I have loved being here, but it is time for a move. Come on over for a visit at our new place.
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March 4, 2012
February 1, 2012
Better is One Day
Some of you may recognize this post, as I wrote it two years ago...
The idea of the Lord's "dwelling place" is quite nice, isn't it? I'm sure many of you have heard and sung the contemporary worship song "Better is One Day"...
The church is again and again called by Scripture to keep our minds fixed on the eternity we will spend in the presence of the beautifully glorious Lord Almighty, and so songs like this one and the psalms of David are helpful in directing our hearts towards that end.
But what about God's dwelling place here on earth? What does the Word have to say about the place God chooses to dwell here in the earthly, temporal realm?
But what if those places are really where the beauty and glory of the Lord is to be found? What if God actually does choose the weak things of the world as His dwelling place? What would it mean for little guys like this one...
He has been labeled by the world as worthless- so much so that they have placed him in a brick holding room, where he is never permitted to leave. He has AIDS and an intellectual disability, and is passed small amounts of food through the hole from which this picture was taken. I bet he is indeed hungry and thirsty, feeling naked and like a stranger, is very sick and certainly imprisoned. So what if our responsibility to him is actually the same as our responsibility to Him? What if we actually have to stand before Jesus one day and explain why we left Him sitting in His lonely (and not so lovely) dwelling place? Will we ever get to enjoy the Lord in His heavenly dwelling place if we choose not to join Him in His earthly dwelling place of suffering?
In order that we might not be the ones to whom Jesus says "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels," (Matt 25:41) may He give us grace to pray as David did and to continue to sing this song, but perhaps, with a new understanding of that which we are asking. May our eyes be opened, and then fixed, to the beauty and glory of God that is so uniquely displayed in orphans with intellectual disabilities.
*I wrote this for the Special Hope Network blog, which you can find at www.specialhopenetwork.com. It is updated weekly, and explains a lot more about what God has called us to do. Check out the website if you have not yet!
The idea of the Lord's "dwelling place" is quite nice, isn't it? I'm sure many of you have heard and sung the contemporary worship song "Better is One Day"...
"How lovely is Your dwelling place,
oh Lord Almighty
My soul longs and even faints for You.
One thing I ask and I would seek,
to see Your beauty
To find You in the place Your glory dwells."
Though the song pulls lines from different psalms of David, the idea is consistent- there is beauty and glory to be found in the dwelling place of the Lord. No wonder we claim it would be better to spend a day there than a thousand elsewhere- it sounds like a delightful place to be.
The church is again and again called by Scripture to keep our minds fixed on the eternity we will spend in the presence of the beautifully glorious Lord Almighty, and so songs like this one and the psalms of David are helpful in directing our hearts towards that end.
But what about God's dwelling place here on earth? What does the Word have to say about the place God chooses to dwell here in the earthly, temporal realm?
A father of the fatherless and judge for the widows, is God in His holy habitation. Psalm 68:5It seems there is a long list of verses that agree with this one- that God consistently chooses His dwelling place to be with those who are weak and afflicted. Jesus, Himself, is clear about this in Matthew 25-
"Come you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to Me."Here, Jesus does not simply claim to dwell with the hungry, thirsty, strange, naked, sick, and imprisoned- He claims to BE them. By reading this passage, God's chosen dwelling place on this earth is made very clear- the adjectives used to describe it, however, are not as lovely-sounding. I'm not sure my heart and flesh would so easily long for such a place, and I really don't know that I would choose to spend a day in any of those circumstances. Certainly not when my current dwelling place allows me to be satiated, familiar, clothed, healthy, and free.
Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, "Lord when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison and come to You?"
And the King will answer and say to them "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."
But what if those places are really where the beauty and glory of the Lord is to be found? What if God actually does choose the weak things of the world as His dwelling place? What would it mean for little guys like this one...
He has been labeled by the world as worthless- so much so that they have placed him in a brick holding room, where he is never permitted to leave. He has AIDS and an intellectual disability, and is passed small amounts of food through the hole from which this picture was taken. I bet he is indeed hungry and thirsty, feeling naked and like a stranger, is very sick and certainly imprisoned. So what if our responsibility to him is actually the same as our responsibility to Him? What if we actually have to stand before Jesus one day and explain why we left Him sitting in His lonely (and not so lovely) dwelling place? Will we ever get to enjoy the Lord in His heavenly dwelling place if we choose not to join Him in His earthly dwelling place of suffering?
