Tilting Balance

2012-02-19T23:30:00.000-08:00

Life in Kenya can be challenging!

Thanks for helping us face the challenge.

All tax-deductable donations can be sent by

paypal at the sidebar

or to CARE, PO Box 3543 Pagosa Springs, CO

81147.

Please make a notation - for Kenya.

hugs from the haugers oooo

Abandoned Babies

2012-02-19T10:23:00.000-08:00

Abandoned babies.

Left in hospitals, at clinics, in fields, even in pit latrines. Sweet little ones. Precious to God.

Needing care, love, to be held and cuddled.

19 babies who need families.

If these tiny treasures don't get adopted by 18 months they are moved to another home in Nakuru.

We visit here as a family to hold babies and pray that God bring them families.

This home also cares for children with severe disabilities.

We feed them, play with them and pray for God's blessing.

The third DIG training is underway.

Carolyne shares on the session "Who Is Christ In You?"

Pastors and Elders attend with the widowed moms.

Learning together will help them serve the women better.

These widowed moms need to know they have a

place to belong and leaders who care about their futures.

Burying sins of

unforgiveness, offense, bitterness and abandonment,

then committing to walk in the freedom Christ provides.

Please pray for the widowed moms to embrace

everything the Lord has for them.

The directors of Hope's Promise Kenya

spent 3 days with us visiting

the widowed moms businesses,

children's ministries, and talking about God's goodness.

What a blessing to host them

and receive heavenly encouragement!

Asante sana for your prayers and support.

hugs from the haugers. oooo

From Taleah

2012-02-05T06:49:00.000-08:00

Taleah is home from the hospital and feeling much better. Asante sana for your prayers!

The diagnosis was "maybe strep..." There is no quick strep test here so the lab had to draw blood and run a hemogram. Taleah was given a fever reducer that didn't bring her fever down so the doctor became concerned - an emotion not translated well from a Kenyan accent to American understanding. Taleah was released from the hospital in time to make the long, hot trip to the Uganda to renew our visas. Today she's a little restless so we decided to do a post with mom's help.

Below are recent photos with captions of some special times for Taleah here in Kenya...

It all started with an egg... or was it the chicken?

In our case it's my pet hen named Kuku
(Swahili word for chicken)

who laid 15 eggs and we now have 8 baby chicks!

Obviously, I am smitten.

Tavin (in his school uniform) and I enjoy the
new additions to the family.

So stink'in cute, huh?

Meet Lillian and Ruth (and their cute kiddos) - facilitators mom and Carolyne are training to take the DIG program

into the slums of Nyallenda through a local church.

During Christmas break I watched the kiddos
while the moms did the training.

I really liked these kids. I think I found a new ministry...

The local wildlife park ($1.50 for students)

where the only thing that was

between me and these animals was a chainlink fence

(which my hand could easily fit through!).

Some animals roamed free like impala and the zebra.

My friend, Sally and me at the wildlife park.

Lake Victoria

I love the trees here.

New shoes for my birthday (my favorite gift).

Celebrating with my family.

Tavin practicing for the Nairobi competition.

Homework!

Which is where I have to end this cause now I have to do homework. Yuk! Oh well. Thanks for praying for us and helping us do God's work in Kenya for orphans.

(I'd rather play with the kids instead of doing homework!)

Love,

Taleah

Sharing the Joy

2012-01-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

They've pastored a church in Kisumu for 6 years and had never been to Joyland.

"We know God wants us to go visit the children. Will you take us?"

George and Mary ask one Sunday evening when we saw them at the market.

"Sure! We'd be happy to!" was our reply.

The church that hosted our DIG training

(you can read about the widowed moms

stories on tiltingbalance.blogspot.com.)

and where Lisa's been teaching on missions wanted to become

INVOLVED!

They wanted to help those who feel helpless.

They wanted to serve the poor.

They wanted to share their blessings.

We were sooooo excited to introduce this pastoral couple to our friends at Joyland.

Below are photos of our time together...

Taleah, Tavin, and our neighbor Sally introduce Mama Mary to the children who are more then curious to

meet new people.

Pastor George gets right to work helping Mark blow up balloons for object lessons on Jesus filling them with His Spirit and shaping them into His design.

Mama Mary leads the children in praise and worship.

The kids nibble on their treats and hold their balloons while sharing testimonies of God's goodness.

The smiles below tell the rest of the story...

Lisa's good friend Denis refused to look at the
camera, although he's the one who requested the
photo be taken of them together. Silly boy!

Pastor George and Mary plan to bring a team from their church once a month to minister at Joyland. They also volunteered to purchase new drinking cups for the children since there are not enough for all of them.

"Jambo to everyone!"

from the GREAT kids at Joyland!

Asante sana

for all your prayers, encouragement and support.

hugs from the haugers oooo

New LIFE

2012-01-16T10:51:00.000-08:00

Beatrice smiles warmly. She pours milky chaifrom a green thermos into clear glass mugs and serves crispy-fresh mandazi. She looks around her food kiosk withsatisfaction. Her customersappear happy. This is a new life forBeatrice, one she’s been praying about for a long time...

Beatricewas born the last child to a second wife in a polygamous family and not educated beyond the sixth level. She was treated as a servant in the familycompound. Like many Kenyan girls, shemarried young so her father could claim the dowry. She bore two children –a boy and a girl. Then her husband became very sick and died. Fear surrounded the man's death, andBeatrice was no longer welcomed in her husband’s homestead.

