Jenny's Journey

Music for Life / African Children's Choir

2011-08-10T16:43:00.000-06:00

Then and Now

2011-06-30T14:18:00.005-06:00

I took a little walk down memory lane and had fun remembering how little my kids were during tour! I am SO THANKFUL for the chance to visit them in Uganda and Kenya last month!

Auntie Jenny and Bridget June 2011 and Oct 2008

Julian was such a tiny little girl on tour! Now she is a tall young woman! May 2011 and Dec. 2008

Auntie Jenny and Jane! May 2011 and Nov. 2007. She is still my "Little Bunny Foo Foo" and loves the camera just as much as the day I first met her!

2011-05-10T14:24:00.002-06:00

Dear Washo, Margaret, Jackie, Julian, Jane, Halima, Faulanta, Prisca, Harriet, Christine, Bridget, Sarah, Enid, Hudson, Jacob, Marvin, Martin, Joseph, Peter, Johnson, Daniel, David, Enock, Jerome, and Ibrahim,

Hardly a day goes by when I don't think of you and wonder how you are. I feel so blessed to be able to come and visit you! It is a dream come true! I love you! See you soon!

Love, Auntie Jenny

UNCENSORED

2011-04-16T04:02:00.004-06:00

I'm not so sure that anyone reads this blog anymore so maybe it's not such a big risk to type up a blog of uncensored thoughts. When I started this blog years ago it began as a way to share my experiences with others. I also found that it was a good way for me to process the varying experiences I was having while traveling the world. Now, as I have been in South Africa for about 15 months I see that my blogging has really been lacking. Maybe that is part of the reason why is am struggling so much in recent days. I haven't really been taking the time to process the thoughts and feelings of my day to day life here. I think because of that I am suffering. My mind is full and my heart is uneasy. If anyone out there is reading this beware. Here's some candid thoughts about Jenny's life.

I'm so tired. Physically tired. Mentally tired. Tired of trying to be happy and content. Tired of having moments of perfect peace and joy from God but then having them disappear in the next moment.

I miss being with friends. Real friends who know all of my history and faults and love me anyway. People who know me almost as well as I know myself. I miss being able to communicate clearly without even thinking about it.

I miss doing what I am good at. I was a good preschool teacher. I was a good chaperone. Here I just struggle along doing the best I can but often forgetting to lean on God for my strength. He has stretched me and taught me so much. I can lead and confront my staff way better than when I first started but I still lack so much.

Sometimes I look in the mirror and hardly recognize myself anymore. Maybe I just haven't taken the time to process how I have changed and grown in the past year. But I also see things I don't really like. Somehow I have lost a lot of the confidence that I used to have. That confidence wasn't really a confidence in myself but a confidence relating to who I was because of who Christ was in me. Where did that go?

I am weary of questioning whether people are "using" me or not. It is so hard to know if people here are asking me favors because they are my friends or just because I am someone who can help them. I almost always say "yes" hoping that it will make our "friendship" stronger and more real. But maybe they are just using me. Or maybe they really are my friend and I am just blind to how much they really care.

Don't get me wrong. Some good things are happening here too. My team and I spent 10 days loving on some orphan children we invited to our school for a camp. It was AMAZING to see how a little love can change them in just a few short days! At the beginning our the week the 2 little twin girls would flinch every time I went to put my hand on their back or reach out to give them a high five. They were expecting to be hurt not loved. By day 5 they were rushing to me for hugs. NOTHING can be more rewarding than that. Showing a child God's love and seeing the result is the best thing in the world. I think I need to spend a little more time processing experiences like this and sharing them because that is why I am here. To love on the "least of these".

UNCENSORED

Thanks to you if you spent the time reading these random candid thoughts! I am still 100% convinced that God is so good to me!

2011-01-29T12:06:00.002-06:00

I found this list by Sikhumbuzo who was in Choir #33
He was writing about 2010 (His first year at Music for Life Junior Academy in South Africa)

How was your year?

Good
- because they teach us the Word of God
- because they make good things to us and they tell us what to do
- because they let us travel around the world
- because we went and performed with the Pop Stars in Johannesburg
- because the people we have there are kind and nice to us
- because we have holidays during the year and the months
- because they make sure that we do good at the school and at the hostel
- because they teach us good manners
- because the aunties and uncles love us very much
- because we have good exams at school
- because they let us study every day for our exam

2011-01-09T06:07:00.003-06:00

I feel like my life is split into two very different worlds here in SA. It is very conflicting and hard to get my mind around. Last Sunday I went with some co-workers to a village church. We arrived right on time but church didn't even begin until half an hour past the set time. I was one of the few people there that drove to church. Most everyone walked. The church slowly filled up and midway through the service they brought out a wooden bench for the children so that the adults could use the plastic outdoor chairs. The floor of the church was dirt and the roof of the church was an old tarp used to try keep out the hot sun. I was the only white person and actually the only white visitor they had ever had. Visitors were welcomed and encouraged to come share a word, sing or pray. The music and dance was lively with a keyboard and drums and lots of people willing to come up front to sing. Worship was spontaneous with the Spirit seeming to lead people to stand or sit or raise hands or even dance. Several times during the service the pastor asked us to greet or speak to others in the church. Everyone was embracing one another and showing a lot of love. At offering time the people of the church walked forward and gave their money. The Pastor read the word of God and spoke loud words of encouragement to the congregation about how God can change our lives. The heat made my legs stick together and I had sweat dripping down my back. The service was about 2 1/2 hours long. After church was over some people began walking home and many others began packing up the sound/music equipment and chairs.

Today I went to a church in a nearby town. The service started on time and the parking lot was full of shiny vehicles as most people drove to church. The air conditioning was on and the padded seats were comfortable. The color of my skin was not the minority but the majority. Visitors were neither welcomed or encouraged to participate. The music was lead by a few hearty singers who remained seated in the congregation. A sweet elderly lady played the piano. We were told when to sit and when to stand and each of the songs were neatly listed on the overhead. Some men "took up" the offering as we sat comfortably in our seats. The word of God was read at seemingly appropriate times during the service. The Pastor's sermon was quiet and well-thought-out teaching about how Jesus' has called us to live. At exactly 1 hour and 15 min church was over and the congregation fled to the tables serving tea, coffee and cookies and then enjoyed talking and greeting one another.

These two church services could hardly be more different. I can't judge and say one is right and the other is wrong. Only God knows the hearts of His people. The young people whole heatedly singing at the first church may match the sincerity in the heart of the elderly lady loving playing the piano at the other church. Both Pastors may have the same desire to share God's word to others. All I can say is that it is confusing for me right now and it makes my heart feel unsettled. It makes me wonder where I belong.

I am thankful I accepted my co-workers invitation to visit his church. At the end of the service the Pastor thanked me for coming and said, "You have shown us respect by coming to our church." At that moment I forgot how hot and thirsty I was and how my back was stuck to the plastic chair. I forgot how uncomfortable I felt having others dancing around me and singing in a language I didn't understand. I forgot about the fact that I was the only white face in the crowd. I forgot how nervous I felt when I was handed the microphone to speak. Suddenly, I felt God's blessing pour over me and I felt as if Jesus was smiling down upon me.

Favorite Photos of 2010

2011-01-01T12:24:00.008-06:00

Favorite Photos of 2010

There is no way I could post ALL of my favorite photos from the past year but here are a few!!!!!

This is at Prins' house. The team and I were delivering a food parcel to his family. Prins is a part of our MFL Centre After School Program. All of his family is looking at him because they are so surprised and happy to see him smile. He doesn't smile very often. I'm so glad we could bring some joy to this boy's life!

This little one was at the Music for Life Camp we had at our boarding school June. We invited all the children from Orlando, the village next to our school.

Both of these babies were claiming ownership of me by placing their hands on my knee!!!! They already claimed my heart! Again this was at our MFL Camp.

Cute little baby hands and feet!

Choir #33 travelled to Europe in March! This is our team in Cannes, France!

We stayed at this lovely little town called Callian. It was beautiful!

Auntie Jenny with the boys in Cape Town in March

Auntie Jenny with the girls in Cape Town in January

Our beautiful Music for Life students!