In order that we might not be the ones to whom Jesus says "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels," (Matt 25:41) may He give us grace to pray as David did and to continue to sing this song, but perhaps, with a new understanding of that which we are asking. May our eyes be opened, and then fixed, to the beauty and glory of God that is so uniquely displayed in orphans with intellectual disabilities.
*I wrote this for the Special Hope Network blog, which you can find at www.specialhopenetwork.com. It is updated weekly, and explains a lot more about what God has called us to do. Check out the website if you have not yet!
December 14, 2011
One Year Ago
One year ago I slept in bed next to an empty crib. His clothes were folded and stored neatly; toys organized in bins- the life I planned for him all tucked away on shelves and in drawers- waiting for the day when he would come home. One year ago, I didn't know when that would be, but hoped and prayed so very hard it would be soon.
I thought of him in the crib where he was, at the orphanage across town, and wept. Who kissed him goodnight? Who sat with him when he couldn't sleep? Whose was the face he saw when he woke up in the morning? Answers I didn't have, and didn't really want to know.
~
December 15, 2010 was a normal morning for me, running work errands around town- until I got a call. Up until this point, my social worker had never called me. I had always been the one to call her to check how things were progressing- and up until this point, she never had anything decisive to report. I hadn't yet even gotten a real "YES" about taking home this little boy.
She said everything so matter of factly, "Your papers have been signed, you can come get them."
"And so, after I get the papers, I can go get HIM?"
"Yes, you can."
"Like, today? I can go to the orphanage, pick him up, and take him home to stay with me?
"Yes, I said that already."
I hung up the phone and started to cry. They said yes. They said now. As of that day, I would be his mother. He would be my son. Forever changed, just like that.
It's how He works, don't you think? Eternities altered in a moment- though planned and purposed from before time began. Tonight I sit in bed and am so humbled and thankful for the past year. So many challenges. So many joys. So much life.
Here's to one year and a thousand more, my beloved boy. May He be glorified in each and every one of them.
I thought of him in the crib where he was, at the orphanage across town, and wept. Who kissed him goodnight? Who sat with him when he couldn't sleep? Whose was the face he saw when he woke up in the morning? Answers I didn't have, and didn't really want to know.
~
December 15, 2010 was a normal morning for me, running work errands around town- until I got a call. Up until this point, my social worker had never called me. I had always been the one to call her to check how things were progressing- and up until this point, she never had anything decisive to report. I hadn't yet even gotten a real "YES" about taking home this little boy.
She said everything so matter of factly, "Your papers have been signed, you can come get them."
"And so, after I get the papers, I can go get HIM?"
"Yes, you can."
"Like, today? I can go to the orphanage, pick him up, and take him home to stay with me?
"Yes, I said that already."
I hung up the phone and started to cry. They said yes. They said now. As of that day, I would be his mother. He would be my son. Forever changed, just like that.
It's how He works, don't you think? Eternities altered in a moment- though planned and purposed from before time began. Tonight I sit in bed and am so humbled and thankful for the past year. So many challenges. So many joys. So much life.
Here's to one year and a thousand more, my beloved boy. May He be glorified in each and every one of them.
October 16, 2011
Celebrating Friends
I want to introduce you to my sweet friend, Sophie and her daughter, Natasha. I have a tender spot in my heart for this family for lots of reasons...first and foremost, Sophie and I are walking on similar paths. She is only 22 years old, living as a single woman here in Zambia, and has been called to be a mother of a beautiful former-orphan. As I am sure you have guessed, we have become FAST friends. Secondly, Natasha lived in the same orphanage as Joab- and though we are not sure if they remember each other, it is still so sweet to watch them play together. Thirdly, I so admire Sophie and the way she has fought for this little girl. Her persistence (it took over a year and a half to get everything in order before Natasha could come home) so mirrors that of our Father, and I love the way she is showing that part of God to the world.
I had the absolute privilege of hosting a shower for these lovely ladies today, and it was such fun! Most of you know that I love to cook, especially for a party, even more so if it is to celebrate a dear friend. Here are some pictures from the day...
I love this last one of Jo and Tash- I think their favorite part was the "after party."
I had the absolute privilege of hosting a shower for these lovely ladies today, and it was such fun! Most of you know that I love to cook, especially for a party, even more so if it is to celebrate a dear friend. Here are some pictures from the day...
I love this last one of Jo and Tash- I think their favorite part was the "after party."
October 2, 2011
God is His Father
When I first met Donald Musebo at an orphanage near our house, I didn't think much else except that he was super cute! His big, beautiful eyes were deep, but he hardly ever locked them with mine long enough to search them out. To him, I'm sure I was just another adult among the slew that walked in and out of his life all day.