Without resources Beatrice journeyed to herrural home and made the difficult decision to leave her children there as shebegged some shillings to travel to Kisumu to find work. Whilein the bustling town, Beatrice tried selling small vegetables along the road, no one would buy; no one showed her pity; no one even seemed to even see her. She felther life had been cursed.

With nothing left, Beatrice waited at a church. The pastors found her very thin and sick. After much prayer she regained her strength and started to follow Jesus. When we met Beatrice she worked as house-help, earning the equivalent of 50cents a day. She knew God had more for her, more for her children, more fortheir future. She began praying for newlife.

EveryMonday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 9:00 till noon, for 9 weeks, Beatriceattended the DIG training. She learned who Christ is in her and who she is inHim. She learned about the freedom offorgiveness and how God longed to share the beautiful woman He created her tobe. She worked hard developing a planwith a budget. She received wise counselcommitted to accountability.

TodayBeatrice applies her lessons well. Sherises early to walk to the market and gather supplies for the day. She makes her fire and cooks good food forweary workers in her community. She shares her story of redemption along sidesoft chapati and beans boiled with sweet onions. Ultimately, Beatrice foundmore than a ministry/business. She foundnew life in Christ.

Please pray for Beatrice. She’s saving money to secure a home so she can bring her children to live with her.

Thanks for sharing our journey with these young widowed moms. With their permission we've given you a glimpse of the heartache they endured and the miracles of grace God created. These stories are the fruit of much labor, prayer, support and encouragement. It's not easy, but then, we've never known God to do something because it's easy. God moves because He loves. He loves even when it's hard. Thank you for helping us show the Lord's love to these women.

Next post we'll share about Benta, a young pregnant mom that didn't want to birth her child into poverty, but mercy prevailed... Thank you for your prayers for Mildred and her son. Franklin is recovering yet still needs dialysis. She's trusting Jesus that soon you'll be reading her story.

Asante sana Rafikis!

hugs from the haugers oooo

2012-01-08T06:24:00.000-08:00

Asante sana for giving.

Your gift brings hope... and some silly smiles!

We appreciate all the prayers, support and encouragement.

hugs from the haugers oooo

Anne's Blessing

2012-01-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

When has a blessing become something we receive that's beyond our basic daily needs? Many who are reading this don't experience homelessness, hunger or lack of clothing. In fact, most educate their children with abundant resources. A majority own vehicles, appliances, and indulge in hobbies and entertainment without pinching budgets much. But what if...

What if you were not born in a family of means, in a country of influence? What if you lived in a country besieged by corruption, disease and neglect of human rights? What if your family didn't value you because of your gender? Imagine for a moment that you are Anne...

Being part of a large family, Anne grew up in an area overwhelmed by poverty, lack of education being the biggest obstacle to opportunity. With so little land to farm and so many needing to eat, Anne saw her life ending in an abyss of hopelessness. She wanted more but didn't know how to move out of the vicious cycle of eating the proverbial seed met for planting. She chose a path many young and ambitious Kenyan girls fall prey to - marrying a man who was already married because he promised to send her to school. As a second wife, Anne's position in the community quickly slipped deeper into the dark abyss. Her dreams of school were thwarted as second wife duties overwhelmed her - finding water, finding firewood, finding food, but never being able to find enough of anything. Anne survived slightly above a slave status. She gave birth to two children; then her husband died. After his burial, the first wife's family chased Anne and her children away from the compound. She was denied any inheritance.

Desperation drove Anne to the city where she struggled to provide for her small son and infant daughter. She arrived at a church that welcomed her, introduced her to Jesus, but could do little to help her life become sustainable. This was about the same time God let us bring the Discipleship Income-Generating training to Kenya. The pastors introduced us to Anne and a friendship began. Her desire to learn, grow, and become all God intended mixed beautifully with the DIG program. Instead of eating the seed, Anne was given the opportunity to receive the education necessary to plant the seed, nurture it and watch it grow into a blessing.

Today Anne manages a maize business. Her basic needs are met and for her that's a blessing. She cherishes the blessing of feeding her children everyday. She delights in helping feed three orphans whose mother deserted them. She offers her community a staple grain at a fair price to make the traditional ungali. Anne shares her story with her neighbors and customers - God provides. She's been blessed to be a blessing.

As the New Year begins, know that you've been blessed to be a blessing. The promise Genesis 12:3 passes onto us by faith. If you live in freedom, use that freedom to help others secure theirs. If your home is large, welcome those who are lonely. If your closets and cupboards overflow, look for ways to share. Do these things with the expectation that whomever you bless will continue to pass it on. It's because of those who experienced generous giving that Anne can now live generously for others. Who knows what kindness can lead to God's greatest gift of salvation? Blessings indeed!

Please continue to pray for the widowed moms as they walk out the spiritual lessons in practical ways.

We appreciate your encouragement, prayers and support.

hugs from the haugers oooo

2011-12-25T00:54:00.000-08:00

A thousand thanks for your caring support and encouragement

as we continue our journey in Kenya.

May the Lord bless you for your kindness towards us.

Jambo Dear Friends.

We received such thoughtful responses to our last update, "Beauty From Ashes," with questions asking how to support the ministry for widows and orphans in Kenya.
Checks can be written to CARE and attach a sticky note that says, "for Kenya."
The mailing address is
CARE
PO Box 3543
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Or
People can donate through PAYPAL by clicking the following link and going to the donate button on the sidebar.

