Decisions, decisions

Things with Martha and Agnes are wonderful. The Mengs and the Stubbs are serving Agnes is such incredible ways that I am constantly overwhelmed by their hearts. My relationship with the ladies is probably deeper than ever and our love for each other more sincere. The children's immediate needs are being met and the love of Christ is being shown daily. Some things have changed with the proposed community projects that make certain decisions irrelevant now. Thank you Lord! Now it's just to decide if they want to tackle the tasks that would be assigned to them. Praying for wisdom and direction.

Champions

Last Monday I took Martha and Agnes to breakfast with the women in my life. (If you read this blog much you know these are my fellow missionary friends that hold me up, make me laugh, and shine the Light of Jesus on me.) Martha and Agnes in many ways fit that description as well but on this particular morning I wanted to get everyone together to celebrate the GM commitment to Agnes's House. On the way my mom, who is still driving because I still don't have a license, nearly hit a small boy as he ran from one taxi to another. Before my brain could even register the event Martha is yelling to unlock the doors, tossing handbags aside, and climbing out of the car. Agnes is quick on her heals doing the exact same thing and all at once they are yelling at this taxi driver about taking better care of the boy and in full view of everyone on the street giving him the scolding of a lifetime. Shortly the police arrive and ask us to clear the road, but not before Martha takes the drivers name and license plate number so she can report him to the taxi commission. The police ask the drivers to take better care of the little people in their charge and everyone gets settled back into their own cars. As we drove away I could not help but giggle about the whole scene. Is it any wonder that children come running to these women for love and protection, knowing they will fight for them if they need to?

Pardon?

Sorry for the lack of post lately. I've been sick with a head cold for a little over a week and then on Thursday my ear drum burst. Such fun! I'm on the mend but it feels like my left ear is permanently under water. On Sunday Malachi felt the same pain and although his didn't burst, we are walking around each other saying, "what?, pardon?, please repeat that, sorry I can't hear you" all day long. Praying for health in the family as we move into winter.

GM to support Agnes's House

Big news today! As of May 1st GM South Africa will add their support to Agnes's House as well as Martha's house, our two partner programs caring for over 120 orphaned and vulnerable children daily!

God you continue to amaze us. Thank you for your favor. Thank you for letting us witness the incredible love you have for your children. Thank you for your perfect care of Martha and Agnes. Thank you for using us in this place. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You are awesome!

4 am

Up at 4 am worrying about decisions. Took me a good fifteen minutes to stop thinking and start praying. Martha and Agnes have been asked to join a program that would open incredible doors for them in the community, but it would require a very specific agreement so that they could continue doing what they are currently doing. The paperwork is tricky and the relationships are fragile. Praise the Lord, not my relationships with them but with the ones proposing the program.

Lord, you know best. I have no idea at this point how things will work out. I know you have always, always had the very best interest of the children in your heart. I know you adore both Martha and Agnes and that daily they represent your arms to so many children and families. Jesus, your are our source. We submit these projects into your hands and ask for your favor and wisdom. Holy Spirit counsel us through each step. Speak to our hearts as one so that we can confidently move forward together. Where change is difficult please prepare everyone for your will and purposes. Bring healing to old wounds that have been stirred up. Lord, we want you to use this time to speak to our hearts and help us to grow in you. We love you. We trust you. We need you. Amen.

Martha

Have I mentioned lately how much I love Martha?

Hot dogs for lunch is not a normal occurrence, but Martha serving the children is something that happens everyday in countless ways. She is loving and kind and gives everything she can to the children. Right now we are discussing a proposal that will greatly enlarge her work, but will drastically change some of what she currently does. Nothing about these decisions are easy, but working with Martha through it all is such a blessing to me. Yesterday as I left her house she smiled and said, "God is testing us to see if we are praying people."

Lord thank You so much for this incredible woman and all her family. Bless her life in every way. Father, show her more of Yourself, more of Your truth, more of Your plans, more of Your greatness, more of Your favor, more of Your kindness, more of Your love. Keep our eyes open and protect us from stepping out of Your will. Thank You so much for our relationship and the privilege we have of knowing her. I am blessed. Amen.