This sign was posted in the hotel washroom, next to the sink. In a country that struggles to have any water, it is a sober caution. It is a reminder of many who have none and how far they travel to have some. Did you know that in certain seasons, the young children will get up at 3:00a.m. to go out and search for water? They hunt around the city until they find some, and then carry home heavy containers on their backs. I am often moved by how young the child and how heavy the load. 

from my window, I watched them dig (by hand) a foundation for a new house. The women carried one heavy bag full of soil at a time to make this large pile that you see. They would hoist each heavy bag up onto their heads, climb up a steep set of stairs, then up to the top of this mound and empty the bag. They would work from early morning, for about 9 hours, with a short 30 minute break for lunch. Instead of complaining, they sing. One day, a man was laughing so hard I went to wee what was going on. He was absolutely squealing and rolling on the ground with laughter! Such happiness in the midst of great trial......I have much to learn......

However, as they dug out the area up to the white plastic fence you see in the background, they weakened the foundation of the large brick fence just behind the while plastic. We experienced heavy rainfall which also washed away needed foundation for the fence. Eventually the fence collapsed onto the roof you see behind it. Imagine the residents' shock to their early morning routines as the earth shook and bricks came crashing through their roof?! Thankfully, there were no injuries. People all around rushed from their homes to offer assistance. It's what you do when there is no '911'. 

some brilliant people in Beasejour, made cloth covers for balloons! (they also sent the balloons......so thoughtful)  They took up virtually no weight and no space in the luggage, and make an excellent ball for the children!
They were having a blast throwing them, kicking them, and playing catch.......so much fun! Thank you for this great idea!
Everyone who has seen these, has commented on what a remarkable idea this is.
I would be happy to take some more???

Kudos to Beasejour!!

One day I asked a question......"how many of you have walked more than 20k to come to this seminar? Please stand"

Here was the response........

yup.........almost everyone! Someone even walked 57k they told me! These are dedicated, and seriously committed pastors, who love their people and their communities. They work hard, at great personal cost to move their communities forward. They are hidden heroes. I always feel unworthy to stand with them!

These seminars are made possible because friends like you stand with us.........

I was commissioned, by them, to bring heartfelt thanks to all of you! (please receive my thanks too!)

In the news and on the internet, many refer to the Congo as "the rape capital of the world".......how can 5 words contain such heart break? There are so many shattered lives hidden in those 5 words......broken homes.....destroyed families......disease......and emotional or even physical deaths......here is one of them.....she was soon to give birth......age?.....13......

How can we help?......

support one person at a time.......

encourage one person at a time.......

help one person at a time find sustainable ways to support themselves.....

over time,  the message will become clear.....

THIS IS NOT OK WITH US!!

( I have not done this before, but if you are with me, click the 'cool' box below.....it will be your statement that it is NOT OK with you either.....also, it's nice to know you're hearing me.....thanks, my friends!)

The people of Congo work very hard to earn enough money to feed the family.
The women carry very large rocks, on their heads, up a steep incline. Others then hammer those rocks until they have created 'gravel' that is then used on roads and walkways......

donations

we took 300 reading glasses from the Lion's Club. We delivered them to remote areas and gave them to community leaders who were in need. It was wonderful. Perhaps you think it is such a small gift, however what price can we put on the gift of sight? They were so happy to be able to read once more....or in some cases, for the first time...