Saturday marked the 6 month anniversary of us moving in. Its been busy and often crazy at times, but we are happy. As far as the house goes, I thought I'd mention how I'm feeling about the house. We're in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath house, and it hasn't been as big of a deal as I thought it'd be. Occasionally the one bath is a problem, but it really isn't that much of an inconvenience. We've actually managed to get 5 people and Damari up, showered, and out the door to church by 9:00.
Things that have been done:
-install dishwasher
-work in flower beds
-plant a small garden
-create 4-wheeler trails
-clear out area by the creek
-paint Damari's room room and furniture (I put wrapping paper on the back of the shelves for more color)
-sew and hang curtains in Damari's room
-paint Damari's furniture
-hang curtains in our bedroom
-install exhaust fan in bathroom
-other miscellaneous repairs that have broken since our arrival
-I'm sure Josh has done more, but I can't think of them right now
Things we still want to do:
-level the floor in dining room
-hang curtains in living room
-plant some fruit trees
-plant bigger garden
-plant wildflower meadow
-hang ceiling fan in Damari's
-paint other dining room and our bedroom
-add another bedroom and bathroom
-redo the kitchen
...and this list could go on forever!
I enjoy having so much potential. Before we had this property we would dream about where we would end up, what our property would be like. Josh and I used to constantly look at real estate, especially land. Every town we visited we would wonder if we would end up there and if it would be home. We no longer even consider properties we see for sale, we don't even look at other towns anymore. We absolutely love where we are! When we first moved, I didn't think we'd have anything to dream about, but thankfully, I was wrong. Now we discuss whether to fix up our current house or to build a new one. There are so many possibilities and its so much fun. I hope that we create many more memories on this land and that we are able to bless many people because of this land. God has blessed us and I pray that we can share the love!
I'm eager to see what God brings us in the next 6 months and many more!
In unrelated news, Josh and I are heading out to Camp Horizon this week and we are so excited!
Showing posts with label josh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label josh. Show all posts
Monday, August 15, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
'Reflection' or 'The Simple Life'
Lately, I've been thinking of how blessed I am, in so very many ways. I believe that one of my favorite blessings is getting to stay home with Damari. That kid melts my heart, and I know he should, but really, he's awesome. Sure, we have our down days, but overall he really is a good kid.
The decision for me to stay home wasn't easy. When we first moved, I worked full time and Josh was initially working in Hendersonville Monday-Friday. That was a very tough and trying time for me, but we survived. Once Josh was home and we moved and settled in to 'The Farm' I was working 3 nights a week and Damari was in daycare. I hated him being there. Josh and I would pass each other in the driveway 3 days a week and the other days I'd spend catching up on sleep and all the housework. We were both extremely stressed. I'd be in tears numerous times a week due to the stress I had. I felt God wanted me at home and Josh and I talked about it and decided for us to make the jump.
After all, with my crazy schedule, Josh wasn't able to put in the hours he needed to for Graybrooke, so we solved many solutions at one time. Damari wasn't in daycare, I could tend to all the needs of raising a child and running a house, my sleep schedule was normal again, and Josh could pull the long hours needed to get a business started. We are fully trusting God to provide for us since we no longer have my steady income. I still work 4 hours a week, but that is a lot different than 36.
Anyway, back to my point, I am home with my son EVERY day. I love playing with him, teaching him new things, singing with him, laughing with him, coloring with him, exploring outside with him. He is really developing into a smart, funny, loving child. We have the tantrums at times and some days I want to scream and pull my hair out, but don't we all have those days no matter where we work? I love being able to cook a healthy dinner for my family (something that was rare when I worked full-time), keep the dishes done, grocery shop, do laundry and everything else.
Being able to stay home has opened me up to so many things. I had a garden this year for the first time and hope to have an even bigger one next year. I try a new recipe almost every week. I love to cook and really enjoy experimenting in the kitchen. I've started making my own dishwasher detergent and once I use up all our store bought cleaners I plan on making my own. I no longer use the dryer regularly, I line dry our clothes. All in all I feel like I'm getting back to the real meaning of life. Things don't have to be so elaborate and I don't need the newest gadget or appliance or whatnot. (I do however, HAVE to have my dishwasher!)
I love my simple life and some days I still only see Josh in passing, but I believe that God will bless us for trusting HIM and that He will bless Josh in his long hours and hard days. If an emergency comes up, Josh is able to be there with us or for us. We make time to be together as a family and Damari gets several hours alone with Josh on Wednesdays when I work, which I think is so important and awesome! I look forward to having more children and cooking for a big family. I want to raise them to respect authority and treat women with kindness and decency. I want them to know that life can be hard and you have to work for things, everything isn't just given to you. I want them to want to help others and serve those less fortunate than themselves. I want them to be able to entertain themselves and enjoy reading a good book. I want them to value God and family and a simple life.
LIFE IS GOOD!
The decision for me to stay home wasn't easy. When we first moved, I worked full time and Josh was initially working in Hendersonville Monday-Friday. That was a very tough and trying time for me, but we survived. Once Josh was home and we moved and settled in to 'The Farm' I was working 3 nights a week and Damari was in daycare. I hated him being there. Josh and I would pass each other in the driveway 3 days a week and the other days I'd spend catching up on sleep and all the housework. We were both extremely stressed. I'd be in tears numerous times a week due to the stress I had. I felt God wanted me at home and Josh and I talked about it and decided for us to make the jump.
After all, with my crazy schedule, Josh wasn't able to put in the hours he needed to for Graybrooke, so we solved many solutions at one time. Damari wasn't in daycare, I could tend to all the needs of raising a child and running a house, my sleep schedule was normal again, and Josh could pull the long hours needed to get a business started. We are fully trusting God to provide for us since we no longer have my steady income. I still work 4 hours a week, but that is a lot different than 36.
Anyway, back to my point, I am home with my son EVERY day. I love playing with him, teaching him new things, singing with him, laughing with him, coloring with him, exploring outside with him. He is really developing into a smart, funny, loving child. We have the tantrums at times and some days I want to scream and pull my hair out, but don't we all have those days no matter where we work? I love being able to cook a healthy dinner for my family (something that was rare when I worked full-time), keep the dishes done, grocery shop, do laundry and everything else.
