Happy Post!

Yes thats right people the Lord has given me something to be happy about so I thought I´d write it as proof that in this work/world happy posts do exist! (haha) A week ago I was informed that I needed to move out of the place where I was living. My world didnt shatter, but I did wonder what in the world I was going to do´! Especially so close to christmas. I had JUST finished listening to a podcast called Trade your peace for HIS. So I decided to put the ideas into practice and ask God to move for me that week and rest in his peace. A long story and many prayers later, God came through! Not in the way I expected him to at all, but he met my need in an amazing way, including all the little details! I was no longer saying “it never rains like when it pours” regarding trials..it was now about blessings! THANK YOU JESUS! My place really is darling as someone put it and I´ll be sure to post a few pics soon as I unpack the boxes!

On ministry news, back at my community things are going well. I get some news early Jan about more involvement..on a very big scale! It seems some help is needed…and a few of the people who co0ordinate there think I can help! lets see what the Lord will do!

Also being in my new area I feel so much more connected with the ´real´ Bolivia. Not because my home before was so nice..but mainly the connection with my local community. There seems to be lots of ´potential´to reach out to the community and families and I was pleasantly suprised by a sibling group of four today, who came running over to help me carry my mattress into my new house (bless) I´d love to learn more about that family..

anyways its late and I have lots and lots to do..plus get ready for christmas and visitors! Hope you enjoyed reading my happy post.. and if you did leave a comment to say so!

chau for now!xx

Differences (repost)

Another repost from last year. When I re-read some of what I have posted on my blog, I am reminded that its been such a learning curve since the day I stepped on this green sunny part of the earth! And this post although a year old still holds as true today as it did then. Sometimes our differences are so evident especially on the missionfield (cos thats what satans wants us to focus on) and it feels so hard to get over them. I believe the Lord and HIS love is the the only thing that can help. I also believe that where there is the willingness to see it this way, its far better to focus on the things we have in common, than our differences. Hope you enjoy the read.

Someone said something to me the other day that made me laugh, but sobered me at the same time. We were dicussing the dramas of being a missionary, the problems that come up, the spiritual opposition and the sad reality that most missionaries leave the mission field due to clashes with other missionaries (how sad huh?) It made me get pretty mad at the devil and see that for so many centuries he seems to be winning at something that I know grieves the heart of God. Separating the body of Christ, something that should be the most powerful entity in the world.

Being honest since entering missions I have never encountered so many different expressions of Christianity or oppositions to mine! I personally think its beautiful that we are all different (even though it doesn’t always feel that way!) and as it says in 1 Corinthians 12-12-30 we all offer something different to the body. So why are we in some much contention with one another? Why do we live so divided and unwilling to put aside our debatable differences and fight for the same cause? It really grieves me so I can only imagine what it does to our Heavenly Father! Dont get me wrong I count myself very much as part of those who need to unite and set aside my own way of thinking and I have learnt so much from my fellow christians, even if its as simple as accepting that we are different, but still acknowledging that we are one..I cant say I don’t need them and they cant say they don’t need me.

We have such a long way to go dont we, as individuals and as a Church. And if we be honest the problem is smple… a lack of love! I mean paul says it straight after he tells us not to be divided (1 Corinthians 13) and if I be honest thats exactly why I personally find it difficult to embrace different people (Lord help me). But I dont think its impossible for us to unite. I truly believe its starts with me (and you), my personal decision to do my best to be at peace with all men, which may even be deciding to not always be right and saying my way IS the way and focusing on the goal set before me/us.

I think about my culture being a black woman and how I never knew how much my culture had influenced me until I was taken out of it and expected to not only embrace my new countries culture but that of all those I meet here on the mission field. Being really honest that has not been easy! You dont meet many black people on the mission field and I have seen how my ‘ways’ which include my faith and culture have been grossly misunderstood and many times I’ve felt left out and not accepted. But God is always faithful to bring those who embrace the difference and see it as an opportunity to learn of me and I of them. I need to ‘get’ that a concept alot more mind you!

