh the goodness of God!
I was in church today and we were singing something to Jesus. I saw a vision in my minds eye. I was in Kenya but a man came up to me, so grateful. He was Asian, which is not accurate for Kenya, but that's how it looked. He came with smiling eyes and joy and energy and holding both my hands in a handshake and shaking up and down and sort of bowing so happily straight into my face. I knew in that moment that he had such inexpressible gratitude, the kind that makes you want to do anything for another person because they have saved your life. I threw back my head in a wide loud laugh and let go to raise both my hands to heaven rejoicing in the Father. I twirled like a child, laughing with my hands up to the Father for the joy He had brought to this family! and it was as if sparkles of love and joy were all around as this man and i basked in the joy and happiness of the Lord. So expansive! So beautiful! So energizing! So real! Tears were steaming down my face and I stood there in the dark with the worship music loudly playing and the people all standing around me and I just gloried in the Lord. Just gloried in Him! His goodness! His mercy! His beauty! (then I started thinking...oh my goodness, is my mascara running? Do I have a tissue? Do I have germs on my hands from handshaking or can I rub my eyes? ha ha--just thought I'd give you the full picture.)
I composed myself feeling a bit detached but sort of washed clean and peaceful. The message was on the Kingdom of God. How God wants us to display the Kingdom of God. Jesus has come and He said, Repent and Believe! and now He calls us to go out and show what it means to let the Lord rule in your life and show how it affects the way you treat others and the way you act in the world. I knew God had told me, The Kingdom of God has come! and I knew it has come to these orphans! Thanks to the donors who are giving to these children, they taste and see that the Lord is good. The actions that accompany the donors profession of faith show these children that God is moving on hearts of others far away to accomplish something for them that might not have been possible. Jane may have perished in the day school. Her intellect and drive pushed down with discouragement and despair and lack--but yesterday she couldn't believe what blessing had come her way--she was walking as in a dream. She had not eaten for two days from worry and desire--hoping, praying, "Will someone hear and help?" and someone said yes (six people actually responded quickly.) HER ENTIRE LIFE CHANGES RIGHT THERE. It is like a miracle. Truly. and God is glorified. One who has been left alone has been cared for with love and ABUNDANCE. Hallelujah!
I composed myself feeling a bit detached but sort of washed clean and peaceful. The message was on the Kingdom of God. How God wants us to display the Kingdom of God. Jesus has come and He said, Repent and Believe! and now He calls us to go out and show what it means to let the Lord rule in your life and show how it affects the way you treat others and the way you act in the world. I knew God had told me, The Kingdom of God has come! and I knew it has come to these orphans! Thanks to the donors who are giving to these children, they taste and see that the Lord is good. The actions that accompany the donors profession of faith show these children that God is moving on hearts of others far away to accomplish something for them that might not have been possible. Jane may have perished in the day school. Her intellect and drive pushed down with discouragement and despair and lack--but yesterday she couldn't believe what blessing had come her way--she was walking as in a dream. She had not eaten for two days from worry and desire--hoping, praying, "Will someone hear and help?" and someone said yes (six people actually responded quickly.) HER ENTIRE LIFE CHANGES RIGHT THERE. It is like a miracle. Truly. and God is glorified. One who has been left alone has been cared for with love and ABUNDANCE. Hallelujah!
Friday, February 04, 2011
Note from Joseph: JANE'S SITUATION
Your decision to have her profile in a newsletter is God-send, very timely and a very noble act. This girl, amidst the marginalization of a girl-child in Kenya, went against the wind and performed very well, especially being in a rural school and an orphan for that matter. She qualified for a school that was just the other day got shortlisted for promotion of status from being a provincial school to a national school.
Getting a chance in Butere Girls High school is a pipe dream to many in Western Province, yet our little sister legitimately qualified for an intake. It is the school she chose as she sat for her end of year exam three months ago. I want to assure you that without God's intervention through you, this young girl was going to lose this chance to I dont know who. The guardian (God bless Pastor Kombo and his wife Damaris) was looking at the prospects of taking Jane to a local day school and it wasn't adding up. When we talked in the office, he almost broke in tears (a man, and a Pastor for that matter, almost shedding tears) when he narrated how his own son was at home because of fees and now here was Jane facing an imminent lose of place in a coveted provincial high school, just because of lack of fees?
The last statements he made were that he'll buy the necessary items Jane needed in school and leave the rest to God. Today morning he called, telling us that he has bought a good number of items, spoken to the school administration about his case and given upto next Wednesday to take Jane to school, at least with first term's fee. Then here you are writing to request for her photos to post in a newsletter you want to send to your friends. I call that God in action. Jane's story has taught me (and the entire team) a lot. I have a lot to write about what I have learned while addressing this particular case.
Getting a chance in Butere Girls High school is a pipe dream to many in Western Province, yet our little sister legitimately qualified for an intake. It is the school she chose as she sat for her end of year exam three months ago. I want to assure you that without God's intervention through you, this young girl was going to lose this chance to I dont know who. The guardian (God bless Pastor Kombo and his wife Damaris) was looking at the prospects of taking Jane to a local day school and it wasn't adding up. When we talked in the office, he almost broke in tears (a man, and a Pastor for that matter, almost shedding tears) when he narrated how his own son was at home because of fees and now here was Jane facing an imminent lose of place in a coveted provincial high school, just because of lack of fees?
The last statements he made were that he'll buy the necessary items Jane needed in school and leave the rest to God. Today morning he called, telling us that he has bought a good number of items, spoken to the school administration about his case and given upto next Wednesday to take Jane to school, at least with first term's fee. Then here you are writing to request for her photos to post in a newsletter you want to send to your friends. I call that God in action. Jane's story has taught me (and the entire team) a lot. I have a lot to write about what I have learned while addressing this particular case.
TOP STUDENT JANE WILL ATTEND PRESTIGIOUS SCHOOL!
It is a wonderful story. Jane, on the far right (then Lillian, Abednego, and Vivian,) took the Kenyan National Exam and scored so high she was offered a place in a prestigious school. Her guardian could not afford to pay and even his own son was sent home from school for non-payment of school fees. But he is a pastor and a kind man and knew that Jane's sponsorship would pay for her to go to school--if only he could come up with the costly start-up fees. He did what he could and purchased some items and asked the school to delay. He prayed and cried. He knew the TGD team was checking with me and I was considering the sponsors situation (already sponsoring four children!) but he just couldn't make the whole amount. Jane was posted for the Feb Newsletter and immediately we had five responses--one hopeful gift and four full offers. AMAZING! Praise the Lord, Jane will be going to school. It is a wonderful day in her household. Realize that for that home it means they will no longer get the food and supplies that Jane received because all the money will go directly to her education. It shows that they weren't trying to make anything for themselves, but only hoped this young girl would have a real chance in a harsh world. Thank you so much to my many donors who responded. We have a winner donor who gets the joy of fully assisting Jane in her school entry and amazing sponsors backing her up through the year.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Randy Stonehill - Hymn (Music Video)
My hearts cry is shown here in this video. To my beloved family in Kenya. I know you are hurting! I love you! I am with you! Nothing is to be feared with Jesus--endure this world for His Glory! We shall be with Him forever and ever.
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