Being able to stay home has opened me up to so many things. I had a garden this year for the first time and hope to have an even bigger one next year. I try a new recipe almost every week. I love to cook and really enjoy experimenting in the kitchen. I've started making my own dishwasher detergent and once I use up all our store bought cleaners I plan on making my own. I no longer use the dryer regularly, I line dry our clothes. All in all I feel like I'm getting back to the real meaning of life. Things don't have to be so elaborate and I don't need the newest gadget or appliance or whatnot. (I do however, HAVE to have my dishwasher!)
I love my simple life and some days I still only see Josh in passing, but I believe that God will bless us for trusting HIM and that He will bless Josh in his long hours and hard days. If an emergency comes up, Josh is able to be there with us or for us. We make time to be together as a family and Damari gets several hours alone with Josh on Wednesdays when I work, which I think is so important and awesome! I look forward to having more children and cooking for a big family. I want to raise them to respect authority and treat women with kindness and decency. I want them to know that life can be hard and you have to work for things, everything isn't just given to you. I want them to want to help others and serve those less fortunate than themselves. I want them to be able to entertain themselves and enjoy reading a good book. I want them to value God and family and a simple life.
LIFE IS GOOD!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thank God Thursday: Dedicated Husband
I'm so thankful for Josh. He is so dedicated to me and our family. He is truly an amazing father. I love getting to see him and Damari spend time together. He is so intentional about spending time with Damari everyday. Josh is my best friend and we always have so much fun together. Last night we went out to dinner. We took Damari, but it was the first time since Damari has been born that it was just the 3 of us. Damari was a great boy and Josh and I really enjoyed it.
Josh and I decided this week that I'm going to cut my hours back even more. I'll be working one-third the hours I've been working. I'm so excited! We decided that Damari needs his mommy, not a sitter. I'm so thankful for the peace and confirmation we've received from numerous people! We are convinced that we are doing the right thing and we know that God will take care of us. Josh is dedicated to do what it takes to take care of our family and provide for us.
Thank you Josh, I love you so much!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Busy Boy
Damari has been a busy boy! We've enjoyed the weather being nicer and have spent some time outside. Last week we tried out one of Damari's Christmas toys, (thank you Papa and Gigi). We will put it out in the yard when it gets warmer, but we tried it out in the garage for now. Damari seemed to like it pretty well.
Damari has visited all of his fellow baby friends in the last few weeks. We don't have pictures of each visit, but he's enjoyed hanging out with Malikye, Molly and Rayna and Azaylee. Malikye is a few weeks older, Azaylee is a couple weeks younger and Rayna is 2 months younger than Damari. He's got lots of friends his age to play with! Last night we were at Aaron and Ashley's house visiting with them and Azaylee. Damari borrowed her high chair and ate some cereal at their house. Damari and Azaylee were so cute together. They just kept staring at each other. Here is a pic of them holding hands...we didn't do this, they did!
And finally, just a few more random pictures of our growing boy. He's so happy all the time!
Damari has visited all of his fellow baby friends in the last few weeks. We don't have pictures of each visit, but he's enjoyed hanging out with Malikye, Molly and Rayna and Azaylee. Malikye is a few weeks older, Azaylee is a couple weeks younger and Rayna is 2 months younger than Damari. He's got lots of friends his age to play with! Last night we were at Aaron and Ashley's house visiting with them and Azaylee. Damari borrowed her high chair and ate some cereal at their house. Damari and Azaylee were so cute together. They just kept staring at each other. Here is a pic of them holding hands...we didn't do this, they did!
And finally, just a few more random pictures of our growing boy. He's so happy all the time!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Deborah knows!
If you were mailed a copy of our most-recent newsletter, then you probably already know that we recently received word from Pastor Emmanuel in Liberia that international adoption has be re-instated! This is exciting news to us. We have been waiting to hear this since May of this year! What this means for us now is that we can actually begin the adoption process!
After the New Year, Pastor Emmanuel, who is serving as our liaison in Liberia, will begin getting the procedures and paperwork on his end in order.
I have spoken with Pastor Emmanuel in Liberia just about every day since he shared the news with us. Last night (Christmas night), while I was speaking with Pastor Emmanuel, he shared with me that Deborah is VERY excited about her adoption! This was the first news I had heard that Deborah knows about our desire to adopt her… it really takes the emotional level up a notch, knowing now that she even knows of our desire, and that she is excited about it!
Our desire is to have Deborah here by summer time, so that she can acclimate to her new environment and new family for a couple of months before having to start elementary school. This assumes that we would start Deborah in school this Fall; there is the possibility that we would want to wait one more year, as Deborah will have just turned 5 years old, & she is really small for her age.
Please pray that this process would be free of hurdles and that the adoption process would move forward without a hitch.
Thank you friends,
Josh
After the New Year, Pastor Emmanuel, who is serving as our liaison in Liberia, will begin getting the procedures and paperwork on his end in order.
I have spoken with Pastor Emmanuel in Liberia just about every day since he shared the news with us. Last night (Christmas night), while I was speaking with Pastor Emmanuel, he shared with me that Deborah is VERY excited about her adoption! This was the first news I had heard that Deborah knows about our desire to adopt her… it really takes the emotional level up a notch, knowing now that she even knows of our desire, and that she is excited about it!
Our desire is to have Deborah here by summer time, so that she can acclimate to her new environment and new family for a couple of months before having to start elementary school. This assumes that we would start Deborah in school this Fall; there is the possibility that we would want to wait one more year, as Deborah will have just turned 5 years old, & she is really small for her age.
Please pray that this process would be free of hurdles and that the adoption process would move forward without a hitch.
Thank you friends,
Josh
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Just found this blog video
We just stubled across this blog video that never got posted, so here it is. It is from October 2009.
Monday, June 29, 2009
There is Not Enough
All is pretty well in the Robertson household...not much news. It is taking me longer to get caught up on things since I returned from Liberia than I had planned. Being away for three weeks got me really behind on a lot of things. After spending the first two weeks getting caught up on projects I had left in limbo, I have spent the past four weeks not working, just trying to get paperwork and other things taken care of. Not the best thing, since I should be out producing some income!
There were a lot of people who made my trip to Liberia possible (financial sponsors) who have been eager to hear about the trip, so we have been hosting guests at our home to see photos and hear all about the amazing trip. I've even been able to share photos and videos with Prosperity Park Dentistry and Lowes Home Improvement, both who helped by contributing supplies for some of the projects in Liberia.
