Under His Mercy

Nede

2010-05-16T10:24:00.001-07:00

Nede is a ball of energy, mischief, and outright trouble. She also tries to get herself out of all punishment with a smile, contagious laugh, and a big kiss and hug. She know right the right buttons to soften you. Her mother died only about 2 years ago and so she has memories of her. She remembers what family is like.

The search for her family was a long one that only the Lord could orchestrate. It started with a couple failed meeting attempts with a one armed man (appropriate literal translation for the name he went by) at a market about 70 km away.

Then one of the aunties at the clinic I work at overheard conversation and said that she knew where Nede's family lived. So on one very hot afternoon she took us to where she thought we needed to go. It turned out to be a distant relative, very distant. But there was relation and they knew who we were looking for. The day in total was a 40 min ride on paved road, 70 min on bush road (which in only meant for foot traffic not car) and then 4 hours of walking through the bush with a very spry elderly Mozambican women who was tiring us all out. My confidence waned a little each time we got close to a house. Close enough for them to hear her yelling at them asking if the people we were looking for lived there, still lived where she thought they lived and if anyone had seen them lately. But this was bush, bush. Kind of what I would imagine the prairie to be like back in wagon days. The families stuck together and did not venture out too much. The reports received from each call out were very vague but enough to keep our guide going so we all kept going.

This is the second visit to the family we eventually found. Nede is sitting on her grandmothers lap. He father is first on left. Middle is a faithful servant and translator and the right is Nede's grandfather.

Nede lived with her grandparents for a while but now lives with her father and his first wife. Nede adjust very well in the beginning but I've been told that she has become very quiet and withdrawn as of late. Please keep her in prayer too. That she is safe and protected, healthy, that whatever is causing her sadness would be lifted/revealed, and that she would be free to be her normal joyous, mischievous self.

Tenache

2010-05-14T11:18:00.001-07:00

Saying that Tenache is special little girl is an understatement in relation to the little part. She is four years old now and is still tiny! But as it seems to go, her personality is not to be missed. She knows what she wants and how to get it. It's usually by bruit force with a furrowed brow and a quick grab. She also craves hugs and cuddle time.

When she first went home she lived with an auntie, sister of her father. Her father was still alive at the time but very sick with AIDS. After he died, the auntie took her to live with her sister because of cultural beliefs and fears. The sister gladly took her in and she is doing great. She is more at peace in herself. The feistiness is still there but the furrowed brow doesn't bend quite as much as it used to.

This is the family she lives with now. Tenache is front row left and her sister is in the middle. This is still a culture of polygamy, the women are all married to the same man. But Tenache is well cared for, loved, and belongs.

A prayer request for Tenache is for her health. She really is a little girl; small in stature, low weight. Since I have known her she has been very prone to malaria. The difference of her being at home is that her caregiver now is not a nurse with immediate access to medicine. She gets very high fevers quickly and convulses at a lower temp than the average child. It is scary for one thing and not safe for her. The family does a good job getting her treatment when needed but this is Africa. The nearest hospital is about 15 km away and the only transportation at night time is walking. A night is a long time to wait when a child has high fevers. Please pray first of all for complete healing and protection from malaria and also that with all illness the family would continue to seek medical help from the hospital and not from traditional medicine. That also is a very real thing here.

Toni

2010-03-25T04:01:00.001-07:00

Toni has always had a contagious smile. He has an easy laugh that can get him out of most anything. He is very creative and tries hard to be obedient. He has one of the biggest hearts I've ever known in a 5 y/o. He is someone whom I wish all would have the opportunity to meet and know how special he is.

This is his family (and some neighbors too). His dad is on the right next to Toni. Grandma is back middle, and step-mom is back left. He has 2 little sisters and one older sister.

I can not express how delighted Toni's dad is with him and being able to have him at home. He works as a guard at the orphanage where Toni lived the first 5 years of his life. He has known nothing else. Toni's dad has watched him grow up from birth but he never interacted with him; in the beginning, when he was asked if he could he was not allowed. He stopped asking and Toni stayed at the orphanage knowing from an early age that his dad worked 100 yards from where he lived.. I honestly had a hard time walking by the guard house without a feeling of disgust against this man who seemed to be the deadest of all deadbeat dads. But when he was approached about taking Toni home there was no hesitation. His response was, "Yes, when can we start?" From that moment on, there was no looking back. Since Toni's first day at home, neither him nor his dad desire anything else. When we got together to go swimming for Christmas, Toni had to be convinced that I would bring him back home and not take him to the orphanage. It was a big struggle for him. We all had to promise him several times that I would bring him back and then his dad had to carry him to the car. Once we picked up the other kids he relaxed and had fun. But he was ready to go back home.

