Be Still and Know...

               It’s going on 5 months now that Ryan and I returned from Africa…and a day hasn’t passed where I don’t miss it. I miss the kids, the various smells (not the stench of BO), the sweet innocent smiles of the village children, the touch of a clammy/dirty hand in mine, the giggles that carry on like music in my ear, the nights that ended with the children crying out to God, playing Skip-Bo and Uno until I could no more, hearing “tata” on a regular basis…I mean the list could go on and on. My heart aches lately to be there, even in the fun midst of planning the biggest day of my life. I wish my wedding party could consist of 30 beautiful brown skin children that would cheer for Tata Erika and Uncle Ryan when we say “I do”…

              But I have to remember…God has a plan. I often forget that and think “OK God, I got this…we are going to do this this and this, and have kids at this time, and live here at that time, have this job now and that job then…” All the while never asking what HIS plans are. See I want His plans, but I usually have my own that I think are better and make more sense. As humans we can’t see the end results, and our patience levels are so low that we can’t BARE to wait on God and His timing. So…we take matters into our own hands, create our own plans and worries, while leaving God out of the picture. This has been a huge struggle for me lately. So much so that I don’t even want to ask God what His plans are for me. My selfish flesh wants an answer NOW…I don’t want to have to wait…and then I hear it…

“Be STILL and KNOW”

            Not sure why I felt the urge to blog today, but I felt like I needed to. If someone reading this is struggling with direction, plans for their life, can’t stop asking “why and when, God?” …just remember to be still. His voice is still and soft, and won’t always be found in the fire or the earthquake moments of your life…so be sure to be still…listen…and KNOW that He ALONE is God, and He ALONE is in control.

"You give and take away...."

So obviously I’m not the best at this whole blogging thing…life has been so crazy busy! I can’t believe it’s been two months since I returned back from Africa. It’s been a hard transition. I miss the kids every day, and Ryan and I find ourselves often talking about them. I hate missing them grow up, seeing them laugh, playing games with them and praying with them. I miss giggling with Ash and watching Jon get frustrated when dealing with the painters. I miss long runs with Ash, Seraphin and Augustin. I miss a lot of things, but I am thankful for the opportunity to stay involved while here in America. My African family has changed Ryan and I’s life and we are forever grateful. If you would like to get involved, feel free to email me or donate online at treeoflifeusa.org

I realized one thing more and more…whether I’m on the other side of the world or right here in Michigan, the same thing remains true. “He gives and He takes away.” It’s something I can’t always comprehend. I find myself questioning God’s goodness at times when things that I think should stay are taken away. Loss is something that is a part of life and whether is loss of a family member, job, house, friend, spouse etc…it’s still a loss. As many know, our sweet Layla Roo was taken to a new home yesterday. My family is really going to have a hard time and is already feeling like a piece of our home is missing.

It was May 7, 2012 that a sweet baby girl was born into this world and May 9, 2012, that she was born into mine. I ALWAYS wanted a sister, but thankfully have been blessed with great friends that have been my “sisters.” It wasn’t until May 9^th that I thought maybe my wish had come true! She was perfect! Brown carmely skin, tiny lips and beautiful features. I was in love. She captured the hearts of my family more than we ever expected. Her first few weeks of life, I watched her lay in a hospital bed recovering from drugs, and wondered how someone could ever do this to their child. Not one family member came to see her. I fell even more in love with her in those moments and thank God for healing her. I called her Layla, which means “beauty of the night.” She was beautiful and had brown skin like the night (my favorite!). I watched her grow to blow kisses, walk, giggle, and get into everything!  Everyone called her our “baby girl” for that is what she was. She loved to cuddle and always be around people. She was a part of our family….

It wasn’t until Monday, March 25, 2013, that we were made aware that she would no longer be a part of our family. We were all in shock and thought of all the things we could attempt to change it. Unfortunately, our family of 9 went to a family of 8 yesterday. My mom, dad and I went to drop “Baby Girl” off at her new home. I felt like Sandra Bullock in the blind side when she took Michael to visit his mom and she had been evicted. The neighborhood was the same. It’s one thing in foster care to give a child to a family that you feel at peace about, but it’s another to take your baby you’ve had for a year to the projects.

