Love, love my boys...

Picture perfect, Mal and Papi. Malaki has been extra smiley lately with the presence of our 3 Korean friends staying with us... he might of been a bit confused with all these women around him; nonetheless... he loved it! Gin, Elizabeth and Deborah are working a few hours away with the vision to establish a preschool, elementary and middle school in a place where children have to walk hours to school. These 3 are absolutely "go getter's and determined" with the mindset to learn as many trades as possible before coming to Burundi to be more effective in their time here. From sewing, to teaching, to guitar to knitting, to working on cars etc. they are out to make an impact on this nation, pouring themselves out for the people, at times becoming discouraged by various reasons, only for God to renew their strength once again. Its interesting how things work. They came to us for advice and to take time sharing experiences, in the end it was an answer to prayer. It has been in my heart to have a excellent program for our preschool aged children to help them grow and develop and I have been thinking on some ideas... Once they began to share on different activities and resources to help see this come to pass I thought "this is absolutely a God connection". The faithfulness of God, to put a vision in our hearts and orchestrate everything to make it come to pass.

It has been an amazing last 3 years. We had a burden from God, we stepped out in faith (which was not easy...), and God has given us direction, wisdom and understanding to walk forward in this mission of seeing orphaned and abandoned children restored and given a hope for the future. Did we want to give up, every step of the way... absolutely. But somehow, by the grace of God, we held on; and today we are seeing the fruit of His hearts cry.

What to do, when you turn 1!

Leave the mountains, head towards the beach. (check) Take a nice nap in the cool breeze. (check) Eat pizza and drink a smoothie. (check) Enjoy a nice gummie bear cake. (check, just like Papa) Play with strangers, laughing a whole lot. (double check) And lastly, talk to family on the phone, half a world away, yet so near to our hearts. (a thankful check)...

Malaki had a wonderful birthday and is recovering great from being sick! We brought him to a place on the beach that is quiet and enjoyable with our near friend Sam Anderson. Coincidentally my maiden name... yes. How I remember that name from back in the day! How we wish you all could of been here to celebrate with us. All our love...

Our land, a place of hope...

Malaki and I have been at the land often in the past days, watching Isai lead a group of old and young men in building the road and fence around our property. Malaki loves the outdoors, hanging from trees, wanting to go with many people around us (often coming back into my arms full of dirt!) Our land, a place of hope... As I look at our neighbors, the children, the development I can simply see the love of God for these people. Coming to them in a time of desperation. As the nearest clinic that is affordable is a 3 hour walk, I remind them, be hopeful... soon you will just have to go a short distance to get care. As the futures of many are including brick makers, hoeing in the field and simple labors often leaving them struggling and unable to care for their families... I remind them, soon, you can come to this trade school, learn a good trade and in return live a good life. As I see the children, malnutritioned and many loosing their parents and being over taken by hopelessness, I remind them... soon, our big family will be here, ready to help those who are desperate and suffering... for there are many.

At first, we had planned for Isai to have a translater while working with the staff on the land in building, but the past weeks he has done an amazing job in explaining, teaching and leading them. We asked around for a person who speaks english to help him, but nothing yet. Nonetheless, he is doing outstanding without one. Isai has been at our land usually Monday through Friday and I join him maybe one or two times a week. The majority of my time is spent with our children at the homes and with our Director Audrey, planning things for the future.

God has been faithful to give us the wisdom we need to accomplish what He sent us here to do. Often we are moving forward in some areas that we have not tredded before, depending solely on the knowledge and understanding of God. Really, there's no other way. As for Malaki and I, we are both sick... and need healing from God. Please be praying for us. Isai also has been feeling a little weak, with all the work at hand. To God be the glory! All our love...

Day of birth (minus) many years ago...

In other words, my birthday! The title may give you an example of how you try to explain something while living in a foreign country and not speaking the language too, too fluently!

We went to the city to go with our friends to the beach (big lake)...! It was Malaki's first time in a pool and he loved it. In the morning, we ministered at a simple small church in the city; one we have known for about 5 years, yet never knowing the name or denomination... that kind of church! It was great, we were hot, dirty... but it felt great and reminded me of our days before we began to have children. Up for anything. At this point we are a bit more reserved at times (rightfully so!) If you look closely in the last picture of us in the pool you can see a little girl feeling and looking intently at my hair! Please note: I have no idea who that precious young girl is; so interested in my hair! We drove back up to the mountains, being one of few cars on the road heading back up; this was nice...

When we got home, our Director asked me to go to our homes because the Governor's wife and children were there spending some time with our kids. She is an amazing woman and encouraged our children loving on them and speaking openly. From biggest to smallest, she remembered even their names... (this is BIG and surly meant the world to our kids!) She then insisted that we be a part of the parade for the province the next day celebrating the annual holiday for workers in Burundi. I got home about 9 p.m. informing Isai we needed a banner to go in front of us. That was it. We stayed up until about 12 a.m. painting a white sheet hanging from a curtain rod declaring "The Cries of a Child"... That's my birthday in a nutshell with my amazing husband who is up for anything and always manifesting the wisdom of God. Really, the ideas he has sometimes (well, all the time) just blow my mind! All our love...