Some of the relationship-based projects donate support are:
The Discipleship Income-generating (DIG) training for widowed moms so they provide for their children and not have to leave them as orphans.
Orphan Care Character Club - helps orphans with food and teaching about growing in Christ.
Bio-sand water filter outreach program - builds water filters in oppressed rural areas and shares the gospel message that Jesus is the Living Water.
Thank you for believing that God's love for the fatherless goes beyond borders by sharing your blessings.

Beauty from Ashes

2011-12-12T12:10:00.000-08:00

Lillian surveys her shop with a look of satisfaction. It’s a modest place: white-washed wallsenclose the small 5' by 12' area, no windows, but there is electricity and astrong green metal door to secure her new livelihood. Lillian has opened a hair salon in theKondele slum, a dream she’s hidden in her heart since childhood.

Life has not beenkind to Lillian. She grew up in extremepoverty and was married at the young age of 15. She bore three daughters. Shortlyafter, her husband ran off with a witchcraft woman and no one has seen or heardfrom him. That was 5 years ago; 5 yearsof desperately struggling to survive and put food into the mouths of her hungrylittle girls. The option of placing herchildren into an orphanage loomed over her head like a threatening cloud, readyto consume her last joy of life – being a mother. But God had other plans for Lillian, plans ofgood and not evil, to give her a future with hope.

After participating in the Discipleship Income-Generating(DIG) training, Lillian learned who Christ is in her and who she is inChrist. She’s chosen to live inforgiveness and generosity. Lillian isnow managing an emerging ministry enterprise in an oppressed area that longsfor redemption. She creates beauty with her hands. Her customers are women like herself, whohave very little but will spare a few shillings to sit in her quiet shop andhave their hair braided. It’s a place ofescape from the ever-demanding days in the slums. Soft voices share stories,testimonies and prayers for a new tomorrow. For Lillian, her new tomorrow has come.

As a young mom leavesthe salon, her hair twisted into fine rows down her slender neck, Lillianwhispers encouragement and hugs her. Lillian returns to her next customer and looks at me, saying words shenever thought possible...

“I am happy.

My girls are eating and going to school. God has given me a testimony to speak.

I have beauty from ashes.”

The DIG project meets widowed moms at their place ofdespair, teaches them about the transforming power of Jesus Christ, walks withthem through healing, trains them to live sustainably, and helps them procurecapital to invest in a ministry/business. As a result of this, children who would otherwise be given to orphanagescan now grow up with moms who love them. The women meet weekly to discussissues and pray for one another. Together, this group is saving money from their businesses to host anotherDIG training. Their desire is to blessother abandoned moms as God has blessed them.

Would you please pray for Lillian, Mildred Anne, Benta, Beatrice as they begin their ministry businesses to support their children and share their experiences of God's great grace?

Mildred needs prayer for her son who is very sick with akidney disease.

Please also pray as we’re training 4 Kenyan women tofacilitate the DIG project in other impoverished areas of Kenya.

DIG - a project of CARE4Nations/CARE defends the cause ofwidows and orphans in Kenya by providing Christ-centered assistance throughrelationship-based service. Our visionis for the Gospel message to minster to widows and orphans in their time ofneed, freeing them from victimization to live the destiny God intended.

Asante sana for your prayers and support.

hugs from the haugers oooo

Joy-filled Air

2011-11-20T12:24:00.000-08:00

Our family LOVES to visit Joyland Boarding School for Special Needs. We know this because Tavin and Taleah always ask when can we go there and after we leave, they always ask when we can go again. It might seem strange to enjoy a place that houses children whose crippled bodies just begin to tell their sad stories, but sadness is not where they live. Although violence, pain and rejection stole their innocence, the overwhelming power of God’s grace holds them. Even in the midst of a run-down facility that has no library, no playground, no games, crafts or activities, these kids find joy in simply being; that joy permeates the air. You can read about our last visit to Joyland and see some of our friends. They’ve been looking forward to you!

Dennis met us at the gate. Running along side the car, he showed us where to park. Dennis doesn’t put out his hand for us to shake because he has no arms. Instead, he bows his head for us to touch, and he responds with a sweet smile. Dennis is 9 years old. He writes and draws with ease. He’s also a mischievous clown. While Lisa was giving the kids balloons, so many little hands stretched out wanting one; all of a sudden a small foot reached in, bending it’s toes around a red balloon trying to lift it from the pile. “Dennis!” Lisa teased him, “If you do that again, I’m gonna tickle that foot!” He grinned, bumping his head against her arm.

Churchill doesn’t like to talk. Shyly, he sat by our feet always watching and listening. Hugging a two foot high walking stick, his face holds experiences far beyond his tender four years. We’re guessing he’s four because nobody knows how old Churchill is. He waddled over to receive a yellow balloon from Taleah. He waddled back and finds his spot on the ground, looking at his prize with wonder.

Mark’s new buddy is Benta. She took a shine to him after they sang together, and he handed her a balloon. Benta’s struggles to walk because her legs have no bones below the knee. She loved that Mark patiently helped her move outside where all the fun was happening. Throughout the afternoon she followed Mark, which according to the dorm mamma, was the most Benta’s ever moved around! Benta doesn't speak, but she's constantly humming the music Jesus placed in her heart.

After singing praise songs, bouncing balls and eating sweets, a bunch of us hung around sharing testimonies. Finally Alvin, a tiny guy who wants to be a doctor someday, asked us why we are white and our kids are not. We looked at him with wide-eyed shock. “What!” we exclaimed, “We’re white??? Oh my gosh, when did that happen?” Everyone laughed, and we all sat comfortably in each others' presence, breathing in the joy-filled African air.