So what did my friend say? they said “remember when we just came down here to serve God??” I thought wow yeh I do!! Not that I am here for any other reason, but sometimes in life’s dramas its easy to lose focus. Lord forgive me! And Lord I pray you continue to remind me this it’s ALL about you. Help that be my continual motivation and focus!!

I’m out!

Its been so long since I’ve written and I am aware I have regular readers..and snoopers (hee hee) so I thought it best to post something. Well kind of been in the fire these past few weeks, as granny used to say it never rains like when it pours! Life here as a missionary feels pretty hard and lonely and as I come closer to christmas and new years I really do wonder what God has in store. There are many things ‘up in the air’ right now..but I’me believing God has something good in store..SOON!
Well thats probably the shortest post ever! I have been under serious spiritual attack of late, and sometimes its even harder to explain what I mean when I say that. But for those of you who ‘get it’ please please pray.

Hope to be in touch with you again soon

till next time… My recent visitos going for a swim!

It was (strangely for cochabamba) getting cold!

Concerns and my Cosy Corner.

I’ve had a few kids from the (original) bridge, and recent community iI visit, that have been on my mind these past few weeks for various reasons. I thought I’d share them briefly.

Mothers

I’ve recently been ‘reconnected’ with two girls I had been out of touch with for a long time. (really helps dull the pain of losing Zulma) They both called me this week to talk about their children. They both ‘lost’ kids since I’ve known them and one has actually ‘lost’ two children (myself and skip helped to bury one of her kids last year) She has since given birth to a third child and I’m slightly ‘holding my breath’ to see how this one goes….and praying that God can somehow break the mentality of this 3rd generation street girl to give some hope to her new child’s future.

The 2nd mother seems to have accepted that her child in doing better without than with her, as they are in a much better place than where I first found them, living under a drug infested bridge. But it still really saddens me that ‘families’ can be separated like this due to the cycle of neglect, abandonment and abuse. It also motivates me to keep going and reaching out in prevention to simular families to some how stop this cycle from continuing…I hope.

My ’son’

Ruben has been really concerning me the last few times I’ve seen him. I bumped into him late at night a few nights ago, he was getting ready to go to sleep in a different place from normal, with a different set of kids. He seems really detached..hasnt smiled and when I asked him if he was just serious (as he denied he was sad) he said yes..why?…I dont know and he wont say. I feel more concerned because its been a tough time for the kids with 3 friends dying in 3 months (2 commiting suicide in 2 weeks)… and I’m hoping this isn’t a potentially dangerous reaction to that….

The community

I’ve had a ‘proposal’ presented to me this week which is quite exciting and no doubt I’ll share more as it pans out. But what’s concerning me more about the kids there in the community is that I know personally of 2 serious cases where 10 kids need somewhere to live…like NOW! They are either being abused or are at very high risk of abandonment…and I guess I just wish I had my home..like yesterday to give them a safe place to live (sigh) I know..everything in it’s time!… Four of the kids have been refused entry to a home as the home dont want to work with kids who have a living parent!

Anyway good thing is I am expecting some little visitors in the next few hours for the weekend! And am very excited about it! I love practicing being mum and I love having someone else to care for and worry about rather than focusing on me and my own problems. So I’m happy about my up and coming weekend. I’m also really excited abpout watching Ice Age III and Tinkerbell with them, probably in my new ‘cosy corner’! Oh and may even get to keep reading ‘The Shack’ while i’m there too!

I made these! Like em? I LOVE my cosy corner!

well thats it..have a good weekend!

Giving birth

Now I havent had much experience in the natural in giving birth, but from what I’ve been told, I have come to realise that when you are ‘birthing’ a dream or vision in the spirit, there are some intresting parallels to the physical and spiritual process. I may have lost some of you already..which is no problem! Just like with a physical birth, this post will only relate to certain people at certain points of their lives! (spiritually speaking)

“If only they would have told me it would be this hard I would never have started”…those were my words but also words I’ve heard many a woman in labor speak! There is a pain that comes with giving birth that has the power to make you stop and say sorry cant do this I’m going home (those of you who told me you did that during labor shall remain nameless lol). I have found that to be so true in these crucial times, pain comes so strong and impacting…that you feel you just cant go on. Offence, insecurities, violation, rejection..you name it. Many times they are sent at the wrong time just to discourage you from going any further.