There are a lot of reasons I can come up with as to why Toni was not allowed to live with his dad before; a lot of people I can blame. But that doesn't matter anymore. He has been restored unto his daddy. The redemption of a father and son. I know this makes the Father smile.

Dorca and Agosto

2010-03-08T03:44:00.001-08:00

This is Agosto and his auntie Dorca at their home. His sister Dorca was away with their cousin having corn ground this day. They were at the orphanage because Agosto was being neglected by this same family who now are taking good care of both him and Dorca. I've seen the pictures and heard the stories of when he first came to the orphanage. He was severely malnourished with fine, red, brittle hair. Big unhealthy round tummy. Severe thrush throughout his mouth and gut. He was a sick little boy. Dorca came because her little brother was not doing well without him. He would cry out for her and only her for the two weeks he was there without her.

At the orphanage Agosto was quiet, contemplative, slow to speak, slow to smile. He appeared happy and content but something was missing. Since going home he has blossomed into a confident young man with an easy gentle smile.

Dorca has had a harder time going home. She had an easy life at the orphanage compared to life for any 8 y/o girl in the bush. She has had to learn to fetch water, cook, care for younger cousins. It is not just playing and going to school any more. She does say that she would rather be there than at the orphanage.

For girls especially, orphanages don't help equip them for a hopeful future. The orphanage is a very western setting compared to the average and even higher than average lifestyle in Mozambique. In the orphanage, there is no need to walk miles to collect water. There is no concern for where the next meal will come from, no understanding for why the ability to grow a garden is a necessity for life. The most common professions for girls here are teaching, nursing (which is still predominantly male), being a wife, and prostitution. If they do not have the aptitude to be a teacher or nurse, they do not come out of the orphanage with very desirable skills to be chosen as a wife by a Mozambican man. So that basically leaves one option.

Compared to the other children that are at home, Dorca and Agosto have it the hardest. Their family is the poorest. The relatives left are the most distantly related: a grandmother and an aunt. They attend the poorest, most over crowded school. But I know that there is no way the family would have welcomed them back unless it was the Lord's will for them. He will protect them and provide for them. I still get to be involved in their lives with visits and am able to help when they need. They have recently had a new roof put on their house and are in need of a new house all together. Once the rainy season ends, that process will begin. It is the hunger season now and so they occasionally need help with food.

It is still hard sometimes to understand that this is what is best for them, what the Lord knows is best for them. My eyes still look through western glasses that see poverty and pain not the Lord's protection, provision...plan. He loves them more than I am capable of and His plans are greater than I can even desire for them.

Passing of Time

2010-02-25T06:14:00.001-08:00

Writing on this blog has been one of the things that unfortunately has turned out to be one of the last things I do. I apologize to all who still are checking this site and am also amazed by you.

Allow me to go back to Christmas and thank all of you who sent and helped in sending gifts for me and the kids (I received the packages the Christmas Eve and just received one of the packages today. Go figure) It was a great time with us all together again. At the time 4 of the kids had been reintegrated with their families and all of them had been home for at least a month. They all were missing each other and so was I. It was good to be together again.

After all of us were together, we went swimming at a local hotel that has graciously allowed us to go swimming there once a week for free. It was a great blessing.

Tony playing in the playground after swimming.

After swimming we went back to a friend's house and opened Christmas gifts. I wish everyone involved could have seen their excitement and confusion. They have opened wrapped gifts before but not often and it took a little encouragement to get the kids to open them rather than just hold them and save them for later.

Nune concentrating.

Vasco delighted.

We also had a birthday cake for Jesus and sang Him Happy Birthday. One of the kids favorite songs.

(I have to add a story here, even if it's only to help me remember. I went down to where the children live one afternoon and Gina, one of the 2 y/o twins was playing a in big pile of sand sticking sticks into it. She was very serious in her work. Then her brother Nune comes and starts helping her. When all the sticks are sufficiently pointing up out of the sand pile, Gina starts singing "Dear Nune to you. Dear Nune to you." Of course to the tune of Happy Birthday. - One of the favorite moments I hope never to forget.)

A lot has changed since Christmas. First, all but 3 of the kids have been reintegrated back into their families. I'll share their complete stories in separate blogs. They are all doing splendidly. I am still able to visit them at least monthly but the need for doing so is not to assure their safety any more. They are all doing so great. The two girls who do not have family; Carolina (6) and Carina (1) have hopeful adoptions into Mozambican families. It is only by the will of God that Carolina has a family that desires a 6 y/o rather than a baby. They are a pastor and his wife in a nearby town who have been unable to have children and greatly desire to have a child. Carina's hopeful family is a women whom I work with at the clinic/nutrition center. Please keep them and the processes in your prayers. That nothing would prevent the adoptions and that the Lord would provide for and bless the families.

