I will love you at a standstill, today.

Descending to Buja with Bell to get some work done, down a 45 minute road that many are hesitant to tread due to the massive amount of car crashes and detours off the side of the mountains unto destruction. 

I call this my “healing decent” as it never fails in the times when I am alone or with the little ones, the Lord brings just what I need, at just the right time.  Honestly, this has been such an exhausting time in our lives in which I would have hoped to get a grip on things upon Isai’s return.  However, these last weeks have seemed to be never ending with the needs of our kids, staff, transitions, death, absences, new projects, what do we think, feel and want to do’s about just about everything…. Plain and simple, I just needed some encouragement.    

Interestingly enough, I needed some encouragement and the Lord brought just that through encouraging me to pour myself out all the more and He would fill me, once again.  You know, with that good peace (that peace that … yes, surpasses all understanding), the joy… sound mind and all the other amazing things He fills us with.  As I continued down my “healing decent” these are the very thoughts that flooded my mind and have restored my heart.

I don’t want to just love you driving by.

I want to love you, face to face at a standstill.

I want to care enough to know if you’re hungry and lacking,

To care enough to embrace you in comfort,

 as you mourn the loss of yet, another one of your precious children.

I want to love you at a standstill.

 

I want my love to be compelled and compassionate,

The love that does and just doesn’t observe saying “what difference would it make, anyway..”

I want to lay my comfort and my long organized to-do-list down

Moving every excuse aside that justifies and makes me feel just fine

With turning a hungry belly away, or a troubled soul to go on their way without prayer.

I want to love you at a standstill.

 

I want to look into your eyes and know your burdens are real.

I want to care enough, to try to help, in any way that I can.

I don’t want to be overwhelmed that there are thousands more hurting like you around me.

You, alone are at a standstill before me, not the other thousands hurting just like you.

I can bring change to your world, because there is only one you,

and there will be the next you and yet another you…

 

May your hope be restored, today.

I want to help you lift the world off your shoulders, today.

I do care enough to do something, today.

I won’t make any more excuses, today.

I will give you all I have to offer, today.

I will love you at a standstill, today.

Help me to see things the way You do...

God I look to you, and I won’t be overwhelmed… give me vision.

Help me to see things the way You do.

                                                               - Words from a sweet song to my soul. 

Isai returned home, and told me – my heart will be where I am; Burundi is our home because our hearts are here, and we are here.  And thus, our vision is strengthened and Isai is back… refreshed, refocused and we are reminded of the call, the call we responded to in moving our lives, our hearts to this beautiful broken nation of Burundi just about 4 years ago.
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We are recommitting to pouring ourselves, all the more into our staff, our kids… our community in the way in which God has intended, to give it all.  Every ounce of Jesus, we have in us… every bit of counsel, love and patience that we can live out.  Our times in our weekly ministry time with the staff have been precious and a real change is coming forth in their hearts; a tangible hunger for Jesus, a desire for righteousness and holiness.  With the kids, we started teaching those in 4^th and 5^th grade computer programs starting with basic typing.  They are all growing up… how time is flying as some are entering into their teens - turning into fine young ladies and young men through much guidance and correction… love and grace upon their lives.
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We have had visitors come, visitors go.  Recently, three amigo’s from Idaho came for a few weeks.  They left a mark on our family and stirred the fire within our hearts for Jesus, many precious moments shared together.  Day 1, they were visitors… day 3, friends.  The next day, they became family. 
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The ball is officially rolling for our clinic as we turned in our first of many documents to the Ministry of Health.  A clinic in which will be a huge testimony of compassion for a community that is suffering.  A staggering statistic heard a few days ago at a meeting concerning Burundi’s Healthcare system; 50% of doctors in Burundi are catering to 6% of the population located in Bujumbura (Burundi’s capital), the other 50% of doctors support the remaining 94% of the population living in upcountry rural Burundi.  In Bukeye, our recent research has confirmed that there is one registered doctor to a population of 80,000 people.  We will in fact relieve an immense burden and the suffering of so many through our clinic… that will be located on a beautiful mountain top surrounded by valley – The Village of Jeremiah 29:11, where futures are restored.
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As for our little and big bundles of joy, Kai & Bell; it has been a priceless time lately.  Kai for one is just sweet yet strong, courageous yet wise… sometimes I watch him while he sleeps in awe of how beautiful he is. (It’s true!) Bell is 4 months today, captivated by the presence of Isai and me.  Trying “oh, so hard” to sit up and be a big girl.  Malaki falls asleep holding her hand, every-single night.  That very same hand he occasionally bites (really hard) to get a reaction from his sweet little sister.  Life has been a sweet story, written by the hands of a good, good Author.  And for that, we together are grateful.  All our love, until next time...

Just love a little deeper...

