Gold Fish, animal crackers and kiddie pools

After reading this some of you will think the heat has went to my head, others will have tears in their eyes and some will be saying "OF COURSE HE DID!" (and you can have tears too)

Aaron and I have said that our children's comfort food is gold fish (the snack that smiles back :) Every time we have ran low on goldfish a friend or family member has sent/brought us more. As I reached for our last box of gold fish, I debated on opening it. "When this box is finished, we will be out until the first of July," I thought to myself. Something in me (Holy Spirit) told me that God will take care of it, there will be more.

What a blessing to know that God hears us and sees our needs. Life has been crazy this past week. Aaron has worked 12-14 hour days all week, I have been busier than normal, kids have been with babysitters, we have not went to bed at our bedtimes and we are tired. I was feeling tonight like I was letting my children down- Not giving them enough stability, not giving them enough mommy and daddy time, ignoring them for other children and so on. God knows the cries of my heart! As I drove down the road close to tears b/c my baby was crying and he just wanted out of his seat and onto my lap, I felt God's peace come over me. Upon arriving at the mission house I am met by Marggy who has started my work for me (much appreciated!) and GOLDFISH, ANIMAL CRACKERS AND A KIDDIE POOL.

Tonight as the current team is packing up, they inform me that they are leaving a BIG bag of goldfish and a HUGE container of animal crackers. We have enough snacks to get by until mid July or later!!! God is such a provider.

The next petty thing on our list has been a blow up pool for the kids. It can be a little warm here in Jamaica and the kids love to play in the water. We cannot let them play in the hose or with a sprinkler because of the water shortage. So Aaron and I priced a small pool (you know big enough for 2 kids to sit in and can stay full of water) and were shocked when we saw a price tag of 38 US dollars. Sorry kids no pool :( UNTIL God has the team bring down a blow up kiddie pool. They were going to use it for VBS but did not. I think the poor woman was quite shocked at how joyful I was over a kiddie pool. Hugging her and telling her we had wanted one but just couldn't justify the price.

So all this rambling to say, God is taking care of us! He didn't give me more hours in the day, or a child that wasn't clingy but He showed me that what matters to me matters to Him. Seeing my children happy makes me happy and I know Sunday there will be some bright smiles when Daddy sets up the pool (I could do it tomorrow but I think Aaron will appreciate the excited laughter as well!)

Joy and Heartache

Over the past few weeks Aaron and I have witnessed both amazing compassion and heartbreaking distress. Sometimes staying focused on what God has placed us here to do, is difficult. Knowing that God sees all the pain and distress is comforting but confusing. I wonder how God can sit back and see these kids without shoes, without food, and mother's working their fingers to the bones to provide. Then I speak with a mother and I hear her joy as she says, God is good! The Psalms tell her to let nothing take her joy and she is determined to obey. I see two men (one of the men not even having his own blanket) give up their pay to assist another family. A family of 14 living in a 12x12 home that is weak enough to be pushed over by 4 men.

A woman at the gate needs money to purchase her child's school uniforms and books but I have to turn her away (we have enough money for 14 students and they are all accounted for). Aaron must turn a woman away who is running from a murder. The man chopped her hand off with a meat cleaver and it was sewn back on (swollen and bruised). We have promised six homes already this summer to "dire situations" and will try to find her assistance but cannot offer immediate help. Heartbreaking and disturbed we turn to God and offer the most powerful asset we have, prayer. Prayer is the one avenue that will keep us focused on God's work here. We cannot solve any of these problems on our own but with God we can help and we can give love.

Love, a hug to two children that just stopped by. A cricket ball to boys in the playfield, just because we want to bless them. A phone call to say, I was praying for your exams. A ride home because I know you are tired and walked 2 miles in the heat of the day. An invitation to hang out, just because I desire your company, no strings attached. I am humbled that God called me to this country to live everyday seeking ways to love. Love with my heart, my spirit, my physical touch, my talents and when others are compassionate, I get to share love offerings. The mother was correct God is good and I will not allow the sad situations over shadow the Love, Joy, Compassion, and Desire.

Normal?

Audrey had a babysitter (previous post), the next day she stayed with our neighbor Velna and yesterday she had a friend over for 4 hours, only to return and have two other children at the gate to play. To top things off we had a team arrive last night so I spent the afternoon making them cookies. Aaron helped organize the house a little bit and clean up as well. Yesterday felt like a "normal" Saturday.

The team arrived about 5:15pm and we were excited to meet them! 21 student/chaperones from Kentucky Wesleyan University. Braylon and Audrey took to them immediately! (I am always amazed that God created my kids with personalities perfect for this time in our lives!) Braylon got to play tractors with a few girls and basketball with one of the young men. Audrey was playing Boo! with some of the students within 20 minutes of their arrival. She also went on a walk and completed a puzzle with the girls. I can tell already this is going to be a fun week!

Please pray for this team as God uses them to do His work here in Jamaica. May they be blessed and be a blessing to those they are serving.

Just a day

Yesterday I had my first babysitter. Annakay was great and the kids loved her! Recommended by another missionary I felt comfortable leaving her for the day. After running errands in town, getting lunch for the crew, dreaming about my role here and completing student support paperwork-I was ready to see my babies!

We took Annakay home instead of getting her a taxi. On the way we picked up another girl who happened to be in the student support program (I had not met her yet). Sasheen is sweet and very patient with motor mouth Audrey! As I drove the windy, twisting, bumpy mountain road we passed other homes that I will need visit for student support. Driving through one area of the mountain, I was informed a principal had been murdered there the day before (insert lump in throat).