The director of the orphanage had asked Special Hope to visit this little guy because it was believed that he had Autism*, and so we gave a brief synopsis to his caretakers that first day and scheduled a full assessment for later. It was in between these two meetings that God began to stir in my heart.
Verse after verse, I couldn't escape it...
Donald had been fatherless for over 2 years when I met him, and it showed. In the way he ignored, in the way he stared blankly, in the way he didn't care. He was fatherless and felt it.
During my time spent in the word and in prayer, God made it clear. HE was the Father of the fatherless. HE was Donald's Father.
And I was to be his mother. I was to step in for the mother who birthed him**, and mend the wear and tear those lonely years had left.
To celebrate this restoration, and to mark this new life being birthed- God whispered a name. Joab. Hebrew for "God is his father." A promise written over his life- that no matter what, he would never be left alone. That even in those lonely years, God was still there, purposing and planning every step.
Watching him grow and change over the last 9 and a half months (!) has been my utmost privilege. I love that I get to be the one to remind him of that promise, even with every call of his name. My son, His son...Joab.
Then...
Now...
*More on this later this week.
**Read this post about Donald's mother.
The director of the orphanage had asked Special Hope to visit this little guy because it was believed that he had Autism*, and so we gave a brief synopsis to his caretakers that first day and scheduled a full assessment for later. It was in between these two meetings that God began to stir in my heart.
Verse after verse, I couldn't escape it...
He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Deuteronomy 10:18
Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. Psalm 68:5
The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless. Psalm 146:9
Donald had been fatherless for over 2 years when I met him, and it showed. In the way he ignored, in the way he stared blankly, in the way he didn't care. He was fatherless and felt it.
During my time spent in the word and in prayer, God made it clear. HE was the Father of the fatherless. HE was Donald's Father.
And I was to be his mother. I was to step in for the mother who birthed him**, and mend the wear and tear those lonely years had left.
To celebrate this restoration, and to mark this new life being birthed- God whispered a name. Joab. Hebrew for "God is his father." A promise written over his life- that no matter what, he would never be left alone. That even in those lonely years, God was still there, purposing and planning every step.
Watching him grow and change over the last 9 and a half months (!) has been my utmost privilege. I love that I get to be the one to remind him of that promise, even with every call of his name. My son, His son...Joab.
Then...
Now...
*More on this later this week.
**Read this post about Donald's mother.
September 20, 2011
Ta Da!
Joab's quilt is finished! Such a fun project, and I'm excited with how it turned out. These pictures, however, could definitely be better, as none of the colors are quite right. Oh well- I hope you enjoy nonetheless...
I actually chose the fabrics for the quilt based on this quilt that is already hanging above Jo's bed. It was given to him by his sweet Cuz-Aunt Mary at our baby shower in May. I love the colors in it, and even more the hundred wishes it lists for Joab. I often use them as inspiration when I pray for Jo before he goes to sleep...
My three favorites are "Compassion," I hope one day that Joab is able to show the same compassion the Lord has shown him; "Perseverance," the Lord has chosen a seemingly hard road for Jo, and I pray that He will also give him the perseverance needed to walk it; and "Cheerfulness," Even more than just walking the path before him, I hope God gives him grace to do it with a cheerful heart.
Thanks so much to my Mom, who taught me everything I know about sewing; Sarah, who let me borrow her machine (and just for being a good friend here in Lusaka); and to Holly and Eric for their helpful input along the way!
I actually chose the fabrics for the quilt based on this quilt that is already hanging above Jo's bed. It was given to him by his sweet Cuz-Aunt Mary at our baby shower in May. I love the colors in it, and even more the hundred wishes it lists for Joab. I often use them as inspiration when I pray for Jo before he goes to sleep...
My three favorites are "Compassion," I hope one day that Joab is able to show the same compassion the Lord has shown him; "Perseverance," the Lord has chosen a seemingly hard road for Jo, and I pray that He will also give him the perseverance needed to walk it; and "Cheerfulness," Even more than just walking the path before him, I hope God gives him grace to do it with a cheerful heart.
Thanks so much to my Mom, who taught me everything I know about sewing; Sarah, who let me borrow her machine (and just for being a good friend here in Lusaka); and to Holly and Eric for their helpful input along the way!
September 19, 2011
Fun Day!
Well, our first day of Mulungushi Homeschool went quite well! Got Joab's visual schedule made and put into action...
And this afternoon, as part of our "outside play," we broke out the sprinkler! Jo was a little skeptical at first, but then (as you can tell in the second pic) HE LOVED IT!