A Prayer for 2011

2011-01-01T03:30:00.006-06:00

May God bless you with a restless discomfort
about easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships,
so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.

May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression,
and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for
justice, freedom, and peace among all people.

May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer
from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that which they cherish, so that you
may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that
you really can make a difference inthis world, so that you are able,
with god's grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.

And the blessing of God the Supreme Majesty and our Creator,
Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word Who is our Brother and Savior,
and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide, be with you
and remain with you, this day and forevermore. Amen

Franciscan benediction
From "The Hole in the Gospel" by Richard Sterns

2011-01-01T03:25:00.003-06:00

Dear friends and family,

Once again, I have to say I am confused by the seasons here in South Africa! December is summer here and it is so hot! It hardly seems like it could be the Christmas seasons when the temperature reaches over 110 degrees on some days! We have just wrapped up the school year here.... which is also new to me with having the school year begin in January and end in December. It was a joy to have Christmas Parties with each of our 10 MFL Centres and share the Christmas Story with the Children.

Merry Christmas from MFL Centres in South Africa!

This is the time of year where we are all looking back on the past year and also looking into the new year with anticipation. Recently I was thinking about a few things God has shown me in the past year.

1)NOTICE OTHERS. One day I was visiting the homes of one of our MFL after school program. The family was so very welcoming and excited to have me and another staff member in their home. I greeted the Grandfather and he asked where I was from. When I told him I was American he shook his head in disbelief and said, “The local white people never come to the villages to see us. Thank you for noticing us and helping us.” At first I was shocked to think about this but then I realized that I was guilty of living this way a few years ago. How easy it is to live in our “own little world” and not think of those less fortunate.

2)WORK HARD AND PRAY. I was having a particularly frustrating day when I found a sign at one of the village schools that reminded me to “Work hard and Pray.” It is not enough to just work hard and it is not enough to just pray. One of my favorite verses say, “Don't be lazy. Work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” Romans 12

3)CALL SOMEONE BY NAME. There is a sweet old lady that comes to Komatipoort to sell nuts in the parking lot every weekend. Her name is Susan and she always has a smile. Last week I called her by name and she looked at me in surprise and said, “You remembered my name!”.

4)SAY THANK YOU. During one of my many travel days this past year I was waiting in a very long line at the airport to buy some snacks for my flight. Their was just one man working to check out all the customers. I noticed he worked very fast and was friendly. When it was my turn he thanked me for waiting and in return I said, “Thank you so much for your hard work.” He then told me that in all of his years of work their no one had ever bothered to say thank you.

I pray that we will all take the time to ponder what God has taught us in the past year and begin to make goals for 2011!

2010-11-18T12:58:00.002-06:00

Just in case you aren't on my "snail mail" list here is my latest letter.... sorry the photos won't load!

Dear Friends and Family,

For the last month I have been busy documenting the family situations of the children in our after school programs (Music for Life Centres). This has involved visiting the children's homes in the villages. The student's profiles are full of phrases like “both parents have died and the child is living with her grandmother”/ “ the mother isn't working and they don't know where the father is.”/ “an auntie is taking care of 11 children in a 2 room house.” / “The father goes and stays in Swaziland with his other 2 wives.” / “the 18 year old sister is caring for her 3 younger siblings and her own baby.” However, when observing these students while they are participating in the Music for Life Centre program at their school no one would never guess that these are the children that live in such desperate circumstances. They come alive with the music, joy lights up their faces and hope rings in their voices. I believe only the presence of God can bring about such a transformation in these children and I am so thankful to be able to witness it!

I have enjoyed getting to know the children a little more during home visits. Lucas is 9 years old and lives in Orlando (The village right next to our MFL Junior Academy). Lucas was kind enough to direct us to the homes of many of our MFL centre students. When he was riding along with us in the Land Rover he told me that he wanted to be a “traffic cop” when he grows up. Jokingly, I said, “So when you see me driving this Land Rover a little too fast will you forgive me and not give me a ticket?” Lucas quickly said, “No, I must give you a ticket or I will be chased from my job!”. Later one of our Music of Life staff bought some bananas at a road side stand. When he offered one to Lucas he refused. When one of the aunties asked him why he didn't want a banana he said that he wasn't allowed to take food from anyone. I was struck by the sense of honestly and integrity in this little boy and wondered what would happen if he became a future
leader of South Africa. MFL in South Africa is blessed to pour into the lives of hundreds of children just like Lucas.

Another highlight of the past month has been the School Assemblies that the MFL Centre Students have performed at. Each group of children has been able to perform for their entire school during an assembly to show what they have learned this year. The kids were so proud (and a little nervous!) to sing and dance for their peers and teachers!

Please Pray:
*Thank God that the strike for public workers is over and the children are back in school
*Thank God for Kristine who is my temporary housemate (until Dec.). She is teaching at our school.
*Pray for our former choir children who are in Secondary School as they will be taking exams soon
*Pray for God to increase my leadership skills as I lead the MFL Centre Staff

Thanks again for all of your love, support and encouragement!

Love, Jenny

2010-09-07T10:53:00.001-06:00

I found her in the village. She is the tiny girl who I fell in love with at first sight. I show people her picture and kinda of make a joke saying, "I wish I could take her home with me." But it's true. I really wish I could take her home with me. And not just her. Lots of them. Bring them home and love on them with all the love in my heart. Make sure they are clean. Give them something nice to eat. Teach them about Jesus. Sing songs and tell stories together. I know God wants to teach me something through this longing in my heart. Maybe He wants me to have just a tiny glimpse into the way He feels about ME. If my heart can long and ache for this little child, whose name I don't even know, how much more must my Heavenly Father long for me.

How great is the love the Lord has lavished on us that we should be called the Children of God. And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1

My South African Home

2010-07-22T15:38:00.011-06:00

Jenny's "Hide-Away Hut"

Sweet friends have let me borrow the furniture I needed

Yes, I am completely spoiled and have a sweet little pool in the back yard! The yard needs a "little" work and I am hoping to plant grass soon!

And these are my wonderful co-workers and friends that I hope to bless with my new home and pool. I took these photos when we took a little day trip to Swaziland. We had a blast! Please pray for me as I build relationships with these friends and encourage them in their walk with the Lord.

Eating the Rice Crispy Treats I made for them! I had to introduce them to an American Tradition! :)

2010-06-19T13:56:00.005-06:00

"Today, for the first time, I bought clothes pins and they aren't for a preschool craft project."

That is what I wanted to put on my facebook status update today. (funny how everything seems to come back to facebook these days!) or I thought about saying, "My choir kids can handwash clothes much better than me!" But I thought that too many facebook friends with good intentions would misunderstand and make sympathetic comments about my simple life here in South Africa. I don't think I could handle that at the moment.

I have just moved into my own place here and because of a recent visit far into the village next to our school I now have a different perspective on my living conditions. Finding a place to rent here in Komatipoort was a bit of challenge as it seems as if everything is either really nice and too expensive or really cheap and in an un-safe area. But God is faithful and has provided a wonderful place for me to rent that is in a nice neighborhood and has a reasonable rent. It is what the Africaans here in town call a "rondoval" (not sure of the spelling) but I would call it a round brick hut with a thatch roof (which I have now named "Hide-away Hut"). It is more than enough space for me even though it is just 3 rooms. It has a bedroom, a huge bathroom (with a big tub AND a shower.... anyone remember my tiny bathroom in Bloomington?) and a big room that is the kitchen and living room. The kitchen has a single sink and stovetop burners. Kind friends here in Komatipoort have let me borrow a table and chairs, a couch, a TV and DVD player on a stand, a bed and a night stand. All of this is MORE THAN ENOUGH for me and I feel greatly blessed. Did you notice that their a few "normal" things missing.... washing machine, dryer, oven, and fridge (not to mention a desk, book shelves, artwork, comfy lounge chairs, decorative pillows, and all the other things that fill up our western houses)? No washing machine or a dryer means hand washing and hanging clothes out to dry. I thought about taking my clothes to the boarding school to use the washer there (which maybe I will do once in awhile) but I can't really justify doing that often considering that the majority of employees at the school don't have washing machines either. I never see them using the machine for personal use. I thought about buying a microwave but I looked at the price and then thought of the people in the village having only an open fire to cook over then I remember to be thankful for my electric stove burners and the new toaster I just purchased. Right now I am using a cooler with ice as a fridge. Not convient or easy but it works. Honestly, I probably have enough money to buy a little dorm-size fridge and will get one in the near future but for now I am just cooking simply. (and trying not to have leftovers!)

