Thanksgiving

We spent the day visiting families we are building homes for. The first two families lived in a very cramped and confined space. As you would expect you the homes were so bad you wouldn't let your dog sleep in there. I found these two locations especially difficult. In the two times i've been here we've seen some pretty lowly homes but these two were pure squallar - the worst i've seen and the worst i've smelled.
I couldn't help but thank God for the life he has blessed me with. Why I live were I live and not in some garbage heap is beyond me. Ultimately it doesn't matter. What matters is what I do with that. I'm thankful that i have this opportunity to give back and to share my blessings with others who are much less fortunate. I'm thankful that we get to share in the joy that these families will experience when they walk through their thressholds for the first time...I'm thankful that these families will share their lives with us. Finally i'm thankful that God has chosen this time for us to be here, to be His hands and His feet. What a priveledge.

Stan

Hmm....what to write so that it paints a picture of what I experienced today and takes you on the journey with us....
Those sweet big brown eyes and beautiful smiles of all the children always flood my heart with joy...they are definately some of God´s best work! Returning to villages where houses have been previously built and seeing the families thriving and still greatful for God´s blessings is so fulfilling. Karen....Adonai is doing well...Took a recent picture and thought of you as soon as I saw him.
As wonderful as so many of the experiences are here...some are so heart wrenching and hard to bear. Thankful that we can hand them all over to God . This afternoon we met two families who are experiencing such an enormous burden. They are related, an eight year old carrying a ten month old and the baby pulled a pot of boiling water onto the both of them. Although the eight year old is healing well, the 10 month old is still in hospital requiring possible skin graph. Please pray for God´s power of healing. For the children and for the families.

Leisha

Collecting Memories

When the plane landed, and I once again walked in this beautiful country, my heart was full of anticipation. I was ready for the smells, the sights, and the delightful smiles so readily given. I was not disapointed. The year is different, the team is different, yet our purpose remains the same. We honour the Lord with our willing hearts to be used, and in turn are blessed to be a part of something so much bigger than ourselves.
The first smile to old friends, the warm embraces, and shared laughter is imprinted upon my heart in my collection of memories. I want to savour each moment. I know how fast the week unfolds. I watch, I listen, I hug as many people as I can.
I love the Lord that brought me here.
I´ll sleep tonight thinking of loved ones back home as much as anticipating another day.
Joy...and Joe