Now that I'm back in the States, life as usual has begun to take over. It's the curse of living in the one of the busiest countries in America. It seems that we "busy" ourselves with so much stuff that we leave little time for friends, family, and those who do without on a regular basis, whether it is 10 miles down the street, or 10,000 miles away.
I continue to remind myself of the excerpt from the book, "Irresistible Revolution" about God "making a huge mistake". It reads,
I hope this except challenges you in daily life as much as it challenges me.
There is also a quote from the new NOOMA video Corner by Rob Bell, who states,
You can watch the entire video here: http://bit.ly/NoomaVideo (thank you Compassion International)
I highly recommend it. The ending has a little surprise.
I conclude with the words of Mother Teresa who said to Shane Claiborne (and to us all), "Find your Calcutta".
Blessings,
josh
PS - If you have visited this blog before, and remember seeing some posts that are no longer posted here, do not be alarmed...we have removed about 10 blog posts because we felt like they could be misinterpreted, and we didn't want to convey anything that was not factual or could offend anyone.
There were a lot of people who made my trip to Liberia possible (financial sponsors) who have been eager to hear about the trip, so we have been hosting guests at our home to see photos and hear all about the amazing trip. I've even been able to share photos and videos with Prosperity Park Dentistry and Lowes Home Improvement, both who helped by contributing supplies for some of the projects in Liberia.
Now that I'm back in the States, life as usual has begun to take over. It's the curse of living in the one of the busiest countries in America. It seems that we "busy" ourselves with so much stuff that we leave little time for friends, family, and those who do without on a regular basis, whether it is 10 miles down the street, or 10,000 miles away.
I continue to remind myself of the excerpt from the book, "Irresistible Revolution" about God "making a huge mistake". It reads,
I'm convinced that God did not mess up and make too many people and not enough stuff. Poverty was created not by God but by you and me, because we have not learned to love our neighbors as ourselves. Gandhi put it well when he said, "There is enough for everyone's need, but there is not enough for everyone's greed."
I hope this except challenges you in daily life as much as it challenges me.
There is also a quote from the new NOOMA video Corner by Rob Bell, who states,
...but this is ultimately about the far larger truth that if we each don't find some suffering and do something about it, we may become miserable. Our achievement, our education, our wealth, our time and our money; they'll turn on us if we don't spread them around. We leave a corner because in helping save someone else from suffering, we may in the process find ourselves being saved, from indifference, from the inertia of inaction, from taking what we have for granted.
You can watch the entire video here: http://bit.ly/NoomaVideo (thank you Compassion International)
I highly recommend it. The ending has a little surprise.
I conclude with the words of Mother Teresa who said to Shane Claiborne (and to us all), "Find your Calcutta".
Blessings,
josh
PS - If you have visited this blog before, and remember seeing some posts that are no longer posted here, do not be alarmed...we have removed about 10 blog posts because we felt like they could be misinterpreted, and we didn't want to convey anything that was not factual or could offend anyone.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Time's almost up
Josh's time in Liberia is almost up. Today is his last full day, they are leaving first thing tomorrow morning for their 29-hour trip home. Josh called me last night and they are staying at Pastor Emmanual's house in Monrovia. He gave Charlie and Josh his own bedroom. Josh said he had a bat and two mice in the room last night. I told Josh he better not get rabies this close to the end of his trip! Josh hasn't sounded as refreshed and excited since he left the orphanage. He told me he was ready to come home. Its really hot and he can't sleep. I think its finally catching up with him! He still is happy, but I believe he's looking forward to coming home. They went to the beach yesterday and he and Charlie really enjoyed it. Josh said it was so nice to swim and cool off. Apparently the orphanage is in the mountains and its much cooler there than in Monrovia.
They are having a farewell celebration tonight, Josh said he thinks a lot of people will be there. Please pray for continued health and safety and for safe travel starting tomorrow. They are leaving early tomorrow morning. Josh said they have had a few more issues with getting through checkpoints, so remember that part as well.
His flight home is the reverse of his flight there. He flies from Monrovia to Brussels to Chicago to Charlotte. I can't wait to see him! I'm leaving work a little early Saturday to pick him up!
They are having a farewell celebration tonight, Josh said he thinks a lot of people will be there. Please pray for continued health and safety and for safe travel starting tomorrow. They are leaving early tomorrow morning. Josh said they have had a few more issues with getting through checkpoints, so remember that part as well.
His flight home is the reverse of his flight there. He flies from Monrovia to Brussels to Chicago to Charlotte. I can't wait to see him! I'm leaving work a little early Saturday to pick him up!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Liz, a Liberian I work with
I talked to Josh yesterday morning. He had hidden a Mother's Day card for me in my car...what a surprise! They should be traveling to Monrovia, the capitol city, today and staying there until Friday, when they head back home! I can't believe how quickly the time has passed!
Last night at work, I talked with one of the Nurse Assistants. Her name is Liz and she is from Liberia. I hadn't had a chance to tell her Josh was there so I told her last night. She asked why and what he was doing. I told her and her face lit up, she started jumping up and down with a huge smile on her face. I told her how Josh and I both have a heart for Liberia. She shared with me that she was there during the Civil War, she escaped to a refugee camp in Ghana for a few years. She went back and brought as many of her siblings children here to America with her. We talked a little about how blessed we are here in America and how we take simple things, such as needing stitches and health care, for granted. I told her of the two boys Josh tried to help. She hugged and thanked me and started crying saying, "Deliver them, deliver them." It broke my heart. I didn't know what to do, so I just held her, let her cry and silently prayed for her. She told me that she appreciates what Josh and I are doing for her home country and that there needs to be more people willing to go over there and help. I asked her to pray for us and the child we hope to adopt from Liberia one day. It was such a neat moment! I can't wait till Josh gets home and I can share pictures and videos with her!
Please continue to pray for Josh and I. Pray for his continued safety and health. Pray for healing in Liberia, pray for those hurting from the recent war, where children watched their parents killed in front of them. Pray for us in regards to adoption, yes I am pregnant, but we hope to adopt one day. Pray that God will open up the right doors and help us to be in agreement about the right time, that we'll know HIS timing. Adoption in Liberia is currently closed due to some human trafficing and no rules. Pray that the rules will be set quickly and children may be delivered from Liberia. Thank you all again for your prayers, support and encouragement...We love you!
