Adjustments in attitude can be challenging!

I want to appreciate all God’s creations, but when I get “there”, I’m going to ask what was He thinking when He made some of these nasty bugs! The rains have brought about a new set of life forms, none pleasant in my book. Besides the millions of termites, which by the way, make US termites’ size a joke, now we have an invasion of scorpion spiders with pinchers--and attitudes. We are told they are not poisonous, but the bite does hurt quite a bit. As I write, there are hundreds living in our staff house since we still do not have screens on it. Ruth is staying there, but Mark and I are too chicken---or smart?!! Ruth said she was awakened by some spider tiptoe-ing across her pillow…EEK! Of course, there is a myriad of other critters of multiple sizes, colors and shapes that give me more goose bumps than a scary movie. However, the top of the list is one I’m sure you are familiar with: the mosquito. Millions of them come to rest here during rainy season and carry malaria with them. This year so far, our preventative has kept us from getting malaria. It’s not 100% guaranteed, so we try to stay covered in deet as soon as the sun begins to set.

Most of the older kids have gone back to their villages for the summer. Fourteen must stay at the orphanage as there is no aunt/uncle/person who will allow them to come and live in the village. These children we send to summer school which is all the better for them since the education system here SUCKS! I could write a book about how tough it is for anyone to get ahead. It seems insurmountable. A number of our children didn’t pass to the next grade, and most of those who will continue on, barely passed…which means they don’t have a good foundation to receive more education. Our prayer is to be able to afford to employ another person who will oversee the school-aged children and provide some tutoring on a daily basis as well. It will cost us about $75.00/month, but it would be so worthwhile.

Before we came here, we read a book on living the missionary life which stated that, if like most missionaries, the first time we attend the church service we will be delighted. The second, we will be warmed. The third, we’ll start to get bored and agitated. After that, it’s pretty much a drag. That’s so true! Three hours every Sunday in foreign languages …. It reminds me of a time when my son, Aaron, saw a movie that was about the same length of time. Upon his return home, he expressed his displeasure by stating, “I never can get those three hours of my life back!” Although our presence makes a statement to the people that we care, it’s a royal pain. So, God heard us. (Like that’s news?) Mark was stating how sorry he felt for all the little ones who get so bored and fidgety during the service. How can we ask 2-6 year olds to act 18? He said that they needed a children’s church. We then offered to start a children’s church which thrilled Pastor Salou. Apparently, he has wanted someone to take the kids outside so that they don’t disturb the speaker as well as the congregation. Ha! Then we don’t have to sit through the three hours! I’m excited about bringing the Bible stories to these little ones and giving them a bit of fun with games, treats and songs. We will be using “helpers” as most of the children speak Moore, the tribal language. Through their assistance, they will also be in training to take over the children’s church themselves.

Other great news: Looks like we have been promised enough money for a deep well that will service the entire compound and never run dry! This is amazing, such a wonderful blessing for everyone. Currently we have to purchase water from the city, guarding the amounts used for bathing and washing clothes. Most of our crops failed last year because of the lack of water. This will be such a great help in every area!

Ruth will be leaving for two months on July 30th. That leaves Mark and me “in charge”…kinda scary, isn’t it?! Not really. I’m excited. These little darlings get cuter by the day. They are so forgiving of our language skills, or lack thereof. The employees are patient and help us in so many ways; I’m certain it will be quite smooth. God is good, keeping His humor alive in our lives during any situation. Mark’s silliness and jokes continually bring a smile to my face. Even if he is an old man of 50 now!

Love to you and yours,
Connie