tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39109345818585215052024-03-05T02:02:47.085-08:00ExtendSharing about day to day life in Sierra Leone. The experiences of the amazing people I work alongside, and the stories of the families we serve.Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-32864981455181730032014-08-03T14:41:00.000-07:002014-08-03T14:41:04.068-07:00Budget for 2014-2016<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Well it is that time again! I am nearly at the end of my first two years back in Sierra Leone. Need to give a new breakdown. The money is GONE! Many changes over the past year had increased my budget so I'll be heading home soon to fund raise! So here is the breakdown!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">It is always very difficult to know how much money will be needed to continue to live in Sierra Leone. These costs are estimated on the past 6 months of living in our new home. Thank you for your support! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Breakdown of costs for 2014-2016<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Travel airfare: $1,000.00 for return flight in September
2014, $2,000.00 Round Trip for 2015, $1,000
Return flight for 2016. <b>TOTAL $4,000.00
for two years</b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Water taxi for return trips: $40.00 each x 2 = <b>$80.00<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Rent paid every January= <b>$3,600</b> <b> <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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In country travel expenses= approximately <b>$100.00/month<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Utilities (water, electric or generator) = Approximately <b>$75.00/month</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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House security and help= <b>$200.00/month<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Medical Insurance= <b>$180.00/month<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Giving/Misc= <b>$200.00/month<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Average monthly
budget= $895.00<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>For one year=
$18,115.00<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>For the approximate
22 months = </b><b> $30,570.00</b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Some of the changes from the previous
two years include paying rent annually. I was very blessed to spend one year at
the Hospital’s Guest House for a monthly rent of $300.00. However, the time
came to find a longer term solution. We stayed briefly with a friend but that
was costing us $600 for the month. We were blessed to find a house near my 2011
neighborhood and could rent out a room to Enable the Children to also cut their
rent. It was unfurnished and cost us a lot to furnish but now we are furnished
and just need to continue to pay the annual rent. Of course renting is
different than subletting, we now have the cost of running a household evident
in our utilities, security, and house help. Security is a must for being a “Abito”
as they call us makes us high risk for break-ins. House help is our two sweet
ladies, Yenkein and Aminata. I don’t cook a good African meal and do not know
how to wash clothes with a wash board. Thus we have these two amazing ladies
who are our dear friends and keep us well cared for. Medical Insurance and
giving have remained nearly the same. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-20142177682731886452014-04-13T15:25:00.005-07:002014-04-13T15:25:47.301-07:00Hannah's Story<div class="MsoNormal">
Over a year ago I probably saved a little girl’s life. If
you look back through my blog you will see my first entry of her and her story.
Hannah is her name and she was abandoned and starving, surrounded by flies and
maggots when I found her in February of 2013. I have never seen a child in such
a horrible condition. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I never could imagine what all would follow in saving this
little girl’s life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It has been a trying and beautiful journey in the last year
from her going to a rescue shelter to being fostered by me. Hannah’s story is
one of heartbreak, spiritual trials, shuffling from one place to another,
overcoming hurdles, and the beginning of healing and discovering the many
aspects of joy and love.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have kept very quiet these past 6 months of fostering
Hannah because so much of it was filled with difficulty, frustration, and hurt.
However, I feel it is time to break the silence and let people know. I will try
to blog frequently about where we are in “Hannah’s story”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To begin, Hannah’s father “never answered the belly” –
English translation “He never claimed Hannah was his.” Hannah’s mother died 4
years ago and after was being raised by an uncle who later abandoned her due to
her disability. Hannah is diagnosed with Athetoid Cerebral Palsy which means
she has uncontrolled movements which causes her to be unable to walk
independently. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Having a sister with disabilities I have a huge heart for
disabled kids. I have for a long time wanted to adopt a child with
disabilities. I prayed and decided to foster Hannah and try to adopt her. When
she came to me after the shelter the transition was hard but I was optimistic.
After a few months, however, she was not bonding with me and talked about her
sister on nearly a daily basis. I went home for a visit and decided it would
not be best for either of us to try adoption when there was an attachment
disorder.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hannah’s sister, Mariama, who is 14 years was living with
her adult cousin, we have recently inquired if Hannah could go live with them
as they would be the only living family that we would consider to take her and
she desperately wants to be reunited with her sister. The family refused,
wanting nothing to do with Hannah, and said they were also sending Mariama
away. We also learned that they had been taking advantage of this 14 year old
in the past 4 years, not sending her to school and making her do all the
housework. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Last night the two sisters slept quietly in my room. I am
taking Mariama in for a visit which has been explained to both of them. Over a
year ago I never could of imagined taking a 9 year old, let alone a teenager,
and yet again have 3 others who spend any time out of school at my house as
well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I do not know what plans God has. We are praying that there
might be a solution for them to be placed together and even if I could take
them both I would be unable to legally as Mariama is too old. One organization
is working with me to help me find a solution as well as some other thoughts.
What I desired above all is for it to be God’s will for them. I desire for His
will to only include that I might be able to continue my relationship with these
two precious girls. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“To him that has no might He increaseth strength.”<o:p></o:p></div>
Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-51529393796706467352013-12-23T13:57:00.004-08:002013-12-23T13:57:56.128-08:00Christmas/Annual UpdateMy inbox is full! Any of you feeling overwhelmed by the all the last minute Christmas email advertisements? Maybe I just need to get off some email lists!<br />
Shari’s Berries keeps emailing me with appealing pictures of strawberries- I don’t know how Shari got my email address but she knows what I’m craving! Thanks Shari!!<br />
Other emails are giving towards a cause- “the gift that keeps on giving”: livestock, pineapples, and goats, Oh My! (By the way I do believe if they bring development in a Christ centered way then it is a beautiful way to gift!)<br />
If it was not for these emails and the blaring music “Dreaming of a White Christmas” and “Jingle Bells” at 3 AM outside our hospital compound I would forget we are even 4 days away from Christmas. In Sierra Leone it probably around 80 degrees, the only thing flying through the air is dust, and I drive past the ocean on a daily basis. Santa Clause is unheard of, no one has a Christmas Tree, or the presents that go under them.<br />
I was going to say Christmas here is maybe a bit more like the first Christmas. Not too unlike the Sierra Leoneans, the Israelites were under the power of others, hoping for a Savior, a leader/a King to come and help them out of their deprivation. Sierra Leone is not under the rule of Rome or any other Country but they are in need of hope of restoration, of a Savior, of new leaders. However, in many ways the U.S. is still in great need of Hope of total restoration and a Savior as well. That is why we are awaiting Christ’s second coming, a coming that brings that hope and when all will bow down to the King of Kings.<br />
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.<br />
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Working with children with disabilities has always been my passion, after three years of home health nursing with disabled children in the US, I was ready to take my God given passion and gift for working with these kids to a place where there was little hope for these kids. In January I began the work with Enable the Children (ETC), from the start I was amazed at what a unique service I was joining.<br />
ETC has children referred to us through the only pediatric hospital in the country and through a well-known clinic. From there we can see what needs these children might have and how we can address them. The best part (for me anyway!) is after that we have the unique opportunity to visit these children and their families in their homes on a nearly monthly basis. In their homes! How many NGOs get to do that?! It opens up the opportunity to not only to impact their lives here but to have the eternal impact! We build relationships with our families through encouragement, prayers, being a listening ear, and we keep coming back- they call us, we call them to check up between the monthly visits.<br />
Many of our families are Muslim, regularly attending Mosque, but we are regularly attending their homes- being Christ’s word and action, we are trying to be that living Gospel, different, exciting from what they have known. We have seen many families have a heart change in the last year. A child that was neglected by everyone but the grandmother’s sister, now has huge community support; to a mom who was ready to take her son to an orphanage now feeling empowered to advocate for more rights for her son in the government.; and yet another young girl on her own caring for her severely disabled toddler in a one bedroom house wanting to come to the hospital to encourage others who have children with disabilities. There are so many stories like this, despite their children being called devils, having very little help from government, living in a Country that is not set up for wheelchairs, walkers, ect. These parents have a hope and they give me so <br />
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much courage to me to continue this work!<br />
These families have also encouraged me immensely in the past 5 weeks. The amount of respect I have for them has somehow increased! Having Hannah has been so challenging. Carrying a 9 year old around is not easy folks! Having to constantly clean the floor because her Athetoid movements cause ¼ of the food to end up on the ground (and I do not want to be bitten by those horrible ants that the food attracts- they draw blood!) and the testing behaviors that have kept her from really becoming emotionally attached to me.<br />
I thank God though because even when we go through a two hour screaming and biting tantrum I know that God has something planned and I am beginning to glimpse it. I may have sore muscles but they remind me of the sweet little girl that I got to hold and of the dad in our program who cannot afford to take transport but piggy backs his 8 year old the half mile to school every day- We are blessed. Cleaning the floors reminds me that my little girl can eat for herself and more that we have food to eat- we are blessed! The behaviors remind me of the horrible neglect, abuse and pain that my sweet little girl had to endure for 8 years and how I, how God, can now impact the many more years of her life. The good times are so sweet, she is now beginning to give hugs and kisses, she can sit down a hold a small conversation with me, is full of questions I love to answer and has the best little kid laugh ever! Yes it is true- I am blessed!<br />
