Anticipating and Celebrating!

January 15, 2015

Fence posts marked a good portion of the new land that our eyes saw, our feet walked and our minds began dreaming about today.   Its a blank slate of green beauty set on a hill God created just minutes from the current home bursting at the seems.  Seven acres with a red dirt boarder and that shows great promise in growing animals, gardens and some very fine children.

Tomorrow we'll return and then sit and try to strategize and plot out some wheres and whens of phase 1 of development.  The best location for the house, well and animal areas.  Grading necessities and cinder block estimations will accompany a fair distribution of both excitement and frustration.   "Lean not on your own understanding...and in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths"... that verse brings a well needed dose of comfort since the degree of understanding we have in the area of land development could be called meager...and that might be an exaggeration!

We arrived at Chayah about noon today and landed smack in the middle of preparations for the 2nd anniversary of this God ordained family.  Janet told us that she planned it for the exact day that the last group of children walked in the front doors two years ago.  She had no idea that we would be here for the party, but we were so happy to be a part of the "short" 4 hour event.  

While the meal was finishing there was a great game of Red Rover, some catching up with the big girls on the front porch, a guitar lesson in the sitting room and much coloring.  When our guests pulled in, we were gathered for prayer and the celebration began.

The garage was draped in fabric and women from Kakira came to help good the inordinate amount of food. Family members were given a tour of the house and lunch was served. The children had been rehearsing poems, skits, bible character bios, songs and dances.  A few taught and preached, Pastor Roman and our board shared a bit and Janet filled in all the gaps with a little bit of history and some encouragement about the current state of the affairs.  Family members had a full afternoon of food and entertainment and then cake was served.  

Time and again I am amazed that we get to be a part of the lives of these children and that our house mom Janet has done such a wonderful job of following the Lord in raising them.  They are comfortable, confident and full of energy and health.  Most have a sincere understanding and know Jesus as their savior and aren't hesitant to share their faith.  Some are rambunctious, others quiet and reserved, but there is a peace that has settled at Chayah.  God has done a great thing and he really showed it off today.  

We hoped on boda bodas and arrived back at the hotel about 7pm, exhausted but grateful for a day filled with gratitude for the past and anticipation for the future...