The day I met baby Theo

Sunday January 24, 2010

Robin just returned with a new baby. He is one and a half years old and weighs just 6.9 kg. He was living with his grandmother and doesn't have a name.

God I just don't understand. Lord please five this baby strength and be with him tonight as he sleeps in a new place. Give him peace and security. Let him know that he will be okay.

The idea of little Theo, named the next day meaning "Gift from God", not having a name broke my heart. His healing process at Acacia Tree took a long time. He distrusted many people especially white men. He took a long time to warm up to Mitchell. He was terrified of the kitty that would come in to the house occasionally looking for scraps of food.

Isaiah 40:26

"Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls them forth each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing"

John 10:3

"The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out."

God knows our name even when we don't have one. God has his eyes on us and protects us even we are neglected and alone. I know that God had his hands of protection over Theo even before he came to our attention.

As Theo continued to heal we all fell in love with his hilarious faces. We all began to see his sneaky mischievous side. He was loud and vocal. He would play silly games.

Mitchell and Theo were instant buddies. They would joke around and play. Blessed and Theo also had a funny relationship that always made me smile.

Theo got big and fat and is now home with his grandmother.

Please pray that God continues to show babies to Robin that need love and attention and healing.

Acclimating

Thursday January 21, 2010

If I could write for days I still couldn't recount every thing that happened today. All that I saw, all the I learned and all that I heard.

God, my God, the one who put the stars in the heaven, the one who put the fish in the ocean, the one that has my tears in a jar, my God who calms my heart, who calms the fear of African children my God is BIG.

In America and in all "modern" places we think so much of ourselves it is hard to acknowledge others, especially God, a god that knows the intimate details of their heart, a god that knows their weaknesses and fears.

There is so much to say and the sun has already set, so I offer snapshots.

-As we were driving to take pictures of children who need surgery to try to get sponsors to pay for their $50, life changing surgery, a little kid stood out in the road blocking us, then giggled and ran off. It was simple and sweet.

-Also as we were driving on a beautiful road that overlooked Lake Victoria some cattle were crossing the road. I smiled because I was thinking back to my trips to Mexico. On one trip on the road to Nuevo Progresso cattle stopped and blocked the road. I took a picture and it is still one of my favorite photos.....

I have so much more to say but have not the time. In closing here is what I saw today.

-children

-red dirt

-shacks

-stores

-markets

-churches

-closed down orphanage

-victims of rape

-victims of abuse

-smiles

In a word I saw hope.

This is a portion of my journal from one year ago today. It was an exhausting day but so rewarding. We saw so many young people who needed medical help, such simple surgeries that would change their lives. At this point in time Mitchell and I were still acclimating to every thing that we were newly surrounded by.

If you want to help Acacia Tree here is a list of things that she needs:

This is a random list of things that would help me, my staff, the babies, my girls or some of the kids we help in the community. I'm sure I'll think of more in the next few days!!!

Thanks so much for asking what we need/want!!

blank CDs

2 Better Homes& Gardens Cookbooks (spiral bound)

roll of drawing paper

Kumon activity books (especially cutting, pasting, mazes, number games etc)

Craft kits for kids 4-7 (like ALEX)

Seeds (lettuce, cilantro, bok choy)

Baby toys for ages 6-18 months

Macaroni & cheese

girls shoes size 9.5 (for Deborah whose is unstable)

Bath&Body works (or similar) lotion/body spray

Men's size M t-shirts or Polo (for my guards)

rat tail combs with metal tail

Reese's PB cups (bite size)

Girls bikini panties Size 8

Girls ankle socks for size 2 shoes

Black Mary Janes size 2.5 (big girls)

Tostitos (we miss chips&salsa!!)

Herdez salsa

Green chile enchilada sauce (mild)

• • 

    Zemba Children's Foundation These items need to reach Robin's Mom and Dad's house by February 9 so they have time to get it all packed . They are leaving for Uganda on the 14th.
    Address is 275 FM 3285 , Fairfield, TX 75840
    Call them at 903-389-4617

    
    

Remembering Africa...

A year ago today I was in Uganda. I had been there for just two days and was still soaking in all that I was newly surrounded by. In fact, on the 19th I was in Kampala running errands like getting money changed and searching for a shampoo in a supermarket that seemed to only have conditioner.

I thought that by this time this year life would be very different. Mitchell and I planned on having a baby belly by now but because of health issues things haven't worked that way. I have been in the midst of tons of testing and soul searching. My hope and focus has been on my future family and the joy that will one day fill our home.

I have decided that during this time of waiting that I should reflect on the past year and everything that I learned and observed while in Uganda. I will be posting pieces of my journal from that time.

Monday January 18, 2010

We arrived in Africa last night. As I laid underneath the mosquito net I listened. I heard music playing. I heard dogs barking, one pathetic cat meowing and a myriad of bird/bug noises. I could hear cars going down the red dirt road and a baby crying from across the way.

It smells different here too. It smells sweeter. Maybe the smell is hope, a pleasing scent to encourage you to dream.

There are fresh red roses on the bedside. They are beautiful.

God prepare me for the work you want me to do.