Every day around 7:00 in the
evening an epic battle is fought in our little abode. It is the battle of wills. It is a battle of strength. The cause is simple… the sun has retired for
the day and the ladies who live at the house are ready to clean up and call it
a day. However, the forces of the smallish
visitors are quiet considerable and so the show-down begins. Some days it is short lived and both parties
happily wave, smile, and bid adieu. Then some days like yesterday the battle
ends with the gate slamming shut and little fists pounding in irritation. Then the whiter party runs indoors before the
opposing forces decide to give it another go.
My view from the window yesterday was quiet amusing. My comrade inarms had taken the skirmish out the door… she was successfully shoving them out the gate when one with a ornery gleam in his eye ran past.. I was shaking my head thinking “here we go..” when suddenly to his surprise her arm shot out and caught him by the overalls. He swung around, eyes wide in shock, and was forced to submit. The taller, whiter, party stood and with a sense of satisfaction in her eyes turned around to discover the friendly construction workers peering around the corner fully enjoying the show. The evening came to a dramatic finish with one of the friendly viewers ran at the opposing forces brandishing a stick in warning. All quickly vanished.
Some days this little drama is amusing.. other days we don’t have such attitudes. However we are thankful. We are thankful for the dirt that is left on the floor. The pencil marks on the wall. The friendships that are being formed. The opportunity to have our door flung open wide as an invitation for them to come, and relax, and play, and we pray.. see Jesus. The other day we had a matatu(a small van used for public transport) in our living room. All of our chairs were lining the wall and business was in full swing. It was unclear where it was headed at any one time. There were several conductors shouting out their price and intended destination from on top of the table. Others were scurrying around collecting fare from the somewhat battered passengers. I just had to stop in the middle of the chaos and smile because they were getting along and playing as friends… that is something we have been noticing lately and it is exciting!
We seem to be hitting a pretty consistent number of around 200 kiddos on Saturdays. Sometimes we wonder how much they get from the devotion but we are trusting God to do a work. After all, our words aren’t what affect the change it is a personal revelation that they must receive from Christ. January is the hottest month here so it can really get blazing.. the heat radiates through the metal roof.. but that doesn’t seem to deter them. I am thinking a massive water fight might be in order one of these days!!
Recently we gained a young roommate. Her mother works at night and so the only option was for her to stay alone. We heard the result of this as we were eating supper the other night. I opened the door to find her standing outside crying in the dark. Her mother asked if we could help and so it was decided! She ran around in her new fuzzy pajamas in delight as we prepared a mattress for her. Life changes and we thank God for yet another opportunity to learn more of Him. We gladly admit our weakness because we know it is THEN that He is strong!!!
And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires let him take the water of life freely! Revelation 22:17
Some days this little drama is amusing.. other days we don’t have such attitudes. However we are thankful. We are thankful for the dirt that is left on the floor. The pencil marks on the wall. The friendships that are being formed. The opportunity to have our door flung open wide as an invitation for them to come, and relax, and play, and we pray.. see Jesus. The other day we had a matatu(a small van used for public transport) in our living room. All of our chairs were lining the wall and business was in full swing. It was unclear where it was headed at any one time. There were several conductors shouting out their price and intended destination from on top of the table. Others were scurrying around collecting fare from the somewhat battered passengers. I just had to stop in the middle of the chaos and smile because they were getting along and playing as friends… that is something we have been noticing lately and it is exciting!
We seem to be hitting a pretty consistent number of around 200 kiddos on Saturdays. Sometimes we wonder how much they get from the devotion but we are trusting God to do a work. After all, our words aren’t what affect the change it is a personal revelation that they must receive from Christ. January is the hottest month here so it can really get blazing.. the heat radiates through the metal roof.. but that doesn’t seem to deter them. I am thinking a massive water fight might be in order one of these days!!
Recently we gained a young roommate. Her mother works at night and so the only option was for her to stay alone. We heard the result of this as we were eating supper the other night. I opened the door to find her standing outside crying in the dark. Her mother asked if we could help and so it was decided! She ran around in her new fuzzy pajamas in delight as we prepared a mattress for her. Life changes and we thank God for yet another opportunity to learn more of Him. We gladly admit our weakness because we know it is THEN that He is strong!!!
And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires let him take the water of life freely! Revelation 22:17
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| Face painting before lunch on Saturday |
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| Trying to hold still |
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| Patiently waiting for their turn |
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| Cuties that fight in the opposition ;) |
