Busy & Blessed

Well, the past few days have been rather eventful and the new 'norm'. Thursday: Continued work on the computers--which mind you is the primary reason for being here. At around tea-time however, a family from New Zealand (NZ) came to visit and have tea with everyone there This was no normal occation however; this family, 6 months ago adopted one of the babies that was in this home.

At under a year old, this baby and his mother came to live at Homes of Hope. A few months after being here, his mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She remained in the care of the Homes of Hope staff until she passed away 2 years ago. Having no father, home or family to call his, two of the HoH staff members (Tuonga ("Two") and Alita) took care of this boy for the better part of 2 years. After time, HoH officially gained custidy of the boy. The boy, "Libby-K", hardly spoke or ate due to the trama.

About 8 months ago, a NZ couple came to visit HoH. The couple grew fond of Libby K until eventually they knew they needed to adopt. The last 6 months have been interesting.. but in the end, they were able to officially Libby K's new mum and dad! And Libby K is now the youngest brother to two sisters and another brother.

Thursday tea was HoH's last time with Libby K. Both Tuonga and Alita were there--and words can simply not describe the emotion when seeing little Libby K (now ~3 years old) run to both of them as soon as he saw them! The words shared by staff and Libby K's new, and only!, father was more than a little bit of a tear jercker.   .. incredible experience!!

Stories, and their realities, like this are the reason HoH, the staff and Christians should exist. If we live caught up in our own world (ie: 'problems') we might live our entire lives without being a part of someone's life, like: Libby K. If this doesn't fully settle the need for fathers for the fatherless, I don't know what will.

Friday:
Various computer-related support, AND meeting with Ausay (a local in Suva) who has been working on the new website for HoH. I will be sure to announce once it is live! But I get to play a part in taking some specific photos for various banners, scrolling content and most importantly staff, board member and ambasador portraits! Had dinner at the Roche's home Friday night: a HUGE treat of taco salad (olives and chips are VERY expensive, so the few on the salad was a very big luxury).

In sumamry, I get to work on any, and every, electronic device on campus, as pretty much everyone's computer (and phones..) are running slow (ie: crawling) or in need for repair. Keeps me on my toes, keeps me flexible--as there is NO schedule that can be kept--and lets me have a direct impact on the lives of individuals that are having a very direct impact. Such a blessing to be here. Saturday: Today was a relaxing day. Woke up, ate some of my yogurt and nuts. Had some tea, talked with my neighbor Mike (Mike, Michelle, Chloe and Liv are all from Australia). Took a nap, and enjoyed not having any schedule. Walked to the farm and hung out with the sheep and chickens. When Siri (the farmer) came up, I helped gather eggs. When in one of the coupes, a chicken had managed to tangle its foot in some string, and was hanging from it. Still alive, barely, I had to untwist and cut the string. This picture, and suffering enduring by it hanging there--amd being pecked by the other chickens--gave, in an instant, a stark reminder of the jeering, sneering, 'pecking' and ultimately death Jesus endured for us. I firmly believe we cannot overlook the Cross. Grusome, grotesque and evil only just start to describe the formidible suffering He endured for each of us. THIS, is the real reason we have life.

Prayer points:
- continued adjustment to  .... everything! (living, food, schedule/pace, culture)
- mossies  .. I don't I have any new bites, but I don't like counting after I get to 100.  .. you probably get the idea.. although! now two of my windows have screens, so that should (hopefully?) help!
- always: for the moms and their kids (we currently have about 12 moms (and their kids) living on campus). Many know of Christ, but might not yet fully trust Him. This takes time, trust and healing. When here, it is very evident of the physcological and physical trauma that has been endured by these moms and kids.. very humbling.