Monday, July 26, 2010

Weaving my way back...

Trenton and I are home from Africa.  I feel much like this child.  I feel like I am on the outside looking in.  I am tired and overstimulated by this life that at one time was the only life I knew.  Traveling 9000 miles from home and experiencing the simplicity of life that the African people live was amazing on so many levels.  


Most people think that when you travel on Mission that you are doing just that...a MISSION to bring about change and hope.  I must say that I was forever changed in ways that I could not imagine by the lives that I came across. Yes, we taught, we prayed, we touched and we played.  

I do not speak Kinyanrwandan or Swahili.  A smile is universal.  A simple wave accompanied by a cheery "Maraho" or "Jambo" {hello} was enough to evoke a crowd of children yelling "Muzungu" {white person} and running to greet you. 

Their clothes tattered and torn, dusty and dirty.  Their faces smudged with dirt and runny noses abound.  Heads that were shaved, feet that were bare.  Their beautiful smiles, warm soft skin and deep chocolate eyes melted your heart.  Quick to grab your hand, give a hug or take a place on your lap.  There were more children than we had hands or laps to hold.  Some would go from one person to another waiting for a turn to feel a loving touch.


We were able to learn their names but not their story.  You would hold a child and wonder where did they sleep at night?  Did they have a home or a mommy?  Were they hungry or thirsty?  


More often than I can recall I would go to put a child down and they would say so sweetly in a voice so soft you had to strain to hear "food?...water?"  Their eyes fixed on yours awaiting a response.  Your heart would sink to the depths of your soul.  

Knowing that you could not give that one child food or water because a hundred more would come running was enough to tear your heart out.  Embarrassed and ashamed, you would break their intent gaze and look away.  Guilt would flood you head to toe knowing that you would soon board a bus and guzzle a water bottle or two on your way to lunch.  Your mouth dry from all the dust, your stomach growling - you would soon satisfy your needs. 


Leaving them behind with sad eyes, waving at you with their small hands you had to put them out of your mind for the moment or the tears would flow.


How can we be so blessed to live here in America when there are so many beautiful children suffering?
Why and what.  Why must it be this way and what can we do?


I have many stories to tell.  Many divine appointments to share.  I am just trying to weave my way back into this overindulgent lifestyle that I have always known.  When I can come to grips with our ways and rest up I will share more with you.


Just know that if you are reading this, you are blessed.  You have been chosen.  You can make a difference.  Are you prepared to live simply so that others may simply live?  


My .mac account was up for renewal while I was away.  It is $99 a year.  I don't have the $99 to pay it and when I think about how much food $99 would provide for people who earn less than $300 a year {if they are fortunate enough} I am not sure if I will renew it or not.  So in the meantime if you wish to email me you may do so at justjanean@yahoo.com


Until next time...
XOXO
Janean

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Long Winding Road


It is hard to believe that we are finally here.  Tomorrow is the day that we have been waiting and working for months to prepare for.  Our DEPARTURE DAY!


God has really shown us that HE is in control.  He has lead us through the bumps, the pot holes, the dangerous curves and the delightful straightaways.  He has strategically placed the red lights so we would stop and reflect.  He put the yellow lights just where we needed them to proceed with caution.  He then gave us the green to press on full steam ahead.


I have been stretched thus far beyond my comprehension.  I have grown in my faith, my trust and my endurance.  My heart has been molded and prepared as much as it could be to be broken for Him.  In the home stretch we have been brought through the death of a loved one, illness, joyous events and financial challenges.


Just a few days ago a dear friend suffered a heart attack and gave us all quite a scare.  God was not finished with him and he is still here with us.  For this I am so grateful.  The emotions that I have had in the past weeks are more than enough to last me a lifetime!


I can sing praises as yesterday - in perfect timing - Taylor was re-admitted to the Phoenix House.  I will have peace of mind knowing that he is continuing on his journey of recovery while I am away.


Trenton and I have 2 suitcases packed.  Each weigh in at 49 pounds {our limit is 50}.  Today I will spend time with my lil boys and then focus on packing last minute items and our carry-ons. 


I so appreciate all of you who have prayed us through and contributed your time and money to aid us in this mission.  I feel SO awesome to know that you are all going along with us in spirit.  I can not wait to share with you our experiences.  We will update via this blog and on Facebook as we are able.  Our trip leader Liza will also update the KSG website as she can - here is the link:


We leave tomorrow, July 8th at 2:30pm.  We invite any and all who would love to come see us off to meet at the MC2 Parking Lot {just up from the main offices on the left} at 2:00pm.  We will hug, take photos and pray then load the bus to leave at 2:30pm.

You can see our Prayer Journal on this website - for a day by day break down of prayer requests:


After 2 days of travel we will touch down in the Land Of A Thousand Hills, Rwanda.  Here we will do the work that God has already laid out for us.  He has prepared in advance divine appointments and people that we will be forever touched by.  I can't wait to be used for His glory!

Please pray for safe travels, pray that our luggage all arrives safely, pray for our health, endurance and that we would each have an attitude of grace.  Pray that our servants hearts will be used to the fullest!

XOXO
Janean