Last week MFL had a day camp for the children who live in the village next to our school. I have drove by the village 100's of times and even gone to church there but I had never been very far "into" the village. The day before camp we took the Land Rover and ventured in to invite children to come to our camp. First we saw many of the houses that are made of concrete blocks that they make and sell in the villages here. They have corugated metal roofs. Lots of them even had some kind of electricity hooked up. We then drove by the "public toliets". Think of what you might see at a State Park Camp Ground. These homes don't have indoor plumbing. Thankfully, every few houses or so there were water spikets in the middle of the yard that the neighbors would share. In this part of the village we saw many people. Women were sitting outside on a mat braiding each others hair with children running and playing all around. Most of the yards were neat and tidy and we saw some pretty nice looking vegetable gardens. Men were working in the yard or sitting and chatting with one another. Many people we walking along the dirt roads with some sort of purpose in mind. Then we took a road that went to the back of the village. It was very quiet here. No one seemed to be around. There weren't houses anymore but shacks. The people had made their homes out of trash.... card board boxes, old tarps, old pieces of wood. I couldn't believe the conditions that these people were living in. It is hard to describe. I would have liked to take photos but it didn't really seem appropriate. I did sneak in one photo of these little boys who were just hanging around. You can see what types of homes they live in when you look in the background. (Click on the photo to make it bigger)

My experience that day was very "real" and it changed my perspective of how I should live. Honestly, right now, I really feel guilty living the way I do when my "neighbors" have so little. I was originally going to post pictures of my new house here but now I feel too embarrassed show the "mansion" I live in. It is most definitely a mansion compared to where these little boys sleep. In their eyes my bed (a bunk bed from the school with a foam mattress) is a luxury. So is my comfy couch. The shower and tub are meant for a princess. In reality I know that God has given me a home so that I can bless others with it and I honestly know I shouldn't be "embarrassed" by how God has blessed me. But at the moment it is too hard to get my mind around it all. I think I'm going to look and pray for ways to sacrifice in order to be a good neighbor. and maybe handwashing my clothes is just the beginning.

glimpses of reality

2010-06-07T15:48:00.002-06:00

Some days it seems impossible to process all the differences between my life here in South Africa and what my life was like in America. In the past week I have drove up and down the dirt road to our school many times. Tonight I passed lots of people carrying firewood back to the villages that they will use to cook their food or maybe keep warm in the cool winter night. Last week I stopped on the road 2 times to give some children bread. The first time I paused to give out bread to about 6 little children playing outside of their home. They were kids about 2-4 years old playing next to the road without an adult in sight. Later the same day I stopped by the trash pile by the side the road were 2 boys were digging through the trash. When I pulled over and rolled down the window and began to speak they immediately started practicing their english by saying "fine, fine" knowing that I was going to say, "Hello, how are you?". :) I asked if they wanted some bread and one of them jumped off the trash pile, clutched the bread in his arms like a prize, and ran away with his friend with a huge smile shouting "siyabonga" which means "thank you". I also spent countless hours this week going through the clothes that our children keep at our boarding school. Most of the clothes were something no one at home would even bother putting out at a yard sale but yet it is all these children have and they are thankful for them. I wish I had some profound words to share about these experiences but honestly, maybe it would be silly to try to make lesson out of these glimpses of reality. Paul said, "When God's people are in need, be ready to help them." (Romans 12:13) and I pray that we can each find a way to do this wherever we live.

2010-06-02T12:30:00.006-06:00

In March we had a team of two Americans, two Canadians,
and one South African come to Nkomazi to serve
with Music for Life. The team and MFL staff
worked together to organize and facilitate camps at
two of our Music for Life Centres.

I was especially blessed to discover that two of the
western team members were people I had met while
touring with ACC30 in 2007/08! Lisa is from Rich-
mond, BC and she remembers me talking with her
after a concert about short term volunteer opportuni-
ties. She has now come to South Africa twice to
volunteer! Jen was Detail Person and host family
member when ACC30 was in Omaha, Nebraska!
Honestly, I don't really remember talking specifically
to Lisa or Jen but I am now thankful to have confir-
mation that at least two out of the thousands of con-
versations I had had while touring were actually
important and possibly life-changing!

Lisa and I

Jen teaching Music with my friend/co-worker Selby

The camps went very well! There were around 300
children each day at the first week of camp in In-
jabulo and 200 children attending camp at Mzinti
Primary School during the second week.
The western volunteers along with our SA Staff held
Dance, Music, Bible Stories, Science and Games
Activities for the children. It was also fun to have
five of our former Choir members—who are now in
Secondary School—to come and help during their
school holidays. I really enjoyed playing with the little
kiddos and had a great time blowing bubbles with these
small kids!

The community seemed happy to host us and there
were children waiting for us to arrive each day. We
received a letter from a student's mother after the
first day of camp. It said,

“Dear everyone at Music
for Life, We would like to thank you for giving our
children this opportunity. They are very excited.
They woke up very early and are very happy. And of
course the Bible lessons teaches them to be obeying,
respectful and responsible children. We thank you.
Please continue to do the good work.”

This letter was more than enough encouragement to
keep us going to finish the week strong! 􏰀

My Grandma

2010-05-22T03:49:00.000-06:00

Memories of Grandma Figg

Today my family is gathering together to honor and remember my Grandma who has just passed away. I have been thinking about her a lot lately and I have many sweet memories of spending time with her. Please let me share some memories with you....

My Grandma called herself a “hair dresser” in her younger years. I can remember climbing into her chair in the “shop” to get my first hair cut. The “shop” was a converted mobile home that sat at the edge of their property in Iroquios. It was bright and sunny with lots of Grandma's plants in the windows. Many local women came to get “permanents”and hair cuts. Grandma cut my hair for many years. Most of the time when I needed a haircut she would get her scissors and we would go outside where I would sit on the picnic table while she trimmed my hair.

Many of my favorite memories are from spending time in the kitchen with Grandma. Grandma always let me help with meals. When I was small she would let me pick the cool-aid flavor and taste it to make sure it had enough sugar. I can vividly remember the smell and taste of Grape cool-aid from a wooden spoon. My Grandma made the best home-made noodles in the world. Chicken noodle soup at Grandma's was the best. I can remember helping roll out the dough and cut the noodles. My brother's favorite food from Grandma's kitchen was her home-made bisquits or rolls which were always eaten up quickly!

My brother and I loved to go and stay the night at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Grandma would move the coffee table and make up beds for us to sleep on the floor in the living room. In the mornings Wes and I would sit at the breakfast table eating toast with lots of cinnamon and sugar.

Another favorite place at Grandma and Grandpa's was the front porch. When I was little, Wes and I would sit on the concrete porch and play with the little plastic cowboy and indian toys or marbles while Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa would sit and talk. As we got older we sit and read on the porch while watching for the hummingbirds that Grandma loved.

The yard at Grandma and Grandpa's house was a wonderful place to play as a child. I used to spend hours in the “climbing tree”. It was a great place to get away from the world and as I got older I would often take a book up with me. Wes and I and my cousins would have lots of fun playing with the toys Grandma kept for us. We would get out the frisbees and yoyos to play in the yard.

I love hearing stories about my Grandma's life when she was a young mother. She was a true homemaker.... busy cooking, cleaning, sewing and gardening in order to take care of her family.

My Grandma loved flowers and gardening. My Mom and Grandma would usually walk around the yard and look at the flowers and plants. Now I do the same thing with my Mom at her house and I love flowers and gardening just like Grandma and Mom.

Thank you Grandma for letting me experience life with you.... You showed me what a blessing it is to enjoy creation and also create things with my own hands. You were an artist creating beauty in whatever you did... making a pie for your family, painting a picture or planting beautiful flowers. You introduced me to joy that comes from enjoying the simple things in life and you will be greatly missed by all.