Just love a little deeper…

 

 

Just love a little deeper - I tell myself, as I remember the very day we submerged ourselves into such poverty.  The kind of poverty that brings old blind men to your gate for some food, desperate thief’s to your borders at night, the kind of poverty that never ceases to overwhelm you with its pain, suffering and hopelessness.  We root ourselves a little deeper, and deeper as time moves on… to only realize that what we have given our very lives for is but a drop in the vast ocean.  10 might try to deceive you and have ulterior motives, but 2 will stand for truth – and those two are enough.  We give, and give and give of ourselves and some grasp the sacrifice, while others expect it.  It tests and rips apart our very beings, and we hold on to yet another day.  
 

Our kids are born in this beautiful nation filled with shattered hearts; Burundi is in us, has become a part of us, as much as we may fight that “in times that just seem so rough”.  The deeper our effort, ministry and work goes, the more broken we become - the less we are of who we were.  In the midst of it all, I hear the whisper of a gentle voice… just love a little deeper. 

Embrace and hold on… if one doesn’t live for something to die for, they don’t live – I once heard.

Then a gentle spirit & “bursting at the seams” smile comes around the corner, and Marie embraces me (a genuine, I love you with all that is within me, kind of embrace).  Suddenly – everything seems just right.  I go from questioning the sacrifices made to trying to fathom God’s immeasurable love for these children that he ripped away from unspeakable trauma and pain; and the fact that he felt we were qualified enough to be a part of His redemption in their lives.  Well, we were pretty messed up ourselves, before He got a hold of us… and yes, He does take the weak things and turns them into beauty…  They have life.  They are alive.  They have redemption.  Their hope is ever-present, in Him.  Jesus, loved a little deeper.  They persecuted Him, rejected and killed Him… and still He chose to love a little deeper – even unto death.

 

 

Today, I say Lord “teach us to love a little deeper” to fight for the “one” and the next one, and the next 10.  Simply because you did.

Attempting to express...

Attempting to express…

The growth, excitement, exhaustion and unforgettable moments that have been lived through this last month seem to be somewhat (inexpressible).

As we moved deeper into the mountains, deeper into poverty… I could have only imagined that in that particular aspect - it would have clearly been more difficult.  None the less, it has brought many new joys and ways of life that we have grown to appreciate.  For example, the mile walk from the children’s homes to ours… down a dirty dirt road, being greeted by nearly 100+ people along the way to return home by foot walking in the light of the moon over the mountains.  We have more time, for more things… it’s odd, but rather comforting.

As we have welcomed friends and guest into our new house… with 8 bedrooms… we are many, and now having the space for guests, they are ever present throughout the weeks and bring so much life to our gigantic dinner table, in which a friend passed on to us.  A partner, who became a dear friend… Jenny from Imani-Africa joined us for a week in Burundi as we look towards our future together, helping those who are hurting.  The Global Health Corps fellows here to establish the management for our clinic and build partnerships in which we know the Lord is expanding our work, far beyond what we could of ever imagined. 

Having been blessed with an amazing transport truck from Switzerland, from once strangers who have now become a part of our big family… Malaki growing, with a hilarious and joyful character – and the lingering stubbornness that makes its entrance in the lives of many 2 year olds.  Isabella, the one who fights for attention, and much expected as we have not had the time we would have liked, to have enjoyed her first weeks of life – being so tied up with moving our family, office, children and staff to The Village of Jeremiah 29:11.  It’s been, well.  It’s been… fulfilling and overwhelmingly challenging all together. 

We prepared for the month of July for months… we lived it, it’s past.  Whew!  It was a tough one.  Isai for one worked night and day preparing the final things for the kids to move to their new home, along with the dramatic repairs of our new home.  Now, adjusting to the new security measures in which we must live by, and taking all preventive measures against the former co-inhabitants of our home sweet home - rats.  Late nights, early mornings… unpredictable situations, left and right.  Our move to Bukeye, from Muramvya has been just that.  Fully disclosed.  We rest upon the grace of God and remember His goodness and are especially thankful for His seasons in our lives; knowing that before we know it we will enter into our season of rest.

The Afterbirth.

Bella, in Burundi for the summer with her Mom, Stephanie from our home church OHOP! I asked her what was one of her favorite experiences since arriving, she asked me what did I like most about George Washington?!  Got to love the train of thought of an amazing 8 year old!

Kai, knocked out at the hospital.  Isai took some daddy time with him each day bringing him out for ice cream and playing at the park... I think he really loved the time with his Papa!  Alex and Tabea - you helped in such a big way... thanks for caring for our little boy!

When I say “afterbirth” I am simply referring to the moments after birth, not the placenta! 