Our car was silent on the way home, and I still think we are all in shock. It’s the way it goes with foster care. The system is messed up and unfortunately, they don’t put the kids best interest at the top of anyone’s list. I couldn’t help but question God…”God, you really think this situation is better for her?” “You really think she’ll be safe?” And then I remembered something… Ryan and I have been in a new Bible study for a couple of weeks now and have heard one of the moms say “Children are like guests in your home that God trusts you with, but they don’t belong to you…they belong to him.” I’ve seen God’s goodness enough in my life to know that He knows what He is doing. I seen it enough to trust him, believe in him, and know that he has Layla’s best interest in mind. He knows the numbers of the hairs on her head, so he surely knows her little hearts desires. 

That leads me to the end of the song…”You give and take away, but my heart will choose to say, Blessed me the Name of the Lord.” He is a good God and worthy of all our praise no matter the circumstance. We will continue to pray for Layla, that she will know the Lord and be raised to be a God fearing woman who puts Him first in all she does. You will be missed Baby Girl…we love you so much.

A day I won't forget...

Since I’m so behind…. Lets back track…

Saturday: This day was such a fun and enjoyable day! Not only was I SO excited to get to pick Ry up from the airport, but also got to spend the day in the city with Jon and Ash. The morning started out with Ash and I getting a good work out in, packing up some lunch, and heading to the city (Cotonou) with Jon. We ran to the grocery store and then went to this extremely ritzy hotel. I kept joking that we were on a honeymoon! It was amazing and such a nice getaway. Once in a while I think something like that is fine, but the fact that people sit and swim in luxury while there are starving children across the street is a hard thing to swallow. I felt guilty, but tried to enjoy the rest and relaxation God blessed us with. The sunset and it was time!!! My heart started to race like the first time I drove to Michigan to meet Ry. We heard the plane land, and then the waiting began. In Africa, you NEVER know how long it will be before the passengers come out. Some lose their luggage, others get searched, etc. So I anxiously waited with my “Looking for my Ry” sign in hopes that it wouldn’t take two hours for him to walk out. As my sign slowing made it’s way to my ankles (from being tired of holding it), I heard Ash say “he’s coming!” I was SO excited! I couldn’t help but just keep saying “Thank you God…Thank you for this miracle! Only YOU could make this happen!” I have known my whole life that I have a deep love for missions and God’s orphaned children, but it wasn’t until 2008 that I ached deeply for my future love to join in this experience with me. After 5 years, this was my moment! The one I had been praying for. He walked out, and I ran through the crowd to greet him. I couldn’t stop my tears of joy! HE WAS HERE!! We were so happy to see him, and have his see this place we all love.

We got settled in to a nearby hotel and talked all about his flights here, and things going on with the children. We made some yummy American snacks that he had brought and got a fun game of Phase 10 going. The night was filled with laughter and happiness, and this girl went to bed with one big smile on her face! J

Sunday: After a great nights’ rest, we all got ready to head to a fun place called Bab’s Dock, and boy was it fun! It was like out of a magazine! Sidenote: Please don’t think I come to Africa and vacation, nor do Jon and Ashley. Ha this was my first time ever and their third time ever after living here for three years. I like to think of it as a break from responsibility. All parents need time to refresh and relax, and we are SO blessed to have had such a fun couple to enjoy this day with.

On to Bab’s dock…Bab’s dock is this lady Dominique’s back yard oasis. It backs up to a lake and you have to go on a riverboat to get there. The boat takes you through this forest of trees and is seriously beautiful! I thought the drive their of lined up palm trees was gorgeous, but had no idea this was in store! When we arrived at Bab’s dock, Dominique came to welcome us to her oasis. There were donkeys and monkeys, a tiki bar, hammocks, lounge chairs, kayaks, palm trees and the most beautiful sun glistening lake all around. Wow! We are in Africa still?! It was so nice and relaxing. What a great way for Ryan to unwind after a crazy week at work and a super long flight. The four of us posted up in the sunlight, and enjoyed the gorgeous scenary.  We read books, fed the monkeys, pet the donkeys, kayaked, talked, and laughed about so much. It was a BLAST! I could not be more thankful for the friendship I have with the Barchus’. As the sunset, we began to pack up and make our way back to Sakete. The drive is a long bumpy 2.5 hours, but I knew what was at the end of it. Thirty kids who helped change my life.

