a workin'

God is doing a workin' in our lives.

we have been here for a bit over 1 month and well,
God is working.

working on our behalf to provide us with a support group of friends.
working on our hearts as we face the realities of those less fortunate.
working on our minds as we encounter so many different aspects of life.
working on our spirits as we are refueled with the beauty of a sunset over the ocean
or the blessing of a servant's heart.
working on our faith as we are having to rely more on God than selves.

working on us because...
life here is not fair.
life here is poverty.
and
life here is wealth.
life here is laid back.
life here is freeing.
life here is hardened.
life here is blessed.
life here is contrasting and unfamilar.

life here is unbalanced.
which often leads to a struggle of sorts in our hearts and minds.

there is so much
smack dab beside
so little.

here, is different than other parts of africa where there can be a more

overall "separation","nothingness"

here there is plenty. it just isn't afforded to everyone.

and so,

may we not just live beside the poor
BUT may we live intertwined with the poor.
providing,
thru Jesus,
love,
support,
friendships,
trust,
comfort,
healing,
and the list goes on and on...


Joe and I want to share life with people.
live life with people.
and our prayer is God will put more and more people in our path.
opening up doors of opportunities and shining light down new passageways.

here, as in most of the world
giving is not necessarily the best answer.

what is better?

better is working beside, leading by example, loving,
being a light of Jesus.
because here, money doesn't cut it for long
and it creates dependecy.
you know that old adage...
about teaching a man to fish
versus
just giving him a fish.
HERE
is where we are living that adage out.

Here
God is looking for those ready to be used by Him, for His kingdom.
and we are ready.

HERE
Joey is using his gifts of business and leaderships and
of course, friendliness
to make differences
in lives, jobs, communities, friendships

HERE
our children will grow
and learn
and be full of compassion
for those who are like them
but
unlike them.
those whose heads have no bed.
whose homes have no toys.
whose bellies growl for food.
whose shoes,
well...aren't even there.
or who,
at the very least,
have little earthy possessions compared to life in the American dream
and then spend parts of their days here with
those who are just like them. blessed with more than they could ever need.

and so,
God is doing a workin'
on each of us.

changing
the way we
think
feel
love
live.

Lord Jesus,
give us your eyes, ears, arms, heart...
so we may serve you and your people.