Below are some more photos of our day at Joyland. Ask Tavin and David (Carolyne’s son) how the boys with significant physical challenges teamed up to play an exciting game of soccer, till the ball popped!

Please pray as we develop a culturally relevant character club to take into the children homes we visit. Also, for Mark as he meets with his "water team" next Sunday. Lisa starts handing out her "tract" this week and continues working with the widowed mommas to take their spiritual training into practical places. Tavin travels to Nairobi with his school to participate in a track meet at Nyanyo Stadium. Taleah is helping plan a birthday party for Carolyne (who's never celebrated her birthday before). Shhhh! The party is a surprise.

Asante sana for your prayers, support and encouragement.

hugs from the haugers oooo

Ministry Happens

2011-11-08T06:29:00.000-08:00

Ministry happens here in Kenya, even when we're not ministering. It's unavoidable. You might think it's because of the overwhelming needs we encounter on a daily basis. Yes, we face poverty, neglect and corruption all the time, but that's not it. We're constantly ministering because of who we are as a family - really. Picture this: Lisa using an electric wheelchair meandering into the market with our chocolate kids, Tavin and Taleah. Everyone stares, especially the men and children. They watch us with curiosity that begs for an explanation. See, there are not many white people here, even less with chocolate kids. There are NO people here with electric wheelchairs! Inevitably, Lisa pauses long enough to talk to those who are brave enough to ask about the chair. It always leads to sharing the gospel.

Now, Lisa's writing a tract that tells about our life in Kenya and how God provided the chair to help her overcome a weakness. She says the chair was a free gift and it provides opportunity to move into places no one imagined she could go. Then, the parallel is drawn; God provides us with a free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ to overcome our weaknesses to sin. He helps us move into places that hold our destinies. The tract shares that we must accept we've sinned and fallen short of God's grace, believe Jesus died and rose again to free us from the bondage of sin, and commit to living the life God intends. It also includes local church contact information. We'll print these tracts next week, complete with pictures and hand them out to our constant crowd of onlookers so we can minister even when we're not! Please pray for us. By the way, Lisa still "hates" the chair, but is glad God gets glory through it!

We're processing how to serve a couple ministries here. One is Joyland - a school for 276 children who come from various homes and orphanages to receive an education. This is a unique school because the kids are physically challenged, many living with significant birth defects that could be better managed if they were in a developed country. In the future, we will be sharing their stories and photos of fun times we spend with them. We’re doing this for a couple of reasons.

One, they asked us to post their pictures because they are proud of who they are and what they can do. Too many people look away when they see a small boy with no arms or a little girl with deformed legs and no hands. These children don’t want to be ignored, nor do they want to be stared at like a freak show. They simply want what other “normal” children get everyday – affirmation for their accomplishments, encouragement to continue working hard, concern for their problems, playfulness and hugs, yeah – plenty of hugs. The other reason we’ll share is because the kids a Joyland are part of our lives. We love them, and we hope they will find a warm place in your heart too.

That’s about all right now.

Below is a photo of our chickens and rooster who also makes ministry of intercession happen by waking us up at 4:30 am everyday to pray! (We’re praying we don’t kill him!)

Also, the lizard on our security wall stayed outside where he belonged. Thank God he didn't snuggle up next to us during the night.

In this photo is a small boy in a torn striped shirt… we’re praying for him… and we don’t now why… but we might have an idea…

Thanks so much for your prayers, support and encouragement.

hugs from the haugers oooo

Full Days

2011-10-24T23:58:00.000-07:00

Our days have been full - ministry with the children from Joyland and Covenant Home, hosting missionary friends from Mbita for a few days, teaching Bible studies, meeting with pastors, finishing up the first training with the widowed moms, our kids running track at Moi Stadium, an afternoon swimming at Kiboko Bay on Lake Victoria. So many stories to share… hmmm… where to start?

We’ve settled in at a Kenyan church in Mambo Leo where we worship in a tin-sided building with about 40 believers who know how to rock that place! Last Sunday we met with the leaders to discuss organizing outreach by building bio-sand water filters in villages where widowed moms and orphaned children live in desperate situations. With this evangelism plan, both clean water and the Living Water – Jesus, are offered to those who thirst. Mark will train a team to construct water filters and develop teachings starting the last Sunday of October. He’s also been teaching a bible study following afternoon prayers at Covenant of Peace Church where we had the discipleship empowerment training for the widowed moms.

Will you pray for Mark as he moves into this new area of ministry?

Speaking of the training, we enjoyed lots of laughter during our object lessons! Imagine never having made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, putting directions to make one in order, and then explain the directions to another person who has to make the PBJ when she’s never made a PBJ either! Now, imagine it’s a competition, which, by the way, Kenyans love. The lessons learned dealt with communication, prioritizing, approaching new ideas with confidence, giving and following specific directions. After that we examined scripture’s on vision, planning, finances and wise counsel. The moms worked hard creating their goals, objectives and details concerning ideas for the future.

After 3 weeks (27 hours) of intense training we had the honor of presenting certificates of completion. Prayer, where Holy Spirit gave words of knowledge, culminated the ceremony. We celebrated by enjoying ripe mango, biscuits, juice and sweet fellowship. It’s so comforting to know these widowed moms are moving in a direction that will help them raise their children and not have to place them in orphanages because of poverty.

Can you pray for Anne, Mildred, Benta,

Beatrice and Lillian as they begin their new lives as employed moms

who will share their testimonies through their businesses?