This time of the year is the Advent Season but the way I see it we are always in a Season of waiting, but I pray it is an active waiting for all of us. Christ said we would do even greater things than He because He had to return to the Father. We can and are bringing the Kingdom to earth through our works of faith. I am thankful that I have had the last year to bring a message of hope to lives here in Sierra Leone, especially the sweet little life of Hannah. Our prayers every night include love, joy, and peace for our friends and family during the Christmas Season and always!<br />
Much love and Merry Christmas!<br />
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Jaimie and Hannah<br />
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Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-48657914693311974362013-10-16T07:13:00.000-07:002013-10-16T07:13:08.332-07:00Living in Stride with God- ETC Newsletter<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 22.727272033691406px;">Hello everyone!</span><br />
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Our founder asked me to write an Enable the Children Newsletter for the year and it has given me the time to reflect on the past ten months. I also have pink eye so I have a bit of time off from Community work- don't want to spread this to the kiddos!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9iz594xPzT_MLzbOYTN7lZcRV2WCEcJIHaVwdWCKf7iWAPCXoTrZfVZOj8gAPSBgvJRZziqDKF-NLV8IofSWoriC9bNHTPvkoB7FwnKifuSoz8emUNGX-QScAvAGE2Yz3hJqCu_BgRA/s1600/IMG_0902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9iz594xPzT_MLzbOYTN7lZcRV2WCEcJIHaVwdWCKf7iWAPCXoTrZfVZOj8gAPSBgvJRZziqDKF-NLV8IofSWoriC9bNHTPvkoB7FwnKifuSoz8emUNGX-QScAvAGE2Yz3hJqCu_BgRA/s200/IMG_0902.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.09375px;"> Isaiah 42:16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.</span></div>
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God has been engineering our circumstances. Enable the Children is a small team of just 5 community workers- 2 of us from the West and 3 Sierra Leoneans. Our desire is to use a passion that we each have in us to spread God's love and hope to children with disabilities and their families. </div>
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As you read our newsletter I pray you will see what God is doing. We are privileged that He has given us the gifts and that we have the opportunity to use them to teach and preach for His Glory!</div>
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ETC 2013 Newsletter</div>
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<i>Had an encouraging day with Enable the Children today as I was greeted
clearly by one of our Autistic children who use to not talk, a little girl who couldn’t
sit now can, and one of our Cerebral Palsy boys who had poor balance is not
enjoying playing football with his friends.- April 23<sup>rd</sup>2013<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>We told one of our 7 years today in the program we were going to make
her a desk and chair to help her practice writing- her smile was HUGE! -October
1<sup>st</sup> 2013<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWbFQRyK5UBgVdy7rZ7IM5g3H_gfQnUVXu9ZEm4qgni967pAVRT1dWeNJvszG6guyfU1jqRN3O8Ltfo-O28RMKhcHIKerkwvaJybNw9mhvZoNAI5F2iE7M_4HHHMJTbiLhRFY424xH6c/s1600/IMG_0712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 22.727272033691406px;">It has been an amazing year with Enable the Children. I came
in January to join the small team reaching out to nearly 300 kids and their
families! Abu our faithful team leader and Rehab Therapist and Ambrose, Rehab
Therapist Assistant and Morlai, ETC Driver, were holding together the team
since Sara and Katie left mid-2012. Anna, a physiotherapist, came out a week
before me and then we were 5. With the ever increasing case load and the desire
to give our children quality visits at least once a month we have been working
towards splitting the team into two groups. We have created this year a Family
Support Team and hired Mariama, Support Worker Trainee. Mariama is in</span></div>
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her
second month of training and is full of love for the kids and enthusiasm for
the work. The work for Mariama and me will consist of in home counsel,
teaching, advocating, creating support groups and focusing on activities to
promote the children’s independence. The others will continue in the home based
therapy care to allow children to reach their full potential while also
supporting and teaching families. We are excited to work together towards
bringing hope and joy into the lives of these families in different ways.<o:p></o:p><br />
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We have been able to continue our partnerships with Cottage,
the only pediatric hospital in the Country, and with Aberdeen Women’s Centre
Children’s Clinic (formally Mercy Ships). Through these two sources we see as
many as ten new patients a week and have the opportunity to share our knowledge
and give them the hope of Jesus through our services. We have recently started
working with an enthusiastic pediatric surgeon who is willing to assist us (for
free) with our children who need surgery! We have had two children (the first
two in the Country from what we are told) successfully have feeding tubes placed
for better nutrition management; both are doing great 6 months after the
placements! Over 70 pieces of equipment have been given out- supportive chairs,
standing frames, gaiters, and stability boots! 27 children have been discharged
for successful therapy and no longer needing our services. We have seen parents
who were nearly driven from their home and now when we visit their home is so
crowded with neighbors who are excited to tell us the child can now sit by
herself! Though there are some valleys among the amazing work that Enable the
Children is doing we trust God to see us through and to teach us from every
child and family we meet along this journey!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcvyhg1blp4eKeNhKsmsGgpX7uho-G9gEs11srfJ4LrbMLyat7aMiwajAClyYMFwDmtnlEjxloMSSHcuBlmq6GFOer9bINpqJtMSWDcwdbxMXWX_tqZVzA-CYtNqFqkTe8wbqq53Zc2M/s1600/IMG_0525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcvyhg1blp4eKeNhKsmsGgpX7uho-G9gEs11srfJ4LrbMLyat7aMiwajAClyYMFwDmtnlEjxloMSSHcuBlmq6GFOer9bINpqJtMSWDcwdbxMXWX_tqZVzA-CYtNqFqkTe8wbqq53Zc2M/s200/IMG_0525.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x5q9xy_brmOqcVGwXCXkXPR062eqHMrlBTyiii8WQgBuBvKJe3ubhBpDV9mgjX_Xc9PR0JkH3rCByfe_RDJsycY9cVTEtON0ZVhyAZ5RJNm8EWf219nkTneLP4a1mgX3hWAQM8sLivg/s1600/IMG_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x5q9xy_brmOqcVGwXCXkXPR062eqHMrlBTyiii8WQgBuBvKJe3ubhBpDV9mgjX_Xc9PR0JkH3rCByfe_RDJsycY9cVTEtON0ZVhyAZ5RJNm8EWf219nkTneLP4a1mgX3hWAQM8sLivg/s200/IMG_0717.JPG" width="150" /></a><i>I love in my job that I can be silly sticking my tongue out and making
faces and say its speech therapy. I love that I can teach a pre-teen how to
brush her own teeth and clean up her family’s floor and make it fun and at the
same time be teaching independence. I love that I can put together fun coloring
books teaching about nutrition, that I can see the joy on a granny’s face when
her child’s able to do something for the first time by herself. I love that we
can pray with each and every family we see a day to encourage them and open up
conversations about God. I am so blessed to have such fun at what I do, have so
much love and joy in it and rely upon a God who continues to equip me to keep
on experiencing and sharing his love in this way.- July 16<sup>th</sup>2013<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-45397886521293092342013-05-20T14:10:00.003-07:002013-05-20T14:10:56.002-07:003 Amazing Kids<div style="text-align: center;">
I want to introduce you to three of my favorite kiddos- they have blessed me, taught me, and given me immense joy!</div>
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Fanta Mady- Is a little Cerebral Palsy boy whose mom is one of the most dedicated mothers I have ever met! Mady struggled with feedings his whole life often sick because he frequently aspirated his food. Despite all this Mady's mom fed him not only physically but I do believe that it was the love and dedication to her son that really has kept him alive. Dr. Anne one of the doctors we were working with wanted me to met Mady just a couple months ago and my first thought was how do we get a G-Tube for him. A G-tube is a feeding tube direct to the stomach and my sister having one for many years I knew this could help Mady thrive. With the help of some German doctors Mady became I imagine one of the first kids in Sierra Leone to have this G-tube. It has been a joy to often visit Mady while I teach his family how to use and care for his G-tube. I am always greeted with the biggest smile and happiest squeals! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mady being fed by his Aunty</td></tr>
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Grace- She was abandoned at the only children's hospital in Sierra Leone likely because of her disabilities. When we first started visiting her there was a mom who had taken on caring for her. Once that mom's child was better Grace was then left in the nurses care which often left her often unfed and not cared for. However as our involvement increased and we gave Grace a chair to let her sit down in the nurses and other mom's started taking note. I loved hearing the moms and nursing saying "She is a real person." Grace has been changing the stigma of disabled children being demons or cursed. She has won the love of many of the nurses and moms on the ward. Today we went to see Grace and found out next week if all goes well she will be moved to The Rainy Season Orphanage- quite near to where I live. This is fantastic news as TRS is what I would say the best orphanage in the country and I will often get to go love on her as she is so near!</div>
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<a href="http://www.therainingseason.org/">http://www.therainingseason.org/</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace a few months ago</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace and Ola (another abandoned disabled child) get their chairs! <br />They remind me of a cute old couple all they need is a porch!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking much better- Grace was the second child to receive a G-tube!</td></tr>
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Hannah- last but certainly not least! Most of my friends and family already know "Baby" Hannah's story. She was being severely neglected- left for days in her chair while she was unable to walk. Her Aunty had remarried and moved away so although Hannah had been in our program for awhile she was now under the care of an Uncle who never was home. After a couple of weeks of visiting her, cleaning and feeding her with no contact from the Uncle I got social workers involved and now Hannah is safely at a shelter where she is extremely well cared for and improving rapidly. She comes to the Aberdeen Women's Centre a couple times a month to check on her therapies and we recently were able to give her stability boots to practice standing. She has gained so much confidence and with this lots of attitude! She brings me lots of laughs and joy when I get to see her! Amazed at how God is so faithfully at work in these little lives! And so blessed that he has let me be a part of their lives!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah back in February </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last week working hard at her therapy!</td></tr>
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For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7</div>
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Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-87768967612757824852013-02-28T13:01:00.000-08:002013-02-28T13:01:05.865-08:00Mountains and Valleys<br />
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I find it hard to write on most nights, one because of pure
exhaustion and another because our days are so full of emotion. Some moments
there is so much joy in seeing a child walk that no one imagined they ever
would, and the beaming smiles of kids who are so full of life- something I
recognize very fondly as being the same look my sister Mindy often has. There
are families who love their children so dearly that they carry them to school (sometimes
miles away) on their backs even when the child might weigh 60+ pounds. A father