I also got started on all the measuring and cutting for the quilt- I got the design from an old Martha mag (don't care what you say, she will always be my go-to gal), it's super cute and I cannot wait to show you the finished product!
And this afternoon, as part of our "outside play," we broke out the sprinkler! Jo was a little skeptical at first, but then (as you can tell in the second pic) HE LOVED IT!
I also got started on all the measuring and cutting for the quilt- I got the design from an old Martha mag (don't care what you say, she will always be my go-to gal), it's super cute and I cannot wait to show you the finished product!
September 18, 2011
You Still There?
Gosh, I hope so, though I know I've given you very little incentive to be checking in these past few months. I cannot believe that two months have gone by- they have been so full of work and fun and growth, I'm excited to share more with you. This week, Special Hope is taking a few days off (Zambia has its Presidential Elections, and though we are not expecting any significant violence, we are still hunkering down at home to be on the safe-side), and I am going to take that time to get back into this blogging business. I have lots of things planned this week (you know me, always a-planning)...
-Making these fabrics into a really fun quilt for Joab...
-Playing homeschool mom and getting a bunch of stuff organized into a mini-classroom for Joab...
-Being outside a lot, Zambian weather is beautiful this time of year...
(Read this post I wrote about these trees when they were in bloom last year)
-Writing more about Joab. You can tell he is the theme this week- and in planning, I realized that I haven't actually written very much about him on this blog, and since I think God wants to speak through his story, I'm going to take some time to tell my perspective of it. I hope over the next few days to share more with you about how I met him, how I became his mother, and what he is actually like.
It's good to be back, friends, hope you are as excited as I am!
-Making these fabrics into a really fun quilt for Joab...
-Playing homeschool mom and getting a bunch of stuff organized into a mini-classroom for Joab...
-Being outside a lot, Zambian weather is beautiful this time of year...
(Read this post I wrote about these trees when they were in bloom last year)
-Writing more about Joab. You can tell he is the theme this week- and in planning, I realized that I haven't actually written very much about him on this blog, and since I think God wants to speak through his story, I'm going to take some time to tell my perspective of it. I hope over the next few days to share more with you about how I met him, how I became his mother, and what he is actually like.
It's good to be back, friends, hope you are as excited as I am!
July 10, 2011
I Do Declare
Today was more than just a birthday. It was more than just mine. It was more than just Joab’s. It was more than a theme (though I did love the chance to get creative with the ‘tree’ motif). It was more than yummy food. It was even more than friends gathered together. Today was a day when I got to celebrate my son.
You see, I know there are plenty in this world who would have looked at his life and said why bother? A kid like that is more of a hassle than he’s worth. Sure, they probably wouldn’t have said it outright, but deep down, that’s what a lot think.
But today, I got another chance to shout back at them: He is my son. And he is absolutely worth it. He’s worth hours spent on just-right cupcakes. He’s worth making sure every detail is covered. He’s even worth washing rocks so that they don’t look so dirty around the fire-pit (let’s just say I’m in an ‘I hate dirt’ phase, and there’s a lot of it in Lusaka).
He is worth celebrating, and I will continue to do it not just on his birthday, but everyday I get to be with him. I am utterly privileged to be his Mama, and completely head over heels for this little boy. People can say whatever they will, but as for me- I do declare I am blessed, thankful, and filled with joy to be the one who gets to throw his birthday parties. Bring em on (but not too fast…).
You see, I know there are plenty in this world who would have looked at his life and said why bother? A kid like that is more of a hassle than he’s worth. Sure, they probably wouldn’t have said it outright, but deep down, that’s what a lot think.
But today, I got another chance to shout back at them: He is my son. And he is absolutely worth it. He’s worth hours spent on just-right cupcakes. He’s worth making sure every detail is covered. He’s even worth washing rocks so that they don’t look so dirty around the fire-pit (let’s just say I’m in an ‘I hate dirt’ phase, and there’s a lot of it in Lusaka).
He is worth celebrating, and I will continue to do it not just on his birthday, but everyday I get to be with him. I am utterly privileged to be his Mama, and completely head over heels for this little boy. People can say whatever they will, but as for me- I do declare I am blessed, thankful, and filled with joy to be the one who gets to throw his birthday parties. Bring em on (but not too fast…).
June 25, 2011
The Desert
Have you ever been in a place, not knowing exactly how you got there? Don’t get me wrong- I know how I got here to Africa; I’ve looked back on the journals and scribbled prayers marking the way. What I don’t know is how I got…here.
Here. A place where I don’t know exactly how to be. A place where I don’t know just what to do. A place where I feel like I know who God is, but don’t know how to live it out. Here.
