When I was here in June, the ladies asked how old I
was ..... so I returned the question. Many of the women said they didn’t know. They didn’t know how old they were or when
their birthday was. I figured they probably
never had a birthday party… BUT....everyone needs a birthday party. So, today we had one. We sang happy birthday and fed each other
cake. While it IS tradition to smear
frosting all over people’s faces, I don’t think I would have been brave enough to
start. But they did. What fun!! We all left with cheeks smeared in
cake. Happy Birthday Ladies!
Monday, August 12, 2013
Friday, August 9, 2013
A Good Night and......a Better Picture
I posted an awful
picture the other day claiming it was wonderful, because of the night it
represented. I tried to write more
of a story to go along with it but there isn’t really much of a story. It was a simple night. We didn’t share fancy food or drink. We had Coke and crackers. We didn’t go
anywhere. We just sat and talked. But it
was just one of those nights where things click.
After a month of building relationships - there comes a time when it just works - and conversation flows freely (translated easily) and laughter happens. We talked about the work happening in her life and how amazing it is. We heard how her life is being transformed from sad and heavy to joyful.. and then, I guess, I asked a forbidden question. I asked her to tell her “love marriage” story. When I wasn’t satisfied with the one sentence version I pressed for more. With nudging by her niece, she relented and shared - with giggles escaping. Her smile is infectious.. I think we all love that about her. You just feel comfortable in her home. I could comment about the home to give a clear picture of the setting but I won’t because that really wasn’t the important part. The important part was the sharing and the friendship built a world away. We stopped for a just a quick visit but lingered past dark and then walked home. We all had hearts full and our souls were fully encouraged.. that’s the important part.
After a month of building relationships - there comes a time when it just works - and conversation flows freely (translated easily) and laughter happens. We talked about the work happening in her life and how amazing it is. We heard how her life is being transformed from sad and heavy to joyful.. and then, I guess, I asked a forbidden question. I asked her to tell her “love marriage” story. When I wasn’t satisfied with the one sentence version I pressed for more. With nudging by her niece, she relented and shared - with giggles escaping. Her smile is infectious.. I think we all love that about her. You just feel comfortable in her home. I could comment about the home to give a clear picture of the setting but I won’t because that really wasn’t the important part. The important part was the sharing and the friendship built a world away. We stopped for a just a quick visit but lingered past dark and then walked home. We all had hearts full and our souls were fully encouraged.. that’s the important part.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
UPDATE
Lauren has been out of communication for a bit due to no internet/no electricity. Wants everyone to know that she is doing well and has many stories to share. (mom)
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