The gratitude in our hearts is far beyond any expression as we welcomed a healthy beautiful girl.  The support we had through it all was unbelievable, friends coming together like family to help us when we simply needed help.  O.K, so we planned to give a quick and uncomplicated birth, and head back up to the mountains - as usual.  But I have to say, God turns all things to good for those who love Him, because in the midst of having to get a C-Section and to recover 3 days in the hospital we were lavished with so much hospitality, kindness and support; something we would have not experienced in such a way had things not become a little complicated.  Each day tons of people showed up to bring meals… (coffee!), to buy things we needed, friends to care for Malaki the entire time we were in the hospital (in which he loved and handled like a big boy, being a pleasure to have and easy going).  All in all, it was amazing.  You can imagine living in Burundi, acquaintances and friends are quite the necessity; a support system for the good and bad times.

The kids are in love with Isabella… the girls all take turns in holding her, making sure to hastily inform the next when their time is up.  I have been letting the girls come in 2’s in the afternoon to help bathe Kai and Bella… something to show them their important, something to show them they can be a part of her life; not to mention how young girls in this culture love helping with newborns and babies!  Kai is also shockingly great with her.  I had some thoughts prior to her birth that he would give us a little bit of a rough time, as he is so absolutely attached and 2 years old…  Interestingly enough, he is not jealous at all but loves to help and “pet” her in the most gentle of ways.  He also understands that I have a boo boo and hasn’t asked to be picked up or jump on my lap; his understanding and knowledge is amazing.  A few nights ago, I was in the kitchen with a friend and the power went out, everything pitch black.  Usually at this point, Malaki quickly finds his way to us “to secure his safety”, but that night he ran towards my room in the dark to go make sure Bella was ok.  I was so touched.

As for Isabella, it’s like night and day from the first few weeks with Malaki!  Malaki had a difficult time with nursing… and possibly it was even more difficult for me, (and we were new parents, living in rural Africa) learning so much.  With Bella, from a few hours after I woke up she was nursing with no hesitation.  She sleeps; she eats… and has a little whimper for a cry that is preciously girlish!  I stare at her often and imagine how we could have lost her, and understanding what that means… clearly 2 different roads paved out. 

This last week it’s as though a deep burden has been imbedded into my heart.  It is the burden to help women and babies, to help improve the devastating statistics of how many women and babies are dying during birth.  While in the hospital, I heard an overflow of story after story of babies dying… all within the last week.  Some, I can imagine could have been prevented with better training or the possibility for machines.  One of the stories was of a new government rule of giving better assistance for maternity care and women giving birth in a public hospital.  There was 8 women all waiting for one doctor to do c-sections on them due to complications, one of the mothers was friend of my friends as she explained that her baby drowned in the amniotic fluid because they weren’t quick enough to get her in.  Others explain that because there is no sonogram machine, it’s hard to know how the baby is responding to inducing and or labor pains in general in which when the baby comes out, they are already dead. 

A standard needs to be raised here in Burundi, and yes it could take an unimaginable amount of training in universities to students and giving further training to healthcare providers and hospitals; but I am hoping that things will improve here, because deaths are far too common and too many, preventable.  You can only imagine what the moral of the local people is like concerning births, especially up in the mountains; the pain, anger and the deterioration of the hearts of the people as they experience death over and over again in so many different depths.  Culturally, for many they don’t talk about it afterwards and according to them “they are just fine”.  The pains build up, the discouragement continues and each time they loose another precious one, a piece of them is taken.  I know women who have lost 7 children, 5, many 1 or 2 during birth, after birth… as toddlers from malnutrition and malaria.  Devastation is real, it’s rampant, and it’s everywhere.  May God give a vision and burden for people to respond and to help see the healthcare standard in Burundi raised, and mama’s and babies saved.  We can make a difference… we absolutely can.

Isai has been doing a crusade with a friend’s ministry here in Burundi and got to teach and minister in Bubanza and Makamba for 2 days each!  He was a little hesitant at first because of me getting a C-Section, but this opportunity was something he has been looking forward to and anticipating for quite some time… God is doing so many amazing things, and we can’t wait to have him back with us tomorrow!  We are so grateful to have Isabella with us safe and sound, ready to begin the transition of our home and also the children’s homes this coming month… with our very own transport truck!  We just got news that a wonderful church in Swiss wanted to buy a large transport truck for materials to assist us in saving on construction costs.  Isai has been praying for and needing something like this for quite some time, we were so touched at their desire to help!  Please continue praying for all of us here in Burundi!  All our love...

The Birth.

Moments of being induced.  All is well, in my soul.

Isabella Nasya Torres.  A miracle from God.  Born June 15th, 2012

Our doctor and nurses that did an amazing job... we are so thankful!

I hope to share a story of the birth of our precious Isabella, that you may share in our joys – and also understand deeper the underlying burden Burundian women face each day in the healthcare system as they welcome, or sadly leave the hospital empty handed and broken hearted. 