I can’t pinpoint just when I got here, but I know it’s been a while, and that it’s been wearing on my heart. Those of you who have been in the desert before know that you just sorta wander in and because each way you look just fades together into a blur, it’s hard to decipher what is what. And when the blur just keeps on, your heart feels it.
Fuzzy outlines you believe to be the Man you follow, and so you walk on, all the while not sure if you saw what you thought you did. Was that Him? Is this the way He would have me walk? What if I saw wrongly, and am just chasing shadows??
And yet there is nothing else for you to do; nowhere else for you to be- because you know it’s exactly where He has you; that He has not lost hold of the reigns on your life. You know He’s leading you even though you can barely feel it.
So you wait. For Him to make Himself clear. For Him to speak boldly. For the way to become less vague. I don’t know how long this part lasts, but I hear that it, He eventually does come.
I haven’t known how to write about this place, or how to even understand it. I don’t know that I do yet, but I do feel like He is slowly coming back into focus. He’s looking different than I knew before, but I guess that’s the point. That was why I needed to go through the desert- to relearn and rebelieve Him. I don’t think you get to go through significant life-flipping (like moving faraway and becoming a mother for the first time) without having to readjust. God will never be the One who changes, but oh, how I need to be reshaped. I’m learning that with change comes, well, change.
And I’m thankful for it. Not every moment. Not everyday. But I am learning more and more that God provides exactly what we need in order to be that which He has called us to be. He is able to keep that which I’ve committed to Him, oh He is. And I’m thankful. For here- that it’s not permanent, but that it’s good.
~
An Addendum: I found have that adult life is often divided into parts. Not divided in a bad way- but separate nonetheless. There have been many parts I have shared with you on this blog, but there are also parts I have not- this part being one of them. I write about it now not to negate the parts I have written- I love my son, I love our life in Africa, I love the work we get to do. Writing this part is simply meant to let you in on some of the hardships of missionary life and being faraway from the familiar, and even more simply of life as a disciple of Christ. I hope that it proves useful for you who read…
Here. A place where I don’t know exactly how to be. A place where I don’t know just what to do. A place where I feel like I know who God is, but don’t know how to live it out. Here.
I can’t pinpoint just when I got here, but I know it’s been a while, and that it’s been wearing on my heart. Those of you who have been in the desert before know that you just sorta wander in and because each way you look just fades together into a blur, it’s hard to decipher what is what. And when the blur just keeps on, your heart feels it.
Fuzzy outlines you believe to be the Man you follow, and so you walk on, all the while not sure if you saw what you thought you did. Was that Him? Is this the way He would have me walk? What if I saw wrongly, and am just chasing shadows??
And yet there is nothing else for you to do; nowhere else for you to be- because you know it’s exactly where He has you; that He has not lost hold of the reigns on your life. You know He’s leading you even though you can barely feel it.
So you wait. For Him to make Himself clear. For Him to speak boldly. For the way to become less vague. I don’t know how long this part lasts, but I hear that it, He eventually does come.
I haven’t known how to write about this place, or how to even understand it. I don’t know that I do yet, but I do feel like He is slowly coming back into focus. He’s looking different than I knew before, but I guess that’s the point. That was why I needed to go through the desert- to relearn and rebelieve Him. I don’t think you get to go through significant life-flipping (like moving faraway and becoming a mother for the first time) without having to readjust. God will never be the One who changes, but oh, how I need to be reshaped. I’m learning that with change comes, well, change.
And I’m thankful for it. Not every moment. Not everyday. But I am learning more and more that God provides exactly what we need in order to be that which He has called us to be. He is able to keep that which I’ve committed to Him, oh He is. And I’m thankful. For here- that it’s not permanent, but that it’s good.
~
An Addendum: I found have that adult life is often divided into parts. Not divided in a bad way- but separate nonetheless. There have been many parts I have shared with you on this blog, but there are also parts I have not- this part being one of them. I write about it now not to negate the parts I have written- I love my son, I love our life in Africa, I love the work we get to do. Writing this part is simply meant to let you in on some of the hardships of missionary life and being faraway from the familiar, and even more simply of life as a disciple of Christ. I hope that it proves useful for you who read…
May 31, 2011
Deep Deposits
As a part of a study plan I started a year ago, I'm now plowing through J.L. Dagg's Manual of Theology- a Reformed systematic theology. I am so encouraged by the very first paragraph of the text, as it has reminded and refocused my heart on why I'm doing this and how I should be doing it...
Are you reading anything that is encouraging and challenging your mind lately?