I’ve found ‘giving birth’ to be a lonely experience as well, where not many people ‘get’ what I’m going through, or the real pain involved. They dont get why I dont want them to ‘touch me’ but I still need them close by for prayer and support when needed. When you are pregnant there are certain things you can not eat, because they may do damage or harm to your baby, raw eggs being one of them. For me the raw eggs have been the naysayers.. saying things ( not neccessarily direct to me or verbally) like ‘as if SHE could do that’ “SHE’S not called of God.” God has shut that door”, “Look God opened this door”, all ‘innocent’ enough comments it would seem…but being quite honest there have been quite a few people who havent had a clue what they are talking about that I’ve had to be really careful not to take in their raw eggs of advice or comments..or it will literally harm the vision, the dream, the baby!

The people that have been most helpful for are my ‘midwives’ the ones who are helping me give birth to the vision, the ones who have held my hand and shouted PUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSH at crucial moments! When it’s been hard and I’ve wanted to give up they’ve seen the babies head and said NO!, YOU MUST KEEP GOING..this baby HAS to come! It’s too late to give up now, just keep pushing! They’ve helped administer ‘pain killers’ with kind words, scriptures, prophetic insight and general encouragement..where would I be without them!!

This may seem like a silly post to some but I cant tell you how real this experience of giving birth has been to me of late! Recent opportunities that have been presented to me working in the community have made me see the importance of having the right people in my life at this crucial stage..I need God to send the right midwives to me or there could be a troubled birth and maybe even the death of a baby or a dream!

Anyway hope it makes sense to atleast some of you. Thanks for reading cos if you did this far, i’m trusting there has been something of intrest to you to keep reading!

be blessed readers…and til next time if you are in labor and giving birth to a dream or a vision, keep pushing till that baby comes!

Pray!

Thats the only thing along with God guided and inspired action that I believe can change these kids situation for good! Last night was the first of many monthly prayer meetings made up of a bunch of people who believe and want to see God do more in the street kids lives. I was amazed at how God ’showed up’ and spoke many many things through prophesies and visions. He also through many of the prayers confirmed his vision for the street kids (personal stuff he’s given me) and how we the body of christ can acheive that. It was an exciting meeting! We lifted up some kids by name and just felt God has so much bigger plans than the enemy has to destroy them!!

I was therefore really intrested to be called over by one of the kids today who told me the police had come and taken ALL the others. The 2 who spoke to me ran away when they saw them coming. A guy from another org was able to confirm the police had them, but we are unsure when they will let them go! I have heard many horror stories in the past that the police have beaten them, taken them far out and used their labour then made them walk back and I even remember seeing the bruises on a pregnant Zulma’s body as they had given her ‘two’ hits one for her and one for her unborn child! I don’t take these things as coincidences as we prayed for all the kids last night. I’ve been really praying Gods protection over them..where ever they are!!!

Do your ears hang low?

The title may have insighted some of you to burst into impromtu song..which I’ll be happy to add at the end of the post! (coincidentally where is it from anyone?) For some strange reason I’ve had this funny, no real sense making song in my head over these past few days and I thought about how fun it would be to teach it to some of the kids I know..more on that later.

Today was community day, as always I really enjoy going, learning and mentally planning just how I can be of help and develope ‘ministry’ there. Today was no different, infact the best thing about it was the many different people I met. Here are a few.

Padre-or father in spanish, he is the head of the projects there and I met him for the first time today. He kindly took me for a tour of the area in his truck so I was able to see the real span of the place I was in..it’s HUGE and judging by the population growth rate wont be getting smalller any time soon…there really is LOTS of work to be done. So many families in need. I feel blessed to be a part!

Potential staff?- on the ride out there I sat next to a social work student who I’d met a few weeks before, normally very quiet she interupted me and asked what I was reading..unsure how to say (and how she’d react) to ‘A womans guide to spiritual warfare’! I said a book on prayer..I found out she was also a christian and seeking God for her next move after her studies finish soon. I had a light bulb moment when I told her that the first ‘member of staff’ I’m looking for is a social worker….hold that thought!

