Morning Devotions

Within the blink of an eye, my summer is gone. School starts next week, but I am not yet ready to return. It has been over a month since we came back from Africa, but still my mind is occupied with our Africa mission.

The other day, Chris asked what I remembered most about all the things we did in Africa this past summer. I considered seminars that I conducted, churches that I visited, people that I met, a house that we built, goats that we gave away, and places where we traveled. I told Chris “My most cherished memory has to be the morning devotions”.

I truly miss the morning devotion that gathered at 5:30 every morning in our Christian Fellowship House in Butare, Rwanda. For the two weeks I lived there, I grew accustomed to waking up at the sound of the steel gate opening, followed by the footsteps of children, then their mothers entering into “the sitting room”. In this 15 by 20 foot room, children sat in the center on floor mats while their mothers sat on benches near the walls. After early morning praise, the mothers hurried off to the fields and the children went to school.

Even though it is called “morning devotion”, it seemed like a full service to me. Our African sisters praised and worshiped God with passion. The early hour didn’t make any difference. I joined in with the singing and dancing. What a great way to start the day.

Can you believe that this many people fit in our living room?

Where did my summer go?

Within the blink of an eye, my summer is gone. I am ready to go back to school. My mind is still occupied with Africa, VBS, death of Mr. Wilbur, my kids in DC and NY. My husband and I are thinking about starting a homework club for our neighborhood. One night when we came home, we found two teen agers were doing their homework at our church steps. They told me that their house is too noisy to do their home work. Some kids from immigrant families at our neighborhood do not have their own room to study. My heart goes out for them. If we could open our church space up for these kids, it would be great. I learned that some churches are doing the exact things that I am talking about. We need to visit some of these places. We have some seniors who can help kids to read and do their home work in a safe environment. I am thinking about adding homework club to my plate. Am I crazy or what? Perhaps. I will be teaching four classes this fall. In addition to my college teaching, I am also teaching a 4th and 5th grade Sunday school, and teach a Wed. Bible study.

Well, teaching is learning. I like to learn, and it is the best way for me to learn is to teach others. So I should be grateful for opportunities I have.

Where heros are made

We have an awesome church! Twenty-five adults (mostly seniors) volunteered for the VBS to serve 30 children. Most of these volunteers are seniors, some are in their 80's. Each volunteer played his or her position well. We taught children about how heros are made. Everyone is a hero in my book. All of us together made a history for our church.


Teachers are thanked by the VBS director


at a rally...


At the craft class


"Game Day Central" sticker on her face


Washing hands before snack

Blogged with Flock

Having a great time

I have 12 kids in my 5th and 6th grade class this week. We have over 30 students enrolled in this year's VBS. God made a way for us again. Knowing we have only one kid in our regular Sunday School, our church prepared a VBS with faith that God will provide kids. Where these kids came from? Fifteen kids came from a Hispanic church, and rest of children are grand children of our congregation.

I thought I would never be able to keep up with 10 year olds, but I am doing Okay. They are great kids, and fun to be with. I teach them two 30 min. sessions each day. The topic of this year's VBS is "How Heros are Made". Heros know their roles and they know their game plans. Kids are playing a ball game outside. I am taking my break while they take their craft class and sport class.