who looks on with pride as his son is now able to play a stacking game that
before wasn’t able to coordinate his hand movement. These are families who amidst
struggling to survive find the time to do a few exercises or spend a few
moments teaching their child every day. They are the families who have decided
to keep their disabled child despite the overwhelming stigma that these
children are demons, a curse. It is a very sad reality that many of these
children are abandoned or sacrificed. Yet we have over 200 beautiful kids in
our program whose parents, aunts or granny’s decided that these children are
worth giving a chance to. And Oh! What an opportunity these families have to
show their culture how valuable children with disabilities are and to see what
purpose God will make known through them and their testimonies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve really struggled to not take some of the less fortunate
of our patients and run away with them in my arms. A sweet little boy we have
seen twice since I have come has been found lying, dirty, on the cement both
times with no one immediately around him to care for him. The back of his head
there is no hair because he is left lying most of the day. We fixed him up a
nice little chair for him to sit in this last time and placed him in it before
leaving. We did our best to encourage the sister to give him toys and help to
sit and lie alternatively throughout the day. Yet even this child beams from
ear to ear- just to be touched to be a part of something for a moment seems to
make his life joy-filled. There is also sweet little Grace who is probably
around 2 years old who was abandoned at the children’s hospital here in
Freetown because she is a floppy Cerebral Palsy- unable to move herself
independently. I have seen little Grace 3 times and she is about the size of an
infant and left often hungry, thirsty, and dirty. The nurses sit at their
station with no idea of how this little life suffers. I try to spur on the
patient’s moms who are in the bed next to her to try to see that she is cared
for. I sit and hold her little body and just pray for her to one day not have
to suffer like this whether on this earth or in God’s kingdom- I know that she
is promised that and that God does in fact see her suffering. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I enjoy the work we have been called to do here in Sierra
Leone and yet I feel like a messy wreck daily- so full of emotions. God is my
constant, he understands, he sees, he knows better than I and he reminds me
that he is in control. That I am to just remain in him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is really special that with each family we end our
session with them in prayer- bringing our petetions and thanksgiving to him-it
is a time of peace and surrender. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything but in
every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-69108401935926588652013-01-27T12:39:00.002-08:002013-01-27T12:39:33.576-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13</div>
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Oh how I missed this! I never doubt that my passion is to work with kids with disabilities. I just love kids, Isha and Mamayo the girls pictures above, pile on my lap as soon as I sit down and God's love and joy just washes over me. I tickle them, dance with them, tease them and watch their faces light up when someone wants to just be with them. I have known these two from 2011 and Isha especially touches my heart as she has physical limitations to her right side. Often these children are outcast and in fact I believe Isha was not accepted by the community 2 years ago because of her disability. It overjoys my heart now to see her better cared for and the neighbors knowing her and the children including her in to play with them. I set Isha up with Enable the Children in 2011, the organisation I am now working for. Today I was able to play a clapping game with her, she used both of her hands! Something she wouldn't have done when I was here before! God is working in her life, he is changing hearts in the community and Enable the Children has been an amazing instrument in His plan. I miss my family and my friends back home but I feel God has me on this journey and it is for his purpose. I pray that each day I will continue to put my faith and trust in my Great God who has shown me today a changed life and community! Let my eyes be open to what you will have me see.</div>
<br />Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-92168447601730284572012-10-19T10:16:00.003-07:002012-10-19T10:16:57.172-07:002013-2014 BudgetI haven't found a way to link my actual budget to my blog but I will give you all a rough outline below.<br />
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<b><u>One Time Expenses</u></b><br />
*Airfare (2 Round-trip Tickets): <b>$4,000</b><br />
Mult-entry Visa:<b> $204.95</b><br />
Resident permit: <b>$188.00</b><br />
National ID Card: <b>$100.00</b><br />
Water taxi (transport to and from the airport): <b>$200.00</b><br />
12% Charge for Ripe for Harvest Support and Financial Services: <b>$1,920</b><br />
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<b><u>Monthly Exepnses</u></b><br />
*In Country Travel Expenses (taxis and gas): <b>$50.00</b><br />
In Country Lodging (Rent): <b>$300.00</b><br />
*Miscellaneous (food, giving, other): <b>$290.00</b><br />
Medical Insurance: <b>$168.00</b><br />
-----------------------------------------------------------<br />
Total Expense for 24 month trip = <b>$26,004.95</b><br />
<br />
<br />
*Estimations: based on previous budget with World Hope International<br />
<br />
I have contributed to the above 31% of the total cost. Current commitments at 69% of total expense.Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-62344210133859300512012-10-17T11:01:00.000-07:002012-10-17T11:01:07.716-07:00Prayers"So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer." Ezra 8:23<br />
<br />
God continues to open the door for me to head back to Sierra Leone this January. I am going to be volunteering with an organization called Enable the Children an organisation reaching out to families of kids with disabilities by providing care and basic teaching of therapy and health practices. You can read of the amazing stories and more about the organisation on their website: <a href="http://www.enablethechildren.org/">http://www.enablethechildren.org/</a><br />
<br />
As God begins to prepare my heart and Vez the founder of Enable the Children and I communicate back and forth in preparation of my trip I want to bring my family and friends alongside this journey and ask that they be in prayer with us. My trip is planned for two years, January 2013-December 2014, I also will be returning to the USA once for 3-4 weeks. In these two years I will be working alongside Abu and Ambrose two of the Sierra Leoneans who have been trained in physiotherapy and Ana a physical therapist from the UK. God has intricately placed my footsteps and as I continue to step I pray that I am always seeking his will. I would love to have the following things kept in prayer.<br />
<br />
* Seeking his will, his word, and wisdom in all the preparations.<br />
*Keeping Sierra Leone in prayer and all my dear neighbors and friends as I communicate with them a few times a month, that our relationships will continue to grow and branch across the cultures.<br />
*Prayer on discernment to where I will be living- I have two options to return to the previous house or to live at the Enable the Children Team House. Both are a huge blessing!<br />
*Prayer for Enable the Children- specifically Abu and Ambrose who I have met before while in Sierra Leone, their hearts are no doubt loving and caring for these children day in and day out as they face incredibly difficult situations that they will continue to be encouraged and Enable the Children will grow in the relationship with these families bring God's light to sometime very dark places.<br />
*Prayer for an easy transition of returning to Sierra Leone and joining the team. That my gifts in nursing will be used to bring more health care- triage and teaching and that in it all I will be working alongside and learning from Abu and Ambrose as well as Ana.<br />
*Finally that I remain humble knowing it is God not myself that has lead me here and he does not need me to do His work and yet he choose me.<br />
<br />
God placed a passion on my heart long ago to work with kids with disabilities. I never imagined that might someday mean living in a foreign country, climbing mountains to visit a little child with Cerebral Palsy. Now it is hard for me to imagine doing anything else, yet wherever he chooses to move me I will go, sometimes after dragging my feet a little but I ultimately come back to being in awe that I have a God who desires his good and perfect will for me.<br />
<br />
Faithfully and In Love,<br />
Jaimie<br />
<br />Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-47295475824805244562011-10-16T14:30:00.000-07:002011-10-16T14:31:59.079-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is James.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z2I-y7KKwp5XzAlHwpNTHGKWZe2YmIAfFPdJbW-iwyYhqngczaIZ1dDahrkLXMIgGFtrtB1Fml18Sa2weIq61h0PrKLmrXFSdU2HThEPhQ7WakqG3Vg9EeE-m4AEjIQCYIxSt7K_2vM/s1600/101_0648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z2I-y7KKwp5XzAlHwpNTHGKWZe2YmIAfFPdJbW-iwyYhqngczaIZ1dDahrkLXMIgGFtrtB1Fml18Sa2weIq61h0PrKLmrXFSdU2HThEPhQ7WakqG3Vg9EeE-m4AEjIQCYIxSt7K_2vM/s320/101_0648.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He loves trucks and motorcars.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had the opportunity, or else asked for the opportunity, to stay the night in the village of Masongbo. It is the village of one of my Sierra Leone "Families". Mohammed is a driver with World Hope International and has been the one who has looked after me for nearly all of my travels in Country. He has become my Sierra Leone father as he watches out for my safety and has helped me in many cultural situations. When I asked about sleeping in his village he was very excited and immediately began planning the menu and activities.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After arriving it was not long before nearly the whole village gathered to warmly welcome me and voice their surprise of a white woman sleeping in the village. However, it was not the excitement of a white woman in the village that drew James near. His eyes had seen the truck and all he wanted was a ride! Many in the village have never rode inside a vehicle as many we have offered rides to are unsure of how to open or close the door. James had never rode in one but he had seen them before and without doubt his little kid mind was positive that riding in one was going to be great! Of course I asked Mohammed to let us give this little boy a ride and I sat beside him videoing the moment. I captured a priceless video of this little boys happiness but the joy of that moment is not on video but inscribed on my heart.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This little boy was very sure of what he wanted and the joy and contentment that rested on him after this moment in the truck was clearly visible. A picture of our needs being met in Christ comes to mind. He gives us inexpressible joy, one that rests deep in our souls. In moments like this I am reminded of how grateful I am to Christ for this gift. Sometimes it just takes a little boy and a pickup truck to show us this.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3qKQGBBPuh_cM7eXX6b1hB6lyAxK4s9jBU_jWWWKbllMAm-XDaG1kChxcTxxTVwG4RYpu_jjyiBbMwANFhtVNYomPLWW02IeOnKHeRWGKYfRimTh2usFmLbitR7DdoS17gtYYqOq6vU/s1600/101_0670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3qKQGBBPuh_cM7eXX6b1hB6lyAxK4s9jBU_jWWWKbllMAm-XDaG1kChxcTxxTVwG4RYpu_jjyiBbMwANFhtVNYomPLWW02IeOnKHeRWGKYfRimTh2usFmLbitR7DdoS17gtYYqOq6vU/s320/101_0670.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Philippians</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29393" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 2:1-4</span></sup><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"> </sup>Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.</span></span></div>Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-39336459334804713702011-10-14T02:39:00.001-07:002011-10-14T02:40:03.797-07:00Moments<br />
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So I am going to share with you what I just read, such an
odd story in 1 Kings 13…. We have Jeroboam, the new king of the Israelites
(excluding the house of Judah which remained in the house of David still ruled