Last night at work, I talked with one of the Nurse Assistants. Her name is Liz and she is from Liberia. I hadn't had a chance to tell her Josh was there so I told her last night. She asked why and what he was doing. I told her and her face lit up, she started jumping up and down with a huge smile on her face. I told her how Josh and I both have a heart for Liberia. She shared with me that she was there during the Civil War, she escaped to a refugee camp in Ghana for a few years. She went back and brought as many of her siblings children here to America with her. We talked a little about how blessed we are here in America and how we take simple things, such as needing stitches and health care, for granted. I told her of the two boys Josh tried to help. She hugged and thanked me and started crying saying, "Deliver them, deliver them." It broke my heart. I didn't know what to do, so I just held her, let her cry and silently prayed for her. She told me that she appreciates what Josh and I are doing for her home country and that there needs to be more people willing to go over there and help. I asked her to pray for us and the child we hope to adopt from Liberia one day. It was such a neat moment! I can't wait till Josh gets home and I can share pictures and videos with her!
Please continue to pray for Josh and I. Pray for his continued safety and health. Pray for healing in Liberia, pray for those hurting from the recent war, where children watched their parents killed in front of them. Pray for us in regards to adoption, yes I am pregnant, but we hope to adopt one day. Pray that God will open up the right doors and help us to be in agreement about the right time, that we'll know HIS timing. Adoption in Liberia is currently closed due to some human trafficing and no rules. Pray that the rules will be set quickly and children may be delivered from Liberia. Thank you all again for your prayers, support and encouragement...We love you!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Josh can fix anything...well almost
Well, Josh is doing his thing in Africa. He's been working on the electrical stuff. They have twice the voltage that we have here (240v). There isn't any electricity except when they occasionally run the generator. Josh has been checking to make things safer. He also built 4 picnic tables TODAY! He's so good! He told me the kids could hear him working all day while they were in school and they ran over as soon as they got out. They all said "Thank you Brother Josh" and started singing. They didn't know what a picnic table was! He said he enjoyed seeing their faces when they saw it for the first time.
He also worked on the child with the gash in his leg. He told me he cleaned it thoroughly, using his finger. That really surprised me, I can't even begin to tell him my stories from work without him getting pale and sick! He said it surprised him too; he's just doing what he has to I guess. He put some bandages on it and instructed the child to keep it clean. Just when he thought he was done, another kid came up with a wound and Josh did the same thing again! I'm so impressed!
There is one thing, and its HUGE, that Josh hasn't been able to fix. The freshwater well broke, and he and Charlie only have three 1.5 liter bottles of water to share until it gets fixed. There is another well, but it isn't safe for them to drink. He said the water has spiders and other gross stuff in it. The orphanage was going to wait a few days and get a part from Monrovia, Josh said it needed to be fixed sooner. He went ahead and paid someone to fix it sooner, but they had left for the day. Hopefully it will be fixed tomorrow.
Josh said he now has a rash allover his body. It doesn't sound like a heat rash or allergic reaction. He said its small little bumps that ooze when he brushes his finger over them. When I got off the phone with him this afternoon, I just cried. I'm so worried about him. I don't think the pregnancy/hormones are helping any. Please continue to pray for us. Pray for his health, that he'll get clean water soon, and that the rash is nothing serious. Pray that my worrying will stop, I know God is in control. Also pray that my worrying won't harm our little Thumper. Thanks again! We couldn't do this without your support!
He also worked on the child with the gash in his leg. He told me he cleaned it thoroughly, using his finger. That really surprised me, I can't even begin to tell him my stories from work without him getting pale and sick! He said it surprised him too; he's just doing what he has to I guess. He put some bandages on it and instructed the child to keep it clean. Just when he thought he was done, another kid came up with a wound and Josh did the same thing again! I'm so impressed!
There is one thing, and its HUGE, that Josh hasn't been able to fix. The freshwater well broke, and he and Charlie only have three 1.5 liter bottles of water to share until it gets fixed. There is another well, but it isn't safe for them to drink. He said the water has spiders and other gross stuff in it. The orphanage was going to wait a few days and get a part from Monrovia, Josh said it needed to be fixed sooner. He went ahead and paid someone to fix it sooner, but they had left for the day. Hopefully it will be fixed tomorrow.
Josh said he now has a rash allover his body. It doesn't sound like a heat rash or allergic reaction. He said its small little bumps that ooze when he brushes his finger over them. When I got off the phone with him this afternoon, I just cried. I'm so worried about him. I don't think the pregnancy/hormones are helping any. Please continue to pray for us. Pray for his health, that he'll get clean water soon, and that the rash is nothing serious. Pray that my worrying will stop, I know God is in control. Also pray that my worrying won't harm our little Thumper. Thanks again! We couldn't do this without your support!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Rough Night for me
Last night was very rough for me. I've been staying at my mom's since Josh left. I decided it would be best for me to come home and stay on the weekends. I'm closer to work from my house and Asher, our cat, likes to be outside. I won't let him out while we're at my mom's. So this way, I think, is a fair compromise. I get the weeks with my mom and Asher and he gets the weekends outside. So, last night was my first night at home without Josh. I'm so spoiled, I know. I just don't like being alone. I hear every noise and don't sleep well. Last night was not any different! I cried for a little while and then just went to sleep.
This morning, I was still sad, but I'm trying to be an adult. :) I got ready and headed to work. I wasn't very far in to my tearful trip and my phone rang. It was none other than my beloved Josh! We talked for a while. He said they found one of his bags, the smaller of the two, which has the tools and stuff he needs to build the picnic tables. Hopefully he will get them today or tomorrow. I'm not sure how they will get from the airport to the orphanage. He still won't have any clothes, hand sanitizer, soap or other meds, but he can get by without all that. Its preparing him for the back-packing trip he has shortly after he gets home!
Today they are going to the African Bible College; someone there has a shop with power tools! We all know Josh is thrilled about that! They are taking the hardwoods and cutting them to proper size for the picnic tables. Hopefully the bolts and nails will be there soon.