More than French Fries!

2010-05-17T16:44:00.002-06:00

So, contrary to popular belief, France has food that is better than French Fries! :) Here's a picture of me and some of my girls enjoying croissants fresh from the Bakery in Aix-en-Provence, France!

Newsletter Update

2010-04-25T14:42:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Hello from Komatipoort, South Africa. I can hardly believe I have been here only 3 months! The amount of new experiences I have had seem as if they could fill up 3 years instead of months! I know that many of you are so curious about my new life here so I thought I could try to describe a “typical” day to you....

My day begins with driving the MFL Land Rover to the bus stop in Komatipoort and picking up a few co-workers who come to work from neighboring villages. I then drive through Komati on the nice paved road until I turn off onto the bumpy dirt road just outside of town. I avoid as many potholes , snakes and lizard as I can and drive past an African village called Orlando to Music for Life Junior Academy. At MFLJA we have offices, school rooms, and a dorm with a kitchen and dinning area. Upon arriving I might wander down to the dorm to say hello to the Resident Assistants or peak into the classroom to check on “my” kids. Next, I begin doing work for the Music for Life Centres. They are an outreach program that is an after-school program that focuses on helping some of the most vulnerable children in the community. We have 10 different schools in nearby villages that a team of 7 of us go to each week. During the program our staff teaches singing, dancing, and life skills to 50 children at each school. I have been given the task of preparing Bible Story activities for the Life Skills lessons for the program. I have been using the story of Joseph to teach the kids about how God loves us like a Father and is with us all the time. Mid morning I load up the Land Rover with drums, keyboards, and juice and then drive to the local supermarket to purchase 150 buns. Next, I enjoy the beautiful drive to the first village. There are many farms growing sugar cane, bananas, and oranges and the view of the rolling fields and the mountains of Mozambique is just amazing. In the first village I pick up Selby and Nontokozo who are 2 of our staff members and we then drive to another village to pick up 4 more staff. From there we all pile in the Land Rover and drop 2 staff and equipment and snacks at each of the 3 different schools. During the program I usually help with teaching song lyrics, passing out buns and juice, teaching a Bible Story and occasionally helping with teaching dance moves (those of you that know me well know that this is a stretch for me!) I LOVE being in the village schools with the children in these programs! They love to give the staff hugs and high fives! It is amazing to see how a something as small as a smile or just a pat on the back can transform these children! At the beginning of our time together they often come looking a little sad or worn out but they leave singing, dancing, and jumping around! Then 2 of us load up the Land Rover again and drive back to the other 2 school to pick up the staff and equipment. I drop off all of the staff and then head back to Komatipoort. I arrive back around 4:30 and then I might unload the Land Rover and make juice for the next day. I usually then go and spend a little time with my choir #33 kids. I help with homework, chat with the girls in their rooms or just hang out outside under a tree with the Residence Assistants. After that I say goodbye and go home for the day (unless I decide to come back to the school after dinner for evening Devotions with the children!).

The past few weeks I have also been busy planning and organizing for a group of volunteers who are currently here facilitating Bible School Camps at 2 of our village schools. I was very happy to get the responsibility of communicating with the volunteers before their arrival. I first got involved with MFL through a volunteer trip to Uganda so I could relate to their email questions about what to bring and what to expect! The team consists of 2 Americans, 2 Canadians and 1 South African and I was so excited to find out that 2 of the volunteers were people I had met while I was touring with Choir #30 . Lisa is from Canada and I talked with her after a concert about short term volunteer opportunities and now she has come to South Africa twice to volunteer! The other person is Jen and she was a host family when I was in Omaha, Nebraska in 2007! It is great to see how God has used my choir #30 children to inspire others to be apart of what MFL is doing in Africa!

I have exciting news to share about what has been happening with Choir #33! We have just returned from spending about 2 weeks in Cape Town and Johannesburg. We have just had an official “launch” to introduce The African Children's Choir to South Africa because even though we have been working in South Africa for some years many people do not know about the choir. The children performed on a live tv show, live radio show and also recorded for a tv show that will air in June. We are praying that this will lead to support from the community. The other news is that I am going to travel to Europe at the end of April with Choir #33! We are going to spend about a month touring in France, Monaco, Switzerland and Germany. This is literally a “ground breaking” tour for The African Children's Choir and I am excited to be a part of it! Please pray for all the details and logistics of this tour!

I cannot express how thankful I am for each of you who are investing in this journey I am on! I am extremely thankful for your prayers, emails, financial support, and encouragement!

Love, Jenny

What's your mission story?

2010-02-21T05:40:00.002-06:00

Recently someone asked me this Question:

What's you mission story?

I would love to tell you how God called me into mission work in Africa! It actually all started at CCA (Cornerstone Christian Academy) in Bloomington, Illinois. I taught preschool there for 8 years before I began working with The African Children's Choir. In one of the early years our preschool staff decided to get our classes involved in sponsoring a student from another country. We wanted to help the kids see outside of their own little lives. (little did I know about what it would do for my own perspective on life!) We started sponsoring a little girl named Zamambo that was from South Africa. She went to an Association of Christian Schools International School (same organization that CCA is a part of). Our class prayed for her, learned about her country and also gave money to support her care and education. I loved seeing how the children ages 3-5 years were so "black and white" about giving. Since I told them that Zamambo needed money for food and school they thought nothing of giving all they had. The kids would bring in whole piggy banks full of money or give the money they got from their birthdays for Zamambo. God used that experience with my students to give me the desire to go to Africa and do mission work during my summer break. I started looking for organizations to work with but it seemed like most places just wanted money not me. Then in the fall of 2005 The African Children's Choir came to my church. They performed a wonderful concert and God used it to move my heart. During the concert they told of a need for people to come and do short term work in the countries they work in. Immediately after the concert I inquired about going on the next trip. So in the summer of 2006 I went to Uganda and joined a group of about 10 westerners (people I didn't know from all over Canada, US, and UK) and we spent about a month in Uganda doing Bible School Camps in the outreach schools that ACC supports. While doing the camps our team worked with 6 former ACC members who were university students. They were wonderful young people who loved the Lord and wanted to give back to the organization who changed their lives. It was like seeing the direct outcome of the work the organization does. Because of this I decided I wanted to become involved in a more full-time basis and started planning to travel with a choir as a chaperone. The way the choir works is that ACC finds children that are in vulnerable situations, places them in a loving Christian environment and teaches them music and dance. The music is wonderful therapy for these little ones who have been through so much trauma. The children become so confident after receiving so much praise and love. In 2007 I went back to Uganda to meet the 26 precious children that I was going to tour with. It was an amazing experience to see the kids in their own environment and meet many of their families. I spent about 2 months in Uganda and loved every minute of it! The next month the children came to America and I began traveling with them. For the next 15 months I traveled many places in the US and even coast to coast in Canada. Touring with ACC is a unique experience. During tour we are busy doing concerts, continuing the kid's education, and making sure the children many fun experiences in the West. During this time I fell in love with the children and came to truly think of them as my own. When the tour was over in Dec. 2008 the children went back home to Uganda and Kenya and go to our boarding schools there. I miss them so much and can hardly believe it has been an entire year since I have seen them! After tour I found it very hard to consider living a "normal" western life! I had been praying for God to show me what He had next for me. I had been home for about 3 or 4 months when the organization contacted me about working with ACC in South Africa....
To be continued.....