I had waited so long for this moment! Ryan would now have the chance to hold the faces of the kids I love, to learn their names and stories, and to feel the love of my African family. As we pulled up to the center, the kids started running after the car. They opened the door and threw their little arms around Ryan and welcomed him like family! It melted my heart. The smile on his face was nothing I can put in to words. He was beaming. This was a moment I truly won’t ever forget. I can’t fully express my thankful heart. This was my prayer being answered right before my eyes. We showed Ryan around the Center and introduced him to all the kids.  The night ended with lots of love and hugs, and we headed back to Jon and Ashley’s to shower up and turn in for a good nights sleep.

Monday (today): We all slept well and woke up this morning to a hot sunny day! Ash and I got a good run in, showered and have spend our day here at the Center. Some of the boys, Ry and Jon got pretty dirty in a fun game of football, Ryan rode the moto on the African terrain, and saw a deeper glimpse into the lives of these awesome children. I sit here in sweat (gross, I know) but wouldn’t trade it for anything. I love this place, and I love the people who have deepened my faith, taught me about genuine love, and have shown me what it means to serve. I am nowhere near extraordinary. I am no one special, but I love God’s people. I love missions, and my heart aches to follow His will. I fail…daily, but am thankful for his new mercies, and look forward to where he leads. All the praise and honor goes to Him and I praise God for using helpless vessels like me to see His world in a new light.

Love Love,

Tata EE

PS. Jordan…thanks for allowing me to come here. Thanks for sacrificing your finances to send me to my second home. I am incredibly grateful for you and tear up thinking about how special your contribution to my trip was. A day hasn’t passed where I haven’t wished you were here. Looking forward to our future trip together. I love you much. -E

They call her "Maman"

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So I know a few days has gone by without any updates, but all is well! We are just super busy and our long days haven’t left much room for blogging J

Yesterday was a good and productive day! Started off with a 7 mile run with Ash and one of the oldest boys, Augustin. It was HOT. Me, being an idiot, wore this tight BLACK tank made of cotton with no air to breath. I felt like I was running in a fleece jacket in 100 degrees with sun beaming down on me. It made for some great laughs, considering there wasn’t one dry spot left on the shirt when we returned. It was a good run though. One of my favorite parts of the run was when this moto with two men stopped to talk to Augustin. They were laughing at him and calling him a “gagneman,” which basically means, “lying about situations and getting white people to come over here and give them money.” Augustin’s response was great…he said “No! She’s my mom!” I LOVED it. She IS their mom. God love Ash and Jon. They are great people. They truly are following the call of God on their lives. They left their comfort, their family, their “known” and came to the “unknown” and said, “God we trust you to take us through.” They’re so inspiring and I pray more and more that I can learn from their journey and always follow God’s will for my life. God didn’t say it’d be easy, but he PROMISED He’d never leave us nor forsake us.

After our run, we got ourselves cleaned up and headed over to the Center. The kids had only a half-day of school so it was good to see them all and spend some time with them. Later that afternoon, I went with Ashley and Mathias to do some social surveys. For those wondering, a “social survey” is part of the process they go through here for a child to get into the Arbre de vie program. There is great need here and they must help those most in need first. Anyone who comes to them wanting help must write a “letter of demand” telling who they are and why they are in need. This letter helps them see those are serious. It doesn’t need to be anything formal, but taking the time to write it shows their sincerity. Often times people have come to ask for help and never come back with a letter, which means they were most likely stopping by for a handout. Once the letter has been received and evaluated, social surveys are next in the process. I had been into the villages and town, but hadn’t actually ever sat in on a social survey so I was ready for the adventure!

The first house we went to was a mom with four children (10,12,14 and 19). Her husband had died just this past August and she was struggling to pay the children’s’ school contributions. The lived in a small cement square with a roof made of wood, and sold things they had cooked as means for making money. It was sad to see their situation and opened my eyes to their need. Here in Africa, if the school contribution isn’t paid, the children are turned away and sent home. It’s so sad because they WANT to go, and just don’t have the means to go.

The second house we went to came from a moment that broke Ash and I’s heart. The other day when we were running, we heard “Mama! Mama! Mama!” A boy was chasing after us trying to get Ashley’s attention. We stopped and it was a boy named Willfred that Ashley had met before. He had come to the center looking for help a while back and was still in need. He said “Maman, they sent me away from school. I don’t have money to pay my contributions and really want to go to school.  Can you please help me?” I felt sad and so guilty over how often I took my education for granted. I would have been THRILLED if the teacher sent me away from school. Because then, I knew I could go back. Education was never an issue at my house and I knew I’d always have parents capable of sending me. Here in Africa, education is a gift and many kids never get to go. They go work in the fields, make a little money and can’t write the alphabet when they’re 40. It’s so sad, and made me wish I could do it all over again and thank God more for the opportunity to go to school. Ashley made arrangements with him to go to his house to do his social survey the next day, and that is what we did.