Josh has been helping Charlie pass out meds. He said they have a little room they are calling "Brooke's office" for now. They keep medications and supplies there. Papa Anthony said it is where I would've worked if I'd have been able to go. I thought that was so sweet! Josh has given Motrin to someone who felt warm, he thinks had a fever and Motrin to someone else with facial swelling and a toothache. Apparently, Josh has been learning from watching me take care of people. I thought it was so cute! The nurse coming out in my sweet husband!
I'll update more when I can! Thanks for following and praying! It means a lot to Josh and I both!
This morning, I was still sad, but I'm trying to be an adult. :) I got ready and headed to work. I wasn't very far in to my tearful trip and my phone rang. It was none other than my beloved Josh! We talked for a while. He said they found one of his bags, the smaller of the two, which has the tools and stuff he needs to build the picnic tables. Hopefully he will get them today or tomorrow. I'm not sure how they will get from the airport to the orphanage. He still won't have any clothes, hand sanitizer, soap or other meds, but he can get by without all that. Its preparing him for the back-packing trip he has shortly after he gets home!
Today they are going to the African Bible College; someone there has a shop with power tools! We all know Josh is thrilled about that! They are taking the hardwoods and cutting them to proper size for the picnic tables. Hopefully the bolts and nails will be there soon.
Josh has been helping Charlie pass out meds. He said they have a little room they are calling "Brooke's office" for now. They keep medications and supplies there. Papa Anthony said it is where I would've worked if I'd have been able to go. I thought that was so sweet! Josh has given Motrin to someone who felt warm, he thinks had a fever and Motrin to someone else with facial swelling and a toothache. Apparently, Josh has been learning from watching me take care of people. I thought it was so cute! The nurse coming out in my sweet husband!
I'll update more when I can! Thanks for following and praying! It means a lot to Josh and I both!
Friday, May 1, 2009
BUGS & Fruit
I talked to Josh this morning; he called right after I woke up! He told me he woke up with his face and eyes burning. He slept with a mosquito net on his face, he doesn't know if something sprayed him through the net or what. He said it felt like a chemical burn in his eyes. He thinks it might have been a praying mantis. He washed his face as soon as he got up, but said that made it worse, he thinks it spread it. He got some alcohol wipe from Charlie and tried that. He said after about 4 hours it went away. He said his face isn't red and he's not having any vision problems.
He took a "shower" last night. The boil a pot of water and put it in a room with a drain. Josh rinsed off right before bed last night, he doesn't have any soap though. He said its very hot and humid there as well!
He's eating well, they had just eaten rice, broth and fresh pineapple. He said all the fruit tastes better there. The pineapple is so much sweeter than here. He said one of the little girls probably about 5 came up and asked Josh if he sang. He said yes, so they kids started singing all sorts of songs for him. Then they asked if he played futbol (soccer) so they all went to a field and played for a while. He watched a few kids run into the jungle and come back with fruit. He asked them where it came from. They said they'd show him, so he filmed the whole thing. They took a 10 minute journey into the jungle and he said when he looked behind him, there was a line of 25 kids single file, following him. They got to the trees with fruit and one kid got a cane pole and started knocking down the fruit. Then several of the kids started gathering the fruit in their shirts. They showed Josh how to eat it. He said it was so sweet and it had the texture similar to a peach. He then said all the kids were shimmying up the trees about 40 feet. He told me they were about 5-7 and that high in the trees. It was amazing he said. He told me the kids even at 5 walk around with machetes.
They found one of his bags in Belgium and it will be delivered around tomorrow night. Lets pray it has some clothes and the tools needed to get started on the picnic tables! Oh, and some bugspray, sanitizer and soap!
He took a "shower" last night. The boil a pot of water and put it in a room with a drain. Josh rinsed off right before bed last night, he doesn't have any soap though. He said its very hot and humid there as well!
He's eating well, they had just eaten rice, broth and fresh pineapple. He said all the fruit tastes better there. The pineapple is so much sweeter than here. He said one of the little girls probably about 5 came up and asked Josh if he sang. He said yes, so they kids started singing all sorts of songs for him. Then they asked if he played futbol (soccer) so they all went to a field and played for a while. He watched a few kids run into the jungle and come back with fruit. He asked them where it came from. They said they'd show him, so he filmed the whole thing. They took a 10 minute journey into the jungle and he said when he looked behind him, there was a line of 25 kids single file, following him. They got to the trees with fruit and one kid got a cane pole and started knocking down the fruit. Then several of the kids started gathering the fruit in their shirts. They showed Josh how to eat it. He said it was so sweet and it had the texture similar to a peach. He then said all the kids were shimmying up the trees about 40 feet. He told me they were about 5-7 and that high in the trees. It was amazing he said. He told me the kids even at 5 walk around with machetes.
They found one of his bags in Belgium and it will be delivered around tomorrow night. Lets pray it has some clothes and the tools needed to get started on the picnic tables! Oh, and some bugspray, sanitizer and soap!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Josh's arrival to the orphanage
I got a few more phone calls from Josh today. The first one was very brief, I could tell he was on the road. It sounded like a bumpy rough ride. He had to go suddenly and told me he'd call later. He called just a little later and told me about how bad the roads were. He said most of it was from the civil war in Liberia in the beginning of this century. He told me he was about 10 minutes from the orphanage and he'd call later tonight.
He called shortly after his arrival to the orphanage and told me about his grand arrival. He said the kids ran out to greet him about 1/2 a mile away and ran behind the vehicle the rest of the way. They sang songs and danced. One of the songs they sang was, "Welcome Visitor." It sounded like an amazing moment. He told me he met the 3 kids we sponsor and how exciting a day it was for them. Nohn, the girl we sponsor carries around the picture we sent her several months ago. Josh said he had been greeted by the most beautiful children on earth! He doesn't have his luggage yet, he'll find out tomorrow night if he'll get it soon. He has one change of clothes and bought some stuff more clothes today. He doesn't have any bug spray or medicine or any of the tools. Please pray they find and deliver his luggage soon, for the children's sake!
Then he called not very much later and when I said hello I heard a bunch of children saying, "Hello Brooke." It was breath-taking. Josh told me the kids wanted to talk to me, he passed the phone around and I got to talk to Nohn first. She sounds as beautiful as she looks. I also got to talk to Luogon, one of the two boys we sponsor. It was so neat to be able to talk to them, I can't imagine how awesome it was to meet them! I got to talk to a couple more kids, we were basically just saying hello and they would introduce themselves. Then Josh said, who else wants to talk to Brooke and I heard a dozen voices say "ME!" So, Josh put me on speaker phone and I said hello and they all said hello Brooke. I started laughing, it was so beautiful. They all laughed at me laughing. It was a neat moment. I told them I wanted to be there and meet them and that I prayed for them often, then they all told me goodbye.
