Giving a Face and a Name

The past few weeks have been wonderful and very busy!

Working With the Teens

The week after Easter, a high school group from the Albany, NY area came down for a weeklong mission trip in Abbeville.  Given the fact that we have a newborn, we were able to help facilitate during the days.  The week consisted of prayer, various work projects, home visits, nursing home visits, and other types of ministry.  It was such a wonderful experience to get to know the youth and their leaders and minister to them and along side them.  Our children jumped right into the work of the week, and they proved to us yet again that when you approach life loving unconditionally, diving all in, and giving everything until there is no energy left, God can work through you in ways you never imagined.  We watched so many hearts change through serving and loving others.

Around midweek I was talking with a group of students and I listened to one of the students talk about how he had seen a note on the bulletin board of the Christian Service Center from a young man in need of the funds for a college application.  The student gave the money to one of the leaders to give to the young man in need, but wasn’t able to actually meet him in person.  Later that week I was back at the Christian Service Center.  I happened to meet in to the young man applying to college and was able to introduce him to the student that had helped him.  It was such a blessing to watch those two young men connect, talk, and develop a friendship.  It was amazing to see the joy on their faces, and to see how a mission trip “to help the poor” changes when “the poor” have a face and a name and a story to share!

Another day, Josh took three of the high school students, a chaperone, Elijah, and MJ to do some home visits with some of the people that we have befriended over the year.   They went back to the house where we first met Dorothy (Click here to read that story).   Dorothy wasn’t there, but Ms. Alfreda was home.   While we were talking Ms. Alfreda was crocheting away.  As we got ready to leave she handed MJ and the high school girl that was with them two scrunchies for their hair.   On the drive back the high schoolers were talking in the back seat, commenting how they thought they had came down to Louisiana to give to those in need, but they were the one’s receiving!

Rebekah with Grandma (and Josh)

Aside from the mission trip, we had Josh’s parents come and visit from Buffalo around Easter.  After the mission trip our dear friends Pete and Sarah and their family visit from Buffalo for Rebekah’s baptism.  It was wonderful to relax, hangout with everyone, introduce them to Rebekah, visit the local splash pad, and play a few board games.  We went to New Orleans to apply in person for Rebekah's passport (we are able to get it much more quickly this way) and we spent some time sightseeing and eating beignets. 

Rebekah's Baptism

Speaking of Rebekah, she is gaining weight beautifully now (thanks for all your prayers!!)  With her passport on the way, and a green light from the pediatrician we are able to make travel plans!  We hope to leave Big Woods to return to Mexico May 10^th!!  I am so excited to be able to stay in one place for more than two months!  (We have not had that luxury since this past summer!)  So this week you will find me packing, organizing, sorting and purging along with homeschooling, parenting, and whatever else the Lord has in store!  Know you all continue to be in our prayers!!

Beignets in New Orleans