{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

linking up with Amanda

This Monday morning my heart and mind are full of joy as I reflect on the events of the past week.  So much has happened and glimpses of the LORD’s working in hearts has me in awe.  Here is a portion of my growing gratitude list.

gifts: #947-969

Best of friends, playing, weeding the garden in historical costumes
The gift of friendship
Lilacs are blooming
Father daughter dates
Girls in braids
Family walks to the park
Chastisement from the Lord
Quiet time with HIM in the morning
Opportunity to share the word “thankful” as I worked this morning
Onions planted in the garden
Smiles from Mae as we crossed paths at “work” today
Short afternoon naps
Quiet walk as the sun sets
Sweet words of love from my youngest “great” nephew
Times of prayer with Beloved in the morning
8 kids sponsored!
My prayers for steady emotions were answered
Family working together for this presentation

all is grace. 

Now our daughters write letters, draw pictures and fold origami to slip into envelopes each month to send to Lesbia and Bryan.

  We’ve spent time learning about Guatemala, had meals of the same limited ingredients Lesbia and Bryan might be eating for dinner. 

And we pray.  This is where I hear what it means to our daughters to be a part of this ministry with us.  When you hear your children pray, you get to hear what is on their hearts.  It is powerful to hear them say, “Please let Bryan have enough to eat tonight.”  “Please help Lesbia do well in school.”  “Please protect them from the gangs.”

Personally, I have a gained greater awareness of the particular dangers each of these children face in daily life and my prayers have become more specific and urgent.  The words I write in the letters are to extend hope and to tell each of these children how precious they are to God, and to me, a mother far away.

Age: 6

Birthday: December 9, 2005

Gender: Female

Location: Tanzania

Center: TAG Nyakato Student Center

Child ID: TZ1310305

• Child lives in an AIDS-affected area.  Our sweet Petal Rose would love to sponsor Janeth, as they have a “vital statistic” in common, but we just are not able right now.

In his home, Orestes helps by caring for children and running errands. He lives with his father and his mother. His father is employed as a farmer and his mother maintains the home. There are 2 children in the family.

Playing with cars and running are Orestes’s favorite activities. In primary school his performance is average and he also regularly attends church activities and Bible class.

If you are interested in learning more about Orestes, or in sponsoring him through Compassion International, you can click here.

Children in the Compassion sponsorship programs recieve an education, academic and in hygeine/health/nutrition, they recieve medical care and the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is always my prayer that the light shined upon these children at the project sites will be carried home with them, and that light might shine on all who in their home.  I pray each of their families will come to know Jesus as their Saviour, and discover the hope that helps them step out of extreme poverty.

This past week so much time was spent out of our home, or occupied by online training that kept me from some of the normal rhythm of home.

Home, that word brings so much joy and peace to my heart.  It wasn’t always so, but God has healed so much, forgiven much, changed much in my life.  He has given me a new heart, that seems to beat more strongly day by day.

It is amazing to think, nearly 9 years ago I was in physical heart failure…and even more so, spiritual heart failure.  While the surgeon replaced a valve and stitched me back together, the LORD’s scalpel went even deeper.

Looking back at my life used to bring shame, fear, pain.  Now most days a reminder of the days behind stir a wonder and joy within me.

There is therefore now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  The old has passed away, the new has come.

Glory Hallelujah!

High school doesn’t look so daunting this morning
Cheerful girl up an hour earlier than usual, practicing piano and reading
Laughter as cousins fellowship, olders hide eggs, youngers find eggs
Monopoly in the dining room
Stories with a grand nephew
Garden planning
Sunshine
Rich joyful sounds from the fingers of 3 different ladies, at various times during the day, on the piano
  Beautiful red tulips on the corner
Sunshine after rain
Blue clear skies, no pollen in the air
  Teaching opportunities
Good books
Sweet daughters sewing buttons
Lunch with precious daughter
Snuggles with darling daughter
The opportunity to share with others a burden of my heart ~ child trafficking