My Choir #30 Family

2010-01-28T14:23:00.003-06:00

Wow, sometimes I am just in awe of my life. God has been so good to me. Sure, I have struggles, hurts and frustrations but I am amazed at the way God has been faithful to me. None of you may have realized it but I was facing some pretty big and real fears before coming here to South Africa. When I made the commitment to come back in the spring of 2009 I didn't really have much fear about leaving my comfortable, easy, North American life for South Africa. I just felt a lot of joy about being clear on what God had called me to do. Somehow, during a spiritually vulnerable time during tour with the choir in the UK, satan snuck in and replaced the original joy I had with fear. I'm not sure how that happened but it did. I was fearful about failing in what God had called me to do. I also had huge fears about my relationship with the people I would be working with here. I wish I could describe how I felt when after completing the long journey here. After a 11 hour flight and a 5 hour drive I sat alone in South Africa and wondered "What in the word am I doing here?" Even though I had met a very nice MFL staff family and was looking forward to seeing the 23 kids and 2 chaperones I had traveled with I still felt very much alone. Now, looking back, I am so glad that God put me in that "alone" place because it caused me to run directly into His ever present arms and seek out refuge. I knew I was beat.... I couldn't do anything on my own. I am so thankful that God gave me strength and perseverance to face the fears head on. He was faithful to replace my fear with joy. I know things won't be perfect or even easy here with ACC in South Africa but I know it's where He has called me to be for the moment. So for now I will take each day as it comes. I will drive the Land Rover on the "wrong" side of the road listening to the small children yell "Music for Life" as I drive through the villages to our outreach programs. I will spend time sitting eating peri peri chips (french fries with hot peppers and vinegar) at the picnic table at the gas station with my co-workers building relationships with them. After telling a Bible Story I will serve juice and buns to the 50 little children sitting on the dirty school room floor at a village school. I will spend time with "my" choir kids helping them with homework or just playing. I will sit on the old swingset at Music for Life Academy and chat with the R.A.'s (residence assistants) who live at the school and act as parents to all the children in the boarding school. I will do my best to encourage them in their hard work. I will try to cheerful do whatever God asks of me while asking Him to continually replace my fear with His joy. Thanks for joining me on the journey.

God's plans are PERFECT

2010-01-04T07:39:00.004-06:00

Notes on my UK holidays

God is so good to me and has reminded me that His plans are perfect. When I first set out to join choir #33 here in the UK I was planning on flying to South Africa with the choir when the tour was over. A few months ago it became apparent that God had different plans and I needed to wait a few weeks before going to S. Africa. I must admit I was somewhat frustrated and really wondered what God was doing. I should have known He just wanted to bless me. I have just spent 2 weeks having a mini vacation here in the UK and it was exactly what I needed. I spent a week in Scotland with Eleni (another chaperone) with a family that had hosted the choir back in June. They are a great family that have become huge fans of the choir and have really done a lot for ACC and specifically my Choir #33 kids. They live on a hill on a mountain and we had a beautiful snowy Christmas. Eleni and I had fun playing with the 2 girls and went sledding (or sledging as they call it) and built a snowman and an igloo. It was a blessing to me because it was exactly what I would have been doing if I was at home- hanging out with my sisters and their families. I learned that I don't really like Christmas Pudding (fruitcake with nuts with Brandy poured over it and lit on fire) and I LOVE Sticky Toffee Pudding. After Scotland my next destination was London. Eleni came with me to Edinburgh (where we had spent a month with the choir back in Aug.) before I traveled on to London. It was fun to spend part of the day there remembering all the fun I had there when I first joined Choir #33. My time in London has been great also. Considering I have spent the last 5 months traveling with 33 people I was really happy to be on my own at a little B&B. It was the perfect opportunity to “regroup” and “refocus” on life. My friend Adrian (who I met on a ACC trip to Uganda in 2006) lives here so it has been wonderful to catch up with him and also spend a fair amount of time with him and his friends. Adrian was brave enough to let me practice driving on the “wrong side” of the road in his new car. I didn't dent anything or kill anyone and I think Adrian is still my friend so I guess it was pretty successful. It is great to know I have even just the tiniest bit of driving experience before heading to South Africa where I will be driving right away. I was also blessed to be able to go to Adrian's church with his friends. Being on tour has taught me to never take church for granted. Typically on tour we are in church all the time but never just to be there, if you know what I mean. Plus you just can't go to church with 23 cute African kids and be “normal”. So it was wonderful to just enjoy worship and teaching without any strings attached. (and I think that this church is just about perfect because mid-service they pass around chocolate!) So today I am off on a new adventure to South Africa and I'm going to work hard at remembering that God's plans are perfect! Thanks everyone for your love, support and encouragement! Please keep it coming!

African Children's Choir - Because you loved me (live)

2009-12-13T15:57:00.001-06:00

Here are my kids singing on a live German TV show! Aren't they so very cute?!?!

Bangor, Northern Ireland

2009-11-02T15:17:00.004-06:00

I felt like I was on vacation at this host family! They lived right across the street from the beach in a pastel colored townhouse! I had a day off here and it was great to sleep in and then walk along to beach to a coffee shop in the city center.

Amazing, Auntie Jenny and Musa

Amazing

Amazing and Musa

My home for a few days!

The view out the front door!

2009-10-27T14:51:00.002-06:00

So far Northern Ireland has been my favorite place we have been on tour. The capital of N. Ireland is Belfast (one of the children called it "Breakfast" by mistake! ). I was lucky enough to spend quite a few "days off" in Belfast. Each of the chaperones get 1 day off a week and I really enjoyed going to the city for the day. One day Eleni (another chaperone) and I went up in the Belfast Wheel to get a good view of the city.

Portstewart, Northern Ireland

2009-10-27T14:36:00.004-06:00

Portstewart, Northern Ireland

I was so surprised to find beautiful sandy beaches in Ireland! Portstewart was absolutely gorgeous! The girls REALLY wanted to jump in the ocean and I had to hold them back! It was way to cold to even consider it!

Nomkhuleko, Phephile and Nompie at the beach!

African Children's Choir in Armagh

2009-10-19T13:48:00.001-06:00

Watch my kids sing! This is an outdoor performance we did in Armagh, Northern Ireland. The kids sang a couple songs with a group called The Tenors and Divas Incognito but the majority of the concert was the choir. Let me know what you think!

The Giant's Causeway

2009-10-15T05:41:00.007-06:00

The Giant's Causeway was my favorite place to visit in Northern Ireland. It is called The Giant's Causeway because of the legend that says a Giant built it as a bridge to Scotland. Here is some info about it:

The Giant's Causeway (or Irish: Clochán na bhFómharach)[1] is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. It is located in County Antrim, on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland, about two miles (3 km) north of the town of Bushmills. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986, and a National Nature Reserve in 1987 by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland. In a 2005 poll of Radio Times readers, the Giant's Causeway was named as the fourth greatest natural wonder in the United Kingdom. The tops of the columns form stepping stones that lead from the cliff foot and disappear under the sea. Most of the columns are hexagonal, although there are also some with four, five, seven and eight sides. The tallest are about 12 metres (36 ft) high, and the solidified lava in the cliffs is 28 metres thick in places. The Giant's Causeway is today owned and managed by the National Trust and it is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland.

We took the choir there on a fun morning out. It is an amazing reminder of what a wonderful creator our God is! I love how the rock formations fit perfectly together!

Welcome to Northern Ireland!

2009-10-15T05:27:00.004-06:00

I can't believe we are leaving Northern Ireland on Saturday and I still haven't posted pictures on here about our time on the Emerald Isle! These are photos of the day we arrived on Sept. 4th. We came on the Ferry from Scotland. The first photo shows Musa on the Ferry with Ireland in the background. Armstrong, Siyabonga, Musa and Selina are posing in the next picture. A beautiful rainbow greeted us upon arrival!

Pretty smiling under the rainbow!

Meet the Choir #33 Chaperones!

2009-09-27T17:14:00.002-06:00

Choir #33 Chaperones in a Telephone Box!

Angee (American from Oregon), Agreenth (South African), Lindsay (Scottish), Eleni (Canadian from B.C.), Lauren (American from Washington), Michelle (American from West Virginia), Godfrey (Ugandan) and Me

Fun at the Park in Edinburgh!

2009-09-27T03:32:00.008-06:00

We took the children to some great parks in Edinburgh!

Hope

Siyabonga

Auntie Jenny and Siyabonga

Jabulile, Nompie, Pretty, Nomkhuleko, and I

At the Beach in Edinburgh

2009-09-27T03:19:00.004-06:00

Jabulile, Hlengiwe, Tintswalo and I enjoyed staying with hosts that lived near the ocean when we were in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh with the boys!

2009-09-17T07:00:00.006-06:00

I stayed with Musa, Siyabonga, and Maxwell (Pictured below in that order) at a host family in Edinburgh. We climbed on some paths around a big mountain (or maybe it's just a big rock, but when you are from Illinois it looks like a mountain!). The view was beautiful!

