But they're not as thankful as I am. The girls are learning swing dancing, worked with Nikki on their homework, are taking drum lessons, and having fun having an extra pair of special hands around. I needed the help, Emmaus needed me to have some extra help, and today I actually got to play blocks with Nora while Nikki did science, actually got to work before 11 and therefore got to have lunch with the girls at 12:30, got to help the girls with their French homework while Nora and Nikki were playing instead of trying to do it ALL. Praise the Lord that I finally ASKED for someone to come and help, and praise the Lord that He knew Nikki intimately and set this all up.
I don't know why a total stranger would give up 9 months of her life to move to a hot country to a women's dorm where she can't speak anyone else's language, has no hot water or air conditioning, and is being eaten alive by mosquitoes to help total strangers, but I'm thankful that God knows what we all need and puts us all together!
Something else we need that is being put all together is this beautiful new classroom building. Phil headed back to New Jersey Tuesday for four weeks, but Maxi and his crew were on to covering the walls in cement today. I can almost hear the Word being taught in these classrooms already.
This man is gonna build something soon...but first there are some serious naps to get in. He's the happiest, sleepiest, easiest baby our family's ever had, for sure. What a joy he is! Asher was the perfect middle name!
Nikki being here means that every Tuesday and Thursday, I get to meet with a student for an hour and hear their stories. This week I met with two female students (sharing their stories soon!) and I am notwblessed in a whole new way by the special place Emmaus is.
It's not just a place with good teaching and nice buildings...it is the SAFE place that some of our students have NEVER had, the first place some of our students have ever been where they didn't have to worry about whether there would be a next meal, the only place some of our students have where they are loved and safe and cared for. BOTH women said at the end of their interviews that the powerful thing Emmaus has given them is not a class, but a family - the first time they've ever had one. The first group of women who ever didn't persecute, ridicule, torment or mock them. The first group of men who ever didn't threaten, abuse or mistreat them.
"Wow..." I breathed both times, just cherishing in a whole new way this special community where God is sought and honored, where His ways we're trying to make our ways. It is a harsh world, and when we can live together as He's asked us to, what a precious place that place is. What precious men and women these men and women are, what an honor to be a part of family for them.
I have so much to talk to you about! Several student stories to share, really exciting news about Rujerry and Jean-Williams upcoming missions trip to Italy, a couple of books I have to tell you about... All in the works.
Thank you for your prayers for our family and for Emmaus...God's at work.
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