Monday's Mission

Hey there! Wow, today was so awesome!!! We went to (what I would call) a medium sized village and had a wonderful day ministering to the people's physical need of glasses and their spiritual need of Jesus. We arrived at the village around 1:00 p.m. and there were already people waiting for us. We were able to give out just over 300 glasses today. And I'm telling you it was like the fishes and loaves! Amazing. Totally stunning. I don't know where the glasses came from. We would look for a pair for someone and find nothing... then we'd start praying, "Okay Lord, I need your help. Please show them to me, put them in my hands" and then there they would be. I'd finally pick up the right package... mind you I would have already looked through this set two or three times and yet there they would be. Stunning. The goodness of our GOD is so incredible. He is full of mercy and grace. How I adore Him!

We closed briefly around 4 for a break and to eat some food a couple of the ladies from the village had brought us. Traditional Romanian sandwiches, cow's cheese (made that morning), cherries (like an entire two gallon container of them), cookies, and cheesy pretzels made of what seemed like pie crust. So Yummy! I took pictures. Actually, Jon took most of the pictures today. (I'll show you a picture of him later) He likes my camera and asked if he could use it to take pictures, so I let him. He had a really good time and got some fairly decent pictures.

After that we went back to handing out glasses. At five the children's ministry folks went outside to get started. There were 50 kids easy! We played games with a parachute and then some singing. We had three stories--Zacchaeus (I was Zacchaeus), the resurrection of Lazarus, and Andrew & Peter joining Jesus. There was a bunch of us who acted out the parts. It was so fun! I was told that I was a great Zacchaeus and that I had acted it out wonderfully. I told them I could overact anything. John, Jenny, & Tina did Lazarus' story, Jack and John did Andrew and Peter. Everyone did such a wonderful job. The children were enthralled. Finally we had the evening church service and heard John and Jenny Reynolds give their testimonies. (Personally, I think we should incorporate that activity into our services at home! They are so incredible to hear and truly an encouragement. Plus, it makes you feel closer to those who share their stories and you end up caring more about them.) Charles preached and it was so good! He gave an invitation at the end and Daniel finished it. There were 55 decisions! PRAISE THE LORD! I peaked and most everyone there raised their hands. It was overwhelming to say the least.

I love the people here! My heart is so tendered, especially toward the ladies I've gotten to know. Particularly Tanya. At one point during the break I just sat there and watched everyone talking, sharing stories, & laughing together. I just wanted to soak it up. To take it in and hide it in my heart. I'm going to miss them so much. What good hearted, Jesus loving people they are! How the Lord must beam over these open hearted folks. They are precious. (And man, can they sing!)

One of the little girls at the service yesterday reminded me of Zoe. she came up to me and gave me a huge hug. It almost felt like I was hugging my own little girl. There have been lots of hugs being given around here to and they have been so wonderful, but do I miss my kids hugs and kisses. How blessed I am to be their momma! I've been talking about them so much. I love telling stories about them and am thankful people are enjoying hearing about them. Mark's ears should have been burning this morning, because I was telling Polly what an incredible husband and friend he is. She said Mark was such a positive, easy going team member in Kenya... they loved having him with them. I told her I know. That he is awesome! I'm so glad he is mine. I love him like crazy! And on that note I probably ought to go and get some sleep.

May you be blessed! Much love to you all and have a good night.

All for the glory of KING Jesus!