Getaway

2009-12-07T03:11:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to update. The Lord has paved the way for one more of the little ones to live with her family, an Auntie. I visited her for the first time after 2 nights of being with her new family and she was too content to even bother greeting me! That provides for a great feeling. She too wanted to stay and not come back to the mission. Praise the Lord!

I know am in South Africa with a friend on a short getaway. It is good to have a bit of a break and change of scenery. Puts things in a bit of a more complete perspective. It is too easy to get busy with the immediates of life and forget about the world around...that there is a world outside of yours. The children are all being taken care of by very competent hands and am thankful for the help and chance to get away. Blessings! South Africa is a beautiful country to visit as well.

There's no place like home.

2009-11-23T11:10:00.001-08:00

I don't even know where to begin...

I believe I have written the statement that 'I don't have the right raise these children unless I can guarantee that I can do a better job than their families'. If I haven't written it before know that I've been pondering it and praying through it a lot. The truth is that all but 2 of the children do have family; fathers, grandmothers, sisters. The reasons they are here at the orphanage vary and all are valid reasons. Part of it is that they were at a very vulnerable age when they were first taken in. They had no rights within the families. No ability to speak for themselves. They are older now, knowing right from wrong.

I have many personal struggles with the idea of reuniting them with their families. Most selfish. I love these kids more than I have known love for anyone. The Lord has captured my heart for them. I know that this love is a love that is only from Him. I'm not capable of it. I came here willing and thinking that He was asking me to take them all, keep them all, and create a family. Not exactly. He has asked me to love them enough to reunite them with the families He created them to be in. Children belong in families, not in orphanages. Period. It sadly isn't always possible. But for some it is.

Dorca (8) and Agosto (5) have been at the orphanage for about 2 1/2 years. Right now they are at their grandmother's home on their 3rd visit. We (Adao, a friend who has been helping me and I) returned to pick them up after the first visit and Agosto did not want to come back! Dorca was ready to come back. The reason they are at the orphanage is because Agosto was being neglected by the grandmother and the rest of the family for cultural/spiritual reasons. He was severely malnourished when he came. Dorca was brought in later because Agosto was very lonely for his big sister and he needed her close by.

The grandmother who neglected him is the same one who now has accepted him and Dorca back. The last time I took them home, Agosto went over to where she was sitting right away and sat next to her. Content. Where he belongs. With his grandmother. Please believe that this is only of the Lord. He has changed her. I am told that the grandmother's response is not the norm. I was anticipating having to fight for Dorca and Agosto. To convince the grandmother that they belonged with her. But there was no need. She has welcomed them back. Both Dorca and Agosto are now doing very well at home. The only problem is that they are missing there friends here at the orphanage. Very understandable. They come back for a few nights and then are ready to be at home again.

Toni (5) just finished his first visit to his father's home. It lasted 1 week. He was supposed to come back after 3 nights but he too did not want to! His father did not want him to come back either! While visiting, the dad's wife (not Toni's mom) said that 'Toni is a happy, fun boy and nice to have around'. She said it with a big smile. Since she is one who takes care of the children, her acceptance is huge. Culturally a child whose mother died is considered an orphan. They do not usually live with the father. Praise the Lord! Toni gets to live with his dad and he looks great! He too is where he belongs. He is with his family.

Toni is the one the Lord used to really begin the prayers for this process. Around 1-2 months ago, before bedtime, he asked if he could go live with his papa. Toni didn't really know what that meant. He has lived at the orphanage since he was a baby. He knew who his dad was. They even saw each other weekly but they never interacted. So we began to pray every night for his papa and that someday Toni could live with him. I also began to pray with all the kids that they could have a chance to grow up in and be loved by a family. For Dorca, Agosto, and Toni the Lord has begun the processes of answering those prayers. Being faithful to fulfill the desires of their hearts. The desires He placed there. We will continue to try to walk along the path He made. Continuing as fast or slow with the process as the children need.

My commitment to their lives continues no matter where they are living and in a way seems stronger when they are home because I believe that is what is best for them. I want to facilitate that as much as possible. Also, my love for them exists no matter where they live. I don't know what our future together looks like but pray the Lord will allow me to continue to be part of their lives in some way.