When we finally found his house, we entered a cement square where his mother and grandmother sat selling various items to the surrounding neighbors. It was their little “shop.” Willfred answered all of the questions Ash and Mathias asked and showed deep sorrow for his situation. It was so heartbreaking. His father is gone and his mother and grandmother do all they can to survive. He said he’s lucky to get two meals a day, but most of the time it’s one. We are praying a sponsor comes through and brightens this child’s sorrow to joy!

After the surveys were over, we headed back to the center to help the kids with homework and grab a bite to eat. It was almost 10:30 before the kids were wrapping up their homework! Whew! What a night, but it was good to spend time with them, help them with their English and encourage them when they were struggling. We headed home, showered up (it was a HOT day) and turned in for a good nights sleep! I love being here. I truly do, and am so thankful for all who made it possible for me to be here this month.

This morning started off with some catching up on emails and coffee sipping with Ashley, followed by some P90x plyometrics…KILL. Now we are showered up and headed off to join the kids on their lunch break! Looking forward to another fun, sunny day and hopefully meeting up with the tailor to get some cute Africa attire made! Oh and…Ry gets here in two days!!!!!!!!!! Please be praying for his travel. Hope all is well with all those reading!

Much Love,

Tata EE

Dear Healer...

Yesterday was a day I can say I probably won’t ever forget. It started out with a getting a much needed good night’s rest before heading to church. Church was good. I love going to African church and see all the different outfits, babies strapped on the mama’s backs and people praising the Lord through song and dance. I mean it’s VERY different from the States, but I still like going. Their services usually go from about 830-1 sometimes even longer, and when you don’t know the local language, it can be a LONG service.  Thankfully, it’s completely normal and common to show up whenever you want, so we didn’t exactly get there at 8:30. J

After church one of the kids Jon and Ash have been helping out had a raging fever. His tiny little body was so hot and he just looked miserable. He already gets sick very easier due to various health conditions, but we still wanted to make sure things weren’t too serious.  We came home, grabbed some lunch and headed out to the hospital. It was just Jon, myself, and the three kids they have been helping out (Mariano, Mariam and Eric). The kids lost both of their parents to sickness and were given to the grandfather to live with. During that time, their aunt stepped in and has been “taking care” of the kids. She is terrible and beats them endlessly, and forces them to work without eating until all the chores are complete. There have been many days where the children haven’t eaten but one meal until late in the night. Thankfully, she left and hasn’t been back in a couple of weeks. The kids are now under the care of their grandfather and surrounding neighbors. They visit the center on the weekends and love being around all of the kids. They are a joy to have around. The older kids, Mariam and Mariano, both have sickle cell anemia and struggle with their health. It would be good for them to be a part of Arbre de vie and I know Jon and Ashley are praying for what steps to take next. They got word this morning that the two boys (Mariano and Eric) have been sponsored to come to the center (orphanage) when the time is right. We just need sweet Mariam sponsored and if you would be interested in doing so, please feel free to contact myself for Ashley Barchus.

When we arrived at the hospital, we were put into pediatrics (one tiny, hot room) and told to wait for the nurse. While waiting, the nurse rushed in with a little boy who was probably about two years old and looked to be about 10 months. His eyes were rolled back in his head and he was gasping for life. The nurse said if he didn’t get an IV of fluids into his body immediately he was going to die. He had a terrible case of malaria and other things going on. He was malnourished and hadn’t been taken to the hospital, when sick, because his parents thought the witch doctor would help. Voodoo is a huge religion here and many times parents take their kids to get “spells” cast on them to help them get “healed.” Often times it’s too late. I felt sick. I had never been this close to death in all my life. His breathing was rapid and his liver was so enlarged from the malaria that it was visible. As the nurse hurried to try to get an IV in his tiny arm, I sat begging God for him to breathe life. The IV wasn’t working and Jon (an RN from Miami Valley) scrubbed up to try and help get one started on the other arm. Just as he was about to get the needle going, the nurse got it in! Praise the Lord!  The poor baby was in so much pain, but was so weak he couldn’t really even react. Only a few little groans would come. I started to feel so overwhelmed that I had to step out. I was so saddened. I just kept asking God to heal him and take the pain away.