under David’s grandson) this Jeroboam was given Israel because Rehoboam
(David’s grandson) had missed his chance to receive God’s grace. So Rehoboam
becomes fearful of David’s God and makes new gods for Israel. These influential
people begin to worship two gold calves and in comes this Man of God (MOG) from
none-other than Judah. The MOG speaks against Rehoboam and Reho gets upset and
extends his arm to seize him and then his arm shrivels! So Reho becomes
distraught, asks the MOG to pray for him, he does, Reho is healed and the MOG
heads on his way listening to God’s rules not to stop and eat. However, on his
merry way home the MOG is stopped by an old prophet, who lies, and brings back
the MOG to come eat at his table. God then talks to the old prophet to make him
tell the MOG that he will now die because he did not listen to the word of the
Lord to not eat, and it happens, the MOG does die, killed by a lion! Then the
old prophet has the nerve to say, “he was killed, as the word of the LORD
warned him.” </div>
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WHAT?! This certainly does not seem fair? Seems like some
major injustices here. We have selfishness, fake repentance, lying… and guess
who dies?! I am not sure what God is
trying to say in all of this but I feel confused after reading this. Who am I
in this passage? I know at any one time I could be any of these men. I selfishly
and grudgingly argued with my taxi driver the other day because there was
misunderstanding and I ended up paying a whole 50 cents instead of 25 cents for
my taxi ride! Come on, that’s double the price of everyone else who paid! Not
fair! (I know… How ridiculous I am…)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Looking at the MOG it seems that he did everything right on
the surface. He went and told Reho he was in the wrong to be worshiping gold
calves, God was obviously with him as he was able to heal Reho’s hand, and then
when asked to eat and drink with the king, he declines knowing the Lord asked
him to continue without refreshments, even if they were served at the kings
table as tempting as that would be. Then as he is minding his own business, on
his way out of town, a prophet stops him and tells him it is all right, God
told him to come back and eat. It is not
always easy to discern when you fall into the traps that the world has set for
us. It is likely the MOG very well thought of this as a good intention, surely
he can trust this prophet. This was not the case, however, and the MOG paid a
high cost. We do not know the full story of this Man of God but underneath it
all he listened to the world instead of God’s instructions. I am guilty,
falling into many traps of this world, praise God for his mercy and lack of lions
here in Sierra Leone. It is not an action that leads us away from the God. It is
when our heart turns towards the desires of the World instead of God’s but in
those moments we can be covered by grace and the more we recognize this grace,
we continue to learn and grow.</div>
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Romans 11:6 And if by
grace, then it is no longer by works, if it were, grace would no longer be
grace. </div>
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I do not know how things would have went if I would have
given my 50 cents joyfully instead of grudgingly to the taxi driver. Maybe it
would not have made a big difference but I pray that I can continue to learn
from these moments. In a country in so much need to break free from
persecution, corruption, and poverty, God can use the small moments to build
into bringing his Kingdom to earth. Moments like when I first met David, a
moment of deciding whether to speak up and ask the father for their address or
should I just leave them be. It was the Holy Spirit who led me that moment and
has led me through so many amazing God moments here. David was very ill just a
few months ago, nearly dead you could say. However, this little boy is now full
of the life a little 18 month old life should be! His smile can light up a room
and his laugh captures your heart. What an incredible story of beauty this boy
has been through. The family is Muslim but from the moment I met them I have
been praying for this little boy and have had many others praying for him and
his family. They are a beautiful family and have a love and devotion to one
another. I pray that one day they will recognize the devotion that Christ has
towards them, his grace and love at no cost. </div>
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I also have met some incredible young people with
disabilities here and have, of course, a special place in my heart for them.
What a whole new level of glory I have seen revealed through them here. I have
never seen someone at such a disadvantage in their setting and still remain so
full of ambition to overcome it. I am privileged to have had the opportunity to
get to know Hannah and James, two kids who live out in the villages. They and
their families are setting a huge example to those around them to demonstrate
that, these are the ones who will inherit the kingdom of God with their ability
to accept circumstances way before you and I would. Like my sister they not
only accept their disability but utilize it to become a strength, an
opportunity, a way to grow and extend, to make a difference and to challenge
their families, neighbors, their society to rise to this same occasion. I
cannot imagine the difficulties faced by them here but am totally in awe of
what many of them have chosen to do with it. As my last three weeks is coming
to, I pray for moments. Moments to have my eyes open to God’s movement and the
beauty of those he is moving in. </div>Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-5700493298888803502011-09-23T04:36:00.000-07:002011-09-23T04:37:05.620-07:00"My Power is Made Sufficient in You"- God<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is
made perfect in weakness.”</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my
weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 Corinthians 12:9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Maybe it is all too big for me to do
on my own… no it is all too much for me to do. Even if I tried to do it, I
would fail. Things would be left undone. Maybe I should remove myself from the
work or the situation(s). That’s not the answer though either. “Then what is?”
I’ve been asking God a lot lately. What can you do, what can you feel, when you
are surrounded by those who long not for wants but even the basic needs, needs
to survive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is the rainy season here and up
country rice is becoming scarce. Many scrape together what little they have to
divide among their family and friends. The idea of being selfish during your
needest time simply does not happen. Our families in the sponsorship program
are eager to receive their bags of rice but right now school tuition is our
first priority as school is beginning. Many of the families are in need; I feel
the pressure to get tuition paid quickly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Payments for school tuitions are
moving forward. I will be taking an 8-10 day trip up country next week to offer
my help where needed. The Scan Drive Sponsorship program is benefitting 26 kids
this year. Our house at Scan Drive has been a blessing to us and to the community
as our work in this community is intertwined in many beautiful ways. As I am
filled with Joy that many kids, that may not have opportunity otherwise, are
beginning school this week. Many others approach or look on with their own sad
story to tell. Primary education is supposed to be free in this country;
secondary education is supposed to be of minimal cost… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So many are overlooked, children on
the streets selling instead of in the classroom learning. The hundred of
beggars, I pass downtown two or three times a week. What can I offer them but a
smile and a small greeting as I hurry on to do whatever else may seem important
at that moment. Or those with disabilities, not able to access the buildings in
the city for lack of ramps or handrails; their life full of inconveniences. It
is easily seen by many that they are ignored by their government and sometimes
even their families. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span> </span>The country has very affectively ignored those
affected by trauma, drugs, abuse, and psychological problems. Laws can be
passed but easily ignored that if good intentions were applied would greatly
benefit many who are overlooked. It is encouraging to see that there are many
who feel lead to bring about a change themselves. One such place is where I
volunteer as a nurse twice a week. City of Rest is a drug rehabilitation and
psychological rehabilitation center. A church and several pastors started City
of Rest with a holistic approach to healing. People searching for attention,
love, and care find a bit of comfort at City of Rest. The need is overpowering
when you first enter City of Rest and at first it is hard to see past the
chains on the ankles of many of the guests. The pain that rests behind the eyes
and in the souls of these guests is overwhelming. <span> </span>Though my time there is often very short and
often very difficult, God has faithfully showed glimpses of his pure beauty in
moments of prayer or conversation with the guests.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I stand in awe of God’s work here in
many lives from housemates and friends who have left their homes, family, and
friends to come here and passionately love and serve to the many Sierra Leoneans
who are going above and beyond their means to sacrifice what little they have
to make a difference. <span> </span>Though, I have
been struggling and continue to struggle with how to give not only my
situations or plans to God but to give myself wholeheartedly to His work. How
that I, broken and weak, can boast in my weaknesses knowing that God’s grace
has made me wholly sufficient. That God’s power is made perfect in my
weaknesses, that His power is the one displayed, and He is the one to receive
the Glory. I am meant to be here, I am meant to be in every situation, every
plan He has for me because though I am not enough and the need is Great He is
enough and our needs and the needs of others who can be encouraged by faith in
Christ will be supplied from his glorious riches. Though, like Moses and those
he led, I and many others may not see the riches here on earth but we have a
promised land and that is what we can Hope for while we wait. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkj74FdSFD4Nz6mHVqlG5AQai2moK-LHcbM3qrfh-fY3pkjnlbNr49uL-c3jg2H633-AdahzBrWygZq_0L661-BliVDe14A6lw4BvZkpLlRk2C8ZiHqqTEkGuJgAz8yegaqwT7dDs-CS4/s1600/101_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkj74FdSFD4Nz6mHVqlG5AQai2moK-LHcbM3qrfh-fY3pkjnlbNr49uL-c3jg2H633-AdahzBrWygZq_0L661-BliVDe14A6lw4BvZkpLlRk2C8ZiHqqTEkGuJgAz8yegaqwT7dDs-CS4/s320/101_0338.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-71952498789809343322011-08-09T03:48:00.000-07:002011-08-09T03:48:04.788-07:00Going deeper without drowning<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">If we take from Jesus example, we must realize that he put a high value on relationships. He chose an intimate 12 guys to be his buddies. The guys he would mentor and eat supper with. He loved the crowd but would get in a boat to go see a desperate man who was possessed. He did not simply pass by Nicodemus but asked to eat at his personal table. God the creator knew he could not leave Adam alone, he placed in us a need to have intimacy. An intimacy he desires with us and one we should be encouraged to have with our brothers and sisters. As seen in the first in second commandments we are called to Love God and Love one another. The son of man demonstrated this perfectly and then called us to do the same.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I believe we can to some degree find blessings and happiness in relationships that are merely on the surface but we crave for some to know us on a deeper level. My closest family and friends are the ones whom we take the time for. There are various degrees on this intimacy but I certainly have a wonderful handful or two of people who know me on a deep level. For them I am ever grateful and encouraged that they stand by me in my journey of life. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Without these people I would likely never had the faith to journey to Sierra Leone, let alone live here for a year. Though here I am and I praise God that I have been obedient in coming here and am now on a journey to live out some personal relationship in a culture foreign to my own. This has proven to be one of the most difficult struggles. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This struggle meets with cultural differences, balancing time, and respecting others beliefs. In my first six months here I put emphasis on being open to anyone; spent wonderful times getting to know many neighbors and being open to friendships with those I met on the street. I loved this time; it gave me the chance to learn much. It left me though very exhausted at times and though I enjoyed the relationships it lacked the more personal aspects. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I have begun to invite only a few kids in the house, ones that I am working on their school work with or teaching them other skills such as cooking or computer. I have begun to know these children and their personalities. Sallay is a very patient young lady, she has started learning skills on the computer and stays encouraged and encourages her younger “sister”, Kadiatu. Kadiatu is ambitious; she can be stubborn at times though when she completes the work she has the feeling of accomplishment that she wears with a big smile. Aminata struggles to keep up in education, a girl who is in need of some individual attention. She is one who will act out of her frustrations but in time she has a huge capacity to learn. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I have become closer to one young lady and pray to continue a friendship with her. Halima is a young mother of two, as of late has been rather ill. I try to help the family when I can, as we say in Salone, I help small, small. She is a lady with much gumption and I continue to pray that will work towards getting her well quick. I see in many here from Emma, David, many guests at City of Rest that Sierra Leoneans have perseverance, a quality of many I hope they will teach me as our deeper relationships develop. It has surely become difficult as I begin these deeper relationships to see the need that remains on the outside. I am beginning to understand the reason Christ placed such a high value on deep personal relationships because this is what has the lasting effects. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUpor_Vn2_ZsviiN2KVlGb4J2a4uW0zL_wILXx8_s7eAPaX5q0PeXBb6fiZ74YpzP_CSmXB0xjkJcjMf2rboj0_yxxmRvFHwp7hMqFx_L7mtAbYD4Ww_ZCTG5wu2ancREI-RsbHJVv0M/s1600/100_5247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUpor_Vn2_ZsviiN2KVlGb4J2a4uW0zL_wILXx8_s7eAPaX5q0PeXBb6fiZ74YpzP_CSmXB0xjkJcjMf2rboj0_yxxmRvFHwp7hMqFx_L7mtAbYD4Ww_ZCTG5wu2ancREI-RsbHJVv0M/s320/100_5247.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I remain to try to continue to have openness and a love to all those I encounter but balance it with a handful of deeper relationships. Relationships that are overcoming cultural differences, balance my time, and respect others’ beliefs. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Isaiah 40:26 <span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Who created all these?</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">He who brings out the starry host one by one</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">and calls forth each of them by name.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.</span></span></span><o:p></o:p></div>Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-64210728321368602782011-07-10T16:47:00.000-07:002011-07-10T16:47:40.509-07:00Skirts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="" name="Eph2:8 "><b><span style="color: navy;">Eph. 2:8</span> </b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial;"></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial;">Because of his kindness, you have been saved through trusting Christ. And even trusting is not of yourselves; it too is a gift from God.9 Salvation is not a reward for the good we have done, so none of us can take any credit for it.10 It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></span><br />
When a friend and housemate Hanna came to Sierra Leone for a few months she told me about an organization that was trying to help people with disabilities here do something more than begging with their hands. Of course this caught my interest right away. When she left she didn't want the work for them to end.<br />
Two tailors, Abdulai and Momoh can very skillfully make beautiful dresses and skirts. While many of the disabled population take to begging on the streets, we are trying to reduce a couple idle hands. So far I have made several of the generic one size fits all wrap around skirts and sold them among friends here. I would, however, love to extend this to my friends and family back home. This in turn would give them a steadier income, these men live in some of the poorest if not the worst living situations in Freetown. This money not only goes to them but I am sure helps out the many others living in these conditions. In Sierra Leone people who are disabled are cast out and not accepted in Society. They have very little opportunity if any to avoid a street life or begging or stealing. We have taken the opportunity to let them see a new way of life and offer them a hope for the future.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicw0kY78Z2PdBlF7mAweteD1WFC-F2O8EKF5AN-euGr09x1uoK0NhAaPAOQxp2G6DdJBoSjPlsDd7Fs3G2KWZhPBZNbZucQXx7ivVMyy7wJ4WlunqgBICcABgOF7nSep9p87tEWAAULDs/s1600/100_5197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicw0kY78Z2PdBlF7mAweteD1WFC-F2O8EKF5AN-euGr09x1uoK0NhAaPAOQxp2G6DdJBoSjPlsDd7Fs3G2KWZhPBZNbZucQXx7ivVMyy7wJ4WlunqgBICcABgOF7nSep9p87tEWAAULDs/s320/100_5197.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> This is a wax fabric and was made by Marie a dear friend of mine, it is very time consuming yet every piece is handmade and unique. It was enough to make two skirts, one of which I have kept the other is this one and because of the very unique fabric and time that goes into this, this skirt is a bit more expensive at $15.00.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaFpk1E5psk_5gVratCCkeQRz5AvSw7aMB2BZ3N_RYXJ5aYXbFLEYZzDqgRS2Whi4nnAQgncE7xbsa-MA81hkqiB8JW_mjUh_Pgkm2RYB9-OQ_GY1DfdWBF3QA8OutdK5oWncRIzFj5o/s1600/100_5198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaFpk1E5psk_5gVratCCkeQRz5AvSw7aMB2BZ3N_RYXJ5aYXbFLEYZzDqgRS2Whi4nnAQgncE7xbsa-MA81hkqiB8JW_mjUh_Pgkm2RYB9-OQ_GY1DfdWBF3QA8OutdK5oWncRIzFj5o/s320/100_5198.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The generic skirts are $8.00 Like the one above which is for sale, you can request a certain color or type of pattern.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOM9ncdozSsFQV91kxeb-gZb0KIblwFtRvALVziNgQB-fSoKk-yZXhjOQ4g84n9wHLzKtH0-SLG3SX0iNR7aFxnL1NscNMg-aTCyPh4biT-XIS34qYERVPaCCx_zqwow0RXbcnPa6OF0/s1600/100_5196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOM9ncdozSsFQV91kxeb-gZb0KIblwFtRvALVziNgQB-fSoKk-yZXhjOQ4g84n9wHLzKtH0-SLG3SX0iNR7aFxnL1NscNMg-aTCyPh4biT-XIS34qYERVPaCCx_zqwow0RXbcnPa6OF0/s320/100_5196.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">$8.00 You can also get shoulder bags made and I will try to get some put on her soon, the shoulder bags will be around $10.00. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let me know if you are interested in any of the above three or have a request for any type or color. I will try to get more up soon! </div><br />
<b>These who have been suppressed from society hold many gifts and talents, it is not them who are lacking but rather society is lacking because they have not recognized the best among them.</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="" name="1John3:17"><span style="color: navy;">1 John 3:17</span> </a></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial;">But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won't help him--how can God's love be within him ?</span></span>Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-54964217227263494822011-06-30T10:26:00.000-07:002011-07-01T03:32:33.072-07:00The Beautiful Unseen<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; text-indent: 0px !important;">1 Timothy 1:12</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; text-indent: 0px !important;"> I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.</span></b></div><div style="text-indent: 0px !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; text-indent: 0px !important;"><br style="text-indent: 0px !important;" /></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0px !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; text-indent: 0px !important;"> I thought I would fill you in a little on the work and things that have been happening here since my return. Since I have been back I have been keeping busy with looking at what comes next in the Hope for Children program. I have again started to see some of the kids in the program, making sure that our time is well used I not only complete paperwork with them but ask them about school, family, and health. Doing my best to assist them when I able. I often end our time with prayer and lift up their requests. Our kids are busy with exams as school is about to lock for 2 months.</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0px !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; text-indent: 0px !important;"> Last week I was very privelaged to join a teacher team in Bombali Bana in which I had the chance to teach on hygiene and reading along. I am not quite ready to change my career path but I enjoyed the time in the classroom very much, though I doubt all children in classrooms around the world are so eager to listen to every word and jump at the chance to interact. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmA0pFOAiJNcCvKzI3ZGuWCWewfHt0KQPJAuj6JR6yquo2euoC9eOrao_N30IPipGTh4Z_tzU3u0yaSeX917yYwAdLULheUchr8qOCYqgd4kEVpuovD69W3_4OUxhFi-LRql1ZNfcKuc/s1600/100_4682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmA0pFOAiJNcCvKzI3ZGuWCWewfHt0KQPJAuj6JR6yquo2euoC9eOrao_N30IPipGTh4Z_tzU3u0yaSeX917yYwAdLULheUchr8qOCYqgd4kEVpuovD69W3_4OUxhFi-LRql1ZNfcKuc/s320/100_4682.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; text-indent: 0px !important;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0px !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;">When I am not teaching in schools or visiting kids, I have started nurse work at a drug rehabilitation center, City of Rest. In a post-war torn country psychological and drug problems are much too overlooked. They instead are cast out of society, not given the time, let alone given the therapy needed. City of Rest is taking time for these hurting souls; however, a chain around the ankle of the patients still separates them from the outside. Currently the need is great for a nurse to be there full time. My two partial days a week are not enough to do the work needed. There are many physical, spiritual, and emotional needs that need to be met here. The work is big but there are many there that have the heart and motivations to see that these needs will be met.</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0px !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;">In all my spare time I see a little girl Emma 2-3 times a week to bandage her ankle. Once a open wound bigger than a fist, with the help of Heleen our housemate and a couple others we have cared for the wound and within a few weeks hope to see her without bandages. She always has a huge smile on her face and bears with us as well re-bandage her. I spend a couple afternoons a week outside with the great neighbor kids and their families. I don't believe I will ever learn every game or how to cook every Salone dish but I enjoy the laughter between us as I attempt! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXlzL5l7zAAr41y2LtW3RTWR6Y4zkI32rRnvHZX4AubuFJXKSeAY-uBOLPzjAb-4B_vgvg5uhnN9aP56cYurcIB0L__P7utujeF3b2DhRTTJtzusrS5FNnWW15TwCwQxNxBDj2ReHiT8/s1600/100_5008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXlzL5l7zAAr41y2LtW3RTWR6Y4zkI32rRnvHZX4AubuFJXKSeAY-uBOLPzjAb-4B_vgvg5uhnN9aP56cYurcIB0L__P7utujeF3b2DhRTTJtzusrS5FNnWW15TwCwQxNxBDj2ReHiT8/s320/100_5008.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0px !