Update from Lesotho

Hi all!

Yesterday Jo took me to see two historic landmarks of Lesotho. These photos are from this outing. The first three photos are of Ha Kome - a hiding place for several Basotho families during the late 19th century. They took refuge in this overhang area - shallow cave if you will - to hide from cannibal tribes that were coming through the area.While there we were able to try some of the traditional foods. First we had something that was like yellow hominy,the second was a drink, often refered to as Basotho yogurt, made from sorgum, and then we had finely ground maze, finer than our corn meal and roasted so that it had a wonderful roasted popcorn flavor. They gave us each a little bag of the fine meal.  I made part of mine into breakfast this morning. The first picture shows the beautful woven fence around one of the houses of Ha Kome. The second is the visitors center there, and the third shows the rocky overhang that hid the houses built into the rock. The floors and walls of these homes were very smooth, plastered in a mixture of mud and cow dung.The forth shows another landmark which is the symbol of the country. It is a mountain structure named Qiloane. It gives its shape to the straw hats worn by the Basotho people. The hats are called mokorotlo. The fifth picture is just the countryside near Maseru, and the 6th shows the round thatched roof homes called rondavels. The7th picture shows a village. Each village has its own chief. The last one shows another rondavel. On the way home Jo treated me to a traditional meal of papa, cooked greens,mixed vegetables, and grilled pork. she purchased it from an outside vendor near the church we attended Sunday. The papa, which is like very stiff grits, is used to scoop up the other foods. I enjoyed it all very much. Last night I sat in on a 3 1/2 hour bible study that Jo taught. It was a difficult study, challenging some of their traditional beliefs, but a number of them expressed thanks to her last night or today per email for speaking truth to them.
Today I went with her to do a one on one session. Other wise today has been a day of laundry and preparation and catch up. Most days run from morning into the night with one on ones and bible studies. Tomorrow will be one of them, so I'd better start getting ready for bed. Miss you all.

Millie

Haiti day 6 by Melanie Kirchner

Today turned out to be super eventful, but also very crazy. We started out waking up for church at 8. When we arrived at church there were more people at the service then there were on Wednesday. Also when we arrived there was another bus of Americans, which was super shocking to us. They came from Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and North Carolina. The pews were packed and many people were dressed in their finest! The worship was completely amazing, and even though I did not know what they were singing because of their language, God was definitely in the church. I thought it was awesome that I had the experience to witness another culture worshipping God. The people in Haiti have a true heart for the Lord and have an honest joyfullness for the Lord. John Hink preached from John 5 and discussed the aspect of legalism and wanting to get better. We have heard the sermon before, but it was a new experience hearing it and seeing the reaction of the church. We have also had to share our house with missionaries from the Dominican Republic who shared some of their stories today as well. One of the ladies only spoke Spanish and the translator translated in French, so we had to wear a personal PA system with someone translating in English. All of the languages made it very confusing, but it also showed how many cultures all have the same belief. A Domincan Rebpulic man also talked about miracles that he had witness and encountered. He stressed on the idea that the truth would set you free. All in all, church was very impacting. For one, the service was three hours, so three hot, sweaty hours with the Lord creates a whole new bonding, but also having the collision of different cultures emphasized the power of our God. A three hour church service was very new to us; it was also extremely hot and we could barely understand our translator. After church, we said our final goodbyes to the orphans at Source de la Grace and ate lunch that consisted of chicken, rice, maccaroni, and coleslaw. After our goodbyes we all piled into the van and headed on a road trip to the countryside. The countryside was up in the mountains and very beautiful, but also much much cooler. We could even turn off our AC and not die of a heat stroke. The road was very windy but also very green and tropical. When we reached the town at the top of the mountain we got out and saw the jaw-dropping view. You could see all of Haiti, including the beach/ocean, town, and more countryside. It was very different than the crowded dirty town that we were getting used to. It makes me kid of think that this is almost how God views Haiti, because when we first arrived I was overwhelmed by the poverty, but now I can see the beauty and begin to love the culture more and more. You can start to see the beauty under the rubble and see the joy and presence of God in this country. Seeing the country from above really makes you see the bigger picture and develop a sense of peace. However, the peace quickly vanquished when a truck clipped the side of one of our rental cars. We had to stop and make sure everything was okay. There was a scratch and normally it would be okay because they drive like crazy people, but becasue it was a rental, we had to fix it. So some boys hopped into our van while our main translator Jonas and the huge men stayed behind to fix the car. We were already packed to begin with, and with three extra smelly boys, we were extra stuffed. Because the van was losing power from the steep hills, we had to turn off our AC, so everyone was hot and miserable. We were told to go to a restaurant from Jonas, but becasue Jonas was not there, we did not know where the restuarant was. After driving around for about 30 minutes everyone was hot and cranky and we decided to just travel home instead. Luckily we all love each other and tempers died down and we made it home safely. When we got home Pastor was holding a worship service at his house, but we did not participate because their was no translator. For dinner we had sandwiches, followed by Denae's devotional about coming together as a whole under the presence of God. Currently the boys are watching the spurs game and most people have headed to bed. Sorry this is so late, Liz came into our (Robin, Abbie, and I's) room to distract me from writing. All in all today was a helpful day for me. I am learning more about this culture and finally acclamating to Haiti. I am sad our trip is almost over but feel I have seen God's heart working in the depths of this country.