We had initially planned to head down to the city 2 weeks prior to Isabella’s due date just to play it safe that when I gave birth… we would not be in Muramvya (up-country).  I have heard countless stories of so many women and babies dying up here, for various reasons that convinces with proper training could simply be avoided…  The night before we planned to go down, about 11:30 at night I had serious labor pains and knew we had to either drive down to the capital or go to the hospital up-country.  Recently, the road down to Bujumbura hasn’t been the most stable and safe at night and being rural if you get caught up in something, there is one way up – one way down and a lot of rural land in between.  Actually, we always choose to play it safe by never driving up and down that road at night, even when things are calm.  So, we chose to go to the hospital up-country.  When we arrived, the metal gates were locked, and no one was present as we waited impatiently to enter the property.  Finally an “umutama” (old man) walked up and let us in.  When we approached the hospital it was dark, vacant and no one around.  I was going up and down the walkway asking for a doctor, and they told me “he is at home”… when they looked at my belly, they realized that maybe I was there to give birth and directed me towards the maternity section.  When I entered, I found a young man who greeted me and asked me what I needed.  The stench of it all was unbearable, mixed with pee, poop and possibly blood.  As he checked the dilation, it seemed everyone entered the room to get a peek… and he said I was 2 cm and should be able to wait until morning to head down to the big city.  Whew.   I had considered if I was in labor to invite the doctor to my house for me to give birth there… simply for sanitation reasons.  I was a bit freaked out, but overwhelmingly happy that we could head down to the city the next morning.

We arrive in the city and wait… I had been having contractions for about a week and measuring 40 weeks on the sonogram for quite some time.  We knew it was only a matter of time before she joined us.  Our friends allowed us to stay in their house for the week as they were up country doing a crusade… actually, we house swapped.  The doctor who is a wonderful Burundian woman who studied in France, had suggested that it would be good to induce me because continual contractions, and some being quite strong without progression could stress the baby; along with wanting to play it safe as she kept in mind the still birth of our first little boy.  We agreed, the she knew best and began to get induced Thursday morning.  With Isai and Malaki both, the medicine to induce kicked in quick and they were born the same day.  With Isabella, I stayed on the IV all day long and very little progress was made in the dilation and contractions.  Her heart beat remained good, she was happy and kicking around… just wanted to hang out in my belly a little while longer, I suppose.  I did, however have wonderful times with a new friend / Belgium midwife who stuck around for the day to help me with the birth.  The doctor asked me to rest for the night and we would start again in the morning…

Friday morning, about 7:30 the nurse wanted to start with the pill that they insert into your cervix to help ripen and progress the labor; they didn’t begin with that the day before because I was already having contractions and dilated... So, thus it began.  They put the pill in and wanted to monitor Isabella for the next 30 minutes just to make sure she responded in a good way.  We were about 10 minutes into the monitoring and then my Doctor walks in, in which was a huge surprise because she was on call and heading out to do a teaching at her church.  She just wanted to greet me, and encourage me that Isabella would indeed come that day.  As she entered behind the curtain to join us, in which that very moment Isabella’s heart beat began to shoot very high and drop very low.  Concerned, they continued to watch the monitor as her heartbeat fell flat.  At that moment, the power goes out.  They then take a wooden cup like thing that they use from back in the days to try to find her heartbeat.  Nothing.  The power comes back on, and it’s clear on the monitor that her heartbeat was gone. 

At that moment, I was completely lost up in emotions, confusion as they are giving me directions in another language, and just simply discouraged thinking… I have lost another and we were so close to embracing her in our arms.  I was crying saying just get her out, please… Isai was firm, as always.  Praying and knowing that if she comes out dead he would pray and pray for her to come to life.  The quickly roll me off to a c-section room, and don’t allow Isai to come in… As I continue crying for him.  Finally they see that he could possibly be of assistance, and let him come on in as they give me the general anesthesia.  Shortly after, they see I didn’t respond well and they incubate me with a tube to help me breathe.  Isai was calm and strong and watched it all.  When they pulled Isabella out, she was a little groggy from the anesthesia, but within moments the doctor said her hand shot up in strength as the brought her off to the other room.  A few minutes later, they told Isai to come get his beautiful little girl and dress her.  She was strong, healthy… and became so calm at the presence and embrace of her Papi.  Isai then returned to our room with her as he waited to see how I was doing.  He went and asked to see me or any news and they told him… he can’t go in.  They didn’t speak English with him, which was for sure much more of a confusion in the moment. 

