Adorable Children and Strange Smells

I think that children in Togo are some of the most beautiful children in the world. God has given me the opportunity to minister to these children and their mothers in my neighborhood, for which I am so thankful. This past Saturday during Bible Hour as we sang songs I started looking around at the children. Some were so dirty, some had no pants on, some had just underwear on, some had holes in their clothes, but they were so happy to be singing songs about God. After the verses, review questions, and the story, the kids got to color a picture. I don't do this often but when I do they LOVE it. They all lay down on the tile floor and color their pictures. For some of them it is the first time they have ever done it. As I was helping Backie, a little girl that lives next door, I noticed that every where she went about five flies would follow her. This is a very common thing with her, but despite the smell and flies she is so very lovable. Another little boy who often comes to Bible Hour loves to hold my hand. He never speaks, he just stands by me. While we were coloring I noticed that he came and sat by me to watch me color. He wanted to show me his picture and did so at least another five times. I think he just liked my reaction! Despite the smells and flies these children are adorable.

A HOT Saturday and lots of kids.

Today at Bible hour the kids learned about David and Goliath, the toy sword and the sling shot were a big hit, the kids love to hear about what God did in the lives of the people in the Bible. They really enjoyed the part about David walking around the city with the head of Goliath, they became very excited. When they were asked who gave him strength to kill Goliath they all yelled out together “C’EST DIEU” it was God. It is exciting to see the children understand that it was not the man but it was God. After cutting the head of Goliath (just in the story) the children memorized Psalm 119:2. Soon the children became restless because it was to hot. I had an IDEA: hot kids, hose, water. The children had so much fun playing in the hose I squirted them with water for about 10 min and loved every minute of it.

I just found this blog entry I had forgotten to post it, so it is a little old, forgive me.

A strange smell

The other day I came out of our house and was hit by a strange smell, I didn't think any thing of it because this is Africa, Africa is filled with strange smells. When I stepped out of our outside gate I discovered the source of strange smell. It was the fur of a cat, two guys were burning the fur off of a cat, they were getting it ready to cook and eat. Yummy yummy.

An exciting day

Friday was an exciting day for me, I learned that our next door neighbor had her baby, a little boy. I was going to be able to be the baby taxi. I was able to bring home a precious little baby. The mother had no complications and the baby and mom are doing great. Tuesday I am going to go to the market and buy some soap for her and some clothes for the baby. I hope you enjoy the picture of the new life that God has given to this wonderful lady and her husband.

God is so good.

Lately Jesse and I have been teaching Joshua about humility and making wise decisions. Just last night I had to talk to Joshua about being humble when he talks about himself and to not be boastful. Joshua's response to this was "mom I can't" I said why not? He looked at me and said "mom only God can help me to be humble" wow what a great example to me, I can not be humble or make wise decisions with out Him. I am truly blessed with a wonderful son, who is learning so much.

What life is like in Africa.

What life is like for an American living in Africa.

-I get to suck ice cream out of a plastic bag

-Because I am white I am always noticed (I feel like a movie star) :)

-I never go to the grocery store I go to the market to buy our foods (I love it)

-I squeeze oranges and suck the juice out

-I have to filter my water to drink it

-I get to see some great insects in my yard

-I get to have some wonderful African friends

-I can have anything made in Africa, all I have to do is show them a picture

-I get to eat yummy bananas, mangos, papayas, oranges, avocados, guavas, and pineapples

-I get to teach Joshua school

-I get to teach people around me about God's grace

-I get to have a wonderful garden

-I am able to buy so many wonderful foods

-I get to hold sweet little African children

-I get to love African children

-I get to go on safaris

-I get to ride on bumpy roads any time I want :)

-I can call any older woman mama

-I get to make my own bread, tortillas, english muffins, and noodles

-I have to wash the lettuce and spinach in bleach water, and clean all veggies and fruit

-I get to speak in another language

Others.

Living in Africa has changed me in many ways, but in one way that I have changed happens to everyone that visits or lives in a third world country. What I am speaking of is the needs of others. Hear in Togo we are surrounded by people who need help.

I thought of something today, have I helped someone outside of my family today not just by giving them money or food but by an encouraging word or some other deed? It also made me think of how selfish I and we can become when we do not stop to think and help others in need. I realized today how self absorbed I can become, I do not ever want to become desensitized to others needs around me.