I'm back in the blogging world!!!

2009-09-17T06:57:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone!
I hope someone still tries to follow my blog! Sorry for the lack of posts! My laptop broke after only a week in the U.K. Thankfully God has provided a great new one and now I hope to get back to keeping up with blogging! I love sharing stories and pictures with you. It helps me to process all the many things I do and learn while on tour and I LOVE reading your comments so keep them coming!!! Love from Ireland, Jenny

At the park

2009-08-14T07:55:00.007-06:00

Siyabonga

Pretty

Nancy

Hope

Penuel and Amazing

Suprise

Double Decker Buses!

2009-08-14T07:50:00.006-06:00

Gabsile, Phephile, and I have been staying at a host family at the edge the city of Edinburgh. Each day we have been taking the bus into the city where we meet up with the rest of the choir for school, rehearsals, and concerts. We have been enjoying the double decker buses and girls love to sit at the very front on the top!

Phephile and Gabsile

Please come to our show!

2009-08-14T07:39:00.005-06:00

Hello from Edinburgh, Scotland! We are here in Edinburgh until the end of August. The children are performing concerts for a famous art festival called The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We have performances 4-5 times a week in a beautiful old church in the center of the city. The festival is throughout the whole city in different venues and also street performers. The children have been enjoying going out on the streets to pass out flyers advertising the show!

Nomkhuleko, Tinswallow, Hope, Sikhunbuzo, and Maxwell

Who could say no to her? :)

Tintswallow and Hope

Praying for Choir #33

2009-07-24T12:58:00.024-06:00

Thank you to so many of you who want to pray for Choir #33. I thought it would be fun for everyone to know who is praying for who! Some of you may even know one another. I think I may have missed recording a few of you so if your name isn't on the list please let me know! Right now the choir is in Dubai performing at a special event. Pray for endurance of the heat (highs of 107!) and safe travel back to the U.K. on August 4th. Please continue praying for my preparations for joining the Choir on August 9th! Pray that God would give me peace and that I would rely only on Him during this time of transition. Enjoy the photos of these beautiful children!

Xolane
Xolane is prayed for by The Cale Family and Kim B.

Tintswalo (Tint-swallow) is prayed for by Barnes Dental Associates and The Williamson Family

Suprise is prayed for by Jonah (age 12), The Gerber Family and The Amble Family

Siyamthanda is being prayed for by my parents, Ben (age 4), and The Bogner Family

Siyabonga (See-ya-bone-ga) is prayed for by The Fry Family and Howard and Jean F.

Sikhunbuzo is prayed for by The Weitekamp Family and Aideen (a blog reader!)

Selina is prayed for by Ilse G. and The Pascavis Family

Johan Samuel (He likes to be called Sam) is prayed for by John and Mary Ellen B. and The Gilroy Family

Pretty is being prayed for by The Fry Family, The McMains Family, and Tanya E.

Phephile (Pep-pea-lay) is being prayed for by Rylie (age 4), The Gerber Family, and my Aunt Sue.

Penuel is being prayed for by Johanna B., Tara B., and Todd H.

Nompie is being prayed for by Leah S. and Tiffany W. (a blog reader!)

Nomkhuleko (Nom-koo-lay-go) is being prayed for by Sue W., The Rice Family, and Andrea

Nancy is being prayed for by Gloria S. and Dave & Mary T.

Musa is being prayed for by Josiah (age 5), The Meade family, and Jim & Julie G.

Maxwell is being prayed for by Wes & Pat H., The Pascavis Family, and Natosha S.

Jabulile is being prayed for by The Cale Family and the Knowlton Family

Hope is being prayed for by Mike & Kim H., Tanya E., Kendall (age 8) and The Gerber Family

Hlengiwe (Thang-ee-way) is being prayed for by Bill & Arla M. and Rick & Marilyn S.

Gabsile (Gab-sea-lay) is being prayed for by Lydia (age 6), The Meade family, and Taunya S.

Banele is being prayed for by The Hodge Family and Alyssa G.

Armstrong is being prayed for by The Hodge Family and Julie L.

Amazing is being prayed for by Carol M. , Kay T. and Natosha S.

Choir #33

2009-07-15T21:22:00.002-06:00

Would you like a specific Choir #33 Child to pray for? I am assigning specific kids to anyone who would like to pray for them! Email me at jennyjenjenmax@yahoo.com!

2009-07-15T20:23:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure exactly what to say but I somehow want to share what God is doing in my life. He is stretching me. He is bringing me to the end of myself. He is reminding me that I am NOTHING without Him and that ALL I have is His. The house I desperately want to sell is His. The debt I owe because of the house is His. I am trying to remember this everyday when I think about how it hasn't sold yet and about how my savings account is going to be empty really soon (Oh wait, it is His savings account, right?). My last paycheck at the end of this month is His, not mine. He is teaching me (or trying to teach me) to be patient and trust in Him. I am determined to trust in Him. He loves me and His plan is perfect for my life. I was so encourage by this hymn we sang at the prayer meeting tonight:

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

I was once again reminded of the riches of our Lord Jesus. I pray that I will live out a life that brings glory to Him because of my willingness to trust in his goodness to give me exactly what I need in His perfect timing.

Dentists watch out!

2009-07-14T20:14:00.002-06:00

Meet Siyabonga (See-ya-bone-ga)
The story below is told by Auntie Angee who is the tour leader for the group I am joining.

ACC33: Our visit to
the dentist was an
interesting one. The
c h i l d r e n have only
been on UK soil for two weeks so
they’re still getting used to everything,
never mind being stuck in a
scary chair with bright lights shining
on you and a man asking you to
open wide while he has a sharp
metal object in his hand!
The kids that were seen did beautifully,
although when it came to Siyabonga
getting his tooth pulled out it only took one look at
the metal plyers to send his jaw clamping
down on the dentist’s finger, drawing
blood! The dentist was very patient and very
understanding and we all had a good
laugh about it…once Siyabonga was finished,
that is.

Choir #33 Tour Begins.......

2009-06-14T13:18:00.009-06:00

without me!

Choir #33 arrived in Northern Ireland on Wednesday, June 3rd! This is the group of children I will join in August. They began a whirlwind tour in Northern Ireland and have already moved on to Scotland but not without first singing for the President of Northern Ireland! Please join me in praying for these sweet children and the team of chaperones taking care of them!

Stormont Castle in Northern Ireland with Peter Robinson, First Minister and Martin McGuiness, Deputy First Minister (photo below)

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

2009-06-02T18:46:00.005-06:00

As I have mentioned in the past, one of the chaperones that I traveled with is now in Uganda. She sent me these pictures of my choir #30 kids back home in Uganda at our boarding schools. I was so happy to see these pictures. I wanted to put them here on my blog but it made me wonder what other people will see when they look at them. What do you see?

NOW LET ME TELL YOU WHAT I SEE.......

This is Anna. Beautiful sweet Anna. She is wearing Auntie Amanda's pink sweatshirt. Amanda is one my fellow chaperones. Amanda told me that the day the children flew home and we had to say goodbye Anna asked, "Will I ever see you again?" Anna took this sweatshirt home as a precious gift from her Auntie Amanda. I love seeing her wearing it this photo.

Here I see these girls looking at pictures and letters that Amanda, Terese, and I sent them! Jackie is looking at a picture of her and Auntie Amanda when we were at Peggy's Cove Nova Scotia, Canada. Next to Bridget, on the bed, is a pink envelope with my handwriting on it.... the letter I sent her! It does my heart good to see these girls receiving letters from their Aunties who love them so very much! Thanks Auntie Stacie for hand delivering them!

This is my dear sweet Bridget (now my sponsor child!). She is wearing the soccer uniform that all of the children got when we were in Sudbury, Ontario about a year ago. Looking at this picture I see my little girl being well taking care of. She has a nice bed at boarding school. She has clean clothes and food to eat. Thank you Lord Jesus for providing for her through The African Children's Choir!

Here is Anna again. I recognize her dress. I lovingly ohhhed and awwwwed over all the beautiful new clothes we packed in her suitcase. When we packed them it was like therapy for me to check and make sure each child had all that they needed for when they arrived home from tour. I'm so glad she has a nice pretty dress to wear to church!

