Re-birthday

Twenty-three years ago today a smiley eight-year-old girl searched for her children’s bible a notebook and a pencil. Upon arriving at church for the service with a special guest speaker she ran over to where her cousin, who was also her best friend, was seated. As the sermon commenced the girl would start to write down the things the preacher said that she thought were important. Not being able to write as fast as her companion, who was older by one year, she nudged with her elbow and whispered for her to write it down.

The message seemed to end quickly and the man up front posed a sincere and penetrating question: do you need something from Jesus? He explained that he wanted to pray with those who felt they had needs and invited them forward. The girls looked at each other and without a word headed down front. The man approached and asked the girls what they needed from Jesus. Both responded with confidence their need to be saved. He prayed with them. As the eight-year-old repeated those simple words she knew for sure that she was saved. Though the words have long been forgotten the truth of eternal salvation that was planted in her heart that day has never once been lost.

This is my story. The little eight-year-old girl was me March 28, 1985.

With clear understanding that the word always should be used sparingly I am going to use it today. I have always known the love of God in my life. From the first caresses of my mothers hand on my cheek until this day that I was wiping tears from my son’s face there has been a real presence of my Heavenly Father’s love with me. For this I am grateful.

Not once have I doubted, questioned, wandered away from or rebelled against the message of the gospel. Assurance, confidence and faithfulness have been the marks of my life with Christ. His truth is real to me. For this I am grateful.

Since the moment I first laid eyes on these words as a teenager they have been my own.

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” (1 Timothy 1:12)

If you haven’t done so then you need to give your life to Christ. God loves you. Jesus paid the price for our salvation with his own life. He rose from the dead with the power to forgive you of the sin separating you from God. Tell him today that you believe and ask him for his help. He will hear you and give you the gift of eternal life. Let me know if you do decide to dedicate your life to Jesus so that I can congratulate you for making the best decision ever.

What wonderful gift from the Lord are you celebrating today?

Video Tour of House of Dreams Orphanage, Cochabamba Bolivia

The video is 8 min 40 sec long. If you can, I would encourage you to watch. You will see the facilities of our House of Dreams Orphanage and some of the kids who live here. For privacy purposes we do not disclose the specifics of individual histories. You will hear my husband explain in general some of the histories.

Common FAQs:

1. How many kids you have? We are caring for 21 children now

2. What is your capacity? We are licensed for 42 children; economically we have ceased receiving children until our funds increase

3. How many workers do you have? On paid staff we have 8 people. Aside from that we have a team of about 5 faithful volunteers.

4. Where do the kids come from? We work closely with the equivalent of Social Services here in Bolivia. They bring us children that have been abused, abandoned, left under park benches, found in public bathroom stalls, and even those that have been left in garbage cans.

5. Can you do foreign adoptions? Spain and Portugal, yes. We are in the process of investigating the possibilities for other nations.

6. When did you start the orphanage? June 2006

7. What ages of kids live here? Our boys and girls are newborn to 5 years old

8. How many adoptions have you had? Three of our children in the last year and a half have been adopted into Bolivian homes.

9. How are you finances? Good people from the willingness of their heart support us on a monthly basis. We are at about half of our budget and always looking for new supporters.

10. How can I get involved? You can pray, give financially, come and volunteer, and you can get the word out by passing along this link or asking people to visit our web site:

www.christnationministries.org

Orphanages in Bolivia play the part that foster homes do in the States as well as the typical caring for orphans. Some of the parents of the kids are being trained and taught on how to be better parents. If they are unable to meet the state’s expectations then the immediate family if the child is investigated to see if any of them could take the child in. If all family situations are unsuitable then the process for adoption begins. It usually takes six months from the time a child enters our home until they are available to be adopted, unless they are no family ties found, then the process is usually three months. Just recently the United States has agreed to allow Bolivian adoptions. We are still looking into the requirements; but that option is now open.

Click here to watch the video.

Or copy and paste this link in your browser: http://christnationministries.org/English/videoblogdaronn.html

As you see the images please say a prayer for the work here. Thank you for taking the time to read and watch.

A Yes No Convo

This is a short, little, out-of-the-blue conversation I had this morning with my 6 year old daughter.

Gabrielle: Mama, are tornados real?
Me: Yes
Gabrielle: Will Aunt Kristy be sucked up? (Worried look on face)
Me: No
Gabrielle: Oh good! (Relieved look on face)

As she went blissfully skipping away I chuckled to myself and wondered where that little worry came from. It amused me even more that she was relieved simply by what I told her. She believed it, was relieved by it, and physically manifests her complete trust with a sweet smile as she went about with her life.

