Friday, August 20, 2010

I'm here.


Many of you have emailed asking why I have not updated my blog in a long while.  
Thank you - I appreciate the nudge!

I have settled back into life as I knew it before Africa.  I have a restlessness about me that I never had before and an unexplainable peace at the same time.


I do not seem as quick to anger, find joy in things I never did before, have a greater appreciation for people and move through life now with my eyes wide open.  All of this is great, yet I feel restless.
I have a great yearning to return to Africa and do more.  I long to empower people here to become passionate about helping others - where ever they may be - those who are less fortunate.
It has become so clear to me how we here in America have settled into our little bubble of the world and how quickly all things can revolve around our comfort or lack there of.  It is so easy to justify indulgences for ourselves when there are children suffering in our own backyard - not to mention all over the world.

Many people can not help it as they are living totally unaware of how abundantly blessed and rich their lives are.  I feel a need to educate them.   Albeit they may not wish to learn,  my desire is still there.


I have spent some time setting up a website to help the Women from Christ Gospel Fellowship, in Kigali, Rwanda.  The women in this church are people like you and me.  They live, love and laugh.  They work hard to survive.  Many have been inflicted with HIV/AIDS and so have their children.  Yet they have hope in each new day.  They get up, they go on.  This ministry has brought women in who did not know where to turn and has taught them how to make baskets and beads for jewelry.  The women work tirelessly for hours creating these beautiful crafts, yet do not have a market in which to sell them.  I am determined to help.  All items on this site were handmade and brought here by me from Africa.  All money earned from the site will go directly back to the women who made them.

  
Please take a moment to check out the site:
http://www.creativeheartsofhope.com


Share the link with a friend!  Your simple small purchase will provide food, clothing, shoes and schooling for children 9,000 miles away!

Now a little on my home front.  Taylor has 25 more days in jail.  They are trying to get him before a WIC Court Judge to deem him unable to care for himself and grant him aid in getting rehab that specializes in dual diagnosis {both mental illness and addiction} as there are not many places that accept people like him.  We do not have $50k to $100k to pay for his treatment, and neither does he.  His next hearing in regular court is this Monday.  Please pray that there are some answers finally.

Our little Trevan will be 6 in a week.  He and Turner are both doing great at their new school {year round}.  Trevan starts Soccer next week and is SO excited!  Trenton will start HIGH SCHOOL in a couple weeks.  I can't believe he is so old!  He has been working with his dad and has earned enough money to buy a bike.  He is one happy camper now!

Our Chloe {trusted babysitter, friend and adopted daughter/sister} will return to Sonoma State in a few days.  We will miss her so!  She is such a blessing to us and her smiling face and giggles will leave us empty.  It is my hope that in April I can take the boys to see her and drive back with her for her Spring Break.  My lil boys have 6 weeks off then. 

I am looking forward to Kids Small Groups starting in September - I miss my kids!  I have loved teaching the Summer Class each Tuesday.  We have some awesome kids!  Ariel and Kamille are my student leaders and I love spending 3 hours with them!  I love their serving hearts.

I think I may be ready to start editing the photos from my trip.  Each time I have sat down to start the emotions come flooding back as I look at the sweet faces.  With a lot of prayer I think I may be ready to tackle the 10,000 images!


I have started a gallery of Africa on my Giggle Moon website - it is on the bottom - the far right bubble - if you want to check it out.  I will add more as I am able.
http://www.gigglemoonphotography.com

I hope you are enjoying what is left of our Summer and pray that you will be empowered to go out of "your bubble" and extend yourself to those who are in need...you'll be glad you did!
XOXO
Janean