Josh called once more tonight and he was free to talk for a few more minutes. He told me the food was really good and that he can't even come up with words to describe the events of the day. He told me the kids were amazing, they just want to come and sit in his lap and be loved! How I would love to just sit around and love those kids all day! He said that they have bugs and lizards different than here. The bugs are like lightening bugs, but don't fly, they just crawl around on the ground. He said, "it looks like there is glitter allover the ground." He seems to be doing so well.
Please continue to pray for him and his continued safety. Pray that he gets the tools needed to do the projects arrive soon or that God will provide another way!
He called shortly after his arrival to the orphanage and told me about his grand arrival. He said the kids ran out to greet him about 1/2 a mile away and ran behind the vehicle the rest of the way. They sang songs and danced. One of the songs they sang was, "Welcome Visitor." It sounded like an amazing moment. He told me he met the 3 kids we sponsor and how exciting a day it was for them. Nohn, the girl we sponsor carries around the picture we sent her several months ago. Josh said he had been greeted by the most beautiful children on earth! He doesn't have his luggage yet, he'll find out tomorrow night if he'll get it soon. He has one change of clothes and bought some stuff more clothes today. He doesn't have any bug spray or medicine or any of the tools. Please pray they find and deliver his luggage soon, for the children's sake!
Then he called not very much later and when I said hello I heard a bunch of children saying, "Hello Brooke." It was breath-taking. Josh told me the kids wanted to talk to me, he passed the phone around and I got to talk to Nohn first. She sounds as beautiful as she looks. I also got to talk to Luogon, one of the two boys we sponsor. It was so neat to be able to talk to them, I can't imagine how awesome it was to meet them! I got to talk to a couple more kids, we were basically just saying hello and they would introduce themselves. Then Josh said, who else wants to talk to Brooke and I heard a dozen voices say "ME!" So, Josh put me on speaker phone and I said hello and they all said hello Brooke. I started laughing, it was so beautiful. They all laughed at me laughing. It was a neat moment. I told them I wanted to be there and meet them and that I prayed for them often, then they all told me goodbye.
Josh called once more tonight and he was free to talk for a few more minutes. He told me the food was really good and that he can't even come up with words to describe the events of the day. He told me the kids were amazing, they just want to come and sit in his lap and be loved! How I would love to just sit around and love those kids all day! He said that they have bugs and lizards different than here. The bugs are like lightening bugs, but don't fly, they just crawl around on the ground. He said, "it looks like there is glitter allover the ground." He seems to be doing so well.
Please continue to pray for him and his continued safety. Pray that he gets the tools needed to do the projects arrive soon or that God will provide another way!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Best Wife | Awesome Family
I just have to take a moment and brag to you about my wife Brooke. As many of you know, she had planned to spend time alongside me in Liberia on this trip, but due to the pregnancy she was unable to go. We are best friends, so being away from each other for even a week would have been difficult (we've only spend 3 days apart at one time since being married); 3 weeks is a lifetime.
It is going to be difficult on us, especially for my 19-week pregnant wife. Brooke has been very strong though.
On Thursday, she found my packing list among my pile of paperwork, and she went to Wal-Mart and purchased EVERY single thing on the list. It's important to know though that this wasn't my personal packing list...it was one of those "you might need these things" kind of list. Needless to say, my wonderful bride purchased $300 worth of supplies for me! I have flashlights, batteries, medication, canned tuna (for protein), camping knives, etc. It looks like I'm going to backpack the Appalachian Trail. I guess when you are embarking on a 3-week trip to 3rd-world Africa living in the bush, it is a lot like backpacking! What a wonderful surprise....my packing is now 80% done! Look at ALL the stuff Brooke got for my trip!
---------------
An additional surprise: Last night Brooke, along with her dad and stepmom, planned and hosted little going-away cookout for me with family and friends.
What a neat time! We had all sorts of good food, but the best part was when my father-in-law Rick gathered the family around for a time of prayer and commissioning. It is a practice within the Christian community to "commission" someone before they leave to do mission work. Rick setup the moment by talking about his experience in missions, then he and the entire group gathered around me, layed hands on me, and prayed for my time in Africa. It was exactly what I needed. Up to this point, I haven't perceived many folks interested that I'm traveling to a country with no power grid to live in an orphanage in the Liberian wilderness for 3 weeks to serve the orphans and the community. Last night though, there was a lot of conversation, questions and answers, and the beautiful time of prayer. I feel much more prepared to travel now. HUGE thank you to the Richardsons, Crockers, and Giambrones for making the evening special for me.
Love,
josh
It is going to be difficult on us, especially for my 19-week pregnant wife. Brooke has been very strong though.
 |
| All the supplies! |
---------------
An additional surprise: Last night Brooke, along with her dad and stepmom, planned and hosted little going-away cookout for me with family and friends.
 |
There were even cowboys and cowgirls at my farewell cookout! |
Love,
josh
Thursday, April 23, 2009
My time is running out...
Last minute preparations are now underway for my departure to Liberia, just 5 days away now. As tends to happen with everything else I do in life, I have over-committed myself, and am now forced to now scratch some things off my "to-do" list.
I have been very busy with Graybrooke projects, which is a great thing!
In the past month, Graybrooke constructeded a 200 square foot deck nine feet off the ground (at the highest point), and have started work on a bathroom project in Huntersville. It is looking like the bathroom project will have a 3-week lapse, because we are behind schedule on it. Because of the timing of my trip, I have also had to turn down a $17,000 project because I will be gone, and the homeowner couldn't wait for me to return. I pray Graybrooke will still be busy with projects when I return.
I completed my classwork for my contractors exam a few weeks ago, but since I haven't had any time to study for the big exam, I had to also put that off until I return from Liberia. With my bad memory, I hope I'm able to remember all that I need to for the exam, now over a month away.
Some of you remember that when I was leaving for France when I was in college, I packed my bags the morning of departure. I am hoping (planning) that I don't do that again this time. There are way too many odd items that I need to acquire that I need to take with me to Liberia (manual tools, bolts & hardware, money belt, etc.). I also have to prepare to preach a few of times while in the country....and I haven't preached in years!