Finally, they brought me to the room, as relief and joy rushed in for Isai… knowing that indeed as he prayed to take both of us home, it would come to pass.  I, on the other hand was still out it, leaving off in the same train of thought as before I went under.  I thought she died, I continued crying and asking if they found the heartbeat… I was a mess!  Thank God, that wore off after about 15 minutes or so, when I finally came to.  Isabella was perfect, alive, and huge!  7 pounds 3 oz, 19 inches…  I say huge because Malaki was only 6 pounds and a tiny little bundle.  We call her Isabella Nasya Torres.  Nasya means “Miracle” in Hebrew… One of the doctors came to join us afterwards and spoke very plainly that she would have died. It’s as though God orchestrated all people to be in the right place to respond in the right time… that’s as clear and plain as we can put it.  The doctor wasn’t even going to come in… and yet at the very moment we needed her, she was there to act within minutes, in comparison to waiting 20 minutes for her to join us.  God made a way… and we are speechless and in awe of His sovereignty in our lives.  His plan is perfect.  Always.

37 weeks & counting down!

Kai and I enjoying the last weeks or days before I give birth to his longed for little sister, Isabella.  This pregnancy has been interesting, all together - to say the least.  From the beginning, it was no question that if all things went well in the pregnancy that we would, once again give birth here in Burundi.  I am about 37 weeks and feel as though at any moment, she will join us.  I am extremely grateful for a Belgium midwife and new friend, Elise who will assist during the birth.  She is great at late night advice from an American calling from the mountains! 

It has been such a busy last few weeks wrapping up what seems to have a been a 2 month plan of action to prepare for new staff, transitioning to our land and moving... (as I am someone of an administration geek!) Organized, to the T.  Isai and I have our 5 year anniversary this weekend and are looking forward to a  much needed alone trip down south to a beautiful beach for a night's stay.  Malaki will stay with the kids & staff and then Jose and Mari will come do a sleep over with him at our house... it sure is nice to have friends working with us here! 

We have been extremely blessed as a family, and are growing in the Lord and His contentment as time passes.  Learning that, when things go good or bad - in the end, the only thing worth taking to heart and grabbing hold of is simply, Jesus.  Gaining all things, and at times loosing them all... at the end of the day we have something more precious, something more profound than the imaginable, everlasting life... eternity with the one who laid His life down.  Something we strive to follow, someone we strive to be like.  Jesus.  Please be praying for our family over the next season as we adjust and enter into a beautiful new season of our lives.  All our love...



Kai turns 2!

As I have the privilege and joy of being with our amazing little man day in and day out, I thought I would share a few things you may or may not know about him from everyday life as he grows and flourishes here in Burundi. 

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I was recently thinking on the deep and endless love I have for him, and how hard it would be for him if Isai or myself were to leave his side as he grows, or even pass away.  I think at some point throughout life, many parents consider this devastation that can happen to anyone.  My heart began to be broken all the more for our children here in Burundi and how they must have felt to have everything solid and consistent ripped from them when they were abandoned or their parents died.  My heart aches about this.  However, we have a good, good Father and Leader who loves them and has surrounded them with people who call them their own, people who love them in such a deep way and want to be a part of the good moments and the bad.  This may not ever take the place or completely change the devastation that came their way, but God has a way of making all things work together for good for those who love Him.  And I am confident, for each one of our children - he has made a way for them in their own unique way.

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We love our little man, and know he will be an amazing big brother to Isabella who we are expecting next month!  Happy, Happy Birthday to you, Malaki Daniel – and many more years to come as you follow the lead and will of your Heavenly Father, who loves you.  More about Kai:

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Favorite Foods:

Olives, mango’s, gummies (wonder where he got that from!)

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Favorite word:

Koko, meaning agakoko in Kirundi which is bug.  He loves bugs too... Possibly just a little too much! 
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Scariest moment:

When he fell off the top of a bunk bed at the children’s home, we brought him to the city to get him checked out to make sure he didn’t puncture a lung.  I know God was with me, because when they brought him to me at home they were so fearful and upset, and I calmly just removed his clothes to examine him and see what was happening with his breathing.  (Of course my heart beating out of my chest, and my mind running a million miles per second thinking if something was wrong internally we wouldn’t have many options for him here in Burundi.  I quieted my thoughts and began to pray, then called a wonderful Canadian Doctor, Danica who gave some very helpful advice.  Glory be to God, alone… There wasn’t a mark on him, broken bone or anything wrong. 

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Best buddy:

Desire, no questions asked.  They hold hands, run together - play together… their characters mesh well together as Kai is very strong willed and often leads and Des is more laid back, and just goes with the flow.  No fighting over toys, attention… just together in peace, love and laughter.  It’s fun to see them grow together teaching each other Kirundi and the other English. 

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Uniqueness about Kai:

He loves people.  We can be on the road walking and of course, half of the population wants to greet him with a handshake because he’s a handsome little boy, and he’s simply not Burundi, but American (which makes him interesting to them).  Well, if one person says (Yambu Umwana = hello child) he automatically thinks this means he needs to go to them, shake their hand and say Mambu (he can never pronounce it right!)  Even if you pass by the person, he will insist that you go back with him just to give a handshake.  Love it.