What do I worry about? Surely my worries are much more serious and important than those of my child. But are they really? She was gravely distressed by the thought of her aunt being sucked up in a tornado. Are her feelings very much different from mine when I am concerned about all the “what-ifs”?

But my daughter made a good choice. She went to a reliable source to verify the validity of her preoccupation. And when she indeed found out that she was mistaken in her perception of reality she simply changed.

When I am worried who do I talk to? Nobody. Do I bottle it up and let it fester? Yes. Do I file it away in my mind thereby assigning it importance? Usually, yes.

Now, though, this encounter with my daughter showed me that it would be better if I took my worries to a verifiable source: God. That I would choose to believe what he said. And that I would simply change, trusting what he said to be the absolute truth.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (I Peter 5:7)

I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. (Mark 10:15)

What do you do when you are worried?

Tantalized

Scent of health… cucumbers

Touch of familiarity… a sharp yellow No. 2 pencil in my hand

Sight of hope… a sincere embrace of reconciliation

Taste of comfort… cold chocolate milk

Sound of relief… husband’s key turning the lock to come in

Scent of comfort… lit candles

Touch of relief… binding of a longed-for book in my hand

Sight of health… a new born baby’s lips

Taste of familiarity… Schlotzsky’s Original sandwich

Sound of hope… my children laughing

Scent of hope… the wetness of a clear morning after a night of rain

Touch of comfort… husband’s hand on the small of my back

Sight of familiarity… the faces of my friends

Taste of relief… cool water

Sound of health… rhythmic thud of tennis shoes on the ground

What is tantalizing your senses?

Laguna de Alalay

Yesterday for Fun Friday we went to the Laguna de Alalay, a man made lake in the South part of the town here in Cochabamba. Since it was Good Friday there were many families out walking, biking, playing soccer, picnicking, and fishing. My kids especially enjoyed forging a way to the shore line. It was hard to find because parts were flooded and overgrown. I let them take the lead exploring and eventually we made it through. There were piles of old lily pads that had been pulled out from last season that we had to climb over. The fish water smell was not as strong thanks to the breeze. Wild horses grazed on the banks as the men with bamboo poles waded in knee deep to catch fish for their families seated on the grass under the shade of the trees. There was even a man selling ice-cream out of his styrophome chest. The kids pulled up the large water plants and inspected the long hair like roots. God really has surrounded us with fascinating creations. As evening set in the mosquitoes awoke and were hungry so we left. As we were walking to the truck my son pronounces, “Thanks for a very fun Fun Friday mom!”

Yay for Art Day

Thursdays are Art Day here at our home school. We have been having a good time creating together. Usually some of the kids of another home school family who live a few blocks away walk down to do the art project with us. It makes for a fun time for everyone involved (teacher included). So far we have made: me posters, rubbings collections, potato prints, slot sculptures, color spinner pull yo-yos, and woven paper. Each week we learn an art vocabulary word. I make the oversized vocab cards with card stock. The top line is the term, the second line is the definition and finally the card has an example of the term. Some of my projects I find at the Art Attack web site. I love art!


Getting all set up


Raimy with some of the vocabulary cards


Gabrielle working hard


Timothy finishing up


Aren't they lovely?! (The art is pretty nice too)

Feeding Frenzy

When I was in high school there was a commercial for some taco joint where the family was loaded up in the mini van and they chanted, “Feeding frenzy, feeding frenzy…” Well here at the house we have some members of our family that communicate their need to be fed in rather ingenious ways.

First our beloved poodle Shep sets his bowls just so on the step next to his house so that the vast emptiness therein (both his tummy and dishes) may be clearly seen from the second floor kitchen window.

Our guinea pigs peer out from their cage and squeal in desperation. The nibbling on the little bars is supposed to be some kind of guilt trip; it works every time.

And finally, last but not least, comes our tiny Tyler. If signing “food”, “drink” and “more” doesn’t get our attention he lets is voice be heard in another way.

Note: Inspiration and expert photography for this blog come from the one and only DaRonn Washington, my dear and faithful husband.

Plugs

Yesterday I was just amazed at all the free online services that I use on a regular basis. So here is my plug of gratitude (in no specific order).