Saturday is Family Day when we usually catch up on chores neglected during the week, but this past Saturday found us enjoying the pool at Kiboko Bay on Lake Victoria. For a few dollars we played in the water all afternoon, ate tilapia stuffed with mint and coriander, drank cold soda and relaxed under a beautiful sunset sky. Praise God for His creation and the opportunity to appreciate it!

Tavin and Taleah regularly run in track meets (since track and swimming are BIG sports here). Both placed in a meet at Moi Stadium. They have been invited to compete in a meet in Nairobi at the end of October. Their school absorbs the cost of travel and they stay in dorms at an international academy. So, with much prayer and reminders to be polite, pack toothbrushes, wash hands, this mama is sending her kids to the big city 10 hours from home.

With this last week being mid-term break, we had the pleasure of hosting our missionary friends from Mbita! We met them in 2006 and they visited us in Pagosa in 2007. CARE actually helped them with the adoption of their daughter. Refreshing conversation, pillow fights and warm chapatis highlighted the visit. Next time, we’re heading to see them in their rural home on a peninsula in Lake Victoria. Maybe we’ll plan a baptism for the kids!

Now, for the orphaned children… It’s difficult to write; probably hard to read, but I know that God does not want us to forget them. Most people do you know - forget about these kids because it’s hurts too much remembering. I can’t forget their fragile smiles and eyes that hold a world of sorrow. I must do something because faith without works is dead. I’ve embraced abandoned children in my own arms and now, I am responsible. I see their pain and it moves me, their courage to wait and watch for someone to notice them, to look at them and truly see…

What must it be like…

to be three years old and not eat for two days…

to drink dirty water… to scramble for whatever is offered –

a balloon, a cookie from a white lady…

a song sung about Jesus… a story from the bible…

a prayer for tomorrow… please God - let a new tomorrow come…

The orphan crisis is so complex. I want to take all those little ones, like a hen gathers her chicks, but that’s not to happen now; so we carry them to Jesus in prayer. Below are some photos of children who must be remembered. We can’t legally share their names or their stories, but you can see their faces.

Would you help us carry them to Jesus in prayer?

Thanks for your encouragement and support.

hugs from the haugers oooo

Women's Work

2011-10-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

Sounds like derogatory words, huh? That’s only because you don’t know what we’ve been up to in Kenya! Our definition of "Women’s Work" brings hope to women who live as victims of poverty, abuse and neglect. We’ve been working with women by helping widowed moms lay a biblical foundation that blends income-generating, raising healthy children and sharing the gospel in meaningful ways. We’ve started training at Covenant of Peace Church with 5 beautiful widowed mommas, the pastors, and our multi-talented trainee, Carolyne. These few participants lend toward better interaction, easier facilitator training, and more depth of understanding. None of these women can fade into the background, something they do so easily.

We open the class with sweet acapella praise to God and prayers for each other. Then we move into an object lesson, like balancing an egg on its tip. They each have one minute to try.

“What?” the Pastor (of a faith church) shakes his head.

“It can’t be done.”

The women giggle in anticipation. Mark hands him the egg. He fumbles with it on the small table. It wobbles a few times and then, stands. His quizzical face breaks into laughter. The women also balance the egg. Smiling at the success of a seemingly impossible task, they are ready to learn.

Mark made the chalkboard that diagrams the lesson – Who Is Christ In You? The women pair off and examine scriptures that tell them that Jesus is their

SAVIOR, DELIVERER, HEALER, FRIEND, SUSTAINER,

PROVIDER, FATHER, COUNSELOR …

We discuss the difference between “knowing about God” vs “knowing God.”

They share stories about how God has carried each of them in times of hardship. Stoically they expose their woundedness, and I want to weep. How hard it is for a young widowed mom in Kenya who has nothing and needs to feed her children. We move into a time of forgiveness. The women confess their offenses on paper, and we burn them in a hole Mark dug around the back of the church. The pastor takes the shovel and buries the ashes. He shows them he’s there to support their freedom.

Back to the chalkboard and more diagrams of the next lesson – Who are You In Christ? Again the women look up scriptures and read aloud that they are

More than conquerors, Servants, Ambassadors,

Adopted Children, Christ’s bride, Dearly loved,

Citizens of God’s Kingdom, Fruit-bearers,

New Creations, Joint Heirs in Jesus...

We distribute small balls of clay and talk about modeling a Godly life by staying soft and pliable in the Master’s hands. They are thinking, squeezing the clay into bowls and flowers. Next we hand out fruit and discuss what could prevent them from producing fruit of the Spirit. We share about service to God from the heart; that being a servant is who they are, not just what they do. We encourage them to beware of the enemy’s schemes, how he whispers lies that they are not appreciated or have nothing to offer. They are rulers in the Kingdom, practicing self-discipline and overcoming evil with good.

We end out time together with role-playing. The women act out real life situations that will try their faith, that will test their fruit. They practice responding in the spirit, instead of reacting in the flesh. The egg comes back out and we remind each other that when things look impossible – God will do a miracle.

The spiritual base for practical training is being set. We rejoice at the women’s progress, their questions and comments, their willingness to move on regardless of tremendous obstacles. Women’s work. It’s part of what carries the next generation. It’s valuable in God’s kingdom.

Mark making chalk boards.

Carolyne, learning to be a facilitator.

Sharing with the women.

The women symbolically bury their offenses.

Balancing an egg - it's possible!