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He’s very courageous, sometimes without any fear.  He learned how to swim going to the pool in the city once every 2-3 months… sometimes more often; meaning he has gone under 10 times in his lifetime.  From the beginning he would dunk his head under and hold his breath… one time he was out of site for 2 seconds behind a bush, found jetting for the pool to dive in.  Thankfully a friend was right there and grabbed him.  He dives off of steps, runs as fast as he can until he is near tumbling, tries to climb up his Papa’s tall ladders and so on.  This little boy, without question needs an eye on him at all times.  Please join today in blessing our little one with your prayers and thoughts.  All our love...

Growing together in the love of Christ.

I love these people... really in a deep way. One thing I can say over the past 3 + years is my amazement in the community the Lord has surrounded us with. I tell many, here your experiences in Burundi are many times positive and fruitful or negative and discouraging influenced greatly by those you are working with and together with. In the beginning, we experienced so much hardship and trials in which we learned from and grew enormously because of... however, much of it was based of the people we were surrounded by and the deception and greed that was continually at our doorstep. I really enjoy our staff, we laugh, we cry, we forgive... we grow together in the love of Christ; always reminding eachother to keep our hearts right before the Lord. The kids are growing up to be examples in character, in love and respect and it's just beautiful.

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We just recieved a couple (Jose and Mari) from Switzerland for the next 3-6 months, and truly it was an answer to prayer. They have come along side us to bear some of the weight of building the children's village and really just to help support our family and ministry here. They will be a huge help as we move in July - in that same time we are reciving our beautiful little girl. It's a God thing, and they are a blessing to have. I hope to post some pictures of all of us as time permits! It's a blessing to be surrounded by people who love you, look out for you and support you, and in this time we stand in awe of the path the Lord has set us on. All our love...

Entering into our promised land...

This blog, along with our April newsletter I will be sending out this week are all focused on our soon to be transition to The Village of Jeremiah 29:11 and our hopes for you to jump on board and help us have an amazing transition... as we enter into our promised land.

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I remember about 5 years ago or so the two very heartbreaking and vivid visions the Lord gave me, that forever set a path before us as we do our best to follow what we know and believe to be the will and plan that God has laid out for our lives as a family. I can imagine that one vision was a continuance of another - as we were resucing many broken and abandoned children from a locked building in the midst of a valley surrounded by mountains, followed with a second vision of leading them all to safety over a lush green mountain top - leading them towards love, restoration... towards the Father. God is faithful to lead and amazingly enough, we are building a children's village with children's homes, a clinic and trade school right on top of our very own mountain top, surrounded by a deep beautiful valley on 3 sides. On our land we have tall breezy eucalyptus trees that blow in the mountain wind, staff that amaze us time and time again with their open and commited hearts, and a surrounding community that is by far one of many communities in the mountains that is suffering in countless ways from the viscious cycle of poverty that manifests itself in hopelessness and swollen worm infested little bellys.

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In July we are going to be transitioning all the staff and children to the children's village upon the completion of the 2 homes, a kitchen, police hut, storage and basic staff housing. Our family, along with a couple from Switerland (coming for a period to help Isai in construction) and also 2 new staff from Global Health Corps will also be joining us in the transition to rented housing near the land; until we are able to build volunteer housing on the land. Please be praying as we are currently in the process of finding a new compound with multiple homes for all of us to transition into Bukeye. We are so excited and have been talking, praying and planning for this moment for quite some time. Now is our time, to head into our promised land.

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I am taking time to write on our family blog, to give you all the opporunity to help us in this time of transition. The needs are many, and we want to do our part to bring forth the chance for you to say "Sure, why not... I'd love to help in any way I am able". Together, we can indeed make this happen, and friends - we are reaching out. If you are reading this blog, I ask you - would you consider today how you can help us and the children transition in any small or big way? Below are some things we could sure use your help with, shoot us an email at thecriesofachild@yahoo.com ; encouraging words are always sweet to the soul.

• Pray - That we would have the wisdom and discernment in all situations as we make key decsisions in this transition; and for the joy of the Lord! May we look unto Him.
• Give - There are many projects we are still raising sponsors and funding towards that are vital to our transition. We need to raise $9,300 towards the kitchen, $8,500 towards the girls house and $6,000 towards basic staff housing. We also need some solar panels to bring basic electricity to the land for lighting at night etc.
• Bring awareness - You may not be able to help as much as you would like at the moment, but you could be a voice. Tell your friends, your family, your co-workers about the opportunity at hand, to help us, the kids and our staff begin our transition into The Village of Jeremiah 29:11. Where the heavens open, and a community will be transformed through the love and power of God.

Thanks, friends and family for taking time out to read this... we wanted to share our hearts and efforts your way. Even all the way in the US, you too can make a huge difference in the life of one hurting and in need of a helping hand... all the way here in Burundi, the heart of Africa. All our love...

Moments to remember...