Please pray for these 3. Specifically for protection from illness, continued blessing in the transition home, and peace about being there. Please pray for the others (Vasco, Nede, Tenache, Nune, and Gina) that the Lord would prepare them and their families just has He has been faithful to before. For Carolina and Carina, that He would allow them to be part of and loved by a family as if they were born into it. For me, continued strength and endurance. I know what it is to be weary, (feak and weable as a friend here would say). I know that many are praying for me because I would not still be here if it were not so. Pray for continued provision for us all. I plan to go vehicle shopping tomorrow. A vehicle has become a necessity this last month because of taking the kids home and visiting them. I have no clue what car buying looks like in Mozambique. I guess I will find out tomorrow. Thankfully, friends have been borrowing me their vehicles when I have needed one. There are GREAT people over here that I get to walk along side of (and slightly behind). I am blessed. The Lord is faithful.

Greetings...Finally

2009-10-26T11:41:00.001-07:00

Wow! Once again time has flown by faster than it seems it ever has. Let me recap the last month for you.

Let's start with a couple birthdays, or three. Nune and Gina turned 2 and Carina turned 1 the beginning of Sept. We celebrated the birthdays together. It was a fun afternoon of cake, candles, singing, and games at my place. Last November I remember being here when Nune and Gina were first learning to walk and am blessed beyond words that I am here to celebrate their second birthday. Now they are talkative, mobile, beautiful little people. Nune is very smart and kind. He has learned more English than I have Shone and amazes me everyday with something new. Gina is very sweet and gentle. She loves hugs and to sing. Carina's little personality is developing daily. She has just learned how to give kisses...or at least make the mm-u sound that goes with it. She is mobile with a half sit-crawl scoot and loves to try to stand without help. Growing more and more each day, as kids do. It's a blessing to be part of.

Nede also had a birthday. She turned 4. I wish you all could hear her cute little voice and especially the laughter that comes from deep inside of her. A soulful laugh. It's impossible to not to laugh a little every time you hear it...even when she's being naughty. (The pink splotches on everyone in the photos is calamine lotion. We have survived chickenpox. Nine of the ten all got them within 2 weeks. They all were troupers and enjoyed the extra calamine application time before bed. I'm sure everyone had a couple of extra nights of calamine even though they weren't itching anymore.)

Another blessing that I was aloud to be part of is not as joyous for those of us left. My friend Elisabeth died about 2 1/2 weeks ago. She was an amazing person who's faith never seemed to waiver. I was able to spend the last few nights with her. The peace that she had and that was present in her room is the peace that is beyond understanding. I am honored to have been able to share that time with her. She is greatly missed. I have also learned the peace of what it is to mourn with the hope that we will see her again, under His mercy. Her boys are living very close to Elisabeth's home with an aunt and uncle. They seem to be doing well. Death is unfortunately such a common thing here. I don't really know how to tell how they are doing. It's something they are used to in a way. Please continue to pray for them; their healing and futures. With so many things to die from here, it's hard for me, still, to understand why a 33 year old had to die from brain cancer. Some things we don't need to understand.

A couple weekends ago we got to go swimming with some friends to help. It was a gift from two girls who are here from Sweden. The day for me will always rank high on the scale of the best days of my life. There was a water slide that compared to what we're used to was very simple. It was just straight, no curves, loops, or tunnels. But it was made of medal and so very fast. All of the kids tried it once. I was very proud of them. Three loved it and couldn't get enough. Two of them had to go with someone and so I was able to many, many times too. I have not seen such big smiles on them before for all day long. Mine was probably just as big.

Dorca had her 8th birthday this week. Another day of cake, singing, and games. (FYI-There isn't wide of a selection of cake here, one brand of boxed chocolate or vanilla and am not ambitious enough to make them from scratch. I am honestly, already, quite tired of birthday cakes.) Dorca is a very beautiful young lady. She does struggle with being the oldest but is slowly learning how to deal with the responsibility of that.

Lately, I have been reminded of the fact that I live in Africa. I live in Africa. I live in Africa and get to love 10 incredible little children. Work in a clinic along side 2 amazing women helping care for 500+ children, of whom many have already had a harder life than I will probably ever have. I know this is something I should be used to by now but every so often I have a reality check. The most recent one started last week when another battle with malaria forced me to lay in bed for nearly 42 out of 48 hours (3rd battle if your counting). I am almost back to 100% now. Just lacking a bit of strength and endurance. The Lord is faithful in all to provide exactly what I need. He knows what that is better than I. This past week He knew I needed a time of rest. Other than the moments of pain, fever, and shivers I am actually thankful for the time of rest. Maybe someday I will be thankful for the times of pain, fever, and shivers that come in life too.

Something else that the Lord knew I needed here was a young, beautiful friend named Aimee. I was recently reminded of a phrase that I heard often during a season of my life: "God gives His people His people". She has definitely been a gift from God and am very thankful for her and her friendship. Her time here is ending though as she left today for home. Zimbabwe. I will greatly miss her and know that we will keep in touch. The Lord knows what we need. I am blessed that He knew I needed Aimee.

