My Truth About Tired

Once again, it's been a while since I've posted; I really don't know why... Trying to put my finger on the reason I currently avoid a task I yearned for - writing about all God does in the lives we share in Kenya. Maybe my aversion to posting is due to the fact that we're winding down another year here, and it's time to take Tavin back to Pagoga to enroll him in 10th grade; I'm engaging in an "ignorant-bliss-thought-pattern" concerning the inevitable of leaving my son on the other side of the world.  Maybe I've not written because the constant influx of visitors, whom we LOVE, absorb our attention. Instead of writing posts, we spend our time watching them see God in the faces of the forgotten. Maybe I don't post because I constantly forget I use a wheelchair, that my muscles are tired. I'm tired. The reality is - chosen comforts allude those who cry out for the fatherless.

Yes, I'm tired; but, it's a content tired - the tired that knows I put in a good day. The connecting with widowed mamas and seeing them engage in ministry. The sweet closing of my eyes and seeing interns from stateside colleges and universities embrace the challenge of loving the unlovable. Knowing the peaceful certainty that God is moving in the miracle realm - not the miracles that happen in seconds, but the miracles God preforms over lifetimes - interconnecting passions, destinies with hopes that don't disappoint. Just speaking of these things makes me want to curl up under my mosquito net and slip into gentle thoughts of mercy and graceful justice, remembering daily experiences of wounded ones being restored.

I will never tire of the joys of hugging children rescued from pit latrines and lonely tea fields. Imagine watching the needs of those neglected - silent with crippled limbs and empty days - enjoy books and colors so they can learn about God's great glories of friendship and belonging. Helping widowed mamas know their ability to raise their children. Sharing with Kenyan churches about missions and adoption. These things inspire me to know that even in my weariness, Jesus carries me. All I am, all I do belongs to Him.

I think I haven't written because I've come to a place where words don't work. I can't find the way to bring you here on paper; so, I leave the keyboard quiet and embrace the work God set before me. I'm grateful for that honor, that privilege. Thank you, Dear Ones, for helping us love the least of these.

 

 
 

 

 

 

 
Asante sana for your encouragement, support and prayers.

hugs from the haugers Ooo0

Library Day: Starting From Scratch

Today, children who opportunity doesn't see, found books for joy.

It was a day that started years ago...

A small mountain town on the other side of earth collected books long forgotten.

These treasures waited in storage, cocooned in closets. Then shipping crates, traveling countries and oceans, landed in this neglected place. 

Today, these treasures opened in hands that rarely hold, to eyes that hardly ever see the glory of pictures, and in ears that long to hear stories.

Imaginations unfolded. 

Today, a young Somali boy shared Anne Frank's journey. Another imagined adventures with Louis L'Mour. Some colored the continent of their birth - a map they've never known.  Still more lost themselves in puzzles and images making the empty day full of learning. The world of knowledge - so familiar we might have forgotten it's deep value if not for today - Library Day at Joyland.

Aro camano Kiki and Carolyne 

for helping to organize and catalog these paper treasures.

Asante sana Casey for sharing this beautiful experience with us.

Bwana asafiwe.

with grateful hearts,

hugs from the haugers Ooo0

We've Been Lost!

Aye! As I look at the last time we posted I realize we've been lost! That's what they say here in Kenya when you've not been seen around; "You've been lost." That usually follows with a story as to why. Well, here's our story...

We had visitors. Not just anyone visitors (although we had those too) but family and friends from our Pagosa town.  Loved ones who've traveled this mission journey with us through encouragement and support came to share our lives among the poor and experience God's rich blessings.  We've learned some things hosting these great people like the awesome, Silas Thompson; my amazing sister, Vicki Hujus; sweet Shea Johnson; and our "long-timer" return intern, the passionate Casey Crow. The lessons follow in photo form:

 

Silas reminded us that life is never dull. When opportunity presents new friendships, embrace them and always finds ways to express kindness. He made us laugh. He experimented with food and fun. Ministry flowed from him with ease and comfortable conversation never seemed to end. Plans for next summer are in the making. We're pretty sure he'll bring USA friends to meet his Kenyan friends. That's just what Silas does.
 

Shea showed us that first time short term missions trippers can jump in and be useful regardless of the situation. We saw Shea participate with joy. Her humor lightened the burden of neglected children. She kept us aware of prayers for Pagosa, especially the wild fire crisis near South Fork. We also know now that Skype and Ritz crackers are daily staples. We hope Shea follows her desire to come see Kisumu's children again.

 

Having Kiki, Lisa's sister, with us made dreams come true.  Ever since Kiki was a little girl she wanted to travel to Africa, and ever since Lisa followed her call to Kenya, she wanted Kiki to come. But that's not all. We learned that Kiki's thoughtful diligence to service changed teachers, mamas and orphaned children. She kept us smiling as she touch lives with her welcoming ways. Of course we stayed up too late, laughed till we cried, and prayed we minister together again on Kenyan soil. Soon.

 

Casey's back to Kisumu this summer continuing to show us that passion for justice will not be extinguished. Her knowledge, dedication, and willingness to stay teachable reminds us that nothing is impossible with God. Casey's vision to make the voice of those forgotten to be heard is big, but she knows Jesus is bigger. We're grateful to welcome her into our family again. We know our Kenyan friends are delighted to see her  too.

Our time with these precious visitors was full but fast. Their presence created warm connections. Their hard work lightened our load. We're grateful for their service and sacrifice. Mungu awabariki Rafikis. 

Asante sana for your prayers, support and encouragement!

Hugs form the haugers Ooo0