Last week, we welcomed some dear friends to Burundi for just under 2 days and yet filled with so many moments to remember. Mike and Dollea (bottom picture) were so encouraging to have with us, the words they spoke impacted our hearts and brought us smiles and joy. Dollea, 51 years ago - this month left Burundi with her family who had been serving as missionaries up country in mountaineous Gitega for 4 years. She had always dreamed to come back, and somehow - by the grace of God we were able to find the missionary school deep into the mountain where she lived and studied. We sat with anticipation as we listened to her stories of what Burundi, not to far from our house was like (50 years ago). Hay huts, one way dirt roads (often washed out, having to wait months to travel to the city for supplies), simple people with a simply beautiful love. I stood in awe as she still maintained quite a bit of Kirundi... the kids and staff loved it (of course wondering how she could know such a vocabulary). It was a wirlwind of a time, trying to cram everything into just under 2 days; yet, unforgetable.

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This month, is a tough month - no question. Our good friends Tom and Jana (2nd to bottom picture) are leaving Burundi and transitioning into their next steps of life; really, they have such profound and loving hearts - it has surely ministered to ours. Our family, away from family (Sam, Sabine, Noamie and Lia) are heading back to Germany for a year at the end of the week. Honestly, we can't imagine life without them here. They have been here right by our side, day in day out from the start... and to have that in a foriegn country can be somewhat rare at times. Isai and I are both at a loss for words... but the Lord knows...

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In April, we are welcoming a couple who is coming for 3 months + to help us in building "The Village of Jeremiah". Handy work and practical hands on help, just what we have been praying for! We are excited to get to know them better and to see all that God has in store. Malaki is talking up a storm... speaking so much kirundi, I tell you one day he might be able to translate fluently from Kirundi to English! There have been moments, after moments that have been molding, transforming, enjoyable and challenging all together; we are so blessed to experience it together, as a family. Burundi life, and the moments we hope to never forget. All our love...

We look to Yahweh.

Today, yesterday and all the days that are before us we look to Yahweh - our God, to see us through. Life as we could of never imagined is on a continual roll forward, without a pause in view. So we confidently look to Yahweh, and know that He will make a way, and His glory will come down and transform the hearts of His people.

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These next four months, that is, until sweet little Isabella joins us (baby bump pictured above) we are giving it all we have to give through the grace of God. I recently started teaching our staff english, after months of requesting, we have made a firm tight schedule that I am willing to commit to - with the purpose to believe and pour into them that they in return can give all they have to give to our children. Some can't write, stopping to study during elementary school... but they love to be in a school setting, and more so to be challenged. Who is to tell them, they can't better themselves... just because they were overtaken by poverty at such a young age? With the staff, there has been an unbelievable transformation of transparency, humility and unity... openess and expressions of the heart - culturally, not normal and most times not accepted. I can only beleive it's the love of Christ working in their hearts, and as they are shown more and more love... they love more, they love deeper.

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On to the interestingly funny pictures of Kai naked on our blog...! Yesterday, I was in a meeting with the staff and one of our girls was watching Kai. In the mountains, many times the babies go without diapers - so I can only imagine that when his diaper was full, she took it off and put his clothes back on without one. :o) When Isai came after work, we headed home and he put Kai on his shoulders as a proud Papa would... until he realized a stench, secondly pee and poop all over his neck! We then stripped Kai and they both showered, but it gave us one good laugh! Malaki loved it and found humor in it all, more so than his Papa I can imagine! All our love, from Burundi!

I am not an orphan, I am a child.

Please visit our TCOAC Blog to read our latest heart's thoughts under:

I am not an orphan, I am a child.

www.thecriesofachild.blogspot.com
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Kai', growing older - approaching 21 months, wow! Eating Burundi's version of a fig newton, most likely imported from Uganda. We hope to find out if we are having a little girl or boy next week or so when we head down to the city! The girls home (2nd house) is underway and the walls are already 4-5 feet tall; Isai has been hard at work!

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Went with the kids to the soccer stadium on Saturday and my feet were so swollen by the time we got there, I had to be barefoot. Alice, however couldn't handle that fact so persistantly hinted that I should wear her bright green plasitic sandals in which my heels don't even make it on board... I did it to humor her. Cleria and Vane stayed close by as always playing rocks (somthing like Jacks, except the rules change - too many times).

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We are preparing for a busy year ahead of us with visits in March, April, June, July and August! Hopefully we can take a nice break around June / July when our little one comes... It's amazing to see God move upon the hearts of so many people to want to take part in what He is doing here in Burundi with TCOAC and many other ministries and organizations. It's beautiful to see the willing and humble hearts of so many lay down their lives in hopes that others may find theirs.

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Today, I woke up ready to work get alot done and then... imagine, the power goes out all day. :o) Just had to laugh that one off. Usually we have power all the time, unlike many places in the capital (perks of living upcountry!) But today... today was a different story! So there you have it, I got a blog post up and running... enjoy! All our love...