Five kids-In the time I was there around 4-5 kids really stuck out to me one of them I over heard talking to a social worker, saying how much he hated his dad. I was a bit shocked at the ‘advice’ this young girl gave him. Of course I totally agree with forgiveness and know that hate is no way to live. But telling a child that they have to just try and ‘understand’ that their dad beats them (and the whole family) and that ’sooner or later’ he’ll realise that he is wrong..is just stupid and is not the teaching I’d give to a child who is being abused.

The 2nd, 3rd and 4th kids that stuck out were simply kids that seemed to be either attention seeking or burdened. One was a 16 yr old carrying a child I thought was hers, but was her younger sister, her eyes looked sad and full of fear. I later found out why… Another was a kid who kept climbing a very dangerous metal structure, seeking attention but seemed to respond well every time I spoke to him and advised him to get down.

The last kid was a little darling who came running up to me and greeted me with a big grin and soft smile, she obviously recognised me, but I honestly couldnt remember her, anyway she was the one who gave me my opportunity to sing my song. She came over to me at one point and started an impromptu song, after she finished she asked me to sing to her, I taught her a few in English, including Do your ears hang low!

You know the amazing thing about these 5 kids, without me knowing I had met 5 kids of the same family..who all happen to be brothers and sisters of the boy who says his dad is beating them!! The story was later confirmed by the staff, by saying that they had, had TERRIBLE problems with him, and he has actually thrown out the oldest two! I dont think it’s a coincidence that these kids all caught my attention today and are stuck in such an awful situation. As always praying that God helps me help them where possible soon!

Oh yeh for those who want to know the song..it goes

Do your ears hang low
Do they woble to and fro
Can you tie them in a knot
Can you tie them in a bow
Can you toss them over your shoulder like a regimental soilder
Do you ears, hang, low!

VISION-(repost from last year)

This post came into my mind in recent times while praying for the future for the kids, I thought i’d repost it. In recent times we’ve seen 3 street kids PERISH..die..could it be for lack of vision?..harsh words? but lets face the truth, if you havent got a vision and arent working for a purpose..what Gods word says is true…Where there is no vison the (STREET KIDS) people PERISH….very very scary! please read on….

It’s one of, if not the most important things in life I think and is essential for a ministry to have. Vision. From the 1st day I ever met a street kid I knew this simply was not the plan God had for them, when he placed them in their mothers womb. God says is Jeremiah 29:11 I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Most of these kids are certainly not living in much hope..

I think vision is also essential in life, where do we see ourselves going, where will we be in 1yr,5yr,10yr or 20 yrs? Are we planning or just sitting and waiting for it to happen..or someone else to do it for us? It can be quite a daunting thought which I probably go into a little too much. But there is a truth that gives me great peace..GOD has a vision and a plan! For my life, for my ministry and for my future! Praise him! It’s for us to seek HIM for it. Not bring our own agenda, great ideas, thoughts and feelings, etc, but to really say God what is your plan, for these kids?, for my life?, for my ministry?, what do YOU have in mind?! To some that might seem irresponsible, but to me it brings GREAT relief, that I can ask God if I can get in on his ideas and plans and not simply ask him if he’s willing to get in on mine!

I am actually greatly encouraged by that thought and in recent days God has been confirming his plan and vision for many areas of my life to me. I never saw myself as much of a visionary, or missionary for that matter! But turns out I’m doing both of those right now whether I like it or not!

In proverbs 29:18 its says “Where there is no vision the people perish” YIKES! pretty heavy words and to me personally I take that quite literally to mean, if I dont seek God and fufill his vision for these kids, not only I but they (the people) perish also! That’s some responsability! But again I am encouraged that If I/we stick on the right path with God, he reveals to us each step and how to complete what HE wants us to do (or if you are eagar and have my kind of hunger for vision he might just give u a sneek peek of the next 20 yrs!).

I’ve read 100’s of books and ideas on street kids ministries, do and donts, pros and cons and they have all had their benefits..but ultimately you have to know what GOD is saying to you, and then go and do it! That’s the not so easy part.

