December 2017

It was a wonderful sound to hear as we got near to House of Faith after being away for three months.  We could see the children running to the gate with smiles and lots of exciting noises.  Michael stopped the Land Rover and got out before the gate to pick the children up one by one lifting them to the sky for the Uncle special.  It was a very special time of hugs and high fives. Several of the children told me how much they missed us and to try and not go away that long again.  They had not seen Michael since his surgery because he was told to rest at home and not go into the villages because of all the bumping on the off roads.  I was so very blessed  at how our moms had handled things while we where away and everything was in order and all the money came out just right no shortages.  A couple of things came up and when it was shared what they did it was just what I would have done if I was there.  My heart is so blessed at all they did and the children were healthy and happy. 
We found the same with our town kids who were testing when we arrived back just a couple of weeks of school left for the year. House of Hope in the valley also Everyone was well and everything in place.  What a wonderful group of people I have helping do the Lord's work here.  I am blessed!

I was also excited to see things had been planted when we arrived back and the rains had started nicely. We talked before I departed about planting within our fence this year and not planting corn or maize.  Last year our harvest was very low because of animals that were not being watched by their owners were in the children's fields eating.  We also heard area school children where helping themselves to fresh maize.  They had cleared , plowed  and planted beans popcorn melons and pumpkins. Our garden area is just to wet for gardening in rainy season but we found last year it's a perfect place to grow sweet potatoes that need  and likes lots of water.   the next few pictures are of the new area of planting.  Praying our idea will work.  Last year maize prices dropped here like never before.  We can buy a bag of mealie meal 25kg for K34.00 or $3.40 beans we send $80 a month so maybe our decision will be a good one and the children are learning new things growing a different crop this year.  

Our fruit trees made it through the dry season and we will be planting more soon.  Rainy season gives them a great start!  Mango's Guavas, oranges and lemons.  Children are learning everything needs loves and care to keep them alive and growing when the rains stop here.  They did a pretty good job this past dry season. 

After checking in on the sites I started Christmas shopping for our Happy Birthday Jesus parties. Because of the early rains and  all the puddles appearing on the village roads I shopped for our three month closet  supplies.  I always want to be sure what is needed is on site for the children. 

Each Christmas the children get new plastic shoes.  This year I was excited to see Chinese Croc's again.   They last much longer than other shoes here.   Lots of smiles..

Michael had his first Mot Mot classes just a week in a half after we returned and the rains came down....  He said he stayed dry in his tent but the temporary roof on the church building did not always keep them dry.  The week of classes went well and everyone was thankful Michael had healed nicely.  

Michael is always blessed to be able to share at a Sunday service.  This week he was ask to share at the church I attend here in Kalomo.  They started less than two years ago and had about 300 in attendance in a small class room. what a blessing!

Well it seems the great rains have slowed a bit and things are dry.  Our kids are doing their work weeding and we are praying the rains return at just the right time. 

What a wonderful Happy Birthday Jesus Party we had ....  the children sang Christmas Carols in Tonga and did the Christmas story in a play form.  We are so thankful for our teacher who helps each year with this big program.  All our staff was there and all were blessed.  the next pictures are of the room and decorations.

The children did such a great job even with a dance to light your candle and light the world.

Each Christmas for several years now a special someone gives money to bless our house mothers and staff with a bonus for all they do for the Lord and the children.  It is such a blessing to our mom helping them with Jan school fees for their children or seed and fertilizer for their fields.  They also get small gifts from Global Orphan Relief just to let them know they are appreciated and loved.  Second picture is off staff who help  with all the small jobs to keep things going with over 40 children. 

Our Extended Care kids and some of our Kalomo School kids also are able to come and are given treat bags full of sweets and a shirt or a skirt.  What a wonderful way to see all the kids.  They are growing up on us...

We can't forget the treat bags full of snacks and sweets and the Chocolate cake!

We did not have a program at House of Hope.  We traveled with three month supplies and fresh foods for January, clothes for the kids and Christmas shoes and  treat bags.  Michael gathered them around for the Christmas story. We were so blessed with all their hands going up to answer questions about the birth of Jesus. 

Michael's was invited to Monde for their Christmas Eve service. 

Michael and I had a quiet restful Christmas Day. Thanks Creative Ministries team for all the nuts and baking chips you brought us.  We loved our special treats. 

Michael was invited to Naluja for a New Years Eve service.  Everyone is excited to see what is in store for 2018!

We are looking forward to what 2018 will bring and praying the Lord will bless you and your families like no other year before.  Keep watching and listening for his voice, He has very special plans for you in this new year.