Just keep on...

Morning turns to night, night to day and somehow we find ourselves at yet the end of another month, having worked and labored and given all that we have to give. Are we really at the end of January?!

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Isai is hard at work this week putting on the roof for the boys home, and building the foundation for the girls home... they are on a roll. Pray for grace - as he is currently establishing his team to build and going through many guys who say they know how to build - and simply don't and haven't any experience or skills to build on... he enjoys leading building teams but surely has entered a time of testing! In the next weeks, they are continuing to build the storage, building a police hut. We are earnestly shooting for our goal to move the kids, staff and our family to the children's village upon the completion 2 children's homes and a kitchen. If anyone has any information on Solar power / panels and or knows people interested in helping us with this type of work - shoot us an email at thecriesofachild@yahoo.com!

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With the kids, we have been fighting this horrible infestation that has come to Burundi within the last month or so of "acid bugs". They are red and black, having toxins that make your skin swollen and blistered upon touching them... At night, when you sleep they come and eat at your face as we have seen with Alice, Mari and Cleria near their eyes, nose and mouth. We sprayed the rooms and prayed, beleiving for them to leave the premisis - immediatley.

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Malaki is getting past a cold that kept him tossing and turning for nights; and might I mention he has offically stolen my pillow (I was using to elevate him) - however he seems to love it now! Official nickname of "Kai" or "Kai Kai" depending on the age group has stuck like a strong elmers glue. He has been practicing saying "baby" lately for the little one in my belly, in whom we will meet in roughly 21 weeks! However, he might be thinking he is still the "baby" and he's saying it in reference to himself: Undetermined.

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It's been an exhausting time with a continual work and ministry flow from every side. Seeing the fruit of God and His glory come down, we give all we have to give - yet still human and exhausted many of the most times... Sometimes we can get tired, bitter, frusterated and just wanting a break. It's a beautiful truth. I recently read a poem from Kieth Kent, often also attributed to Mother Teresa and it just hits the heart and reminds me to keep on. Just keep on.

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Anyway.

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self centered.

Love them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends & true enemies.

Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.

Be good anyway.

Honesty and frankness will make you vulnerable.

Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.

Build anyway.

People need help but will attack you if you help them.

Help them anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway.

Giving your life for what you believe in.

At one point in time, we made a choice to give our lives for what believe in... somehow we still face that choice each and every day. Yes, we beleive and live for Jesus. But in that, our hearts were ravished and broken for what breaks His. Children who once lived a life worth living, abruptly found themselves orphaned, afraid, hungry and abused. They went from security to inconsistency and a life of suffering. Every natural human right, stripped away. At this point, you ask yourselves - who will fight for them, when they've lost the fight within?

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Being with our kids here, it never gets old - that is, the joy and appreciation of their redemption; that God so graciously gives us. There are so many more, just like them. Crying out saying "I'm suffering, I have no solution for I am but a small child, who will plead my cause"? We can only pray and believe that God will touch the hearts of many more, even so the locals to respond to the cries of a child.

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Our little boy, Malaki is 20 months today and I have the greatest joy knowing that he is experiencing this journey alongside us. The Lord has something BIG in store for him, and we are so grateful to God that he has had a healthy and strong childhood in the midst of having few possibilities for any kind of adequate healthcare. He's growing more independent and loves to say "ohhh noo"... In about 6 months we will be welcoming another little one to our family, thankfully I had made it over the hump and have been feeling great and getting alot of necessary work done. We are back into the work of things - Isai continuing with his team building the children's village and myself continuing to work side by side with our Director, Audrey with the children's homes. On weekends we try to have free time with the kids or head out to the city to catch up with friends (and try to make it to the beach... :o)!

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At the end of the day, a life worth lived is fighting and standing for what one believes in - whatever that may be and whereever that may lead. All our love...

Bambino.

O.k. so these pictures are from November, when Isai was gone... however, they are absolutely cute and I had to post them! The little bambino is going on 20 months and is such a character. Literally. He loves to laugh, he's great with meeting new people (not shy at all), stubborn to the T with some things, easy going with others... loves to say hello, no (while squishing his lips together), koko which is short for "agakoko" meaning bug in Kirundi (he loves, loves bugs!), he recently realized that solo he can walk up the stairs and up the mountain on his own "exploring" - got to keep a close eye on that one, he's picked up this organized neatness and stern time schedulle thing great from his mami (I don't know if that's a good thing or not!), he still loves to go on my back, really loves to swim (and tans great with a nice bronze!) and alot more of the usual normal things one experiencing with an approaching 2 year old! I'm am now 16 weeks pregnant and feeling great - time has been flying by! More updates to come in time... just wanted to share our little one (who's not so little, anymore) with you all! All our love...