Update from Lesotho

Wanted to send these first photos. They are of Maseru, the capitol city of Lesotho, where I am staying and will be ministering. It is a city ringed by hills, kinda like Denver. The haze is pollution, partially from the coal that is burned. Maseru has the highest low point of any nation in the world. Maseru may not be the lowest area, but close. It is about 5000 ft in altitude. It is winter here. It was 22 degrees this morning, and warmed up to the 40's. Need to head off to bible study right now. I taught a bible study last night on on being a Talmid.

Blessings,

Millie

Lesotho Update - Millie

Hello dear family in Christ,

Miss you all, but you are here with me in my heart! Sorry that I haven't written in a day or so. It has been busy, have needed to let my body adjust to the time change, and I have been struggling a bit with not feeling well. Just a few days before I left to come over, I came down with infections in my sinuses and ears, and had gotten very little sleep. But Jo is being so generous and sweet about lettting me rest when I need to. She does so much ministry. I do see how much she needs someone here full time to partner with her in ministry. She goes full steam from morning to night. God is bringing so many for her to love, teach,mentor and pray with, for and through Him. The daily rhythm revolves around one on one sessions for prayer, counseling, and discipling, and then Bible study groups. Jo is a good teacher, teaching with such passion. There is much I can learn form her.  I have been able to add little bits a pieces from what Scott has taught us (another wonderful teacher!), from my studies,  and from what I have learned in my years in prayer ministry.Yesterday we drove an hour and a half for Jo to teach a woman's home cell group in Bloemfontein, South Africa. We left around 6:15am and arrived home in the late afternoon. The study went from 9:00am till a little after 1pm. The seesion started with praise, and I loved the joy in which they sang and danced to the Lord. It was wonderful.Such freedom, such expression and gratitude expressed, such joy. Then Jo had them read out loud from John 13, and I brought in a bowl of warm water, and Jo and I  washed the women's feet and then annointing them oil and praying over each woman. It was one of the most powerful and moving experiences of my life. Only two of the women had ever been ministered to in this way, and none by a white woman. You must remember that some of these women went through Apartheid or if they were too young, their families did. Wounds are very deep. Tears fell freely. I tear up just remembering it now.And then Jo did such a beautiful thing and appoligized for the white race, for the wrongs done to the African peoples. Afterwards we all sang together a hymn of praise to God. The teaching was on forgiveness and then after breaking for tea, on the orphan spirit and sonship. The women asked such wonderful questions, and opened up about their own experiences. There was much prayer. Such beautiful spirits - these women. What a privalege to be a part of this. So much more to share, but must run get ready for church.

God be with you all,

Millie

Haiti day 5 by Brad Ingle

Hey guys, its Brad! What a great four days its been here in Haiti. God has shown through all the people here and its remarkable how nothing here would be possible without the love of our God. Its amazing! When our group first landed in the airport and then brought to where we are staying, I was scared because the whole time of the people. They would run up to you almost shouting just trying to ask you something that haha you cant understand. After these four days tho ive finally realized the reason for all the people yelling. Its because the people here live day to day, they are not shouting because they are trying to steal or attack you, they just want to make some money to have thier next meal. But even tho this hardship is here they still have crazy love for our lord. Its very inspiring, And it has taught me so much. I could write so many stories of how Gods love is shown here! Its crazy!

For now tho its time for bed these kids wear me slap out!