While the fluids were working on the baby, the nurse moved on to the three kids we had brought. Unfortunately, Mariano tested positive for malaria. The other kids were fine, and all three were tested for HIV. (This is something they do before bringing kids into the Arbre de Vie program, and since they were all together at the hospital, Jon went ahead and had them tested.) It’s so crazy to me how common these things are. Malaria is like a case of the flu here, whereas in America, people would freak out if they had malaria. It’s a terrible sickness and is the reason many children die here in Benin. Afterwards, we got the kids some medicine, and dropped them off at their house.  When we got back to the center, round two of church was going on. The pastor comes to the center every Sunday evening to have church with the kids. It can be quite comical actually, and when Jon and I tried to teach them the song they were singing in English, it became hilarious. They were so serious when messing up the words in English, and all I could do was smile. God doesn’t care what worship sounds like, it’s the heart that matters. And I know for a fact, these children’s’ hearts seek the Father.

Later the night ended with homework, and kisses goodnight. It was about 10pm when we headed home. Ash and I have been glued into these books we have been reading so we relaxed and read for a bit before heading to bed. Looking forward to a new day here today! It’s sunny, gorgeous and dusty here, and I couldn’t be more thankful to be on this journey. Mom, kiss the babies for me. Ry, start packing…cause you’ll be leaving THIS WEEK!!!! :)

Happy Monday!! And Happy bday to my Aunt Kelly! She’s the best :)

Love Love,

Tata EE

Running the Race...

Written: Friday, January 11, 2012

So this morning, Maman Ashley, Seraphin and I went running. We went about 7 miles or so, and had a great time chatting, sweating and laughing. I honestly hate running. If it didn’t keep me in shape or give me time with great running partners to catch up…I can’t say I’d ever do it. The runs here in Benin are so different from home. The roads are so uneven and bumpy, cars and motos are passing inches away from you leaving exhaust blowing in your tired lungs, and scenery that only God could design. It’s wonderful and I praise God for giving me the physical ability to do it.

Today while on the path, I was thinking about the road. How many times in this “run of life” has the path been SO bumpy, winding, uneven and confusing? Yet, how many times, just like the scenery today, has God always been there and ran right beside us? I couldn’t help but smile when I thought about God being with us today.  My ipod died and I felt like that was God’s way of saying “spend time with me.” Pictures would never do the palm trees, villages, and people that we passed by today justice. I definitely don’t deserve this chapter in my “run of life” but I sure am thankful for it.

After our run, we all showered up and headed to Pobe to get Ashley’s internet worked on. It’s so funny to me how related things can be here and in America. We go to the MTN store (their version of Verizon) and it’s set up very similar. Yes, there is no carpet and high-end technology, but there was AC and computer sales people set up just like Verizon. When we left Pobo, we headed back home to grab a quick sandwich and head to the center.

While at the center, Alice, Adjoke, Aldophe, and Rosaline played some card games. Talk about intense! It’s a riot playing with these little ones! Can’t wait for Ry to join in on the fun! During our game session, a couple brought their baby Grace to the center. She had been seen by Jon, Ashley and Jillian a few weeks ago and was back with some information. Baby Grace is VERY malnourished. She’s 8 months old and looks no older than about 2 months. She’s very tiny and has a large tumor growing from her tailbone that is about the size of two oranges next to one another. It was much bigger than I anticipated. Last time when they came to the center for help, Jon and Ashley gave them some formula and means to try and get the baby’s weight and health up to par. They then directed them to the hospital. When the couple got to the hospital, they told them due to her malnutrition, they would not be able to do any sort of surgery because she would not heal. Today they came back to tell Jon and Ashley the news. They got them some more formula and asked me to pray for her. I held that sweet baby in my arms and begged God for a miracle. I think of the babies my family has and how SICK I would be if anything happened to them, and truly felt no different for sweet little Grace. I deep down think her name is Grace because God says in His Word “His grace is sufficient.” God, may your Grace be sufficient for Grace….

After they left, Ash, Alice, Viviane, Adjoke and Rosaline headed back to the house to work on some things. Ashley and I worked on the new Tree of Life USA website, while the girls helped us out with some laundry.  I also baked a cake (that Ash decorated) for the December birthdays. It was only Clement, so it was his night to shine! We all got a lot accomplished and were thankful for a break to do some things that needed to be done. When we got to the center, we played some rounds of Skip-Bo, and got the drums out for the party! The kids LOVE to sing and dance and are so talented. The best part about it though, is they sing worship songs, raise their hands and praise the King. I stood back and watched for a few minutes. I’ve seen it many times, but this time I tried hard to let it sink deep into me. There have been many nights where at 10pm I probably wasn’t doing something that was honoring to the Lord, and here I was in this moment humbled by the opportunity to be in His presence on my Friday evening. I am blessed to be a part of this family and be pushed in my Christian walk not only by the parents, but even more so, the children.