As we drove farther and farther down a side road, I could not believe that Annakay was willing to walk the entire length of the side road to come watch my children. As we headed to her home, I got to meet Annakay's mother, Aunt and cousin. We picked up Annakay's son (Akiele, 8 months) from her cousin. He is the cutest baby and soooo happy! He about jumped out of Anna's arms to reach Audrey. Audrey is very fond of Akeile and was happy to see him again. Next week we are hoping to have Annakay and Akeile over for the evening. Annakay has completed cosmetology school (with financial assistance from the student support program) so we offer her services (pedicure, nails, braids, massage) to teams and thus helping Annakay financially.

Annakay's home was cute, not what we would picture for ourselves but it had four walls, paint and a door! I am amazed at how sweet and happy Annakay is, with the circumstances she has/is facing. Akiele is such a smart and talkative baby......maybe all we really do need is love. Love from others and love of Christ!

Please pray for Annakay and her family. God has plans for this woman and I cannot wait to see them unfold!

This was not the initial intention of this blog post but as I type I feel lead to offer ways to help.

If you feel led to help Annakay or other students in the student support program here our ways!

1. Annakay can always use new nail polish colors, acrylic nails, acrylic powder and other nail accessories (then she can profit more when doing nails).

2. Annakay would like a stroller so make it easier to attend church. Akeile is getting heavy and it is a loooooong walk to church.

3. Books/diapers.....these items are expensive here in Jamaica and we would disperse them among many parents.

4. Financial support can be donated to CSI marked for student support program.

If you have more questions feel free to ask or email mommaintherace@gmail.com

Update

I have been debating what I wanted to say in my first blog from Jamaica. We have lived in Jamaica 2 weeks and 3days and I could write a book on life thus far.

• We are settled into our home
• I am amazed at the amount of furniture I can live without
• So thankful to Jamie B for leaving me with kitchen equipment!!
• Our puppy Roscoe is a God send for Braylon
• Our backyard is full of fruit (baby bananas, limes, cherries, apples, pineable and mango)
• Thankful for but adjusting to locking and unlocking the porch grill and outside gate every time we leave and return
• Blessed with a great neighborhood! One neighbor is known to "take care of unwanted strangers," another a vigilant watch dog and a lady who would bend over backward to help me.
• Aaron and I are learning our roles
• God will have to provide His amazing wisdom and strength as we fill the big shoes left by the Vrettos family and Jamie B.
• Met students and teachers in the scholarship program yesterday (I am going to love this job!)
• Enjoying daily devotions with the kids and homeschooling 4 days a week.
• Love the staff at the mission house!
• Teams are such a blessing and look forward to the summer
• God is doing amazing things with Project RAISE!!!
• I have learned to drive on the other side of the road
• Jamaican food is amazing! (proud of Audrey for trying everything!)
• Food is expensive!
• I have cooked more for my family in two weeks than I generally do in two months in the states.
• Thankful for God's provisions and helping me make food stretch.
• Its amazing how much water and electricity we wasted in the states
• I could go for a snowy mocha and cranberry nut muffin from Main St coffee in Farmland!
• A late night game with my family sounds awesome!
• Some familiar hugs would be nice

If you made it to the end of the list without being bored....you are awesome! God is awesome and doing amazing things in Jamaica and in our lives! If you want to know more about something leave me a comment or send me an email :)

Who really is the Dirt Bag?

Lately, I have noticed some commercials that really bug me. You have probably seen them-

the male actor is so in love with his possession (in some it is a beer) that he rambles on about how wonderful it is, tells of the great lengths he would go to obtain/keep the item. It is very obvious that his "item/product" is very important to him. Then he is speechless to his significant other; barely capable of muttering a few loving words and is not willing to go to any lengths for her. He obviously communicates to his wife/girlfriend that she has little significance in his life.

Dirt Bag! She is your wife, love her, make her feel important, the least you could do is give her as much praise as you give your beer!

I wonder how often I do that to God. I ramble on and on about me, I go to great lengths to keep my things organized. I express my love for my computer, cell phone, itouch by spending many hours each day with them. Then I leave a few words left for God. I tell Him I will get to Him in a minute. How important do I make God feel?

Maybe I am the Dirt Bag?

Island Time

We received disappointing news Thursday. Our expected departure date of 3/23/10 was pushed back. The next possible departure 3/25/10, MAYBE or 3/28/10 or 4/1/10 or well I am not thinking past that. The Jamaican government has not had time to review our documentation and without their approval we cannot get our Visa and without a Visa-no travel for the Blacks. Island time has its advantages (you can never be late) and its disadvantages (deadlines do not really exist).

My initial reaction was one of sadness and disappointment. Just five hours earlier I had went through the emotions of preparing myself for the expected phone call "Your approved! See you on the 23rd!" I had the nervous butterfly stomach, the sadness of saying goodbye and the excitement of picturing myself boarding the plane. NOW those feelings are negated and left with uncertainty. The uncertainty did not last long, no we do not have a departure date but God quickly reminded me that He is in control! God knows our days, our hours, our minutes. While the 23rd was "our plan" God showed his grace and intervened. Changing our departure date to an upcoming date that is in His "ideal time."

An hour after all of these events this is what God painted for me (okay that sounds narcissistic) but I appreciated the reminder.