Wow, so much has happened and we just haven't been able to get to you. Jessie declined a marriage proposal yesterday, Kendall had a guy want to come to America with her.....well now that I think about it, all the teen girls have been proposed to!
After 2 hours in the car we made it to Iman and Julie was able to greet the wife of Aiden's grandfather. Going to the village was a great experience. The people were very respectful and kind to us and listened to Julie with great respect. It did get a little chaotic when Lenord and Kyla passed out the goodies (medical stuff, sun glasses, etc.)and when we let some of the local men pass the candy out to the children. it was so cool to see the expression on the faces of the Iman people. For most it was the first time they had ever seen a white person. it was a neat experience for all of us.
Yesterday and today it has been crazy hot! Those cold showers aren't so bad after all!
I love walking on the compound here and hearing the children shout with joy when they see me....they run and jump in my arms. It is so wonderful.
I took the teen girls over to help the aunties and we offered to do anything....wash dishes, sweep, wash clothes, anything. They had us sit down on a bench and all of the sudden we were all hand babies to take care of. That was a treat for us but they appreciated it so much. It gave them time to do other things they wanted to do. Chloe was able to get to bathe a child, but we didn't get that opportunity yet.
Kyla and Julie spent a lot of time today helping a very sick man from the village. The men worked very hard in the hot sun getting the playground started. Kendall got her hair braided, I have learned how to walk with a bucket of water on my head and Maddie has gotten great at "backing a baby".
We passed out the pillow dresses today. The girls loved them. Chloe is working on her second scotch (it is amazing) and Jessie ate a catfish liver tonight....yes it was cooked and she did it on a dare!
There is just so much to tell. This place is beautiful beyond belief. Not just the scenery but especially the people. I am in love with otutulu. What a blessing!
Ok, it is very hot and I am very tired so I am heading back to our home to take a nice cold shower. Just know that everyone is healthy, happy, having a great time serving. We are also missing our family back home. We love you all. I know L-man has hard a hard time getting to talk with Renee but he misses her and the girls very much.
Cho du du (good night), love and blessings,
laura
Ok girls, no husbands on this trip please! And Chloe, go easy on the scotch :-). Sounds like the group continues to build and strengthen some wonderful bridges! Laura, thanks so much for the reports of health and the progress being made. Everyone of you are in our thoughts and prayers as well as those you serve. Rest and sweet dreams to all!
ReplyDeleteHolly
Laura, Thank you for the wonderful update. We love the little details. We'll have to try that catfish liver at home - right Jessie?
ReplyDeleteI'll let Mary know - and she can pass on to the other C4 seamstress' that the pillowcase dresses were a hit.
Love to all of you.
Susan B
Oh Laura, what a great post… thank you for taking the time to share a little bit more about what’s going on. Sounds like there have been some great adventures out there while you’ve been serving our Lord!
ReplyDeleteI’m eager to hear Leonard’s voice, but I’m also prepared to wait until the airport. And it helps a lot hearing about what’s going on and the things y’all are doing. I definitely want to know more about the scotch Chloe’s working on. :-) And like Holly, I’m thinking the girls need to pass on the husbands this trip… stick to being the Bride of Christ this go round!
I hope you guys are taking tons of photos, because I want to see Kendall’s hair, Maddie backing a baby and YOU carrying water on your head!
My love to Leonard and the whole team!