filling buckets
We can’t help all the children but we can help some. And that feels like Jesus.
The Journey
with open hands
In Williamsburg, Virginia, an overhead door bell jingled. Away from the weaver, wheelwright, and wigmaker, a store offered yummy treats. Samplings of handcrafted Virginia peanuts, chocolate-covered peanuts, peanut brittle, and additional salty and sweet combinations filled The Peanut Shop. On a recent visit with my 3-year-old grandson, we approached a can of salted peanuts. Open …
A Gift for Empty Hands
Pointing at the empty plastic water bottle in my hands, the little girl spoke rapid Swahili. Smiling and apologizing with unfamiliar words to her little ears, I assured she didn’t want an empty bottle. But pointing persisted as frustration levels increased. She followed as I searched for a translator. A kind woman explained the child …
the battle for Christmas
Whether the world acknowledges Christ at Christmas or not, the battle is over. It’s already been won.
in their eyes
Where words are restrained, the eyes often talk a great deal. ~ Samuel Richardson Without saying a word, their eyes spoke volumes. Was the haunting sadness caused by hunger, neglect, sickness, or the challenges children face in Kenya? The unhappiness in their eyes generated tears in mine. Unable to erase the image of their mournful expressions, my …
Plan C
Rumblings and stirring launched Plan A. Go somewhere uncomfortable, do something meaningful, and bless everyone along the way. Plan A pointed to Africa. For years, God placed the beautiful continent on my heart and mind. Time to step into the unknown. An internet search led to a ministry working with children in Uganda. I completed …
yes to Mercy
The unknown number went to voicemail. Compassion International’s call delivered bittersweet news. The young man I correspond with in El Salvador was graduating. Wilmer, 16, completed all the available programs at his project and our time together was ending. Wilmer’s long informative letters with beautiful drawings brightened my day. When he won a drawing contest …
double heartbreak
How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. ~A.A. Milne One email. Double heartbreak. A request to visit our sponsored child, Chisomo, in Malawi was denied (heart break #1). After assisting his community for ten-plus years, World Vision completed their work and needed to assist another area. This meant our …
man of the house
Samuel’s black jacket hung loose on his thin frame. At his Compassion project in Tanzania, he demonstrated his proficiency at welding, woodworking, and sewing. Following the tour of the facilities, we drove part way, then walked a short distance to this young man’s home. Samuel was of the Maasai tribe and the man of the …
the pilot
The metal sliding board rose in the middle of the modest playground. Children bunched together waiting for a turn down the slick runway. Goodluck and his buddies climbed up and giggled down, anxious to repeat. Goodluck dreamed of becoming a pilot. Too young to understand the science and skill of aviation, his dream hinged on …