August 28, 2010

Today we are new humans.  We have a wonderful air conditioning unit, the floors are done and we have a kitchen!!!  Amen!!! 

Yesterday we did not have Internet connection.  I was surprised to learn that the sun still came up and went down.  I am learning patience in the space between my "now" perceived need and my "now" actual need.  In our prior lifestyle I would have been instantly on the phone with the Internet service and probably tapping my toe until they arrived.  Knowing that most everyone in this neighborhood never has a connection and certainly does not depend it, I am thankful for the days when the connection is available.

Yesterday we also visited a family who runs a shelter for battered women, a drug/alcohol recovery program, and a soup kitchen feeding children every Saturday.  They would like to feed children every day, but their entire budget is $10 per week.  They have a Bible Study each Saturday and when the kids successfully learn at least 2 verses (full chapters for the older kids), they receive a toy.  In the years they have been feeding, they have always had just enough.  Never too much, but as of yet, never to little.  They did not ask for our help, just that we would pray and know for sure that it is God's will for us to help.  If we do not hear from God, then they would be happy to know that we are praying for them and that He will provide from someone else.  I am longing to have that much faith in my life.

We often see amazing people here doing amazing work and service even though it seems they have nothing to give.  They have four children, the husband is in school to be a Pastor, and they live on $10 a week.  And still they serve a meal to 90 kids each Saturday!!  I was amazed and fascinated by their ability to do whatever it takes to serve the Lord.  A local chicken restaurant donates to them the leftover chicken skins.  Sometimes there is still a little meat attached.  She takes these skins and batters and fries them and then sells plates of them with rice and beans.  All the money generated goes to food to feed the kids.  We bought 4 plates of food while we were there and I could not even bring myself to eat the fried left-over chicken skins.  I know she worked hard to prepare them in the heat.  Would I be willing to do that if I was called?  I am not sure, and today, I am embarrassingly thankful I am not called yet to carry her cross.