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;">In the past weeks I have had many precious moments such as when I saw Hannah a girl with disabilities for the second time. From the moment we met we were friends. She is likely around eleven years. Has cerebral palsy something I am familiar with as I cared for another precious girl back home for 2 years. CP does not drain any joy from these girl's lives and adds joy to the lives of those they meet. Her eyes lit up when I saw her and she embraced me with a sweet hug and a huge smile. Having a sister who has this same quality has given me a passion to speak out for those here that have disabilities. What I am doing here is so miniscule but it is a part of God's big picture and I hope to just shine a little love into lives that lack love. I hope in the next few days to post some skirts on here that are made by two men with disabilities who are trying to not use their hands for begging but use them to make beautiful skirts. Please be looking for that to come! I hope you will continue to pray with me as I continue my last months here. There is overwhelming needs but there are many here and those of you back home who care and who are trying to make a difference! God see's the big picture, have that confidence in his Holy Spirit to lead you to say a prayer for those </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">who are often overlooked.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-YHwzYcEFgg2T66KPQm_0rNgehANyjyaUEv5ptcjUm5lxDoni-0HJLIENC3a7sTaxYeVnPk4mn_RLYPcN4r1P29EsDxdWirYqB51Iu7OXfdyFwe8Sc8xEbdp2bqz-clH9gaI76ABF2M/s1600/100_4681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-YHwzYcEFgg2T66KPQm_0rNgehANyjyaUEv5ptcjUm5lxDoni-0HJLIENC3a7sTaxYeVnPk4mn_RLYPcN4r1P29EsDxdWirYqB51Iu7OXfdyFwe8Sc8xEbdp2bqz-clH9gaI76ABF2M/s320/100_4681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmyesStCsCItS05a-1RQbixoMm-Sn2sUrEoCh86-2woTsRr0uIKXDnaCWUFZK9HDoOdZ1wa4lq2yJCAWMNN763RgECh6W-UUExPJy6F8W_MZ2hQn047In7hjgrSR3OQhbhkSN_Bkleno/s1600/100_4688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmyesStCsCItS05a-1RQbixoMm-Sn2sUrEoCh86-2woTsRr0uIKXDnaCWUFZK9HDoOdZ1wa4lq2yJCAWMNN763RgECh6W-UUExPJy6F8W_MZ2hQn047In7hjgrSR3OQhbhkSN_Bkleno/s320/100_4688.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0px !important;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Matthew 7:7-11</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!</b></span></div></div>Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-44468510147142560002011-04-21T16:38:00.000-07:002011-04-21T16:42:14.095-07:00Joyful Sorrow<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I was getting trained to come to Sierra Leone, they might of mentioned having to be flexible. Living in a culture that is event oriented instead of time oriented, we have to become flexible. However, I don't think they mentioned anything about having to have a flexible heart...</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I went to Crough Bay (Sierra Leone's largest slum) last week. I went in knowing it would be difficult, knowing what I would see would reflect the very worst of Sierra Leone's poverty, mortality, and health statistics. I was not prepared however to meet Fatmata. Her breaths were shallow, her skin clammy with beads of perspiration above eyes too weak to open. Her voice was hoarse, barely a whisper, as she said the name of Jesus. My hand shook as I placed it on her tiny arm, out of my heart poured words that were not my own but God's. We asked for God to perform a miracle, that he might be given glory but knew her soul was mere hours or minutes away from dancing with Jesus, singing out his praises. In that I found peace and joy. Amid this deep deep sorrow for a life too young to depart from the world, I found God's comfort in knowing she was His child he cared deeply about. She was not some forgotten statistic, she wasn't one more life pulling down on Sierra Leone's already too young average life span, but a daughter of the Most High King.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;">Psalm 18:19, “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"> because he delighted </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;">in me."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The family I stay with in Makeni just lost their niece, a beautiful girl who was full of smiles.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> A dear friend, Elizabeth, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;">lost her sister this past week. I have had moments here of asking</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"> why, struggling with the unfairness, shedding tears, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;">and crying out to God. He has given</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"> me inexpressible peace when I come before him. It has lead to incredible </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;">moments on my</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"> knees and in his word. I slowly come to understand, and then have to relearn it over and</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"> over again </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;">that our God is the one who calmed the waves, I just need to have the faith in him. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As we approach the easter weekend, I am humbled and joyfully sorrow-filled. I am not</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> worthy of his grace, I often </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;">forget the one who saved me, the reason I have life. There is no</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"> other place to be more humbled and joy-filled than </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;">at the foot of the cross. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Psalm 126</b> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, </b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b> we were like those who dreamed.</b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b> Our mouths were filled with laughter, </b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b> our tongues with songs of joy. </b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Then it was said among the nations, </b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b> “The LORD has done great things for them.” </b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b> The LORD has done great things for us, </b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b> and we are filled with joy.</b></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b> Restore our fortunes, LORD, </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> like streams in the Negev. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Those who sow with tears </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> will reap with songs of joy. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Those who go out weeping, </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> carrying seed to sow, </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>will return with songs of joy, </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> carrying sheaves with them.</b></div></span></span></span></div>Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-33376670521632499622011-04-10T16:26:00.000-07:002011-04-10T16:26:15.916-07:00Be Joyful in Hope, Patient in Affliction, Faithful in Prayer (Rom 12:12)There is certain moments you feel a literal tug on your heart, a moment when the Holy Spirit speaks to you or through you. I met a beautiful girl named Saio. She lives in Masongbo, a village that is quite a distance from town, distant from resources and opportunities. She has some disabilities that have limited her physically and mentally. She did not say a word but stood there, I felt her body ease as I laid my hands on her and told her she was beautiful, a child of God. I felt I needed to do more later after I had left. I later had the people of the village saying that I had befriended the demon, I inquired and realized that they meant Saio. It broke my heart and I told them that she is beautiful, God made her and he loves her and calls us to love her. They laughed, while I felt my soul aching. I am not sure what I am called to do yet but I have asked to visit the village when I come back to Makeni. I want to spend time with this little girl, to let her know that she is a child of God and dearly loved by him. Please be lifting her up in your prayers.<div>I have been inquiring as to why they believe that children born with disabilities are demons. The explanations I received branched from many superstitions. There are stories that people take these children to the bush where they then turn into snakes and slither away. This leads to many of these children being taken and left out in the bush. If the child is not neglected they are treated very much as outcasts even amongst the family. </div><div>I don't know where this tugging on my heart for children with disabilities will lead, I have several friends who work with people to disabilities but in the towns, not the villages. I hope to spend more time with Saio, with her family, her village, love on them, educate them, pray with them. God loves all his children, I need to be the physical embodiment of this for Saio, for many, as we all should be.</div><div>Please be praying also for my friend Marie who just lost her sister, I met her sister once and she could not have been more than ten years old. She got sick quickly and when I called to check on how she was, I received the news that she had passed. I have never before had so many griefs around me in such a short time span. It is no surprise then when I ask the kids in our program what they want us to pray for they nearly always answer health for their family. A friend said, "Your heart has to be flexible here, if it were to always be breaking you couldn't take it; yet you can not become numb or cold to it, but to grieve as our father in heaven is grieved." </div><div>There is much to be joyful about as well! The Hope for Children outing went extremely well. Over 60 of the Makeni kids turned out. They breezed through the bible quiz, enjoyed food, and singing. Other children (likely street children from the looks of their dirty and torn clothes) started to gather around us and as I finished passing out rice and sauce for our meal I went to give some to the other children, our Hope for Children kids already had given heaping platefuls of food to the kids. My heart warmed at our kids living out compassion for others. </div><div>Our neighbor kids had sports yesterday and they cheered and rooted for one another. Our kids had a blast, as did I while watching them. I got to hold a small baby for quite some time to give a young mom a break to watch her son in the sports. The little boys name was Abraham and he smiled and cooed while I talked to him. I am so filled with joy and peacefulness while I am around the beautiful children here. Despite the pain and heartaches, there is comfort and peace that the Lord is also blessing us with during these trials. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, Rejoice! </b></div><div><br />
</div>Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-85058808415700580792011-03-28T15:18:00.000-07:002011-03-28T15:18:00.880-07:00Not a common culture but on a common Savior<div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Christ brought us together through his death on the cross. The Cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of hostility." Ephesians 2:14-16</b></div><div><br />
</div><div>Christianity and my Western views sometimes seem like they blur together. I likely have erred in some discussions because my "Western beliefs" would not tolerate "things like that". Though I have to be careful to note that things are different, accept those differences, at times embrace them, learn from them, experience their culture in its uniqueness. Culture is beautiful, there is much in the Church's that are unique and beautiful. We come into a different type of community, one that is common in Christ. The music, the dance, a culture that is often vibrant and intimate. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The culture is quite relaxed in certain areas when it comes to Christianity. Here you can claim to be both Islamic and Christian. While Islam believes Christ existed and that he was even a prophet it certainly disclaims he was a Savior while Christians believe in Christ as our personal Savior. It is also accepted in some churches that you can participate in Shaman practices, rituals, and secret societies.</div><div><br />
