Thursday, May 28, 2015

May Update: Just A Word...


Just a Word…

Sometimes that’s all it takes to keep you from anxious thoughts, fear, worry, confusion. A word fitly spoken carries soothing peace – the kind of peace that hides you when tempestuous trials pound with vengeance.



I periodically attend a bible study for missionary women. One sunny Thursday afternoon we were discussing hearing the voice of God. The question was asked, “What’s your hardest issue to trust the Lord?” I blurted out, “TIME.”

Time is my love language. When I feel it’s not managed well, I sense trepidation, like a looming storm threatening to destroy opportunities. Insecurity and uncertainty hails down, flooding questions nag me at 3:00 am…


“When will this adoption saga end? Will we be able to travel home together and visit family we’ve not seen in years? Will Tavin be able to finish his senior year in the States and make plans to enter college? When can we apply for Lil Man’s passport and visa? When can we purchase tickets? Will the Resource Center be completed by July? Can we move all our things there? How will it all mesh so it’s completed at the right time?”


In the midst of this tempest, I received two birthday gifts: a watch from Carolyne, a ministry leader and a scripture magnet from our missionary friend, Bev. Imagine my surprise when these two presents combined and God spoke, reminding me…



He is ever faithful. He can be trusted to accomplish His plan on time. He knows my struggles, He sent His Word. It encompasses me with peace. What about you? What encouraging Word hides you in Him?


Thanks for joining us in praying with gratefulness…

May adoption procedures in Kenya resume without complications. Let the social workers, lawyers and judges defend the cause of the fatherless. Our adoption process has another court date – June 10. Appreciating prayers!



Our missionary permits are approved but lost on some bureaucrat's mounded desk. Seriously. Only grace for this one.


A huge thank you to those who sent donations for the Resource Center. We are half way there! (Oops. Forgot to carry my camera to the site.)

Please pray as we deliver water filters next week. May the Lord open hearts to embrace Jesus.

Please pray for the Kajulu mamas and at risk kiddos to overcome sicknesses that invades the village during rainy season. Let them be healed in Jesus name.




Please remember the Joyland students who live in Dadaab refugee camp. Because of continuing terrorist attacks close to Dadaab - a place overflowing with refugees from Sudan and Somalia - Kenya has pending plans to close the camp. These innocent kids will be repatriated to unstable countries filled with violence, and human rights abuses.







Be free to share requests with us so we can trust the Lord with you.
Asante sana for your prayers, support and encouragement.
hugs from the haugers Ooo0o

Friday, May 15, 2015

Liberty: an advantage of knowing


Liberty: an advantage of knowing. 

Over a year ago I copied those words in my journal.  My time serving in a developing nation proves their accuracy. I realize the liberty that shaped my life experiences opened doors of opportunity, assets and connections. I received advantage beyond those who can't eat so generously of liberty’s fruit.  

As I interact with the widowed and single mamas from Kisumu’s slums and rural villages, some older than myself, there is a marked difference in how I understand problem solving.  My education and exposure to diversity within a well-structured, safe environment enables me to make suggestions where they stare in disbelief and question, “Is that possible?” 

Yes, it is possible.

But only with their help, motivation and implementation; they are necessary to make solutions become realities. 

My large “advantage of knowing” is very restricted without the mamas’ inputting their “limited liberty” of cultural nuances, which escape my western perspective. Many of these women have only had bits of formal education in run down schools.  Inadequate access to information, nutrition and health care built small spaces for their scope of life. Yet, what they do know, I do not; and it’s their “missing piece” that creates complete answers to complex questions like…
  • How do we maneuver projects to avoid corruption and benefit vulnerable children?
  • How do we introduce resources so they are utilized to improve everyone’s situations and not just a select few?
  • How do we work among the least and not be viewed as the leader?
My liberty. My “advantage of knowing” only works well when it’s couple with another’s, and together we make it available to more.

With your prayers, support and encouragement, we have worked along side our Kenyan friends to develop biblical development programs.  This ministry is moving to a Resource Center being built on property the local church has provided.  This new location will enable more desperate women to obtain Christian-based services. 

If you’d like to help complete this structure, please make a donation through paypal on the sidebar of this blog or send your gift to:
Among the Least  PO Box 3543  Pagosa Springs, CO  81147
Please include note: For Resource Center.
Let’s spread  liberty!
"It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. 
That’s an act of true freedom."
Galatians 5:13-15