Please pray as this training expands outward to other widowed moms. We have many more small group trainings scheduled in various churches that will be facilitated by Kenyans. This coming week we visit Joyland ( a school for physically challanged children) and back to Covenant Home to play and pray with orphans. God's heart is for the fatherless and our desire is for Him.

hugs from the haugers oooo

These Women: Our Friends

2011-09-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

The women we've met in Kenya are strong. Even the pastors and church leaders say if you give a good Kenyan woman a seed, she will grow a tree that produces shade for her family, fruit for food and seeds to sell. We've seen these same good women have a keen sense of finding fragile threads of opportunity, and from them, weave hope.

Our desire is to help them bring their hopes into reality. We work with them to identify their dreams, articulate their stories, and receive training. Then, we give them a seed.

By providing a basic foundation that reveals who Jesus Christ is to them, who they are in Christ, how to share their giftings and principles of good management, we've experienced the joy of watching these women move from victims to contributing members of their communities, happily raising their children instead of having to leave them in orphanages. They're not shy about giving God all the glory for the great things He has done!

We are blessed to call these women our friends.

We had our first training with Carolyne, who had no resources to raise her son and orphaned nephew. Now she runs a successful grocery kiosk and is director of Love in Action, a ministry that serves widowed moms.

Our second training was held in a small room set up near Carolyne's shop.

Communion with the widowed moms.

Lois and her small son, TAVIN (yes, she named him after our boy).

Lois sews and embroiders to provide for her children.

She also shares the blessings God's given her with other widowed moms.

Florence sells vegetables to earn a living so she can care for her two boys.

Florance's boys, who now do not have to live in an orphanage.

Florance shares her faith and training with other widowed moms.

Please pray for these women and the others who will participate in the training. May the Lord continue to pour out his favor on these forgotten ones who have so much to give.

Check back for more to read about other moms'
testimonies of redemption. We're currently designing a blog for them to share their stories. We'll let you know when it's up and running.

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support.

hugs from the haugers

Shula = School

2011-09-10T03:28:00.000-07:00

Tavin and Taleah started classes Tuesday. They attend a small international school on a hill, nestled among mango trees, overlooking the shores of Lake Victoria. There's about 75 students ranging from primary to secondary levels; they come from many different countries – India, Germany, Australia, Uganda, England and of course, Kenya. Only 7 students are from the USA, two of them are ours.

When time allows, Mark and Lisa join the kids for lunch. Small tables line the playground wall and when the bell rings (literally, a studentstands at the top of the administration building steps and rings a hand bell) chattering children emerge from the low, windowless, wood-framed classrooms. Dressed in a white shirt and kaki capris, Taleah skips over to us, her braids bouncing. She's smiling. Tavin wanders over with a shy grin. Other kids join us - Shamel, a young Indian boy and Brian, who has newly arrived from Virginia. Both are in Tavin's grade.

Out over the playground field, hanging in a tree, is a monkey. He keenly watches the food dropping on the ground, waiting for an opportunity to scavenge the remains of chapatis and bananas. We visit with other parents and find there is a community of Christians who meet in homes for bible study on Thursday mornings and family worship on Friday evenings. The bell rings again and the kids hurry off to their classes. We linger for a few more moments, listening to the weaver birds and enjoying the gentle breeze off the hazy lake.

After one full month here with minimal complications, we seem to be settling-in and finding the place God prepared for us. We're encouraged by the children's easy transition and the warm welcome we've received. We're happy. Oh, And what happen with the monkey? Well, he looked pretty happy too, munching on his leftovers!

Click on Tavin's page to see some pics and his news. Click Taleah's page to see her first school assignment she wanted to share (especially for Aunt Kiki and Uncle Bob!).

We appreciate your prayers, support and encouragement.

Hugs from the Haugers

Lovely Sunday

2011-09-05T04:27:00.000-07:00

Such a lovely Sunday, worshiping with our Kenyan brothers and sisters. Thankful for Christ's precious family worldwide.

This afternoon we met with church leaders and submitted the proposal and curriculum for discipleship and income-generating training with widowed moms for review. Carolyne and Lisa have been diligently working on fine-tuning the training so it can accommodate Kenyan facilitators. We were welcomed to share the vision the Lord laid on our hearts. So very blessed, yes, blessed is what we felt when we heard Carolyne, once a victimized, widowed mother, speak passionately about her desire to help others find their place of influence in God's kingdom.

One of the leader's who met with us actually works for a very BIG development agency. He expressed great pleasure to see a development curriculum that was not only biblically-based, but focused on helping the women create their ministries to the poor. We agreed to meet again for a “formal acceptance” (whatever that means...). Anyway, next Monday, these spiritual leaders of the community will be gracing our humble home. Yikes! We'd better get busy cleaning and cooking!

This coming week brings some firsts for us! Tavin and Taleah start school on Tuesday. It's an international school so we expect they'll have some interesting experiences! Thanks to some thoughtful friends (you know who you are) we've gathered enough funds to buy food for the orphaned kids at Covenant House (the kids who spend Friday's praying to eat...) so we get to bring the first bags of rice and beans. Taleah had a great dream that her and Tavin we're praying with the kids at Covenant house and then the kids started to pray for each other. So, guess what we're doing next time were there?

Weappreciate your prayers and support. Your comments and e-mails warmour hearts and make us smile. It's good to be a part of the familyof God.


*Even in the midst of a storm, God's light shines through, encouraging us to keep our eyes on Him.*

Are You Hungry?