Someone said to me when God gives a plan (the what) that’s the easy part, the next bit is the who, the when, the where, and the how part..that can kind of take a bit longer!

So anyway be encouaraged that God has a plan and a vision for your future, all we need to do is seek Him for it and then follow his lead to see it fulfilled!

Till next time…

The Community

Whilst in Colombia on my ‘Working with Children at Risk’ course 18 months ago, I was praying for my return to Bolivia, I had what I believe was a ‘vision’ or picture as some christian circles call it. A very strong image in my mind/imagination. I saw a mountain/ hill country, there was a LONG line of kids going way back and the front kid said to me ‘Rehanna come, we are waiting for you’. I was also told by 2 other people that they had visions of me in a dry arrid land, one described a building close by. On my first visit to the community we stopped to get our next transportation, as I looked accross the road I saw something that made my mind flash back to what one of these people said, I felt like it was the building they described. As I got up the mountain I saw how dry and arrid the ground was and on my last visit I was advised that there are more and more families settling in this community going atleast 1 km back from the hill we climbed (the hill with the line of kids that went far back!)

We’ve had some really good conversations regarding this community and my involvement with them. I’ve seen the families and rooms these families live in, I was heartbroken as I was told about 4 children who were refused from a home because their mother is still alive (but trust me she’s not kicking!) I guess the home didnt want to work with the mother as well. As the social worker introduced me to more and more kids and other recognised me from before I felt something ’strange’ inside of me, the fathers love for them. I said outloud… in a whisper, wow Lord I LOVE these kids..that can only be HIM!

Two girls in the dry arrid land.

I think I now understand the role God wants me to have there, it’s scary and exciting. I’m not ready to share it all right now, but I am so greatful for God opening this door to me. This preventitive side of my ministry. If I had any doubt as to whether I should persevere there I was introduced to one of the girls who is at high risk of becoming a street kid, her name was the same as one of the girls I’ve worked with who lost her child due to her street life. I felt God say “Dont let this ‘one’ have the same fate as the other!

Praying for a better future for her!

Till next time.. i’ll keep you all informed!

I believe in Miracles!

I’ve just come back from a short getaway visiting a friend in La Paz Bolivia. I never knew a simple desire to get away could be so drawn out and stressful. Firstly I should say I believe in miracles of all sorts, that’s why I am here, not accepting the status quo amoung street kids and the poor, I really do believe for change. But there is something special about when God does a personal miracle for me. In a nutshell I was looking for a flight go away, a series of ’strange and wonderful’ events took place all day. My dear mum seeing how upset and stressed I was over the past few weeks events gave me some money to get away (love ya mum). It seemed straight forward but it was the hardest thing ever finding a flight to get on. I couldnt find my card details at one point and was told there were NO flights suitable to my budget..or time frame. I was advised to go to the airport and go on a waiting list..I did..I was told they were TWENTY people over and three people who had already paid were definately not getting on the flight that I wanted, I was told it was IMPOSSIBLE THREE times! BUT, I know impossible is where God works best! I stuck it out and put up with sarcastic smiles and remarks and laughs and stares as I quietly waited and believed the ‘voice’ in my head telling me ‘Nothing is impossible to him who believes’. I approached the desk 3 times and was ‘politely’ laughed at each time, the last time I said well I’ll wait, you never know a miracle might happen..you can imagine the raised eyebrows and eyes in the back of the head! BUT after enduring that for 2 hours I heard the desk staff humbly tell me to come forward..miraculously a few spaces had come up!!! I cant tell you how happy I was, and how humbled the staff were! As I gave in my boarding card I saw 2 of the staff who had laughed at the fact that I was waiting for a miracle. I saw a certain respect they had for me as I handed the card and they greeted me, she spooke with a certain warmness in her voice wishing me a safe flight. I regret not fully explaning WHY I waited for a miracle to take place…but hey I think the look on her face said she got it!
‘

We had a great 'girlie' weekend!

So another ‘weird’ post but maybe you are waiting for a miracle to take place, maybe its personal, maybe its work or ministry based..can I say JUST BELIEVE..because, as I believed I saw my miracle!

Mark 9:23 EVERYTHING is possible to him who believes’