One more incredible thing is that I now thankfully have the key to a Mozambican post office box. This simple task involved quite the effort. Nothing is same day service here. My address is:

Sarah Berreth C.P.147 Chimoio, Manica Mozambique

Letters and packages are most welcome.

Blessings to all.

Contagious Diseases

2009-09-15T11:24:00.001-07:00

Chickenpox is not a big thing, thankfully. But to have 5 children with chickenpox at one time is draining for them and me. I don't remember them lasting as long as they are for these little ones. They are tuff kids. They don't complain at all until bedtime and then I get to put calamine on every little bump. Some I wish I could bath them in it but I enjoy, as do they, the extra time and attention I get to give them.

Thank you, Jesus, for patience, love, and calamine lotion. This too shall pass.

Out of the mouth of babes

2009-09-08T22:45:00.001-07:00

Just a quick story that sums up a lot of experiences here. Blessings poured out to the fullest in the least expected moments and often from the least expected people.

There was a battle waging against me and a 4 year old who was insistent on not listening but instead was fighting; kicking and pinching me. For various reasons, all of which come down to the simple fact that I was out of ideas and knew not what else to do, I was trying to just keep them in bed. Tony came into the room we were in and just watched for a few minutes. Then he says with a voice of urgency and in English, "sister Sarah, say Thank you Jesus for (name with held to not mar the name). The frustration and doubts of the moment were quickly defeated with the simple reminder of a 5 year old. I am blessed to be given the opportunity to love such precious creations.

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. Mark 10:14-16

The beautiful, uncomplicated faith of a child. Lord, that is what I desire. Thank you, Jesus, for Tony...Dorca, Agusto, Carolina, Vasco, Nede, Tenache, Nune, Gina, and Carolina.

Time Keeps on Ticking

2009-08-25T11:13:00.001-07:00

Are you having as hard of a time as I am believing it is already the end of August? Crazy! Almost, already (only) 3 months in Mozambique. It's probably time I stop, think about what the Lord has shown me, write it down, remember it, and hold fast to it until He shows me something different (which may very well be tomorrow or next week).

So in numerical order of no importance a few things I have learned and/or relearned in the last 2 months and 3 weeks:

1. God loves us more than we will ever know on this earth. He is the God of the universe. He placed every star in the sky and knows them by name. Yet, He loves you and me so much that He knew us before we were born, He knows the number of hair on our head, He know the number of our days. The same God who created the universe humbled Himself, became man, lived within the limitation of the flesh, died on a cross for our sins and then defeated death, so that we could freely commune with Him. His desire is for us to be with Him.

2. God is faithful and unchanging therefore He will never be unfaithful.

3. In the reality of eternity, this life may not be long but it is hard. It was never promised to be easy. May I learn to consider all trials pure joy knowing that the testing of my faith produces patience and then letting patience have its perfect work, that I may be perfect and complete. Believing, with a faith that has been tested, that in the Lord I am perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

4. God is greater than anything...everything.

5. God is still on His throne...no matter where I am at.

6. Only walk as far as you can see. Don't try to find your way in the dark.

7. When I forget all of the above and all can do is hold on to Jesus, that's alright. Just keep holding on.

Time Goes by Fast

2009-08-16T16:25:00.001-07:00

Wow, it's been a while since I updated you all. I've been avoiding the internet simply because it's easy to do when life gets busy. Sorry.

One of the things that has happened is that we are now 10, in a good way. Meli was able to go home to her dad. She was with us because of a difficult situation with her mom's family but they have now moved away and it is safe and good for her to be with her dad and his family. They love her dearly. We took her home on Monday. They truly live in the bush. We traveled the paved hwy for about 15 min. and then drove for 1 hour to cover 17 km on dirt roads/paths. Meli's family has to travel most of the 17 km on foot whenever they need supplies or when they would visit Meli at the orphanage. She is still in the baby feeding program, which in short means that I will still get to see her every 1-2 weeks. We miss her. We continue to pray for her. But God created her to be in her family and they do really care for and love her. She is where she belongs.

Meli, 2 years old, with her auntie.

Something else that has happened in the last 3 weeks is that the baby feeding program that I work with has outgrown it's current location. At the beginning of the year, it is going to be moving. In distance it's not a big move but it was a hard decision for those who had to make it.