Email: www.juno.com and www.yahoo.com
Online community and Scrabble spot: www.facebook.com
Online home school network: www.thehomeschoollounge.com
Blogs: www.xanga.com and www.blogger.com
Blog reader: www.igoogle.com
Chat and daily news blurb: www.yahoo.com
Video chat: www.skype.com
Chat and video chat: http://get.live.com/messenger/features
Translation page: www.wordreference.com
Bibles online: www.biblegateway.com
Search engine and image search: www.google.com
Browser: Internet Explorer (thinking about using Fire Fox)
Trivia: www.wikipedia.org
Preaching: http://www.wolc.com/sites/v2/index.php?sitearea=page&pid=197 and http://www.northpoint.org/messages and http://www.apple.com/itunes/overview/

What free stuff do you use on line?

Raimy is 10!

My oldest daughter had her (gulp) tenth! birthday this week. She is such a lovely girl. I am very proud of her. She chose cinnamon rolls and doughnuts in stead of a cake. She also chose to spend the day with her friend Faith. Here are some shots of the day...

FYI...

A friend of mine posted these facts on her blog and invited her friends to do the same. It has been a while since I have done a tag so here it goes. You can do the same if you like. Feel free to add your own facts if you want.

Favorite color? Green – ‘cause it’s shades are so varied and emotive
Middle name? Lynn
Favorite movie? #1 Far and Away #2 In Good Company
Favorite ice-cream? Vanilla with orange sherbet swirl
Favorite indulgence? Driving
Favorite verse? 1 Timothy 1:12
Favorite pop? Fresca
Favorite bible story? Joshua and Rahab
Last book / current book? See “Kid in a Candy Shop” post
Most desired place to visit? Israel, Germany, and Ireland (we’ll stop there because I could go on and on and on and on…)
Collect anything? Books, kaleidoscopes, culture
Favorite thing to spend money on? Office and school supplies, electronic gizmos
Do you like any sports? Love to swim, is hiking a sport? (I like to do that too)
Dream car? A nice big new truck with seating for many and lots of horsepower
What color is your bedspread? Teal and white quilt made for our wedding by my mom and her sisters.

Culture Collection

Every so often on my walk through life I happen upon an interesting stone that begs me to pick it up, examine it for a bit, smile with amusement and put it in my pocket. I call it my “culture collection”. Thought I might pull some out to show to you.

So here in Bolivia the people are keen on every type of protest. You have your blockades, your strikes, your hunger strikes and your combo style where they do all of the above and everything shuts down for about 24 hours. I poke fun at it but it can lead to violence and putting people’s lives at risk. So I don’t condone it in the least. But I have to laugh because if I don’t find some bit of humor in it I will become a bitter old woman.

Yesterday, as I was out buying a purse, we drove across an intersection to a perfect parking spot just in the nick of time. A street full of protesters was noisily coming up. As we got out of the vehicle my friend asked, “What do we do now?” I said, “We cross the street.” And we walked right through to get to the purse shop with the smell of fresh sulfur from the fireworks filling our nostrils and the din of the crowd filling our ears. The grievance was a recent disagreement in police policies.

Earlier this week there was a march in which all the protesters had in their hands empty pots and pans. As they banged along they were hoping to find some solution for the recent rise in grocery prices due to an over-abundance of rain that had ruined much of the crops.

This morning we had a good laugh as we were coming back from our trip up and down the steps of the Cristo. My friend tells me that she was trying to go do her running around down town a couple of days ago and there was a blockade on one of the streets. She asked what the complaint was and they told her that they wanted the city to put more street lights on the street.

Sometimes they take turns protesting. The groups get together and one says to the other, “Hey, Tuesday we are going to have a strike because gas prices are going up.” And the others say, “Oh, we wanted to have a hunger strike that day because our company hasn’t paid us in about six months, but I guess we can wait until Wednesday.”

It was amazing to me when the prisoners in the prison had a hunger strike because they wanted a different warden.

Every once in a while the national news gets wind of an especially vocal group standing up for their cause. Then we get emails and phone calls asking us if everything is ok because they saw on the news that there were blockades. Usually I respond saying, “Oh, what are they complaining about this time?” In the six plus years we have lived here there hasn’t been a week that has gone by that there was not a public protest of some sort. So often is this the case that my language teachers so many years ago taught me a vocabulary group that included all the different words for the styles of protests that exist in this beloved Bolivia.

Ok, I am putting my stones back in my pocket. Maybe I will pull them out and show some different ones to you another time.

Backyard Adventures

Just 15 minutes from our home sprawling on the side of a mountain lays Tunari National Park; this was our fun Friday destination today. The sun shone on my children’s way as they headed out on the trail to adventure and exploration. For an entrance fee of just a buck fifty we will be back again; and next time with a picnic lunch. Here are some snapshots from our morning.

Bearing Gifts

We have a gal here with us who will be teaching in the bible school network for a month. She brought us down goodies! Yeah! And my sneaky Thumbbuddy (Danielle) sent some cookies down with her for us. :o) I feel super loved!

