Hello Everyone!

First of all, thank you all so much for your prayers. We feel them, need them and are thankful for them, so keep on lifting me & the team up to the throne of grace!

You would be so amazed at everything here. One thing that this experience has left me with is that I am very thankful to live in the United States. We are so blessed it's almost embarrassing the material things that we have access to. The other day I was traveling in a van and on the roadside a little boy was lying down. Him and his family had just finished working in the fields and he was resting alongside the road. All of a sudden his little sister came along and jumped on him. I wish that you could've seen her smile. It was absolutely beautiful. She looked so happy. The question that immediately came into my mind was "What are you so happy about??" As an American I was watching this little sister playfully jump on her brother and they were both just so dirty. Dirty clothes, dirty skin. Their surroundings were dirty and yet they seemed so happy. I was talking to my sister today-10am central time-7pm here and I told her about that story. She asked me what is the one thing these kids are showing me and my answer came quickly-JOY. These kids have JOY as they come running out of their home which is a humble little hut that is literally made of cow manure. Yet, I complain that my gutter is falling down in the front of my house. Little Duncan runs around with such JOY on his cute little face and doesn't even notice that his shoes are too small for him as his toes are hanging over the edge. Yet we have shoes to match every outfit. JOY. What do they possibly have to be joyful about? I watched the other day as 3 little boys were so content with playing with one doll between the 3 of them. A doll. How many times do we run to the store to buy the kid in our life the newest toy or video game? 3 boys-one doll and having fun, now that's JOY. I came here ready to give not take, yet I am taking home with me a content heart. A heart filled with much JOY that I have Jesus in my life. Thank you little children for showing me how to be completely filled with JOY. I know that you make Jesus smile at the mere thought of you. I can see why you are so precious in His sight.

Oh Lord, you never cease to amaze this heart. You "wow" me everyday. I love You for what you are to me and the JOY you bring to my life. I can't imagine going back to a life that is NOT centered completely on YOU.  Thanks for this amazing life changing opportunity. 

On Friday as we board the plane back to the States I definitely won't be going home the same way I arrived in Africa.  I kneel before you Lord in complete awe that you would care so much to take the time to change the beat of my heart.

I love you my precious King.

Thank you...thank you...thank you. 

Love,

Michelle 

faithfulmlj@yahoo.com   

Precious Kids!

Jeremiah 29:11:12

"For I know the plans I have for you,(Elizabeth & Clint)" declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Here is a picture of precious Elizabeth--can you see why I'm going to smuggle her to Nebraska in my suitcase??  And here is a picture of me with darling Clint. Aren't they just so precious!?!! I really love them so much!

Quick update--you would not believe it here we have been to so many different places to eat. Not knowing what to expect in the food area before I came here, I have had Italian, Chinese-which played big band & 80's music (so funny), ostrich, camel, and tonight will be Indian. Yes, I ate ostrich and camel and to my surprise it was quite good.  They have more restaurants than in the States! Just kidding, but they do have a lot and they all have been very good.  

I really love it here!  I miss you all very much though.  Please continue to pray for me and the team. We appreciate it so much. 

Well,  I must go as we are ending early today. It is also our last day of painting. (Thank you Jesus! ) Also, we are having a birthday party for one of the kids which should be fun. Then after the party we are giving New Life Homes all the stuff that we brought for them and then taking a group picture.

Michelle

*Feel free to e-mail me at faithfulmlj@yahoo.com  I may not be able to respond until I return to the States since we are limited on time, but I would love to hear from you!

Tuesday October 3rd

Hello Family and Friends,

I don't have much time there are two more people waiting to email family

Day two and I'm so amazed...I love this place and the people here!!!  We got a lot done today, but didn't get much time to hold the babies. During my first break the toddlers were out in the yard playing and Clive kept motioning for me to come over with this big smile so I did!!  These kids are so amazing!!!!!!!!!!  Please don't be surprised if I don't stay home for long. The Lord has been showing me my hearts' desire and I'm so excited!!!

I love you all so much and miss you all!!!

I will talk to ya soon!!!

Love Michelle