We had a wonderful thanksgiving with family today. We have a dining room table that expands to 17 feet and so all 26 of us were able to sit at the same table to celebrate thanksgiving. It was the best thanksgiving I can remember and yet my mind was a million miles away...or about 8126 miles to be exact. Tyler will be returning to Kenya, Africa in just one week. Before he begins school in mid-January, he will be returning to Mfangano Island of the coast of Lake Victoria in Kenya. There, he will begin the construction of a school building that will house the 5th graders at the school where he taught over the summer. There are many projects to be done at the Children's home there. A school lunch program to provide meals for the children who often only survive on one meal a day as well as the development of a program that would help the widows on the Island to be able to provide for their children are the next projects that need funding.
We know so little about sacrifice in this Country. I know so little about sacrifice...as I sit tonight in a warm house, with comforts that can only be dreamed of by children around the world. I give...but do I sacrifice? That is the thought that has not left me today...how is God leading me to really give to make a difference in the world of the orphans and widows that we are commanded to care for. Yes, we have adopted "the least of these"....but what more can we do...I know God is calling me to stretch..and He is not going to let me rest until I give beyond my comfort zone. We are His hands and feet...
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| Tyler with a family on Mfangano Island in Kenya. |
You can read more about what Tyler is doing at the Children's Home on his
blog. From a Mom's perspective, Tyler is our first born son..he is 19 years old and we want for him to be able to know that there are people all over the world that are supporting him in his efforts. He knows he has a lot to learn about how best to help those struggling in Africa...but he isn't waiting until he figures things out...he is moving forward and giving what he has to offer. We have seen the heart of compassion that drives him..and we know that he has also been given a brilliant mind. I am trusting that God is working to put those qualities together to do amazing things on Mfandano Island. If you can give, I promise you that your generosity will not go unnoticed by the children...can you reach out across the world and help?