I don't recall ever explaining the baby feeding program. I sometimes refer to it as the clinic. Jacqui, a nurse from South Africa, has been overseeing it for about 12 years. Mothers, fathers, aunts, and grandmothers from near and very far bring their children to be weighed, receive basic heath care, and nutrition. They always get powdered milk and then depending on their weight sometimes sugar and/or oil to mix with the milk. When I was here in Nov. 2008 there were about 375 babies on the program. We now have 500+. The babies are either HIV+, born to HIV+ mothers, the mothers have died, or the babies came in severely malnourished. They come every week to two weeks based on health and if they gained weight or not. The parent or caregivers also receive basic health care. A home, with a family is ideally the best place for a child to grow up and so the more we can help support and treat the health of the caregivers the longer the child can live with them. A truth that is not hard to understand is that an orphanage is not the best place to raise an orphan, it is with remaining family. They just need encouragement and support sometimes to make it possible.

Jacqui has also been overseeing the children in the baby orphanage but will not be able to when the clinic moves. That means by the beginning of the year I have the great privilege and responsibility of overseeing the children and staff. I know you are all thinking, 'Isn't that what you're there for?'. Yes. But this all is moving faster than I could imagine. Thankfully, the Lord's grace is sufficient, His mercies are new every day, and He gives us the strength to make it through each day. Also, I am very thankful for Jacqui. She is very patient, encouraging, supportive, and wise in many ways. I am blessed to learn from her and serve along side of her. Please pray for us during this time of change and transition. That the Lord would clearly show His plans and that we are willing to walk in obedience.

Another prayer request is for a friend, Elizabeth, who works in the clinic with us. She is vital part of the team having an incredible sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and being Mozambican, she knows the culture and helps us to understand. She is so much more that but I can't put it into words right now. She started experiencing physical deficits on her left side, weakness, dizziness, and headaches. A CT scan done in Zimbabwe (the nearest location for a CAT scan) revealed a brain tumor, a glioma. Which means it's not a good thing. From what I understand, even though surgery can be performed to remove the tumor, it is not a cancer that can be cured. She is 33 years old, has 3 sons, Elijah (14), Solomon (11), and Israel (5). Her husband died from TB before Israel was born. I can't imagine how hard it is to be a single mom but being a single mom here seems even more difficult to imagine. She is a beautiful person whose faith and trust is in the Lord. My prayers for her are first of all the the Lord, the Great Physician, would heal her. He can and it would be an incredible demonstration of His power to a lot of people. Secondly, if she is not healed, that wisdom and provision would given for what we can do to help her medically. And then, also for her boys, for strength, that the Lord will provide a safe and loving home for them where they can stay together, and that they would turn to the Him for comfort and peace. Please remember them in your prayers with the faith that the Lord still does miracles. He can heal her.

Elizabeth and me in Nov.

(Not a very good picture of her.)

A third, lighter prayer request is for a vehicle. I hope to be purchasing a vehicle within the next couple of months. My prayer is for one that runs well and can fit all of us in it. Which means, most likely, a single cab pickup with a topper. Remember TIA. Also that I would be patient and know that He can provide far better than I can imagine.

The final prayer request is for patience and wisdom about the future for me and the children. For a clear, well light direction for the future and the faith and strength to follow after His plan. Faith that the Lord will protect and provide. Wisdom in how to love and, in love, discipline each individual little spirit.

Just so you all know, life here is hard at times but also joyful and colorful often in surprising ways. For example, I have a new friend in my garden. Meet George, the camelian, who doesn't change color very well or possibly at all. You never know what the Lord will surprise you with when you walk out the front door.

Here is one more joy in my life. Agusto is 4 years old. Has an older sister that lives with us (They get to share a bunk bed). He has a very gentle, quiet, and sensitive spirit.

Blessings to you all. Congrats if you made it to the end! If you ever have questions about what I write here or would like to know more, please feel free to contact me via email at sarah_berreth@hotmail.com. Just make the subject clear because I don't look at the mail in the 'junk mail' box very closely.

My Faith Did Not See This

2009-07-20T07:49:00.001-07:00

The family is now...back to eleven!!!! Josiah's, whose real name is Christiana (if I remember correctly), mom has found him! He was kidnapped in a town that is a 3 hour drive away. No clue how far in km. His mom was able to track him to the police station he was taken to and then they brought her to us! PRAISE THE LORD!!!

I have no more words but will simply sit now in awe of our Lord. He can do more than our wildest imagination. He's the one who gave us our imagination! How great is our God. Thank you for your prayers!

Then There Were Twelve - there were 11 before

2009-07-19T13:20:00.001-07:00

On Friday we had the opportunity to welcome a new family member. A 4 month old, beautiful, healthy baby boy was brought to the clinic by the assistant of the director of social services and a police officer. He has obviously been well cared for and therefore probably dearly loved. He was abandoned at a church in one of the nearby towns. The desperation that must have been present in the mom or whomever it was who left him is beyond my understanding and that's okay. I don't desire to know that kind of desperation. Nor do I judge her. How can I begin to judge that which I don't know. Praise the Lord that he was loved enough to be left in a place where he would be found. I'm sure this is not always the case. He is adjusting well. Still cries during the night but he is 4 months and I'm sure misses his mom.

