happy thanksgiving

I've been trying not to think about the fact that today is Thanksgiving. If I allow myself to think too much, I run the risk of losing all composure not knowing when it could be regained again. And, as you know having a child see you lose it makes for a rough day and a lot of back pedaling.

I do love this time of year in my culture and I do want to reflect on thankfulness. Of course there are many things to be thankful for. There are all the obvious things but I want to share something more, something I have never experienced before.
This year I am so thankful for the people of Hands at Work and a community of support I have here in Mozambique. I fight tears just reflecting on the love and support I have felt from many.
It seems as an organization we talk about “community” and what it means to be part of a “faith community.” And, like many things, it’s easy to sit around talking about good theories and the way things should be, right? I am thankful that I have been able to be part of more than just talk. Over the course of the last 8 months I have shared many trials and triumphs with a few from Hands at Work who have been able to be here in Moz with me, and with many more through text messages and emails.
We have a phrase here that has been way over used, “Estamos juntos”, “we are together.” I used to sort of chuckle as it was said so often BUT recently I’ve seen it played out in my life. There have been many difficult things going on and it’s been remarkable to feel the love and support of people, who just because we believe in the same things, are now walking a difficult road with me. They have chosen to help me carry my burden and fight my cause with me. This, I marvel at!
We’re obviously not perfect, and yes we sit around talking about how to care for the vulnerable and what our role is in caring for the poor, but in that we respond the BEST we know how and we do it together. Because we, as an organization believe that “in the counsel of many there is wisdom,” I turn to this when I’m alone and in need of discernment. I am now praising the Lord with joyful thanksgiving that I am experiencing the body of Christ chasing after the Lord’s heart which is caring for the poor and vulnerable and loving one another. It’s a beautiful thing to be a part of. I am thankful for the beautiful people who have been drying my tears and walking this road with me! I am SO THANKFUL for YOU!
[I tried to get Nede to sing a song, “Thank you Jesus” in her 3 languages, but, at the beginning she started singing her favorite—Happy Birthday (she must sing Happy Bday at least 15 times/day!) I am also not sure my uploading is working but I hope you can see a glimpse of her sweetness!]
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Enjoy every bite of whatever fills your stomach today and love on those around you. This done beautifully is so worthy of praise!

this is nede

I feel like this series of pictures tells a lot about Nede. She doesn’t lack in the personality department, as you’ll see…

 

Finally…a real smile!

“i want God to come here”

The other night after I read Nede her Bible story and prayed with her, she was tucked into bed and I was getting ready for bed. I was in the bathroom when I heard her say, “Sista Dara?”

“Yes Nede?”

“I want God to come here.”

I sort of sighed, not knowing how to respond and thinking how I too would love to be able to visibly greet God at the front door. I realized then how unprepared I am to answer these difficult questions of a 5 year old. In my feeble attempt I said, “Nede, He is here. He’s with us.”

Confused she looks at me and says, “Brother Marc is God?”

Oops. Um, no.

We’ll have to continue to work on her understanding of all this. :) Any suggestions?

(The power went out the other night and our freezer started to defrost. Marc collected the ice and made this snowman- complete with a carrot nose and all. I tried to talk to Nede about snow and I sang “Frosty the Snowman” but, again, it’s far too much for her little mind. One day she’ll see the real thing!)

grocery shopping

Now that we’re living in town Nede and I can walk to the grocery store. I was a bit nervous yesterday as we left and she insisted on carrying everything home. I am afraid her strong will may get me in trouble someday. I did insist to carry the ream of paper but she managed both bags. She’s so fun!

rejoicing

I had a great day yesterday. Much to my surprise I got a message that my first document for Nede that I have been waiting for for almost 4 months was complete! I rejoiced!

Nede went to bed and I was still on my high from the events of the day. I sat down to email my group of what I can “Prayer Warriors for Nede.”

Once I finally settled down I went to bed. As I snuggled under my mosquito net I decided to check my email on my phone one last time before nodding off to sleep.

Then I cried.

I cried because I got an email of encouragement and rejoicing from a women I have never met. Someone who has faithfully been emailing and supporting me because she also believes that God’s heart is to care for the least of these.

I cried because I got an email from one of my sisters close friends who has also adopted and she reminded me that there will be a day when I look back at these hard times and know each tear was worth it.

I cried because I got an email from my dear friends that will soon fly to Ethiopia to meet their daughter. We’re rejoicing together.

I cried because I got an email from a women whom I’ve met once. She and her husband hosted an event for me before I left Minneapolis where I shared the whole story of Nede’s mother and Nede. They now FAITHFULLY pray for me and encourage me and rejoice with even the smallest progress.