Lots of things going on.
Trying to determine what HAS to happen, and what can WAIT until my return.
- josh
I have been very busy with Graybrooke projects, which is a great thing!
In the past month, Graybrooke constructeded a 200 square foot deck nine feet off the ground (at the highest point), and have started work on a bathroom project in Huntersville. It is looking like the bathroom project will have a 3-week lapse, because we are behind schedule on it. Because of the timing of my trip, I have also had to turn down a $17,000 project because I will be gone, and the homeowner couldn't wait for me to return. I pray Graybrooke will still be busy with projects when I return.
I completed my classwork for my contractors exam a few weeks ago, but since I haven't had any time to study for the big exam, I had to also put that off until I return from Liberia. With my bad memory, I hope I'm able to remember all that I need to for the exam, now over a month away.
Some of you remember that when I was leaving for France when I was in college, I packed my bags the morning of departure. I am hoping (planning) that I don't do that again this time. There are way too many odd items that I need to acquire that I need to take with me to Liberia (manual tools, bolts & hardware, money belt, etc.). I also have to prepare to preach a few of times while in the country....and I haven't preached in years!
Lots of things going on.
Trying to determine what HAS to happen, and what can WAIT until my return.
- josh
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Prayer for Charlie
In just one week, I will be in Liberia joining up with Charlie Godfrey, the American high school student already in Liberia (Charlie has been in Liberia since February). Even though there is no power or electricity at the orphanage, Charlie can use a cell phone because there is a tower located high on a mountain in the vicinity, and the signal reaches. For the past few weeks or so, we have received phone updates from Charlie about everything that is going on, and what I need to bring with me.
Yesterday Charlie phoned home with some not-so-great news. Charlie was left alone to teach the Liberian Children and some of the older students got into a fight. The youth who were fighting were around 17 years old, right around Charlie's age. I can only imagine that it shook Charlie up...there was probably not much he could do to stop it.
I will be there in just a week to join Charlie and offer him some help. I've always enjoyed working with somewhat challenging students (some of you remember our times at Sutton Park Community Day Camp*), but this will certainly be a new challenge for me.
Pray for the children at the orphanage. West Africa is a hurting land with a history of violence. Many children have been orphaned because of the 2nd civil war that occurred in Liberia (2001-2003); many children witnessed their own parents being killed before their own eyes. They have a lot of hurt and stored-up emotions. Please pray that their hearts would be softened, that the peace and forgiveness of Jesus will flow over them, and that Charlie will be equipped with everything he needs to tackle another day.
Peace,
Josh
*The Sutton Park Community Day Camp was a camp started by Shad Hicks in the lower-income community in Monroe known as Sutton Park. The camp used to last for two weeks at the church Shad was the pastor of. Unfortunately, the congregation never shared Shad's vision to reach-out to the community that surrounded their church, and so eventually Shad moved on and the church did not continue the day camp. At it's peak, however, a hundred or more youth (up to 18 years old) would come to the day camp from the surrounding area, to learn about Jesus, play some games, but mostly just to have someone adorn them with attention. Times were sometimes (always) challenging with the teens who were not used to supervision of any type, but the rewards were great!
Yesterday Charlie phoned home with some not-so-great news. Charlie was left alone to teach the Liberian Children and some of the older students got into a fight. The youth who were fighting were around 17 years old, right around Charlie's age. I can only imagine that it shook Charlie up...there was probably not much he could do to stop it.
I will be there in just a week to join Charlie and offer him some help. I've always enjoyed working with somewhat challenging students (some of you remember our times at Sutton Park Community Day Camp*), but this will certainly be a new challenge for me.
Pray for the children at the orphanage. West Africa is a hurting land with a history of violence. Many children have been orphaned because of the 2nd civil war that occurred in Liberia (2001-2003); many children witnessed their own parents being killed before their own eyes. They have a lot of hurt and stored-up emotions. Please pray that their hearts would be softened, that the peace and forgiveness of Jesus will flow over them, and that Charlie will be equipped with everything he needs to tackle another day.
Peace,
Josh
*The Sutton Park Community Day Camp was a camp started by Shad Hicks in the lower-income community in Monroe known as Sutton Park. The camp used to last for two weeks at the church Shad was the pastor of. Unfortunately, the congregation never shared Shad's vision to reach-out to the community that surrounded their church, and so eventually Shad moved on and the church did not continue the day camp. At it's peak, however, a hundred or more youth (up to 18 years old) would come to the day camp from the surrounding area, to learn about Jesus, play some games, but mostly just to have someone adorn them with attention. Times were sometimes (always) challenging with the teens who were not used to supervision of any type, but the rewards were great!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
FAQ 2 - Why Do You Ask Us For Money? Shouldn't You Spend Your Own Money For The Trip?
This is a question that has been asked, both directly & indirectly, since we've been raising support for the Liberia Mission trip. Since there are many different people getting our newsletters and following our blog, some who belong to the Christian faith and others who do not, I will attempt to answer this honest question respectfully and to the best of my ability. If there is somewhere in the post when I am not clear, or there is a part that you take issue with, please bring it to my attention so I may correct the oversight.
As a Christian, we have only one identity: Christ. Jesus set the example as He drew no boundaries between Himself and those to whom He chose to minister.(1)
I liked the wording from that source, so I kept it in it's entirety. Basically, Jesus is the example for those who are of the Christian faith. When in doubt, look and see how Christ handled things. Christ told his disciples (those who followed Him) that they were to go into "the uttermost parts of the world."(2)
Without making this too long-winded, I'll summarize to say that those who follow Christ are to be involved in missions.
But how many of us can realistically take 2 weeks, or a month, or a year or more off of work and do missional work? Not all of us can. I know it has even become difficult for me to get away from work, and I own my own company! However, in Corinthians, the body of believers that are called Christianity are described as having different roles, just as a body has different parts that has specific roles.(3) Even though we are supposed to be involved with missions, not all of us will actively serve; but we can all still be a part of missions by partnering with others who are willing to sacrifice on the mission field. Many of us will do this by coming alongside those who do physically serve, making their stint financially possible. Many will also be partners of encouragement & prayer to the individual. In most cases it's not easy for missionaries to leave the life of comfort & stability, and leave family behind; encouragement from friends can make all the difference in the world. There are other ways to partner too, like donating tools, equipment, buying food/clothes, etc.