Meet beautiful, Josiah.

We now have 5 in nappies and 4 who still wake up during the night. Please pray for strength for the caregivers.

I learned of a new and somewhat daunting item of info. Josiah was taken to another orphanage before being brought to us. They weren't able to keep him because they are not set up to care for infants. I respect that. The greatest that we can ever be in life is that which God has called us to be. If God has called you to be a mom or a teacher or a doctor or a caregiver to older orphans then that is the best and most perfect place to be because that is exactly what you were made for. Trying to be more than what God has created us to be is futile.

While the director and officer were asking if we would take him, a short and not really needed discussion of 'should we' I inquired if there really was an option (out of curiosity). Was there any other place for him? No. There isn't. There is the afore mentioned orphanage, Maforga (where I am at), and apparently a state run orphanage (I can only imagine). The only thing I can say about this is that God is in control. He gives the faith, has the power, strength and provision for all that He asks. Just look at that face again...who am I to even think 'No, 12 is too many.' 'I don't know if God will provide for 12.' 'We have too many in nappies.' I am simply a servant of He who knows best. Blessed to be able to love one more of His precious children.

Please pray for little Josiah; for his adjustment, health, and that he may grow into a man who seeks after the heart of God.

Just to put this out: I am hesitant to share these little ones in such a public way. They are precious to me and I want to protect them and do what is best for them. However, I will continue to share with digression but plead that you use what is shared on this blog to pray for them. There is nothing greater or more powerful that you can do than to lift them up in prayer to their Creator. Please don't see them as 'poor little orphans' but see them as children of God. "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them: for such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14 Some of these little ones know more about pain, suffering, abandonment, and loss then most of us will ever know through our entire life. The Lord promises not to give us more than we can handle. The strength He knows they have is incredible. They are precious to Him. "For such is the kingdom of heaven". Please pray for them.

Trust

2009-07-13T12:51:00.001-07:00

For some reason one of the biggest struggles that I have faced here so far has been that of trust. Trust of me, of those around me, and of God. A lot of it has been spiritual attack I know because the fruit of it has been doubt and sometimes fear which are not from God. Some of it is me in my weakness.

Easier said than done but the only one we have to trust is the Lord.

"Do not trust in a friend; Do not put your confidence in a companion" Micah 7:5

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5,6

"Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness" Psalm 37:3

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" Hebrews 12:1,2

As with most things pertaining to faith and my relationship with Christ...easier said than done. But the important part is putting His Word into life; to live it, for the Word is living and powerful. In times of mistrust we must turn my eyes to Jesus, the only One who can keep our path straight. The only One who is worthy of all our trust and who will never fail. Praise the Lord!

I have to leave you with my favorite photo of the week.

This is Newni. He is 1 1/2 and a big package of boy and joy. He loves to laugh and sometimes just kick back and relax. He is a handsome little guy and also has a beautiful twin sister, Gina (pic sometime later).

Praises for the week...

A team from a small church in South Africa came, poured out, and blessed beyond words. In the baby unit they painted murals, made and hung curtains, created rain gutters, installed a shower, tiled the bathroom, and bought and hooked up a washer and dryer!! I know, a washer and dryer! Remember, this is the African bush and these kids have not seen one of these things before. They are fascinated. Most importantly, during the rainy season, when nothing dries outside, the babies will have dry nappies (cloth diapers)!! Praise the Lord!! Along with all they did, they did it all with joy and for the Lord. A great group of people!

Change of view

2009-07-02T11:54:00.001-07:00

There is a mountain/large hill that is visible one you leave the mission. It is called Nyuro Nyuro or something like that. It is very noticeable since the rest of the landscape is relatively flat. Flat in the way you would consider most of ND flat, look at it at a distance and there is little variation but if you had to walk across it you would notice all of the hills and valleys that you would have to climb.

This is Nyuro Nyuro at a closer view than I usually see it (This is the African bush. If you look closely to the right of huts and a little ways back you can see an elephant. Made you look, there are no elephants here. Sorry if you got excited :) There are elephants in Moz somewhere but not here.)

This is one of the views from the top of Nyuro Nyuro. I am always amazed at trees that can grow out of rocks. The strength and resilience they need to survive. It took about 40 min to walk up. It was the most direct path I have ever taken up a mountain, straight up. No switchbacks in sight. At times there was no path in sight which is a good thing because I was told there used to be sacrifices carried out on top. Witchcraft is a very real thing here. No trail means few travelers and no sacrifices.