2011-08-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

The orphaned kids at Covenant House don't eat everyday. Watching them play and sing, seeing their shy smiles and curious gazes, it's hard to believe they are much different than your children or mine. Can you imagine not feeding your family everyday? Do you wonder what it must be like to tuck a hungry little one into bed?

One afternoon at we had a popcorn party there. As we visited with the older kids we asked, "What would make this place better?" They hesitated... We thought they might be thinking of playground equipment, or musical instruments. Maybe they wanted bikes, or games, or books... We waited and asked again, "Really, if you could have anything to improve where you live, what would it be?"

"Food."

Yes. Hard to believe, huh?

Food.

They want to eat everyday.

The facts are:

Every Friday the kids of Covenant House pray for food.
$55.00 would provide 25 kilograms of rice for 175 children for two days.
$100.00 would provide 90 kilograms of beans for 175 children for one month.
They need help.

Covenant House is filled with children whose needs go beyond food. They are orphans - kids with no families. The buildings on the 1.5 acre compound could easily be set up as homes, each with 12 children and trained house parents to care for them, as we work at an indigenous adoption program. Please ask God to show us how to be what He wants us to be for orphans. We're so hungry to help.

hugs from the haugers

The Tenants Who Wouldn't Move Out!

2011-08-26T02:30:00.000-07:00

Becky had a room mate...

So when we moved in to our home here in Kenya, these little guys were already living there! We politely tried to "evict them," but they refused to move!

These little guys don't clean up after themselves, and they leave their body parts laying around! How rude!

They are lazy, loafing all day!

Becky finally had enough and decided she would physically eject them!

The next day, we saw the "grand daddy" of lizards! Thank God he was already "gone..."

Check back again for more excitement as we journey the Kenyan life!

2011-08-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

POSTED 3 UPDATES IN ONE DAY FROM KENYA! IT'S AN INTERNET MIRACLE!!!
Please enjoy.
We'd love to have you comment!

Hugs from the Haugers

Times of Grace

2011-08-19T05:32:00.000-07:00

Of course everything moves slower here. Plenty to do without the choices that lend towards effective time management. Eight people with one driver. A household to create from one store (think Alco only). Food to prepare (for 8 people) on a table top burner. Water to boil, always boiling the water. We bouncing along in traffic among the peci-pecis, matutus, buses, cows, chickens and people ambling along the roadside. We wait. We wait in jams, for meetings to start, vendors to barter, decisions to be made... This is life for the last 14 days, and it probably won't change any time soon. As we live, we find ourselves moving on the rhythms of God's grace.

Just yesterday we went to a shop to find fabric for Becky and Addie to make curtains. Waiting outside, at a busy intersection of town, we saw a young boy fall to ground and start seizing. He convulsed while cars whizzed by without concern. We prayed. Mark ran to buy a water and walked over to the boy after he came back around. We find out that his name is Eric and he sniffs glue. His life is harder than the dangers of sniffing glue. Mark prays with Eric and we watch him wander away. We have to believe God follows after him. It's a time of grace.

Becky and Addie's room is on the upper level of our home. It has a veranda that overlooks our broken-bottle encrusted, cement security wall and into the neighborhood.. That evening Becky tells us about the girl she sees from her veranda who lives in a corrugated metal shack next to the wall. She has a baby. The baby cries a lot. The baby is hungry. The next day, as Becky washes her clothes, she finds the baby's new cleaned diaper cloths draped across the security wall, drying in the warm African sun. Becky has to do something that will help. We talk. We pray and the following morning, while the diapers are out drying, Becky pins a thousand note shilling on to one of them. She prays again believing God will make the difference from this simple act of kindness. Another moment in grace.

His name is Timothy, and he wanders up to me at the Nakumatt market. His stares at his feet and whispers, “Will you please take me?” He glances up at me, tears brimming in his chocolate eyes. His story is not uncommon here. Neglected. Alone. What can we do? How does God want to make a difference in the lives of the “Timothys” that overwhelm this land? I pray with him, telling him it's dangerous to ask people to take him home. Does he want a ride? A meal? Where is his home? I give him some change and he wanders away. That night my prayers surround Timothy, and I have to believe God is with him, surrounding him with what I could not yet offer.We realize these grace moments fill our live not because of who we are or what we have to give. It's not about our efficiency or effectiveness. It's always about God and what He is doing. Yes, we'll work hard on projects that help the poor, participate in prayer and fasting, share the gospel. We'll cultivate good friendships and be thankful for our blessings. We'll acclimate to the differences we encounter daily but in the end, it's the moments of grace that show us were all in the same place; needing our Father's tenderness to heal our broken places.

Fish. It's What's for Dinner.

2011-08-19T04:59:00.000-07:00

Talapia from Lake Victoria

Fish market

Looks good, huh? (gulp...)

Our selection

Is that a fish eyeball?

Yummy!

Making a Home

2011-08-19T04:34:00.000-07:00

So here we are. In Kisumu. Carefully plodding through the sticky African mud,. We're ordering a bed-frame from the furniture-making stalls in the misty rain on a Thursday afternoon. The marketplace is a kaleidoscope of damp color. Children wander past. Men push heavy carts loaded with burdens – toiling labors of another day. I watch women exchange greetings and transact business as young ones hug their backs. I wonder what it will be like to live among them and share their stories.

Becky trudges over; her Keens are a sloppy mess. She smiles as she shares the details of the purchase: a handmade bed-frame, carved by roughed hands and a warm heart. A place to lay my head. In my home. In Kenya.

