BUILDING THE BLOCKS...

Holidays on the mission field are always a little different. I have to admit I woke up this morning kind of dreading the day because I knew it would another holiday without our oldest sons Travis and Keegan here with us. But God is good and even though we are far away from those we love- He still gives us the greatest blessings.

Christi, Todd, Dan and I spent most of the morning in the kitchen doing our best to prepare our favorite Thanksgiving foods that would resemble something close to home. After everything was in the oven Christi and Dan decided to go for a long walk around the neighborhood. Within a few minutes Christi came running back with huge tears in her eyes (because her heart is so big like that) telling me that Rosa was back- and had 4 of her siblings along with her. I ran into the dining room and there they stood- dirt from head to toe-yet the most beautiful sight in this world. We seriously couldn't have asked for more.

Thank you Jesus for answering our prayers.

They had been at the top of the property waiting when Christi and Dan found them and invited them in. This time they accepted. :) They said they needed food and water- oh the things we take for granted. We loaded them up again with rice, beans, corn meal and as much as we could fit into their sack.

We explained to them that it was safe here and that we were so happy they came back when they needed help. We told them we wanted to help them because of Jesus and asked them if they know who Jesus is. They shook their heads no. We gave them a Bible (although they do not attend school and cannot read- but said their parents do). We explained to them that Jesus cares about them so much and that is why he sent us here- so that we could tell them about him. We told them if they'd like to know more about Jesus that we'd love to be able to teach them more about him. The entire time Rosa remained expressionless, although her little brothers would smile and became very excited when they saw the treats we placed in their bag.

We learned Rosa's little brothers names and ages and even met their two dogs who followed them in. ;) We invited them to stay for our Thanksgivings feast- but Rosa declined saying they needed to get back to their home. They agreed they would come back tomorrow. Before they left we were able to pray over their little souls.

Today I am so thankful for the many, many blessing the Lord has placed in my life. My husband, my children, my extended family, my friends, my church family, our partners, Lifesong, Project Hopeful, and the privilege of teaching children like Rosa and her brothers about the One who allowed these blessings in my life.

 And I have learned that while sometimes our days don't go as we originally hoped they would- it's only God has something else in mind. :)