There are some folks who can outright afford to fund their own mission trip in it's entirety. There is nothing inherently wrong with this, but it does take away the ability to have others individuals serve through the said individual, since there can be no partnership (at least, financially). There is something humbling that happens when people are forced to rely on God and others to supply their financial means. For me personally, it has been an eye-opening experience. Generally, those who are wealthy make little or no contribution; those who struggle from bill-to-bill generally make the greatest contributions. Sounds crazy huh? But it's been true for us.
Being dependent on contributions from someone with little-to-no income is a humbling thing, and it puts a new burden of responsibility on those serving (in a good way). I have shed tears for the contributions that have been made towards this trip. It also gives an opportunity for G-d to show up and give confirmation to the trip; if there are no funds, it's probably a good sign that G-d is saying to "wait".
If you are someone who still questions giving to a cause like this, then please find somewhere else to contribute. We are all at different places in this journey, and some are simply not on the journey at all. That's okay. I just ask that you be sensitive to how your heart is being led, then be obedient.
For those who do contribute in some form, thank you for the bottom of my heart. You'll probably never know how much it means to me personally, that you would entrust me to serve on your behalf. I pray that every moment I am serving on your/our behalf is time well spent.
Even if you don't agree with giving to missions and/or missionaries, at least maybe you now understand why people do ask.
References:
(1) http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:ByCakIV0CZMJ:www.cedarrockbaptist.com/sermons/060910%2520The%2520Biblical%2520Mandate%2520for%2520Missions.pdf+missions+biblical+mandate&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
(2) http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%201:8;&version=51;
(3) http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2012:12-31;&version=51;
As a Christian, we have only one identity: Christ. Jesus set the example as He drew no boundaries between Himself and those to whom He chose to minister.(1)
I liked the wording from that source, so I kept it in it's entirety. Basically, Jesus is the example for those who are of the Christian faith. When in doubt, look and see how Christ handled things. Christ told his disciples (those who followed Him) that they were to go into "the uttermost parts of the world."(2)
Without making this too long-winded, I'll summarize to say that those who follow Christ are to be involved in missions.
But how many of us can realistically take 2 weeks, or a month, or a year or more off of work and do missional work? Not all of us can. I know it has even become difficult for me to get away from work, and I own my own company! However, in Corinthians, the body of believers that are called Christianity are described as having different roles, just as a body has different parts that has specific roles.(3) Even though we are supposed to be involved with missions, not all of us will actively serve; but we can all still be a part of missions by partnering with others who are willing to sacrifice on the mission field. Many of us will do this by coming alongside those who do physically serve, making their stint financially possible. Many will also be partners of encouragement & prayer to the individual. In most cases it's not easy for missionaries to leave the life of comfort & stability, and leave family behind; encouragement from friends can make all the difference in the world. There are other ways to partner too, like donating tools, equipment, buying food/clothes, etc.
There are some folks who can outright afford to fund their own mission trip in it's entirety. There is nothing inherently wrong with this, but it does take away the ability to have others individuals serve through the said individual, since there can be no partnership (at least, financially). There is something humbling that happens when people are forced to rely on God and others to supply their financial means. For me personally, it has been an eye-opening experience. Generally, those who are wealthy make little or no contribution; those who struggle from bill-to-bill generally make the greatest contributions. Sounds crazy huh? But it's been true for us.
Being dependent on contributions from someone with little-to-no income is a humbling thing, and it puts a new burden of responsibility on those serving (in a good way). I have shed tears for the contributions that have been made towards this trip. It also gives an opportunity for G-d to show up and give confirmation to the trip; if there are no funds, it's probably a good sign that G-d is saying to "wait".
If you are someone who still questions giving to a cause like this, then please find somewhere else to contribute. We are all at different places in this journey, and some are simply not on the journey at all. That's okay. I just ask that you be sensitive to how your heart is being led, then be obedient.
For those who do contribute in some form, thank you for the bottom of my heart. You'll probably never know how much it means to me personally, that you would entrust me to serve on your behalf. I pray that every moment I am serving on your/our behalf is time well spent.
Even if you don't agree with giving to missions and/or missionaries, at least maybe you now understand why people do ask.
References:
(1) http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:ByCakIV0CZMJ:www.cedarrockbaptist.com/sermons/060910%2520The%2520Biblical%2520Mandate%2520for%2520Missions.pdf+missions+biblical+mandate&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
(2) http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%201:8;&version=51;
(3) http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2012:12-31;&version=51;
Monday, February 9, 2009
An Incredible Update
On Saturday, as we were preparing our second newsletter mailing for the Liberia Mission Trip, an amazing thing happened. We met an older gentleman, probably in his upper 70s, and we were telling him about our desire to serve the orphans of Africa. We talked to the man (whom we had just met) for probably 5 minutes.
15 minutes later, this man walked up to Brooke and handed her something. It was some money to go towards our mission trip. She looked down at the wad of money and saw a $100 dollar bill! We graciously thanked the kind man. It’s really difficult to know how to respond when a total stranger hears your story and then unapologetically hands you money, only saying “when God tells you to do something, you do it.”
Later that night, on our way home, we took the hundred dollar bill out of our pocket, only to realize that there wasn’t just one bill….there were FIVE one-hundred dollar bills!
Wow.
A older man, whom we just met, just gave us $500 cash towards our Liberia Mission Trip.
That left us speechless.
Tears of gratitude seem like the only fitting expression.
This process is incredibly humbling.
(written by Josh)
15 minutes later, this man walked up to Brooke and handed her something. It was some money to go towards our mission trip. She looked down at the wad of money and saw a $100 dollar bill! We graciously thanked the kind man. It’s really difficult to know how to respond when a total stranger hears your story and then unapologetically hands you money, only saying “when God tells you to do something, you do it.”
Later that night, on our way home, we took the hundred dollar bill out of our pocket, only to realize that there wasn’t just one bill….there were FIVE one-hundred dollar bills!
Wow.
A older man, whom we just met, just gave us $500 cash towards our Liberia Mission Trip.
That left us speechless.
Tears of gratitude seem like the only fitting expression.
This process is incredibly humbling.
(written by Josh)
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