State Side

24 hours more of travel and we are back in Atlanta safe and sound.  The trip was great, we are so glad to be home but also feel like we left home 8,000 miles away in J'Bay.  We are already excited for our trip this summer and are anxious to start planning!  Right now we are busy planning our next trip to Nicaragua as well.  In May we will be taking the leadership from the church in Murray, Kentucky to meet the wonderful kids that they are supporting at Casa Havilah and Casa Roble.  We are excited about what God has in store for LUO over the next few months, so I will keep you updated along the way.  Thanks for all of your prayers while we were away, please continue to keep Ria, the children and the safe house in your prayers!

Meet Ria Pieters

Well, it seems to be time that you all meet one of my favorite people...someone that Gavin and I look up to in just about every way.  She is incredibly inspiring.  The way that she lives her life is constantly challenging us to try to be more like Christ.  

As many of you know, my Mema, Ruth Schnatmeier has influenced my relationship with Christ and influenced the way that I try to live in a huge way.  She was my spiritual leader and my closest friend.  She passed away in December and I felt like I was losing part of myself.  I admire her more than I can put in to words.  There aren't many people in this world who have managed to live as selflessly, as full of grace or as in love with Jesus as my grandma.  But over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to get to know Ria, and through our friendship, I have begun to see so many of the same qualities and gifts that I saw in Mema in Ria and I am so thankful for her.

A few years ago, Ria experienced a major tragedy in her life, in the circumstances, some people would turn away from God and others would cling to Him...not only did Ria cling to Him, she started sprinting full steam after His very heart.  In response to the tragedy, Ria decided to live her life for a greater purpose.  She saw the need for a refuge for children in the township in Jeffrey's Bay and she decided to start praying and fighting to make it happen.  In 2005 Ithemba was opened and since then, Ria's entire life has become dedicated to loving the children of Tokyo Sexwale and fighting to help them have a better life, free from poverty.  While holding a full time job at the church and "foster parenting" two 4 year old twins, Ria still manages and maintains Ithemba.  Since its start, Ithemba has grown into a day center that serves 200 children each day.  Ria's life is truly a testimony.  She is actively seeking justice in her very own community.  So, today, I wanted to introduce you to her!  Please be praying for her and her ministry here in J'Bay.  

Covered in Paint!

Last week, Chris, Michelle, Gavin and I started and completed the task of painting 200 canvases the the kids at Ithemba!  It was so much fun and quite a mess!  This time, we decided to forgo the splatter paint for a new design.  We brought different sized wooden blocks and allowed the kids to really express their creativity!  We gave them orange, white and turquoise paint and let them have at it.  It was really great to see the kids personalities come out as they painted.  Some children would carefully and meticulously place their squares in a thought out design while others took the chance to go a little crazy haphazardly sloshing the squares in paint and smashing them down on the the canvas...Needless to say, each canvas is unique and totally portrays the personality of the child that painted it!  

After the painting, came the footprints...and individual "signature" of each child.  This part is the most difficult but we think it is the most important part of the canvas!  Above is a little girl named Sive signing her canvas, her very own work of art!  

These canvases are special and very close to our hearts...these canvases are meant to raise money for a safe house to be built on the Ithemba's property.  At first, Gavin and I were not really sure if a safe house was a necessity at Ithemba but after being here for two weeks, we are desperately certain that it is not only a necessity but it will save the lives of twelve children living in unspeakably horrific circumstances.  

These canvases will once again cost $250.00 and when they are all sold, they will have provided a wonderful, warm and loving refuge for these desperate children.  These children will be taken out of the constant abuse, molestation, starvation and emotional torture that they are currently living in.  This house will provide them with two loving "parents," a warm bed to sleep in, running water, nutritious food, and very most importantly love and safety.  Through this love, we feel certain that these children will clearly see the love of their heavenly father.  

Much needed prayer.

This week has FLOWN by...so much to tell you all but the internet cafe is closing right now.  We are busy planning for the safe house this week.  Two of the children at Ithemba have lost their parents this week and have no place to stay until this house is built...please be praying for them and for the community around Ithemba this week.  There is a drought going on and wild fires have been breaking out all over the area.  Their shacks are made of wood and cardboard and a fire in the community will be devastating.  I will blog again soon to keep you all updated!  Thanks for your prayers.