We get the regect Chips Ahoy down here. Every package I have bought have seemed over baked. The ones pictured here are yummy! And notice the plethera of Peeps! Yeah - Peeps Party Central!

Nothing like the real thing when it comes to diaper cream.

A coffee grinder!

Video Tour of Ministry Office

Have you got 7 ½ minutes to spare? My husband made a video tour of the ministry office and posted it on our web site. Later he will have the tour of the orphanage and the church up but he started with this one because this is where we start our real life tours. You get to see a glimpse of the busy street called America out front. See if you can guess what the lady carrying the tall pastel colored thing is selling. Also you can see that right by the gate there seems to be a pile of vegetables. There is a little old lady who sells her wares there every day. The tour is pretty cool if you ask me.

Click here to watch: http://christnationministries.org/English/videoblogdaronn.html

Tea

As a woman living in Bolivia I have learned the skill of a “tea”. It usually takes the place of a light dinner at about 6 in the evening. Ladies trickle in and the sound gradually increases as all the friends converge around the table in a home or at a local tea-house. Coffee and tea are served along side breads, pastries or other baked goods. If the ladies have brought food to share what is politely left on the plate stays at the house. In the same fashion the confidentialities shared also do not leave the confines of the intimacy of the companions; at least in noble theory if not in practice.

Age old traditions are observed such as serving the cool refreshment beverage that precedes the actual tea drinking on a tray and never with your hands. A tea spoon is to be provided in place of the larger soup spoon or there will be furrowed eyebrows. Children are welcome to pick and choose off the table as they please seeing as they are adored and by no means disdained among these people. Though it is fashionable to arrive half an hour to forty five minutes passed the appointed hour it is expected that the group depart all at the same time.

The intricacies of conversing at a tea are details that one must develop only after repeated exposure with an attentive ear to the timing, volume and topics addressed. The only interruption permitted is that of a proper greeting which consists of a kiss on the cheek for every person present. Kisses aside, great respect is demonstrated in that the thorough stories that could be easily described as speeches by those unfamiliar with a Bolivian tea are listened to completely.

Common topics touched at almost every tea: children, women stuff (complete with at least one labor and delivery story), light gossip and maids. The Spanish word for maid is ‘empleada’. You should see the emotion on the women’s faces when this topic is finally brought to the table. So today I welcome you to my table for tea. This very Latin introduction has been so that I can talk with you about my maid, or former maid to be more precise.

She has been with us for over three years. The kids love her dearly. She actually did very good honest work. Just these last few months she has repeatedly missed days, asked for extra time off and simply disappeared. So she finally called the other day to let me know that she was done. I guess I can’t blame her. Right now she needs to give her own family attention. Both her parents are sick and she is the middle child of 12. Only a few of the siblings have jobs. Their pay checks sustain the rest of them. So she will go and I will probably never see her again in my life. Such is the case with ‘empleadas’.

And now we need to decide where to go from here. It is clear that if I am going to continue to be involved in ministry outside of my home that I will need to have help. Simple house hold tasks take so much longer to accomplish without automated everything. The thought of the hunting, trial period, decisions and training time makes me sigh.

You are to be commended if you have read this far and you are still interested. This talk would have been much more in depth and fraught with emotional descriptions and compassion invoking examples had I been addressing Bolivian women. And it will be next time I sit down with my chicas. Bottom line is please pray for me during this transition time. It is a good thing to have the challenge of choosing the right helper.

Thanks for sharing tea with me today.

Startling Realization

This weekend I was tooling around in the truck with my friend Marisol. As we drove by an interesting shop I made an impulse decision and parked so we could check it out. Holding my daughters hand the three of us crossed the street to pop in and see what they had. It was a girls shop complete with perfumes, jewelry, trendy clothes and hand bags. Being the conscientious friend that she is Marisol casually asked, “Did you ever get a new purse like you said you needed to?” She was making reference to the fact that I had shared with her a couple weeks ago that all my purses were falling apart. Informing her that I had not done so we chatted about hand bags for a bit which led to a startling realization…

“I have never in my life purchased a purse!” I exclaimed as we left the shop. “Every purse I ever used has been given to me.”

I have bought back-packs, diaper bags, shopping bags, change pouches, wallets, clutches and God knows how many pieces of luggage of all shapes and sizes; but never a purse.

To go along with this post I am including a link to a rather funny web site that I have found: http://www.bagborroworsteal.com/ . From this site you can rent designer brand hand bags. You woulda thunk it?

Washington Girls