I get emails from people from so many different chapters of my life. And I am encouraged, moved and strengthened by this. God uses so many to speak to me through. In a dry and weary land, at time it’s God showing himself in these ways that helps me press on.

I must have fallen asleep with a smile on my face last night feeling cradled in His safe, strong arms. It’s such a joy to share this difficult, yet wonderful, experience with so many.

And then, I woke up this morning, rolled over to let Nede in bed with me and there, where my back had been, was a dead cockroach!

Nice.

And so continues my journey.

George in Minneapolis

Hands @ Work: AIDS Crisis Response

Campus & Location:

Bethlehem Baptist Church Downtown, 114

Date & Time:

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm

"Love God, Love your Neighbor"—How do the two great commandments fit into the response of the global Church to the AIDS crisis in Sub-saharan Africa? Come hear George Snyman, founder of Hands At Work Africa, share about how his organization mobilizes the Church to care for AIDS orphans throughout Africa and what you can do to be a part.

For more information, contact Peter & Katie Steen (612-616-7465).

George coming to US

(taken from Hands at Work website- www.handsatwork.org Please notify me if you need to get further information and I can direct you to someone who knows)

Hands founder, George, to take a tour of 'duty' in the USA

George Snyman's six-week tour is underway. He will spending time in the UK and Canada before visiting the USA. Spending nearly three weeks in the country, he will be speaking in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minneapolis from 3 to 23 November.

George is known for being an encouraging - and sometimes challenging - speaker. He will not only be talking about Hands at Work, but also about our mandate as Christians to respond to poverty. Not to be missed!

Date Wednesday, 3 November

Venue University of Wisconsin-Madison with Poverty Stops Here

Time 08:00pm

Date Thursday, 4 November

Venue Grace in Racine, 3626 Hwy 31, Racine, WI

Time 07:00pm

Date Friday, 5 November

Venue Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm Street, Glenview, IL

Time 07:00pm

Date Sunday, 21 November

Venue Cornerstone Community Church, Orange County

Time Both Sunday services

Date Tuesday, 23 November

Venue Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN

Time 07:00pm

we’ve moved

and we’re happy we can call it our own

and it’s, yet again, a glimpse of God’s faithful provision

happy birthday nede

I think today is Nede’s 5th birthday. There’s some controversy but we’ve claimed it to be and we celebrated! I enjoyed it as much as Nede. As we ate cake and drank icy Coke from the bottle I looked around the room, not knowing (again) how I got here, but SO GRATEFUL for how God places the right people with me at the right moments in time. It was a joy to celebrate Nede’s birthday with my “Hands at Work family” and my dear friend Sarah.

Nede was overjoyed with her party- she changed dresses 3 times during the short celebration and Uncle Sal and Brother Jaap spoiled her with new earrings and hair accessories in which she modeled around all to beautifully, making me nervous for teenage years;) 

My mom made matching dresses for Nede and her doll- she’s so proud!

Our birthday guests- Uncle Sal, Brother Marc, me, Nede, Uncle Jaap, Paula and Uncle Stephen. Sarah was the photographer.

Lord, bless and protect Nede’s 5th year of life! Make a way for us to have many more celebrations together!

dear dara

Dear Dara,

I am your friends sister-in-law. I heard your story and am touch. I believe with you in what you are doing. The Lord will sustain you. I have read your story and it’s evident how the Lord has directed you. I, and my other Christian Sisters, are praying for you.

God Bless you and Nede, you’re in our prayers and we support you!

Love,

One Who Believes (a mother who has adopted)

*

Dear Dara,

I am your friend’s sister-in-laws friend. I heard your story and am touch. I believe with you in what you are doing. I believe it’s hard, waiting is difficult. It may sound trite to say, but the Lord’s timing is perfect, I have experienced this. My husband and I support what you are doing. Please know you are in our prayers and we want to rejoice with you when this is all said and done.

Blessings to you and Nede, you’re being prayed for.

Love,

Another Who Believes (a mother who has adopted)

*

Dear Dara,

I believe in what you are doing. You have heard my story and you’ve been touch. My timing is perfect. I know it’s hard but can you see where I am there with you? Rest in my arms and wait. I support you. I hear your prayers and the prayers of those who Believe. I am rejoicing over you and Nede.

I am blessing you.

Love,

The One Who Adopts (a father who has adopted)

*

These are 2 letters (summarized) that I recently received. The last is one that I believe I would received if things worked that way.