After we danced a bit and sang, we all circled around to pray. Whew! These kids know how to pray! It was a wonderful time, followed by Maman Ashley reading a Bible story about John the Baptist. We headed home with a few of the girls (Alice, Adjoke, Viviane, and Delphine), put in Sandlot and had a girl’s night! It was great! I love spending time with the kids and when they come over its even more one on one time. Then we all headed to bed, and got a good night sleep!

The African Spray Tan

I wrote this earlier, but am just now able to post it...it's about 11pm here...

It’s about 7pm here at the Center (orphanage), and I just got done playing a game that in America is like a mix of basketball, soccer, and football. I think it’s something the kids made up. I seriously turn into a big kid, and can get just as competitive as I used to when playing sports.  It’s so fun being here. I love spending time with the kids and feeling, even if for a moment, I live here with them.  I am COVERED in dirt. My feet seriously look like I got thee worst spray tan ever, but I love it. It’s what makes Africa…Africa. The red sand is staple here and goes with every outfit ;)

Today was a great day! We got a late start on our run, due to sleepy head here. Jon Ash, and I sat up last night watching “Life as We Know It” until about two am…so when the alarm was suppose to go off at 8:30, and I hit snooze a few too many times, it pushed our run to about 10am. It was SO hot and I’m not sure if I can go running that late again. Thank God for Ashley. She is just the best. She pushes me and talks to me and makes for an awesome running partner. I can honestly say I don’t think I have ever been on a run with Ashley without learning something. She is just a Godsend, and I couldn’t have done 6 miles in the heat today without her.

After our run, we quickly showered up to go check out a school a little ways away. Maman Ashley wants to look into enrolling one of our younger girls their due to some learning disabilities. This school has smaller classrooms and the teacher is supposedly really good.  The visit went well, but the moto ride was what we loved the most. It brings out lots of giggles when the two of us are on there and Ash is our driver. I fully trust her, but you just never know what you will see, hear or experience when “hitting the road” here in Africa. We saw tons of passerby’s with 15 gas cans attached to them while driving the moto, others with 5 people on them and a baby strapped to the back of the last person, and better yet there is usually a mama somewhere just breastfeeding her baby….with NO pride. We giggle at the thought of Ryan experiencing everything here and have been praying for his arrival.

When we arrived back home, we snagged a salad for lunch and headed to the Center. Once at the Center, I went with the kids to get their hair cut. It’s like a MILE or more away, and made for some hilarious conversation. They were so shocked to know that I had a “chocolat” brother. They thought it was just too funny. Those are the moments I cherish in the deepest parts of my heart. It was just us (me, Alice, Adjoke, Rosaline, Doussou, Hubert, Aldophe, and Hubertine), walking through the city, saying “hi” to everyone we passed, and my heart just felt home. I felt like I was with my family. The kids got their haircuts…I like to refer to it as the kids got their hair Bic’d, and I think the kid that cut their hair might have been about 11. Haha…It’s so fun to pick up on the differences from here and home. Oh and (Aunt Kelly will appreciate this) their haircut costs about $0.25….If only my hair cost a quarter to keep up with.

Thankfully the sun was going down on the walk home and it wasn’t SCOLDING hot. I love the heat, but man that was one hot walk to the barber! We sang songs like ‘You are my Sunshine”, and a few other French songs. I taught the kids part of “It’s always a good time” and JUST for Ryan…I attempted to teach them the “HAIL to the Victors” song. That boy better know I love him. Once we were back at the center, I busted out my computer and showed the kids the “Photo Booth” application on my computer. They were rolling!! It was hilarious!! A few rounds of Jenga and Skip-BO were played as well, followed by their made up (football/basketball/soccer) game.

It’s dark now, and about 7:30…dinner will be served, we will play and read some more, and continue to learn/grow together. I am so thankful to be here. Thank you to all of you who have prayed for my stay. All is well and your prayers, financial support and encouragement are more than appreciated.  

Lots of Love,

Tata EE