Nyuro Nyuro always seemed so big and powerful. On the top looking down it is the numerous villages, huts, and people that are overwhelming. I've read statistics that 17% of the Mozambique population are HIV+ and I am told that it may be as high as 30% in the area I am because of the highway that goes through. There also is a prediction that the number of orphans in Mozambique will increase by 350,000 in the next 2 years. I believe these are both from a South African publication called Pulse. Applying these statistics in relation to the area I could see from the mountain, the area where the children who come to the clinic live is daunting. It is at moments like that, and there have been many, that all I can do is repeat the truth that God is bigger. He is bigger than the worst situation, the ugliest action, the deepest pain. He not only is bigger but our Lord has already overcome sin by dying on the cross for us. We must choose to accept and live in His victory, under His mercy.

This is me with 2 of the friends that went on the trek, Amy and Esther. Amy is translating at the clinic and Esther used to work at the clinic but now is back in South Africa. She is missed.

Another change of view has been a move of location. This is the room I stayed in for the first 4 weeks, minus the bed. Not bad at all. The challenge of the room was that the entrance to it was the communal bathroom being shared by 3 of us and any of the many visitors to the house. I got used to the bathroom as the foyer even if it was not the most desirable. The biggest challenge was being locked in when I wanted to leave. That has sadly been one of the greatest tests of my patience in my life. But thankfully...

this is now my home, at last the kitchen. The bedroom is directly through the door on the right. There is no bathroom in between :). In fact, there is an entrance from the outside with a quaint arched doorway! Notice the vines on the wall on the left side? How many of you have had to paint vines on your interior walls? These are real and don't even need to be watered. The kitchen is open with only mosquito net and blinds on the windows. There is beautiful morning sunlight and nice hedged garden out the back with a fire pit even! It is much quieter here and I can come and go whenever I want. I am blessed by this home.

For those who read this just to hear about the kids, they are all good, growing, and staying in trouble. They are a blessing to be able to love. I will try to get more photos of them next time.

Safe and Nearly Settled

2009-06-22T11:21:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know I arrived without complication, already, 3 weeks ago. My luggage arrived 3 weeks minus 1 day. That's only a minor delay, anything under 1 week is only considered delayed luggage and not lost luggage.

My first weeks have consisted of sleeping, adjusting, playing with children, visiting friends, working in a baby clinic, and beginning to learn Shone (the tribal language in this area of Mozambique). There have been the expected struggles but God is faithful to strengthen.

"It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect." Psalm 18:32

Thank you all for your prayers. Please continue. This week I will continue the effort of getting a resident visa, working at the clinic, learning Shone (a friend reminded me this week that God is the author of languages...great truth), and spending time with the kids.

This is a pic of all but 4 of the children that I have the honor to spend time with. It was hard to keep these 7 within frame.

A western Mozambique landscape taken on a morning walk. Beautiful.

On the Road Again...or in the air

2009-05-31T19:50:00.001-07:00

Just a quick update. The flight to NYC was uneventful and my day here has been relaxing. No 'touristing' just a nap, a walk, dinner, and time in the Word. May this week we all "feed on His faithfulness" (Psalm 37:3). I pray I will. Tomorrow at 1100 is the flight to Johannesburg, South Africa with a short 2 1/2 hour layover and on to Mozambique. Just an FYI, it may be a bit before I am able to arrange internet access so please be patient with me but pray for me as you remember. Until then.

The Beginning...

2009-05-08T14:35:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to a picnic that was organized to remember the 15 million children who have been orphaned by AIDS. It was an evening filled with swinging, jungle gyms, basketball, tacos, cupcakes, and good conversation. Toward the closing of the night I was able to sit by myself and observe (one of my favorite things to do) the playing and groups talking. Every one seemed to be enjoying themselves, a game of basketball, the laughter from the play gym, the squeals from the swings. Nothing out of the ordinary.

There was something extra beautiful though. The families. Most, if not all, of the families there are in the process of adoption or already have their families together. A group of dads and moms, brothers and sisters, grandparents who all, in part, have a bond because of the desire and willingness to love a child not given to them through birth but through adoption. I am thankful for the few hours I was able to spend with them all.

The Lord has asked me to begin a new journey with Him. Since you are reading this you probably already know that on May 31 I am going to Mozambique, Africa to be a housemom at an orphanage. It is the same area in Moz that I had the opportunity to visit in Nov. While there God began opening my heart and eyes to the possibility and ask of my willingness to go back. I have been thankful for these last 6 months; being closer to family, remembering what it is like to be part of a church family, reconnecting with old friends. It also has been a time where the Lord has continue to confirm through His word that this is what He desires of me. I ask for prayers for this journey. I can not do this without His strength. I have faith that He has gone before me and that He will never leave me. He is faithful.