Look at these wonderful children! They are at Full Gospel Church. It reminds me of when I first met choir #30 in Uganda and we worshiped together at Full Gospel. Jerome, Jackie, and Bridget are wearing the "Sunday Clothes" we bought for them while on tour. They wore these clothes every Sunday for months in New York, Virginia, North Carolina, and maybe some other states. Enid, in true "Enid-fashion", is wearing her ACC t-shirt which is no surprise to anyone who knows her! Jackie is wearing a shirt I picked out for her to bring home. In this picture I see happy, confident children. It amazes me to think of what the Lord has done in their lives! He has provided for them in every way!

Once again I feel overwhelmingly blessed to be involved with The African Children's Choir. I have seen, first hand, the positive transformation in these children. Even more so, I feel completely 100 % grateful to my God who can do more than I could ever ask or imagine!

A New Journey Begins.......

2009-05-20T20:16:00.007-06:00

In a few short months I am joining a new tour with South African children in the U.K.! Meet some of the children:

Hlengiwe and Tintswalo

Hlengiwe and Tintswalo

Max, Amazing, Suprise, Xolane, Johan (Sam), Banele. Penuel and Sikumbuzo are in the background

Pretty

Pretty, Hope, Hlengiwe and Nomkhuleko

AND......

DON'T MISS THIS: I will be traveling home with the children at the end of their tour to begin even another new chapter in my life. The African Children's Choir has invited me to be a part of the ministry in South Africa at The Music for Life Junior Academy which is a school for the choir members. Read more about it here :http://www.africanchildrenschoir.com/what_we_do_south_africa.php

God is so good to allow me to be a part of the work He is doing!

2009-05-17T20:32:00.002-06:00

Meet Auntie Stacie~ She joined Choir #30 in August of 2008 and traveled through the end of tour. She is now in Uganda training Choirs #33 and #34. I got an amazing phone call from her the other day! I was teaching and unable to answer but on my voicemail I heard Jerome's voice saying, "Hello Auntie Jenny! We love you!" and then each of them said their own saying "It's Jerome, Enock, Martin, and Bridget." It made my heart burst with joy to hear my little kiddos calling me Auntie Jenny! Oh, how I miss them! Thank you Auntie Stacie for visiting them and loving on them!

Kenyan Choir #30 kids

2009-05-10T15:32:00.002-06:00

I thrive on any information I can get about my Choir #30 children. I am so thankful for modern communication like email and facebook! Occasionally, I chat online with the Kenyan Choir Manager who has regular contact with my kids. I'm sure he gets tired of my asking about the children! A few weeks ago I heard that the Kenyan Choir #30 kids were all staying at the office because they were going to be doing a concert and singing at a radio station. I was very excited to chat online with the children via Uncle Mwai, the choir manager. He patiently endured me asking the children questions and typed their answers back to me! It was such a blessing to be able to have just a little contact with them! Here is a picture of a few of the children at the radio station with Uncle Mwai and the radio DJ's.

Ugandan Choir #30's children's new school

2009-05-10T15:00:00.001-06:00

Here are some pictures of the new Music for Life/African Children's Choir school being built in Entebbe, Uganda. If you would like to read more details please visit the principal's blog: http://adventuresmarksarah.blogspot.com/

This is the school that my 12 Ugandan kids will go to. They are currently in a building in the city of Kampala that is much too crowded. This new school is in a great location on the banks of Lake Victoria. I visited the land in 2007 before they even began building. It has a beautiful view of the lake!

THE KITCHEN

ONE OF THE DORMS

THE CLASSROOM BLOCK

Reunion!

2009-03-07T15:24:00.006-06:00

Ok, so it is hard to know how to write this post. I got ahold of these beautiful pictures of Choir #30 Kenya kids being reunited with their families. They are amazing. You can see the raw emotion of the moment. This families are so thankful and excited to have their "babies" back home. Some people could look at these photos and really misinterpret the goal and mission of the choir. Many times on tour people would ask me about how the parents/guardians feel about their children being so far from home for an extended period of time. So let me just say that Music for Life didn't have to twist any arms or beg and plead for any of our kids to be a part of Choir #30. What you don't see in these pictures is the reality of these families living conditions. These pictures were taken in Mombassa which is a port city in Kenya. It is actually a pretty popular tourist destination. The condition of the road in the picture you see below is quite rare outside the city. The families of Choir #30 live outside the city in villages. These families traveled, most likely by foot, to Mombassa to meet the bus that brought the children from Nairobi. I've never been to their homes but I can pretty much guarantee that all of these kids live in places with dirt roads. I saw pictures of many of their homes. They are in remote places. The homes are made of mud with thatch roofs. Many don't have running water or electricity. What you don't see in the photos below is that these families can't take care of their children. The families feel relieved to know that their child would be clothed, fed and cared for by Music for Life. That's why they were happy to send them with us. To give them an amazing experience and to have their future education secured. Many people have also asked me what happens to the kids when they go home. The kids go back to their own country and are able to go to boarding schools. They are actually sponsored all the way through university! These families know that a University education will change their child's life and give them amazing opportunities and what Music for Life has seen is that these children grow up, get and education and then are able to help their entire families.

The bus arrives!

Excitement fills the streets as the kids walk hand in hand with the ones they love!

Sarah

Washo

Faulanta

Ibrahim's brother looks just like him!

Faulanta and her little brother called "King"

Big smiles!!!!

I can guess that little King is lifting up prayers of thanksgiving that his big sister is home safe! How precious!

Anna and Peter

2009-01-31T23:52:00.001-06:00

Somehow I never got this video posted here. I think it is one of my favorites! I caught Peter, one of the big boys, playing with Anna, one of the youngest girls. I love how our kids became like brothers and sisters! Anna says, "Go in. Go in! Have a good time!" Enjoy!

This is what my heart is missing right now.

2009-01-18T17:46:00.002-06:00

This is what my heart is missing right now.

Thank you Father for the privilege of walking a little bit of life with these precious children.

My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped. Psalms 17:5

Did I tell you I'm sponsoring Bridget?

2009-01-12T16:02:00.002-06:00

Did I tell you I'm sponsoring Bridget? Did you know that you can sponsor a Choir Child for just $50.00 a month? Did you guess that I don't really know how I'm going to pay every month? I'm believing and praying that God will provide for me so that I can share it with Music for Life to help them take care of her and pay for her education. If you want to know more email me at jennyjenjenmax@yahoo.com and I can answer any questions you might have!

Auntie Jenny and Bridget last year on Vancouver Island, B.C.

Oh, how I miss this pretty girl!

New York City!

2009-01-08T20:05:00.006-06:00

NEW YORK CITY!

The kids flew out of New York City. After they left late in the afternoon the 5 of us Western Aunties said goodbye to Uncle Vic and our bus from a hotel. We dried our tears and tried to focus on having a fun night in the city. We took a taxi and went to see the famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. It was amazing! I loved all the lights! I was also amazed at the hundreds and hundreds of people of the streets! What a crazy atmosphere! We bought yummy roasted peanuts on the street and walked to Times Square to eat dinner. It was a memorable way to end our time together.

Jenny, Barb, Stacie, Amanda and Terese

One More Snowfall

2009-01-08T19:46:00.008-06:00

ONE MORE SNOWFALL

Despite the fact that we spent a very long winter in Canada last year the kids were excited to play in snow one last time before going home. We stayed at Camp Deerpark in New York over Christmas and they kids got to enjoy the winterwonderland.

Halima and Marvin on their way down the sled hill! (I love this picture!)

Anna

Prisca

David

Two snow bunnies! Me and Auntie Stacie

Jacob and Auntie Stacie

Christmas Gifts!

2009-01-08T19:35:00.004-06:00

Christmas Gifts!

Halima and Jacob with their new discmans!

Daniel with his new CD player!

Anna tries on her new dress!

Jackie in her new dress!

Johnson with his suitcase full of new things to take home to Kenya!

David's suitcase exploded I think!

Christmas Photo Fun!

2009-01-08T19:29:00.002-06:00

CHRISTMAS PHOTO FUN!

