We went to ILC in Virginia last week. That’s where we spent seven weeks in training before heading off to Peru two years ago. It was surreal being there again. There were about 30 other people there who went through that same training with us 2 years back. It was so strange to see everyone again in that same context. It was the same circumstance . . . but everybody had changed so much. . . mostly on the inside. We’d all been challenged, hurt, traumatized, amazed, etc. in a way that had changed us forever.
We spent most of the week with a lump in our throats. Because we missed Peru and ILC reminded us so much of that time. And because these folks really got us. They knew what we were going through trying to re-adjust to life in the U.S., because they were trying to re-adjust as well. God used the week to heal us and shape us and help us know what to do next. Walk with him.
It seems that the germs here in the U.S. have it out for Sophia. She has been sick pretty much for the last month. We made our fourth visit to the doctor yesterday and found out that now she has a double ear infection and RSV. Poor kid. And the thing is, she’s been SO good. She hasn’t been crying much. Even when she’s had over a 102 fever, she’s been smiling and playing. Amanda is also sick again.
Somehow, miraculously, I have been able to avoid it. That’s gotta be Jesus taking care of me because over the past month Sophia, Amanda, our boss, the other houseparent, and one of the girls have been sick.
The Promise House was blessed with the presence of Kayla Johnson, Timothy Statton, Audra Hinson and Sarah Hughey last night!
They ate hamburgers with the girls and us. Then we all played Monopoly. And finally, they wrapped the night up with a chick flick (The Prince and Me).
Thanks Amigos!
Most mornings during breakfast we talk about God and what the scriptures say. Just a short conversation about Jesus and the Truth.
Today is Thanksgiving. Not the pilgrim and indian one, but the Psalm 92.1 one. We talked about being thankful. Then we went around the table and said things we were thankful for. One of the girls had said earlier that she didn’t want to eat her eggs. I told her she needed to eat a little so she’d have energy for the day. When it came to her turn to say something she was thankful for . . . the eggs must have gotten to her . . . she said “O Gosh!” and covered her mouth with her hand and went sprinting into the kitchen to throw up in the trash can.
I was thankful she made it to the trashcan.
There’s never a dull day at the Promise House . . .
Yesterday Amanda came down with the crud and never made it out of bed. That left me with Sophia and four pregnant teenagers to tend to on my own. Actually I had some help from Keri, the other houseparent, who was still around before she went off duty.
In the midst of the that, a new girl was supposed to arrive. At about 11:00AM she did. Escorted by a policeman and with foot shackles in place. Apparently she had spent the night in jail and for that reason did not look too presentable. After some time with her we discovered that her schooling situation disqualified her from the Promise House program.
Amanda’s mom came in the evening to take care of Sophia while I took the girls to church. It was hard for me. During the music time I sort of lost it. I wasn’t sure why. I just felt really overwhelmed . . . about a lot of things I guess. About being back in the U.S. About how I don’t feel nearly as devoted to Jesus as I used to be.
Then I look up and see the backs of the four Promise House girls’ heads . . . sitting among kids they don’t have anything in common with. And I ask myself “Can I really love these girls?” “Can I really share life with these girls . . . and serve these girls?”
Nope. I can’t. I mean . . . . not on my own. And that’s pretty much how I live my life. Getting by (and doing pretty well) on my own. Without truly depending on the power of Jesus . . . his love, grace, truth.
So . . . I guess I can . . . because I follow Jesus
I’ve always kind of thought Philippians 4.13 was a whimpy, cliche verse. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I never really understood why it was so popular. I don’t think I really understood what it meant. I understand now. And it’s quickly becoming my daily bread.
Never a dull day at the PH!! We discovered that one of the girls was sneaking chips from the pantry. We knew who it was and wanted to give her a chance to fess up. She wouldn’t do it. So we had to apply the heat a bit . . . and she confessed!!
That was huge! It made me so happy!! That was all about learning about repentance and forgiveness. These girls don’t really know how to function that way. They’re learning. These girls are awesome and God is working in their lives. He’s breaking hearts . . . . little by little.
Life is good. It’s crazy! But, that’s what makes it good!!! Abundant Life at the Promise House. Amen.
We’re halfway through our first 4 day weekend as houseparents at the Promise House. Here’s how it works: You spend 10 days on duty and then 4 days off. We’re on our 4 days.
We’re using the time to visit family and try to get re-focussed. The past couple of weeks were crazy! We learned so much.
We want to go back on duty in a couple of days with a renewed vision and focus. And hopefully with an organized apartment!
I’m not going to lie . . . this job is hard!! We are definitely in over our heads . . . but it’s all good. I say it’s all good because we know this is where Jesus has put us. There is no doubt in our minds that Jesus led us to this job and wants us to be here. So, we know that he’ll give us all we need to do what we’re suppossed to do . . . and be what we’re supposed to be.
A couple girls got in a fight a few days ago. I had to physically get between and break it up. One of the girls had to leave the house for good. I felt bad. Like we had failed her. At the same time, I felt relieved because she had given us trouble from day one.
God is big. We can’t fix everything. But we can be obedient. We can dedicate our lives to him. We can give him everything we are and live our lives for him alone. That’s what we’ll do. At this point we don’t have much of a choice.
We we’re talking to a caseworker of the one of the girls. She told us that she was a believer. Amanda said “So, you can’t do your job without Jesus either!” . . . . the caseworker told her there was no way without Him. He’s our strength.
We can do all things through Him who gives us strength (and called us to do it).
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