"The study of religious truth ought to be undertaken and prosecuted from a sense of duty, and with a view to the improvement of the heart. When learned, it ought not be laid on the shelf, as an object of speculation; but it should be deposited deep in the heart, where its sanctifying power ought to be felt. To study theology, for the purpose of gratifying curiosity, or preparing for a profession, is an abuse and profanation of what ought to be regarded as most holy. To learn things pertaining to God, merely for the sake of amusement, or secular advantage, or to gratify the mere love of knowledge, is to treat the Most High with contempt."I pray that this would indeed be the end of my study, that God would use it to teach me more and more how to obey His Word, and that I would love Him all the more as He does according to His will.
Are you reading anything that is encouraging and challenging your mind lately?
May 25, 2011
You Should See It!
I know that I am way behind the curve on this one, but if you have not seen this movie- you really should! It tells the (true) story of Temple's life with Autism, and the incredible accomplishments she has made as an animal scientist. The film is bioptic- it shows the world from two perspectives- as a typical mind would understand it, and how an Autistic mind might see it. Besides being a good story, this film so deserved all the awards it won (hands down, the best role Claire Danes has ever played)- so seriously, you should see it!
May 22, 2011
Titles
Officially, my role in Special Hope Network is to serve as Director of Operations Africa. Now I have to admit, I think that sounds pretty legit. I am then reminded, however, that we are not the major international NGO we hope one day to be, and that really we are just four adults + four kids on the ground here in Zambia doing what we can to affect change for people who have disabilities. In reality, right now that title doesn't mean a whole lot.
The title I prefer is the one that carries much more significance; the one I received on the night of our commissioning as missionaries back in early 2010- "Defender of the Rights of the Afflicted and the Needy." It comes straight from our verse, Proverbs 31:8-9, and to me, carries an incredible amount of weight. So much more than some fancy director of an organization, this is who I want to be. This is what I want to define my life. I want this to be what people say about me.
And so, to the best of my ability and according to the grace and power given me by God- this is what I will strive to be and do. Specifically, right now, I will work to see that Special Hope reaches kids earlier. With the deaths of Francis and Gabriel (another of our kids died while I was away), we have realized that we need to be there sooner. Before the malnutrition and/or disease warps their bodies beyond repair, we need to be able to step in.
With this in mind, Special Hope is now working to create Care Centers in each compound of Lusaka, and eventually in the rural areas outside Lusaka. Our goal will be different according to the specific needs of each community, but our hope is that we establish a presence in each area of the city so that we may be accessible to those who need us. We want to be there when a mom realizes her child is developing differently; or when a parent dies and a child has nowhere to go; or when a dad finds out his child, despite what everyone has always told him, can actually learn and grow- we want to be there.
So, that is what I will be doing for a while- finding places, talking with parents, assessing kids. All of which I hope will live up to my name...pray with me, will you?
The title I prefer is the one that carries much more significance; the one I received on the night of our commissioning as missionaries back in early 2010- "Defender of the Rights of the Afflicted and the Needy." It comes straight from our verse, Proverbs 31:8-9, and to me, carries an incredible amount of weight. So much more than some fancy director of an organization, this is who I want to be. This is what I want to define my life. I want this to be what people say about me.
And so, to the best of my ability and according to the grace and power given me by God- this is what I will strive to be and do. Specifically, right now, I will work to see that Special Hope reaches kids earlier. With the deaths of Francis and Gabriel (another of our kids died while I was away), we have realized that we need to be there sooner. Before the malnutrition and/or disease warps their bodies beyond repair, we need to be able to step in.
With this in mind, Special Hope is now working to create Care Centers in each compound of Lusaka, and eventually in the rural areas outside Lusaka. Our goal will be different according to the specific needs of each community, but our hope is that we establish a presence in each area of the city so that we may be accessible to those who need us. We want to be there when a mom realizes her child is developing differently; or when a parent dies and a child has nowhere to go; or when a dad finds out his child, despite what everyone has always told him, can actually learn and grow- we want to be there.
So, that is what I will be doing for a while- finding places, talking with parents, assessing kids. All of which I hope will live up to my name...pray with me, will you?
May 20, 2011
Back At It
Well friends, after a five-week hiatus, Joab and I are back in Zambia. We had such a great time visiting family and friends, and got so much helpful advice from therapists (including and especially my sweet cousin Mary)- but we are glad to be back! There is so much work to do, and we are excited to get back at it. I will write more over the weekend and next week about everything we are up to- but before that, here are some fav moments from the trip...
Ohana (plus Christina!) showers its first baby- Joanna's sweet Galilee is clearly next in line! We can't wait to meet her.
