Lydia's Lamp

Tarun passed to 1st standard!...... it's been a long first year getting Tarun used to structure and homework. It took many times explaining to Tarun the importance of studying. When he first began school he was excited but then the excitement wore off when he found he lost play time because he had to do homework! We are just grateful to God for His strength to continue in this. Tarun is very pleased now! He went from being 17 in the class to being 10 in the class. Great improvement over all and excellent scores at the end!

This past Saturday I had decided to shut the program down for 3 months while I was in the U.S. Finances have been lean and we weren't meeting the overall budget. However, God's timing, always perfect, changed my mind on Sunday morning. I received an email from a couple who have been friends of mine for a long time and have supported, encouraged, and prayed for us over the years. Even though they are already contributing a large sum each month for the work they decided to pick up the rest of the new budget! I don't have to close the program and when I shared with the staff yesterday of the news, they were overwhelmed! We sat together yesterday and prayed and praised God for His miraculous hand. We look forward to Friday morning, even though everyone should be off, we are meeting together for a time of praise and worship in humble appreciation.

Picnic

The staff wanted to go for a picnic before I left for the U.S. This was the first time I had been to this lovely spot and it was only 1 1/2 hours away. We were blessed with lovely weather.

Unexpected

As of this writing I only have 4 more weeks until I return to the U.S. and fortunately or unfortunately(it goes both ways), I will be there for 3 months which is unexpected. It's always so difficult to be away from here for so long. I already miss the children and I haven't even left! I also have a goat expecting and unexpectedly a dog expecting (excuse me! She had surgery 3 years ago)! It also takes weeks to prepare everything before I leave! There's bills and money to sort, there's behavior plans and lesson plans, and there's all the rules and regulations that the new assistant doesn't know about, and there's extra food to buy so the house worker doesn't over spend. Then I have to get all of my paperwork ready for my new passport and visa, I have speeches to write and I really need to make a new video. One thing that won't be unexpected though is that I know the Lord will bless me greatly spending time with all of my family and friends that I love.
"I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations" (Psalm 89:1,NKJV).

A New Child coming

The little girl that you see in the photo is 2 years old. She has Spina Bifida and desperately needs surgery and help. When I return from the U.S., God willing, she will be coming to my home. Pray for her in these next several months. Also pray for a good surgeon, that her parents will agree to the surgery, and that all will go well as it is a very dangerous surgery. Pray the parents won't change their mind and let me help her.

YOU ARE INVITED

I'm inviting any of you who are interested in learning more about orphans and foster care programs. I attended a summit a few years back and was totally blessed by it. Not only did I learn more of a global perspective but I also networked with a lot of great people. I will be there and would love to have you join. If you need more information or to register, check out the website:

www.christian-alliance-for-orphans.org/summit