Less Stuff, More Joy -Part2

I want to introduce you to Joseph. Joseph lives in the beautiful Rift Valley. He is 9 yrs. old, and has neither father nor mother. Joseph is living with his grandmother. Up until last year he was going to school, but because the grandmother can no longer afford to send him, he must work for 20 shillings a day (less than a quarter) as a shepherd of a large flock. The money earned from the owner of the flock is used to buy food for the family. It's the Kenyan culture that since Joseph is the youngest he is served last. This means that by the time the plate gets to him there may not be any food left for him.

Sadly this isn't just Joseph's story, this is the story of countless young Kenyans.

But because Joseph stepped out boldly and spoke up, his future will not be the same as his past. Recently while a team from Texas was visiting Cornerstone Preparatory Academy, Joseph was grazing his flock nearby and quietly came up to one of the team members and said, " I want to go to THAT school." Because our God is at work in unexplainable and unimaginable ways, the good news is --Joseph you can go to THAT school.

And I had the privilege of meeting Joseph while we were at CPA. He was grazing the flock down the road from the school and saw our vans go by. Thinking they were coming to get him, he quickly made his way to the school. Talk about persistence!

Here is Joseph's full story.

Joseph with his herd

I love his smile!

Bonfire and Fun Times 

Saturday night found us around the campfire singing and making s'mores. These children are so joyful! It just goes to show that it doesn't matter what has happened in your life, you can still praise the Lord for His goodness, love, and faithfulness. Wounds and scars can go very deep, but not so deep that His love and healing is not deeper still.

"Sing unto the Lord, praise the Lord: for He has delivered the poor.."

Sticky hands! :)

Happiness is the Lord

Every drop counts!

Random Photos

I have a very full camera roll, to say the least. As I've been looking back through my pictures today, I didn't realize just how much of my heart they stole. :) And as you look at this pictures you might just see what I'm talking about.

John

All 59 children, plus a few.

Esther, Ann, Emily.

    

I spent quite a bit of time in the baby room.

Franklin -wrapped around my finger.

Sweet Virginia

Full arms and heart!

Hannah x 4! :)

 These are the two kids that I sponsors. It was so good to meet them and spend sometime getting to know and love on them!

Robbie

Tabitha

Some of you have said to me, "You looked so happy, you were just glowing." Well, your eyes didn't deceive you. I was very happy and sad all at the same time. Happy because prays were becoming a reality and sad because there is much heartbreak to meet the eyes. I don't know what God has for me next, but whatever it is I want to place my hand in His and follow. If Jesus left all the glory of heaven to seek and save you and I, surely I can forfeit the comforts of home and the nearness of family and friends to 'go therefore and teach all nations', telling them of Jesus, the way, the truth, the life.

Hugs from Hannah!