August 22, 2009

22 Aout 2009 – Day 73

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Habakkuk 3:17-18

We spent morning devotions Monday talking about worshiping God for who He is, not what he does. It was challenging. Would we still praise him in all the circumstances that Paul was able to praise Him, or the persecuted church (in jail with every possession taken)? Along with Proverbs 30:8 – that we might rely on our amazing God, not ourselves. I half-jokingly called it the “anti-prosperity” gospel. Not as popular with the masses, I’m guessing, but seeing the circumstances in which people praise him here is humbling.

Had a great walk to the waterfall last Saturday. Drew was a trooper and made it all the way. We had misty drizzle from time to time but that kept the temperatures down. Mauwli and Dan (Stoner) jumped in the small pond at the base of the falls and both boys were clamoring to get wet so Cari and I jumped in too. All the rain we’ve had made the falls pretty powerful. On the way Drew was complaining about the rain (“why does it have to rain?” so the plants can grow “but why now, cause we’re getting wet” I don’t know, Drew, but God wanted the plants to get a drink, you’ll have to take it up with Him……). Once we went swimming? What do you think about the rain, now, Drew, and the big waterfall? “Great!”

The Italians have been here a week now and with all the arrivals (Bonts, Summerfields, Ken and Terry Crowe, their friend Angie an ultrasound tech) and returns (Steve and Mary Jo Mills) the place is fairly hopping. We’ve had almost rowdy mealtimes (for Baptists, I mean). Dr. Sam has requested Italian food for meals so we’ve had spaghetti and lasagna and Dr. Sam even played Pavarotti off his computer! The lady with the pelvic fracture is recuperating well. Last night we had a movie night – The Los Ban~os Raid in WWII. Russ’ mom and uncle were interred at that camp and were rescued. It was pretty amazing.

Hard to believe it’s my last call. One lady almost dead from a botched abortion 2 weeks ago and another young mademoiselle from gay Paris, here for 4 weeks teaching AIDS education, fell and broke her wrist sightseeing at a waterfall. Amazing what walks (or is carried) through our doors. I’m definitely going to miss sitting in Russ’ command chair, getting toys for the kids, and hearing the moms of premies who’ve been here two months smile and yell “wezalo!” when I come in.

Thank you to everyone for supporting us in this endeavor. We look forward to sharing our stories and encouraging others who might wish to do something similar in the future.

May you seek the LORD while he may yet be found. And may you praise though there are no sheep in the pen or cattle in the stalls!

Mawu ne no kpuli wo (May God go with you).

Yours in the service of our LORD,

CADT (The Robertsons)