The fam celebrates Dad's retirement from the Navy- we are so proud of him and his 30 years!
Joab and his cousins pose for an upcoming United Colors of Benetton commercial. So dang cute.
Emily graduates! Go Hokies! (the only time that phrase will ever find itself on this blog...WA-HOO-WA!)
Another of the fam (welcome Allen!) celebrating Em's admission into grad-town.
Ohana (plus Christina!) showers its first baby- Joanna's sweet Galilee is clearly next in line! We can't wait to meet her.
The fam celebrates Dad's retirement from the Navy- we are so proud of him and his 30 years!
Joab and his cousins pose for an upcoming United Colors of Benetton commercial. So dang cute.
Emily graduates! Go Hokies! (the only time that phrase will ever find itself on this blog...WA-HOO-WA!)
Another of the fam (welcome Allen!) celebrating Em's admission into grad-town.
May 5, 2011
Refreshing
Can I just tell you all- I am feeling so encouraged after these two speaking engagements. They were so different from each other, and the combination of the two so nurtured my heart for this ministry, and especially for the kids I am called to serve.
First, at JMU- a small group of college-aged girls. I don't know if there is a group I would rather talk to more. I just loved the chance to tune their radar to what is going on with orphans and vulnerable children who have special needs, though that was not a difficult thing to do with a group of mostly pre-Occupational Therapists and pre-Special Educators. It was so fun to challenge them to think outside of the box and to dream big for the kingdom of God on this earth. It was also just so refreshing for me to think back to when I was a college-aged girl (not very long ago) and how much this particular dream meant to me, and how so many pieces have already been fleshed out. Praise the Lord for what He has done and continues to do.
Then, in Cville- with Special Hope family and friends. An incredibly close, and maybe not even, second to the group at JMU. As I stood on that stage and remembered back to a year ago, I absolutely could not believe how far God had led us. Before, we were just starry-eyed talkers, and now that we have been knocked down a couple times, I got to stand there as someone who knew the reality of the difficulty before us, but one still eager to take it on. I guarantee that I would not have felt that way except for the fact that the faces in that audience were people I knew were doing it with us. They might not ever step foot in Africa, but oh, we know that God is using you. To open your mouths, to defend, to act for these kids- thank you for the way you do it everyday. Again, I am so refreshed by talking with you all. Thank you for being excited and with us as Special Hope molds and grows.
Thank you to all who were involved with the planning (Christine and Kate) and to all who came!!! Joab and I loved getting to meet/see you!
First, at JMU- a small group of college-aged girls. I don't know if there is a group I would rather talk to more. I just loved the chance to tune their radar to what is going on with orphans and vulnerable children who have special needs, though that was not a difficult thing to do with a group of mostly pre-Occupational Therapists and pre-Special Educators. It was so fun to challenge them to think outside of the box and to dream big for the kingdom of God on this earth. It was also just so refreshing for me to think back to when I was a college-aged girl (not very long ago) and how much this particular dream meant to me, and how so many pieces have already been fleshed out. Praise the Lord for what He has done and continues to do.
Then, in Cville- with Special Hope family and friends. An incredibly close, and maybe not even, second to the group at JMU. As I stood on that stage and remembered back to a year ago, I absolutely could not believe how far God had led us. Before, we were just starry-eyed talkers, and now that we have been knocked down a couple times, I got to stand there as someone who knew the reality of the difficulty before us, but one still eager to take it on. I guarantee that I would not have felt that way except for the fact that the faces in that audience were people I knew were doing it with us. They might not ever step foot in Africa, but oh, we know that God is using you. To open your mouths, to defend, to act for these kids- thank you for the way you do it everyday. Again, I am so refreshed by talking with you all. Thank you for being excited and with us as Special Hope molds and grows.
Thank you to all who were involved with the planning (Christine and Kate) and to all who came!!! Joab and I loved getting to meet/see you!
April 29, 2011
Open Your Mouth- Cville
Hey you Charlottesville friends- Joab and I will be speaking (I'll be doing most of the talking, Joab will provide a whole lot of background noise) downtown at The Haven tonight. We'll be sharing a lot about what Special Hope has been up to for the last year and where we are headed in the near future. Come see us if you can- more details on Facebook!
April 27, 2011
Open Your Mouth- JMU
So, if you are anywhere around Harrisonburg tonight, you should come to Open Your Mouth! We'll share Joab's and my story and plans for the future of Special Hope! Come if you can...comment if you want details on where!