Our Journey Begins

2011-08-19T04:05:00.000-07:00

Weaving in and out of traffic along the rim of the Great Rift Valley, we begin our great adventure in Kenya. In reality, this journey started long ago and many prayers away.

In 2001 Africa was planted in our hearts. God watered it with tears for the poor. He fed it with intercession for orphaned children. As bible school graduates with mission majors, the idea of living in a foreign country had always been on our radar; but, it took our 4 year old son to fertilize the ground of the field the Lord was calling us to harvest. His nightly prayers, asking God to help orphans in Africa led us ask how we as a family could share our lives with a hurting world.

The vision to “go” sprouted into our first trip. In 2006 we travel to Kenya. It was not what we would call a good experience. Surrounded by adversity that threatened our commitment, we returned to the states feeling lost, but with hope that God could restore the dream. After two more trips that produced amazingly sweet fruit, we endured the tests of time by waiting for God to push open the doors for long term ministry. Now, we are here.

I watch the road unfold before us, dotted with colorfully-clad bodies, small markets, zebras and baboons. Little ones play with sticks and old bike tires. We moved on through small villages and sprawling towns, carried down this artery of African life, carried to a destiny.

As we continue on this journey, we pray that God would keep revealing His heart for the fatherless and enabling us to work the ground He's given. We're believing Him for miracles of grace.

the title

2011-06-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

why "tilting balance?"
Our intention is to engage conversation.

what do we balance in life?
busy schedules...
perceptions...
opinions...
norms of social acceptance...

We rarely challenge things that that might disturb our comfort zones.

We decided to do just that - shake the balance of maintaining and release ourselves into God's heart for the orphaned child.

BUT...
it doesn't make sense for a mechanic to leave his job during a recession and travel with his family to another continent to help the hopeless. Can his wife, a physically handicapped mom (who doctors claim should not even be alive) make a home among the poor in Kenya and enjoy rich friendships? Will his children, who've been adopted from difficult places, process this new life with healthy perspectives?

And what about the generations of victimized, young, widowed moms and orphaned children whom this family is going to serve? Can they truly experience redemptive destinies? Can they be empowered to find their rightful places in families, in communities, in the body of Christ?

Is all this just too hard to do? Does it tilt the balance of expectations? Can we tilt into discomfort to bring comfort to those who have been forgotten?

Our vision is to cause a rumble under the well-manicured, but wobbly pedestals we've built our lives upon. We want to tilt the balance of preserving what has no eternal value to caring for those whom the world views as worthless. We want to tilt the balance of favor only for the wealthy and bring justice to those who have none. We want to see mercy tilt the balance of condemnation and control towards those who are lost.

We want to receive the invitation to embrace God's differences by falling from our balancing act and landing completely in His Grace.

packing up a life

2011-06-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

Today my sister came over and we packed up the hutch, the place to display all the things with sentimental value. We wrapped Mark's grandma's china in newspaper and reminisced about other pieces from our beloved Nana. i gathered together souvenirs from other mission trips. After packing 4 boxes to pass to another generation, and more boxes loaded for the pending yard sale, my sister headed home and i wandered outside to welcome the evening air.

While watching the sunset reflect off the mountains, i tried to relate my past to the future. i realized how little i knew about my ancestors. i thought about how little my children know about their birth families. i connected all this to the calling. We're going to live among children who are truly abandoned at birth. Attachments severed before they even had opportunity to emerge.

i'm wondering what we have to offer them?

i'm praying we help nurture them to know their heavenly Father who will never leave or forsake them.

i'm believing they will be given families who will embrace their futures and provide for them a sense of belonging.

i'm packing up a life here to unpack destinies in Kenya.

Taleah surrounded by our suitcases in our small room during our first month long visit to Kenya.

how then do we serve?

2011-05-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

In 51 days we leave our sweet home nestled in a small mountain town for the unfamiliar poverty of friends who live in Kisumu, Kenya. These friends expect better times to come and serve each other with whatever blessing God placed in their hands. i like to think we could do the same.

i'm going to live in Kenya, East Africa as a disabled wife, mom, woman. Do i believe for healing? Of course. i look to Him everyday to restore my body; but, should i wait for that before i go to be among those who are disenfranchised, fatherless and without resources in a country overwrought with corruption and disease? After getting the doctor's okay and counsel from the wise, i don't think He's telling me to wait. If fact, i see how much i can offer, inspite of what i can't do. A successful financial advisor recently encouraged me with these words, "God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called."

And so, without the ability to dress myself, provide for my personal care, to stand by myself or lift my arms away from my body, i'm preparing to go. With the help of those who believe God works through weakness and are not ashamed of my lack, i'm moving to a place far beyond my own significant inconveniences. i'm anticipating how God will remove the insulating comforts of this everyday life and immerse us into a culture where "being different" is our commonality.

Yet, isn't that what God calls us to? Are we not enlisted as servants of the Most High, regardless of our circumstances? Should i stay secure in the boundaries of my control and predictions? Or, should i journey into the great unknown, being certain that in losing my life, i'm destine to find the one God has ordained?

For me, it's a humbling privilege to be called to serve. Regardless of past experiences or current situations that could easily culminate into valid excuses, God wants me. i'll not serve on condition of receiving a promise. by His grace, i'll serve according to His Word, according to His call.

"Lord, let my life move in the rhythms of relationships inspired by grace, created for Your glory.

Bring the light of Your Love into dark, overwhelming places. Show us how to serve You the way You must be served. Help us serve others in purity and truth."