December 2011

Greetings from Sierra Leone. Many things are happening and the Lord is working mightily here in Mokanji. While there are some frustrations, which at times appear mountainous - like being without internet communication for the past month, there are multiple glimpses of hope and joy.

- Charles is busily directing the construction of staff housing, the structure of a planned children's home, and a guest house. Even the section chief and other community leaders have commented on the progress. In the day to day encounter with the town's people, we can see hope rising in their lives.

- We referred two young people from different villages to have plastic surgery done at Mercy Ship.  Both patients had cleft lip since birth.

- We are building relationships with people by participating in their everyday activities, like watching a soccer match and cheering them on. In turn, we invite them to become part of our family. Just the other day I prepared and shared some pumpkin pies from produce which a good friend sent us. Also, when one of the men who works with us received news that his wife had given birth to a son, we had an impromptu birthday celebration for the baby and the parents.

- Each morning before we begin our work, we gather with our workers and have a short scripture reading as well as prayer.

- Thanks to donated library and text books, I have material for offering adult literacy classes in small group settings. I am excited to impart basic reading and writing skills in a homeschool fashion.

- Some people, acquaintances from close by and far of, send farm produce to us. I promptly turn the fruit into smoothies, regift them to other folks and thus hopefully demonstrate different ways of food preparation and educate in healthy nutrition.

Yes, many things are happening in Mokanji and the Lord is working mightily in the lives of individuals. We wish you a "Merry Christmas" and "God's blessing" for the next year.