the back row

Friday night Matt had the first of a monthly opportunity to teach at a weekly Bible study with a local chapter of a Christ-centered 12 step recovery program...and he was so humbled. He shared story after heartbreaking story of men and women fighting addictions that have cost them EVERYTHING...men and women fighting, some for years, to get back their children, men and women fighting to overcome powerful addictions that have plagued them and robbed them and broken them. One man started the program with nine people and graduated Friday, alone.

I was inspired again with the truth God reminded me of many times through Haiti. He is at work among the broken, and it is IN broken and weak that He is strong. What great things God has done through very broken people, through the meek.  It's not brokenness we must work to avoid, but relying upon our own strength. I was inspired by the men and women fighting for these men and women...the church coming alongside...the many who are praying.

I miss being in the back row of God at work in and for and through men and women such as these. I miss standing in the back row and listening, watching, stretching and praising. I miss knowing their names and  I miss hearing Matt teach from His Word and miss seeing the Holy Spirit at work in times and places such as there.

I appreciate so much the unique opportunity I had to teach and preach and work at and through Emmaus a few hours each day...truly a stay-at-home-working mom, often in the back of the room with Ben at my feet...often popping away for a ministry opportunity for an hour with the bigs and the babies with Tati Gertha. 

I appreciate so much the way He heeds my prayers no less today, and the knowledge that He is there and at work, whether I am watching or not. I pray not from the back bench any longer, but not at home for these men and women...so aware, like our students in Haiti, of their great need for His powerful help, so trusting His strength. How much I always have to learn from those who believe with all their hearts that without Him, there is no hope.

without Him, there is no hope.

These sweet girls finally have their beloved puppy, and my, her little legs haven't hardly touched the ground. Twelve hours in the car Saturday they were all sure was worth it, and we are so so thankful for the Shaferly's in Ohio, old friends from Haiti, making it possible for Delta Grace (Gracie) joining the Ayars. 

Even Lady Jane loves the puff. 

Tomorrow some very sweet women are hosting a little, "Meet the New President's Wife" gathering at Wesley, and I'm looking forward to meeting some of the staff, board members, spouses and friends Matt often speaks of.  I'm also thankful for neighbors wrangling the kids for a few hours to make it possible!