</div><div>This can be seen around the world in different elements as well. Here the culture is full of rich stories and tales that branch from Century old beliefs. I pray that the culture here and around the world can add beauty to our relationship with Christ and not hinder it. </div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>I had the privileged of gaining some cultural experience of cooking groundnut soup with Aunty Baby and Mrs. Kamara. We laughed together, Aunty Baby shook her head at my attempts to gut fish, the kids looked on with funny faces. We enjoyed the beautiful afternoon together in community. I enjoyed this time very much and look forward to more cultural experiences with Aunty Baby and the families in the community if they are willing to put up with my amazing cooking skills! </div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"<b>Now all who believed were together" Acts 2:44</b></div>Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-8177600378941032532011-03-22T04:07:00.000-07:002011-03-22T04:11:43.252-07:00Feeding the Soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I was starting to become anxious about needing to do more here. Then God spoke through many avenues to give me a peace about just being present. I am learning to feed hearts, loving on people can feed the soul and thus last past the temporary. Matthew 6:25, 33 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCwLgq1kwPuNX3jeN6vaDuuDJjUH7AaZtwOLY6mM5g5Gl18kKk1lEPOGXflnRFXZwjeptS2s8oxNAz5hy1w1YIh5z0dYE46zsSr_65KHoNYBkAIrW5eH1g6r9aZeufzOP8jEkFEJ828U/s1600/100_3180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCwLgq1kwPuNX3jeN6vaDuuDJjUH7AaZtwOLY6mM5g5Gl18kKk1lEPOGXflnRFXZwjeptS2s8oxNAz5hy1w1YIh5z0dYE46zsSr_65KHoNYBkAIrW5eH1g6r9aZeufzOP8jEkFEJ828U/s320/100_3180.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeHKcs8BKhGo73lfUGJYQaWIWZsM7NThZpN22VYZ98xJNgIeJr51U14NevIndelcDcC880-0LclYgga8BRQdYgAlTW_KwY65iTM9BpfnaX7AJzJsgFcEibD1n_wQdJsRCXgrk9AYf3q8/s1600/100_3270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeHKcs8BKhGo73lfUGJYQaWIWZsM7NThZpN22VYZ98xJNgIeJr51U14NevIndelcDcC880-0LclYgga8BRQdYgAlTW_KwY65iTM9BpfnaX7AJzJsgFcEibD1n_wQdJsRCXgrk9AYf3q8/s320/100_3270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-26043414155217475222011-03-12T17:11:00.000-08:002011-03-12T17:16:42.429-08:00Reaching Inward to Reach Out<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is hard to be discerning, to know when to give. To know how to give, and give joyfully! You have to check yourself, be prayerful, and be seeking God's word. Whether you have time, the money, or the talents as each of us has been given gifts (1 Peter 4:10) and are we going to bury what God has so graciously given us to have as stewards or will God say to us, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!" Matthew 25: 14-30 is the parable of the talents, where Jesus tells of two men who went out and used what they had been given and multiplied their master's talents and the one man who hid his talent in the ground. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is a great need here in Sierra Leone, many are impoverished, they live in a cycle of corruption, there is abuse in the schools, the homes, and the streets. I pray that this country and individuals will see Christians rise above to a state of giving. Giving of their gifts: time, money, talents. Whether a Christian Sierra Leonean chooses to be an example to her neighbors by showing compassion instead of rising up in defensiveness, or an American chooses to give up a meal once a week to give $5 or so dollars to a village in Africa that Love will be an Irresistible Revolution that will have Christians reaching out more because God first reached out to us! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Blessing & Love,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jaimie</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please check out my sista Bethany's blog as she has taken the initiative to reach out to a village here in Sierra Leone! I will be able to see this movement in action as I visit the village that will benefit from these seeds!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://jbeo.blogspot.com/">http://jbeo.blogspot.com/</a></span>Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-61861900161202451022011-03-03T14:49:00.000-08:002011-03-03T14:49:36.957-08:00Embody God's Love<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I am so close to having met all the children in the program! Just a handful left to see! The path to finding all these kids has proven difficult at times. Some of these kids live far into the Bush, some families do not have a phone, and others have not wanted to be found. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Hope for Children program benefits over 350 kids in Sierra Leone (not including HANCI which is another division of the program). The kids that are in this sponsorship program are directly provided with school supplies, school fees, clothing, food, and health care. It was not a surprise then when we discovered that the children who did not want to be found where kids in jeopardy of being kicked out of the program because of not attending school along with various other reasons. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is incredible that God is in touch with each and every one of us. It doesn’t matter where we live, an American City or out in the African Bush, there is always an open line to speak directly to Him through Christ, and even if we do not want to know Him or don’t want Him to be a part of our everyday life, He is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It certainly can be reassuring to know that God is always with us and that He offers grace when we fall short of His standards. That if we are Children of God we are no longer in jeopardy. We have no reason to hide from our God. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What a blessed assurance! God is there for all and never will He turn us away. Jesus came with this radical message that the Pharisees were wrong in being all about rules and turning their backs to those who did not follow their “Righteous Rules”. Jesus has a Kingdom for everyone that comes to him that is not about rules but about Love. Our call is to Love God and Love people. What else do we need to start changing this broken world?! The female mutilation, the physical abuse, the corruption, the hunger in Sierra Leone would be a thing of the past if everyone knew how to Love as Jesus loved. God is at work here, He is near to everyone in Sierra Leone. I pray that I can let the people I encounter know that this is true by displaying His love by loving them!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sierra Leone is a Country that is battling a huge spiritual war. Everywhere you can see it but here with the disparity people seek things that are very much evil. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has such a stronghold that even the Christians hold onto some of these beliefs instead of clinging to the truth in the Bible. I hear women telling me that their husband/boyfriend does not love them unless he beats them. The women truly believe that the man has to show that he is the head of the home using beating as discipline. Many people seek traditional medicine and take part in traditional rituals. They practice in witchcraft, ritual human sacrifice, and coming of age ceremonies in which young men are beaten and left in the Bush to fend for themselves for a month, and women undergo genital mutilation as well as other rituals. Please be praying that God will be working in the lives of the Sierra Leoneans. That they can know that God offers freedom from Traditions and a Love that knows the Truth, a Love that will overcome the traditions that continue to harm this Country and its people.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Peter+5:8-9" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1 Peter 5:8-9</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Be praying specifically for a young boy who was a recent victim in horrific rituals. I do not even know all the details and will not go into details but what he witnessed was another boy being offered as limb sacrifices. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is incredible difficult to understand how this is happening in our world, we seem to think we are a developed people but the Devil very much has a foothold. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God is definitely in control though! I love spending time with my neighbors and the Hope for Children kids. I was outside a few days ago with Mammay Sallay and this lady has a heart of gold. She has taken in several kids, some her grandchildren while others I do not believe are related to her. None the less she loves on them. When Rahim came home from school she sat with him asking him all about his day, totally investing her time and interest in his life. Something many neglect in their everyday rush of chores. Many parents come to our meetings we hold at the house every other Sunday where they are taught biblical parenting ways. They take ownership by discussing the topics and asking many questions and developing tools to help one another. There is many eager to learn how to please God, many just need someone to take the time to disciple them. God is moving in this neighborhood and using the Hope for Children program to offer hope through God’s people to these sponsored families.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Be praying that as God is pouring out His love into everyone on all the earth we are convicted that we are Christ’s body and the ones who need to be the physical embodiment of His Love. That we as Christ’s body rise up in prayer for the spiritual warfare happening in Sierra Leone and all over the World and we use the gifts given to us to do our part. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Ephesians+6:11-18" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ephesians 6:11-18</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-29276431054706325772011-02-15T13:35:00.003-08:002011-02-15T13:35:50.445-08:002 Corinthians 12:9<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My prayer this week was to build relationships with the kids I work with and to discover more of life from their perspective. I enjoyed attempting to pound rice, eating a palm nut (apparently eating it incorrectly), and toting water, though it was more like spilling water all over myself. I am glad the children got a laugh out of my experiences and I enjoyed joining them in their laughter and thankful that they were encouraging through it. Though I think they were grateful when I let them take over the task again because I am pretty sure I was not of any help to them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wonder if God sometimes looks at us foolishly trying to do things ourselves instead of trusting in his expertise. Yet what a patient God we serve that doesn’t turn away from us during those times when we think we don’t need him. I crave to have my weaknesses filled through him. Often I focus more on those weaknesses being a disadvantage and sometimes come to God with a poor attitude, wondering why he gave me so many weaknesses. Yesterday I have heard his voice crying out to me that my weakness can be made perfect in him. 2 Corinthians 12:9 <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #001320; line-height: 115%;">But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me</span>.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Any gifts he has given to me are to bring him glory but how much more so would I recognize him in all his glory when he works through my weaknesses to show his strength! </span></div>Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-50569584491993815732011-02-02T06:54:00.001-08:002011-02-02T06:54:23.301-08:00Community<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I can't believe it is already February! I am nearly 2 months into my year commitment. I can not begin to count how much I have been blessed. I have encountered amazing people with incredible stories to tell. There is something beautiful about the connective nature of people in Salone, they share in community not just at set times or in a church building. Community comes from the Latin<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">ommunitas, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">cum meaning</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> "with/together" + </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">munus meaning</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> "gift." Nothing in there about having to live in the same neighborhood, go to the same church, or set up a 4pm Coffee date. What I found as a nice surprise was the word munus meaning "gift." Sierra Leoneans have helped me see that their time, and their presence, is a gift given with no conditions. In Salone you don't casually ask someone "How de bodi?" Without genuinely wanting to know. They want to be with you and gift you with their concern and their presence. It is considered rude if you continue on your way without greeting or stopping for conversation with those you pass. It shocked me at first when I traveled with Sierra Leone friends and every person they passed they greeting and/or struck up a conversation. Many they knew, while others they did not, but you never could tell that they weren't old friends. The greeting is just the beginning. They not only will gift you with their time and presence but if you have more than you need and your neighbor has none than you give it away. You share everything, your always inviting, if you need help someone is never far away. In Crio there isn't a very good equivalent to the word please, they instead would say, "Ah beg" but most times you don't have to ask, they are a giving. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">However, amongst their own family the kids are often given many chores and given lots of responsibility. The children typically tote water before and after school, cook, watch siblings, do dishes, do laundry, and try to find time to study. Several days now I have spent with Kadeja who is around 8 years and Hannah her cousin who is around 4 years old. After school these 2 girls walk along this steep, loosely graveled path to fetch water only to turn around and walk the same path uphill with 3-5 gallon water filled tubs on their heads. It is incredibly dangerous with a drop off and loose gravel under their feet. After completing this amazing daily feat they then use the water to complete their chores. Finally when about dusk they have a small amount of time to study. If any time is left to play it is done in the dark, usually when young American children are called to come inside these kids are just beginning to have a bit of spare time to play. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Many children are even far less privileged as many are also forced to go into the streets and sell produce or merchandise at night. A young girl I met in Kamakwie had to just that for her Aunt everyday. One day she placed the money she earned under her pillow till her Aunt returned home. However, when she went to give the money to her aunt it was gone. Likely that her aunt took it to begin with but being a very abusive to the girl her whole life, once again the aunt wanted more reason to flog her. It is hard to put into words all that she told us but the beautiful 14 year old girl has been put through terrible and awful things. She was given to her Aunt by her parents who did not want her because of her physical impairment. She has scolosis so bad that the bottom of her rib cage touches her hip. She does not let that stop her, she remains optimistic and is a very bright student. Her Aunt has recently given her to male clients and will not feed her. Right now she is being cared for by some local missionaries and are in the process of getting permission to move her to a safer environment. I do not believe that this story is unlike too many others. The young girl answers me when I ask her what she likes to do, "Sing, Sing Gospel music." She loves God despite all and she knows there is hope for her future. We have the promise of a perfect world when we die if we trust in God. For now we must live in our sinful world and I pray for this girl and many like her that people will see them and reach out to them with God's loving hand. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">This culture is rich with people who care about one another but it's also a part of a very sinful world where much hurt and pain occurs. Many go on with sinful actions but others are being put to a stop by people like you and me who take action to live like Christ and reach out to the hurting and oppressed. I have meet many Sierra Leoneans who are speaking out against those who are hurting others. I pray that as the Christian population grows that more and more will continue to reach out and alleviate these pains one at a time.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Thank you for all your prayers and continue praying for Sierra Leone and the suffering and injustice occurring in our world. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">In His Love</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Jaimie</span></span></div>Jaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-44177488515937788572011-01-01T15:13:00.000-08:002011-01-01T15:13:53.694-08:00PresenceThe power of presence, I read about it a couple months ago in a book by JoAnne Lyons. I remember her story on seeing people who were starving and near death and feeling as if she had nothing to offer them. Then she had this inclination to say, "I am happy to be among you." Presence is a spiritually life giving power. Did it fix the problem of starvation, no, but it gave those people the feeling of acceptance, of love. My housemate and I have been discussing a book called Real Love the past few days. The idea of real love is that we don't earn it and we do not have to complete an action in order to be able to receive real love. So in JoAnne's story she did not have to give food, water, or anything else in order to show those there that she loved them. I just received an email from Dr. Lisa Marling, the Hope for Children director, she was responding to my email on my feeling of no direction with my job. It has been hard for me adjusting to the culture that is so much go with the flow. I always thought I was a flexible person but once I arrived have realized I miss having guidance and direction from supervisors, teachers, whomever. Her email told me that in everything Christ is working, whether I am doing a specific task or enjoying moments with the children or cooking with the mothers. She directed me to not be directed towards tasks but towards people and towards God's will. I need to stop walking around with a list of tasks in my mind, but to enjoy the presence of people and God's work in and through everything that is happening here. Whether I am educating the families on healthcare or taking the kids swimming, God's work is in it all. I hope that you can pray that I see this more clearly and the need for God's will and not human direction will be foremost in my thoughts. I am so enjoying time spent with families such as the Wilson's who have taken me in and taught me so much already from cooking to how to play Sierra Leone games. These moments I treasure that I may not feel is "work" but is God's work in building relationships and showing His love. Timu a neighborhood boy who is about 3 years old came running up to me after I had been away for 3 days to Banana Island and gave me the biggest little boy hug ever. In those moment's I know that I want to give that type of presence and real love to everyone in my life. That show of love is what God meant for us to show him and show others so that they may know Him, the True source of Love.<br />
In His Grace,<br />
JaimieJaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3910934581858521505.post-15339317298725128932010-12-26T15:53:00.000-08:002010-12-26T15:53:18.391-08:00CultureI have so much to share and do not know the best way to do it. It is hard to form into words everything I am experiencing here. I could tell so much from the price of things, language, interactions, community, religion and more. I can share some short stories with you now that hopefully will give you some more insight on where I am living. Freetown is beautiful, mountains and ocean all in close viewing; however, the living isn't beautiful for most here. Some own a home or rent though most people have their homes on land that does not belong to them. Most of these "homes" in the city are small wooden shacks with tin roofs, while out in the providences most live in mud huts with the thatched roofs. Many of our neighbors live in these shacks, from noted how big one neighbor family might be I know that these houses are much to small for the amount of people living in them. This is Africa they would say to me though if I were to comment on the small living quarters. On the drive to Makeni there was 6 people in the backseat of a pickup. I had extra room up front but they refused to move, they replied, "This is Africa!" They enjoy being close to one another. This is evident everywhere. In the public transportation there is taxis, bikes (motorcycles), and poda podas (vans). Typically what would be comparable to an 8 seated van in America holds 14 people. I have gotten to know people very intimately in this way! The roads can be very congested especially in central town. The bikes will cost you more for this reason as they weave in and out of traffic they are the fastest way of travel in Sierra Leone but likely also one of the most dangerous. The main roads are luckily paved which sometime makes traffic faster, but once you leave a main street the roads are broken pavement or dirt. It is definitely a bumpy ride most places but I expected that from my previous experience in Kenya. After time you hardly seem to notice you stay busy watching all the hustle in Freetown. The streets are lined with people walking and people selling products. You can get just about everything you want from the street vendors. They have everything from garbage bags, soap, oil, vegetables, fruits, water, and greeting cards. Most everything is cheap when bought from the vendors. For example I got like a 3lb bag of sweet potatoes for 1,000 leones which is approximately 25 cents, 8oz water is 500 leones which is about 12 cents, when you eat out you may typically spend about 10,000 leones which is about $2.50. There are definitely exceptions especially if you go to a supermarket. Anything that is imported is about typical American cost if not a little more. The Crio language is very easy to understand but I still am learning phrases when it comes to communicating myself. For example to ask someone their name it is Waitin na u nam? Usay u day? Is: Where do you stay? Many of the people speak at least some English so it has been easy to communicate but also needing to learn their language as well. In Sierra Leone it is very important to use titles. For someone your own age you use sista or brother, on an older person it is Uncle and Aunti. I am Aunti Jaimie to all the kids in the neighborhood. I enjoy hearing the excitement in their voices when they see me and call Aunti Jaimie! Most people in a community are pretty tight knit and they often help one another. It is actually expected if you have more than you must give more. That can be good and bad for families though as many can not save for anything such as college, a house, or a car. While it also builds community and gives those less fortunate the ability to provide for needs. When they see a "Abitu" (white person in Crio) the give if you have is also expected and more so most often. We have money and therefore we should share it. My initial thought is to do just that but I also know that I can not give to everyone that asks. I have to use very good discernment in this. I have a budget so this causes me to stay within being able to provide only some. Sometimes it is hard when they show genuine interest in being your friend and then a couple minutes after getting to know you ask you to give them money. There is much need here but I know God is working and the programs are laid on the foundation of development processes and education so that the people of Sierra Leone can rise above and meet their needs. There is a long ways to go but God is so present. Most Sierra Leone prayers start out by thanking God for being alive. I am becoming more and more aware of the preciousness of life here. Nearly everyone has lost a close family member, the Christians I have met know that each day is a gift from God, they have thanksgiving in their hearts and know that though their life may offer many struggles at this time, they are truly not of this earth but of God's kingdom! This is a 60% Muslim country and there is very much a religious tolerance. It is sometimes hard to know when you share the message if they are like yes I believe in Jesus as a Savior but later find out they are a Muslim or have tried to claim both religions as their own. I hope once relationships start building that deeper conversations of Christianity can be talked about. I am planning on starting a book on Muslim religion that was written by Christians who use to be Muslim. I am excited to hear them share their thoughts and learn more about Muslim religion to know what 60% of this country believes in. Be praying for the community here and that more may notice that it is Christ, Christ as a Savior, who we as Christians want to live for and live like. That they may want Him as more than just a prophet but also as a Savior.<br />
In His Grace,<br />
JaimieJaimiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099354822798733330noreply@blogger.com1