Last week, Monday was Sao Joao (see our celebration in the above video), and Tuesday was Sofia's birthday and the start of English camp. It was a wonderful time, and we are so grateful for the American group that came and made it happen! But, we are sad to see our friend, Rachael (yes, in my head I pronounce the extra "a") leave. She was an amazing intern and teacher, and we will not be able to fill her shoes half so gracefully. She left with many words of wisdom, some of which I caught on a video coming soon!
During this amazing week, we got an extra surprise: an unexpected third mission's trip group coming (they planned, bought tickets, and arrived all in the same week)! God opened unbelievable doors, and Caid is working hard as their kombe driver and full-time translator this week (the girls and I join until nap time is evidently needed each day). Please do keep us in your prayers, as it is a lot of organizing and leg work, as well as translating (and losing your voice), and we are super excited about our friends from Shelbyville Community Church arriving Sunday!
Reads from the Interwebs (lots of great stuff this week!!):
1. Staying grounded while single and living abroad: "I have never felt so purpose-filled and aimless at the same time. I have never had as many lasting relationships and yet been so alone. Those three years were some of my best professionally and worst personally. But those days living overseas by myself defined me. I saw who I really was—my best and my worst self—and ultimately those years led me into finding strength and wholeness in my individuality."
2. Because it's time to shout their worth: "Advocacy is not only for those of us born into a privileged space; it is for everyone. Even if you are among those who need others to shout your worth, there is someone sitting behind you who needs you to shout theirs."
3. Detention centers explained, James Dobson gives into fear at the boarder: unfortunately, I don't have answers, but I do know fear isn't one of them. but Don't look away.
4. This undid me: "The famous trucks are already here and we are waiting for it to begin. I am completely calm. You — my only and dearest one, do not blame yourself for what happened, it was our destiny. We did what we could. Stay healthy and remember my words that time will heal — if not completely — then — at least partially..."
5. The time Rehema loved me anyway: “Look at me and now look at Mama Kennedy (that’s what they call me)… Who do you see in front of you? Do you see two completely different women? Do you see our different color? Do you see our different backgrounds? Look at her education and look at mine? Look at the opportunities she has had being raised in America and look at mine having grown up in the village? You have two women who came from opposite ends of privilege and poverty, and we both have the same message for you: In Christ alone is our only hope. You can have everything…and still be searching. You can have nothing…and still, be searching. It’s Jesus alone who satisfies.”
6. Too much member care--can there be such a thing? this asks really good questions.
7. Want Successful kids? Science says do these 5 things every day: 1. Stay on top of them 2. Praise them correctly 3. Take them outside 4. Read to them correctly 5. Make them do chores.
8. Three ways to improve short term missions trips: 1. Stop calling it a Short Term Mission Trip 2. Put away your wallet 3. Think beyond the short term hit and run
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