P.S. I love you mama :)

Haiti day 4 by Meredith McLeod

Day four in Haiti has officially come to a close. Which is nice because I don't know about the rest of the team, but i am t-i-r-e-d! Today began with some groans and reluctancy but soon everyone was on there feet and ready to go! After a delicious Haitian breakfast, the teams hit the road (the very pot-hole-filled, who-follows-laws-here, no-seatbelt road to be exact). One in bound to Loving Heart Orphanage, and another to Source De La Grace Church (also an orphanage but no one seems to call it that?) Each group went somewhere they hadn't been before. From what I hear, the Loving Heart team loved those children as much as we did! They can just bring a smile to your face in no time at all! My team, went to Source De La Grace. We started at the school, which was absolutely bonkers. Those kids are rambunctious, let me tell you! Jessica shared the story of Jesus inviting the children to come to him, and then we sang Jesus Loves Me and Father Abraham to them. They were complete rockstars and repeated them to us in Haitian Creol! THAT was cool! We attempted to play group keep-up, but with 70+ kids and a language barrier... Yeah, no. It seemed like a great idea in theory! So instead we had a giant mosh pit of kiddos armed with beach balls. When we were waiting for the school children to leave, we went into the room set aside for us and poured through our translator, PG's, artwork. Not to give any spoilers, but parents, you're in for a treat, that man has some skills! Finally, we went over to the orphanage and loved on the children for awhile. We played with jump ropes, blew bubbles, and colored for hours. But after everything we brought to them, they were happiest to just sit in our arms and have us hold them. They are so content, I absolutely love these kids. Leaving will be the hardest thing I can imagine... Anywho, we met back up at the Guest House and devoured dinner. We then had a wonderful devotional led by Jessica. She talked about loving your neighbor more than yourself, and putting others' needs in front of your own. The boys (and a couple brave girls) played another crazy game of four-square. All in all, a wonderful eventful day. Please keep us in your prayers,
we truly appreciate them! Love you all! -Meredith

Haiti day 3 by Abbie Jurica

I would say today was a successful day.  Luckily this morning our room was surprisingly chilly and we actually woke up cold...to a waking rooster.  My room thought we were late to breakfast and so we were all rushed getting ready.  There are no mirrors in our room, but I guess that is a blessing in disguise not havin to worry about what our hair looks like and all that girly stuff.  When we went down to breakfast there was a spread from eggs and avacado, to peanut butter toast and bananas.  The eggs were very yummy and we were told there is a speacial spice in them...I guess they aren't going to share their secret with us.  After breakfast we all prepared for the day, and thankfully the teams switched vehicles and my group did not have to all miserably cram into the one car that is only made to fit half of the capacity it was carrying. I do think the other team is lucky they got the same adventure we had yesterday.  On the way to the orphanage we stopped at the deli market.  When we pulled into the parking lot two men with baskets full of fried plantanins came up to the window and we bought some for all of our passengers to try.  The men also seemed very glad to be receiving business.  In the deli it appears a lot like our stores, just smaller, and the main difference I noticed was the security and men with sawed off rifles standing in the entry of the store.  Aftter we bought our sandwich supplies for the day we headed to the orphanage.  I am not entirely sure, but I am pretty sure that we got lost on the way there because we stopped and asked for directions twice.  We got there safely though, and immediately as the gate opens, we are greeted by gleaming smiles of happy children.  They were so glad that we returned and came back, and that joy that radiates from their little faces really warms your heart.  Today we had enough room and were able to transport all of the supplies we brought for the children.  When we opened the suitcase we were tackled for beachball, bubbles, coloring books, and nail polish.  It was all a huge hit, and I think they loved every bit of it.  Not only the stuff we brought them though; they were content simply by just sitting in your lap and holding your hand.  All the excitement of the children drew in the neighbor kids and even classmates who were walking the street.  The orphan children were quick to include them in all our fun and everyone loved every bit of it.  It is totally awesome the compassion the children have for others, and even though they have so little, they did not hesitate on sharing their goods with their friends.  Their hearts are huge, and that is a wonderful picture of God's love.  Departure from Loving Heart was hard.  The children all clung to us, not wanting us to leave, and some even tried to get in the van with us.  It was sad when they asked us if we were coming back, but we were able to tell them that our other team would be there for them tomorrow.  When we got back to the guest house everyone was exhuasted and I passed out.  I heard stories about how crazy the guys were playing four square (very competitively), putting lizzards on leashes, and breaking Nalgene bottles because John thought they were indestructible.  He no longer has his.  For dinner we had rice and beans, fish, cabbage, and coleslaw.  After dinner Hannah spoke and talked about faith.  Your faith is led by your actions, and  on this trip  each of us steps out as we proclaim our faith.  Tonight's sleep will be really different from last nights chilly one because the AC broke.  We are living like a Hatian!