Gladys continued...

I have thought and prayed about whether or not I should share this video clip. I think  that while it was a very personal conversation between me and Mama Gladys, sharing it will help others to understand what it is like - the work that we do here.

Gladys is the lovely girl I have posted about before. Her mother is sweet and fairly young. Apparently, the Mama has some alcoho problems and doesn't always provide a safe place for Gladys to live.

When we asked Gladys if she would like to be a boarding student at Holy Trinity her eyes were filled with both happiness and sadness. I think that to say that she was overwhelmed put things in perspective. Laughter turned to tears very quickly.

Yesterday, the new boarding students ( including Gladys) came to the school to receive their uniforms and other items required to begin school. We spoke with each of their guardians to explain that this is a partnership. We only wish to help, not replace parents where children have them.

Glady's mother  Ann, was visibly upset . It was hard to tell if she was happy or sad. I believe she too was overwhelmed. She just kept saying God Bless you.

Peter, my brother, got the conversation I had with her on video. I was not aware that he was filming. This was a special conversation between me and Ann.  But I'd like to share, because I hope you will be able to follow the story of Gladys and Ann.

http://youtu.be/KjtAdJDsg_0

As Ann and I were finishing, Glady came in and found her mother crying.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E4qgfyM5Ko&feature=g-upl



We went to the dorm and settled Gladys in... please pray for Ann and for Gladys



I am fearfully and wonderfully made

My relationship with the children and staff of Holy Trinity Academy is going to grow. It is my prayer that I will be able to spend a great deal of time with these special students - especially the 35 in our pilot scholarship fund program. Some require help with everything. Some are total orphans. Some have one parent. All of the children on our list are very very poor. Beyond total support monetarily, I am drawn to a few who need daily support. I want to remind them that they are created in the image of God. That they are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made.
I learn something from these children each time I see them.

For instance, when you look at this picture, what do you see? I see lily white fat legs. I see short fat feet and short fat toes.When I saw this picture of me a few weeks ago I cringed at the look of my legs and feet.

At the music festival this weekend, we had some time at night to play and talk with the children. I sat down with a few. The usual touching of my "soft" hair was going on. But then I noticed that two girls were looking at my leg that was peaking from beneath my long skirt. They took my calf in their hands lovingly and were rubbing them as if they were some sort of jewel. They just kept saying, so beautiful... so beautiful. Then in their own language they called friends over to touch my legs. There was dirt on them from the day. They brushed it off very gently as if I might break.

It made me think..... I am fearfully and wonderfully made... and I thanked God for these beautiful children.

Spa shower- it's all relative

We had three "working" showers in our house. Now, don't get me wrong, there was hot water that came out of each. It is a crap shot to see whether or not you will have a trickle or even very hot water. Actually, all things considered they were all perfectly wonderful showers compared to this one we had in Kopanga.

Don't get me wrong. This shower was perfectly fine. It was a little cold , but you got used to it.

Now we have the "spa shower".

This used to be an asian toilet ( see the chamber leading to the porcelain hole in the floor.) The asian toilet is now simply the drain for the new shower . The pressure is super and the water is HOT.

Now we all love this shower. And you can still brush your teeth while you shower.