April 13, 2011
Hey Hey USA
Major change of gears since last post- Joab and I have made it to the US! After so much prep, planning, and a long trip- WE MADE IT! Joab couldn't have done better, and I am so thankful for a smooth flight. We're so excited to get to spend the next month with family and friends, and get to be here for Mom and Allen's wedding, Emily's graduation, and Dad's retirement from the Navy. Bring on the good food and fun!
Here are some pics from the journey, and from our arrival with Auntie Suz, CuzAunt Mary, and Cousin Jack...
Here are some pics from the journey, and from our arrival with Auntie Suz, CuzAunt Mary, and Cousin Jack...
April 4, 2011
Choosing to Celebrate
I sat on the couch, carefully cradling him in my arms. His lungs were working so hard to get air, and his forehead was burning up. I looked into his little eyes and just cried. I knew this would be the last time I got to hold him.
Francis died this morning.
He became part of the statistic I hate so much. He's now included in the 80% of children with an intellectual disability who don't make it to 5 years old. That statistic now carries so much more weight, and my abhorrence of it has increased more than I thought it could. It weighs more because it now has a face to go with it. It now has a name. It now has attached to it a moment when I had to say goodbye.
And so, I write tonight to make certain that he does not fade away into the numbers. To be sure that his face and name are remembered. He was fearfully and wonderfully made by His Father, and I want to celebrate it.
Don't misunderstand, I do not want to celebrate his death, nor the way he died. Someone (I don't know who...) will have to pay the price for the injustice he suffered- I am convinced God will not allow it to go unpunished. He will right every wrong, for Francis, and for each of those 80%.
I choose to celebrate, instead, that I got to be with him. For whatever reason, God saw it fit for me (and others) to be there with him for his last days and hours. I got to be one of the ones to make sure he knew he was loved. To cheer and beg him on as he ate and drank. To simply hold him and sing to him in between feedings. To be heartbroken when he breathed his last.
I still do not understand everything going on. I know that Francis will not be our last, but he will always be our first, and for that is reserved a most tender place in my heart. I pray that God make room in your own heart for him, that he be remembered by many who never even met him, and that his story would convict and compel your heart to whatever end God may choose. And as always, may our Jesus by ever so glorified as He does.
Francis died this morning.
He became part of the statistic I hate so much. He's now included in the 80% of children with an intellectual disability who don't make it to 5 years old. That statistic now carries so much more weight, and my abhorrence of it has increased more than I thought it could. It weighs more because it now has a face to go with it. It now has a name. It now has attached to it a moment when I had to say goodbye.
And so, I write tonight to make certain that he does not fade away into the numbers. To be sure that his face and name are remembered. He was fearfully and wonderfully made by His Father, and I want to celebrate it.
Don't misunderstand, I do not want to celebrate his death, nor the way he died. Someone (I don't know who...) will have to pay the price for the injustice he suffered- I am convinced God will not allow it to go unpunished. He will right every wrong, for Francis, and for each of those 80%.
I choose to celebrate, instead, that I got to be with him. For whatever reason, God saw it fit for me (and others) to be there with him for his last days and hours. I got to be one of the ones to make sure he knew he was loved. To cheer and beg him on as he ate and drank. To simply hold him and sing to him in between feedings. To be heartbroken when he breathed his last.
I still do not understand everything going on. I know that Francis will not be our last, but he will always be our first, and for that is reserved a most tender place in my heart. I pray that God make room in your own heart for him, that he be remembered by many who never even met him, and that his story would convict and compel your heart to whatever end God may choose. And as always, may our Jesus by ever so glorified as He does.
April 2, 2011
Here's to Hoping
Before we moved here, we always talked about it as an inevitability. The statistics wouldn't allow us to escape it. But I don't know that we could have ever prepared for the day when we would care for a child who was dying. And yet, here we are. Francis is 1 year 5 months old and weighs only 11 lbs. At roughly half his suitable weight, his organs are most certainly failing. His skin hangs off his tiny frame in sheets. His bones poke through and seem like they could break at the slightest touch. His eyes stare blankly and his mouth can barely handle the food we are trying to pump into him.
The reality is- Francis' little body is deteriorating. The hope, however, is- that God would step in.
Looking at him, it seems impossible...good thing that's His specialty. And though we know it's not His guarantee, we ask...we hope that God would step in and make His glory known through Francis' restoration.
Pray with us...
The reality is- Francis' little body is deteriorating. The hope, however, is- that God would step in.
Looking at him, it seems impossible...good thing that's His specialty. And though we know it's not His guarantee, we ask...we hope that God would step in and make His glory known through Francis' restoration.
Pray with us...
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