ME AND ENID

AUNTIE TERESE AND I WITH THE COOL PENGUIN GUY!

Kings and Queens of the Castle!

2009-01-08T17:13:00.010-06:00

KINGS AND QUEENS OF THE CASTLE!

The Holiday Spectacular Cast and Crew gave the children a wonderful Christmas Party at a real castle. The children loved running around looking for secret passageways, posing with the knights in shinning armor and looking for Cinderella.

Queen Jenny and Princess Washo

Queen Beth and King Daniel

Princess Jackie and Queen Barb

King David and King Ibrahim

King Peter, Queen Amanda and King Martin

The beautiful spiral staircase

Jacob and Johnson with their new friend

Faulanta posing like the knight

Washo with a gift from the Cast (a new watch!)

The boys shaking the gifts

Faulanta and Ibrahim waiting to open more gifts. (new shoes!)

More fun at the Aquarium!

2009-01-08T01:21:00.003-06:00

MORE FUN AT THE AQUARIUM!

Auntie Terese and I with our girls outside the Aquarium. After the Aquarium we took them to a fun little place we love called Chipotle for a snack! :) I bet those kids are going to miss chips and salsa! :)

Me and Bridget just being "us".

Washo in the rainforest exhibit. Notice the birds in the background

Faulanta enjoying the Dolphin show!

National Aquarium in Baltimore

2009-01-08T01:14:00.002-06:00

During a "day off" in Baltimore we got to take the kids to a really great Aquarium. We had fun taking these pictures!

Joseph, Auntie Jenny, and Jerome

Jerome

Johnson

Joseph

Jacob

By the way........ Go "J" Team! :)

New Hats!

2009-01-08T01:01:00.002-06:00

New African Children's Choir Hats!

We gave the kids all new hats when we were fighting the cold in Baltimore. We let them take them home to Uganda and Kenya also. I wonder if they will be used much at home? :)

Jane, Margaret and Anna

Prisca and Anna

Jerome, Hudson, and Marvin

Jacob

Faulanta and Jane

Christmas Lights!

2009-01-08T00:45:00.002-06:00

There is a place in Baltimore that is famous for it's Christmas lights. I thought it was just CALLED 34th Street but it actually was ON 34th Street! It was a block of houses intensely decorated with about every Christmas light and decoration possible. I was expecting to see some big huge expensive houses in a posh neighborhood all decorated fancy. Instead it was an older neighborhood with humble homes decorated simply to bring joy to others! The kids had a blast walking around enjoying the lights.

Jerome, Halima, Hudson and Sarah

Jerome

Sarah, Marvin and Hudson

Daniel

2009-01-07T16:11:00.002-06:00

Well, I have been home 1 week! None of my three suitcase are completely empty yet but I am enjoying sleeping in my own bed! It feels very strange to be at home without anyone to take care of. I miss my kiddos but am happy to say I have heard good reports about their journey and reunion with their families. Tomorrow the Kenyan kids will be taken to boarding school. Please pray for their transition to a new life at boarding school.

God is continuing to provide for me as I return to the "real" world. I will be back at Cornerstone Christian Academy (where I previously taught for 8 years!) beginning Jan. 19th. One of the assistant teachers in the preschool is leaving to go serve in China and I will be filling her position through the end of the school year. God's timing in this has seemed perfect and I am reminded again of His faithfulness.

I have many great pictures of the last few weeks of tour that I hope to post soon. Thank you so much for your love and support for this great journey I have had. If you ever want to email me personally my email is jennyjenjenmax@yahoo.com I would love to hear from you!

Holiday Spectacular with Sandi Patty and The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

2008-12-20T23:32:00.007-06:00

Holiday Spectacular with Sandi Patty and The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

We are in Baltimore finishing up a 14 show run. The kids get to wear these beautiful gowns and tuxes for part of the concert. They look and sound truly amazing. Of course everyone here has fallen in love with them. We leave here on Dec. 24 and will spend Christmas together at a camp in New York State. The kids fly home to Africa from New York City on Dec. 27th. I can hardly believe it is really time to say goodbye. I am trying to enjoy every moment until the last hug goodbye. Pray for these sweet little ones as they prepare to return home. It will be a big adjustment for them. Please pray for me as I say goodbye to these children who have become my life for the past 16 months. Right now it seems impossible to even imagine my life without them.

Ibrahim, Jane, Auntie Jenny, Faulanta and Martin

Jerome

Halima

Bridget

Faulanta and Jane

Jackie and Anna

Daniel

Julian

Joseph

Harriet, Prisca, Sarah, Daniel, and Bridget

Jackie

2008-12-15T13:34:00.001-06:00

2008-12-12T22:49:00.002-06:00

A Photo Shoot with the kids I love!

2008-12-02T21:16:00.008-06:00

We did a little photo shoot at this abandoned house near Mirembe House in North Carolina. I think these are going to be some of my favorite pictures from tour!

Washo and Jane

Auntie Jenny, Washo and Jane

Auntie Jenny and Washo

Washo

Joseph, Auntie Jenny and Johnson

Smile a little Bridget...........

Beautiful!

Auntie Jenny and Jacob

Washo, Sarah, Auntie Jenny, Halima and Margaret

Auntie Jenny and Daniel

November in North Carolina

2008-12-02T20:39:00.007-06:00

We have been enjoying some wonderfully warm weather here in North Carolina! I took these pictures outside at Mirembe.

Jerome

Bridget

Julian

Johnson

Hudson

Faulanta and Washo

Halima and Joseph playing cards

2008-12-02T16:54:00.003-06:00

Mirembe House, New Hill North Carolina

The Back Yard

Bridget helping clean

Some of the boy's bunks

The boy's toys!

Lots of fruit for our kiddos!

Our kitchen!

2008-11-28T12:36:00.003-06:00

What a great Thanksgiving! Yesterday I had a wonderful day here with my choir family! We are in North Carolina at our "Base House." The Base House is called Mirembe (meaning peace) and is provided by a really great church in Raleigh. They have taken a personal interest into The ACC and have a wonderful house here for us. Our Choirs that do theater productions stay here between performances and for training. Thankfully our choir has been able to stay here while we are training for our shows with Sandi Patty and The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. We have loved being here all together. It is wonderful to just be like one great big family! The children love helping cleaning the house and preparing meals. The Aunties and Uncles love to be able to just send the kids outside to play (and often join them jumping on the trampoline or playing frisbee).

Thanksgiving became an extra special day for me when I realized that is was exactly 1 month from when the children fly back home to Uganda and Kenya. I have become even more determined to enjoy every last minute with these kids. We were invited to dinner at the home of one of the church members. They prepared a beautiful traditional Thanksgiving meal for us. Our hostess mentioned several times to us adults that we must be "lonely". I kinda just looked at the group of kids all around me and thought "nope". How could I possibly be lonely amongst so many people I love??? Although I do miss my friends and family back home their is no way I feel the least bit lonely.

I am so thankful that we have these few weeks together here at Mirembre before things get crazy with going to Baltimore. I have made so many wonderful memories I never want to forget!
*Bridget and I reading books and drinking coffee on the couch in the morning. (she would drink all of my coffee if I let her!)
*Watching the boys dressed up in the girls clothes just to be funny
*Hanging out with the Aunties and Uncles in our own kitchen and then watching movies together.
*Singing Praise and Worship songs around the bonfire on Thanksgiving
*Enjoying the warm sunshine (in November!) while playing outside with the kids.

I pray that God blessed you greatly this Thanksgiving!

Our last church concert

2008-11-26T15:06:00.006-06:00

We had our last church concert on Nov. 16th in Virginia. All of us Westerners dressed up in African Costumes. The kids especially loved it when we joined them on stage for the last song.

Back row: Amanda, Me and David
Front row: Barb, Terese, Beth, Stacie and Vic

Auntie Jenny with Sarah, Jackie and Jane

Yummy Chapati!

2008-11-22T17:42:00.002-06:00

For one of our last host families 3 boys and I stayed with a family that loved to cook. The man was from Kenya and he made the boys day by letting them help him make African food. They made Chapati Bread and it was sooooo yummmy!

Ibra, Jerome, and Martin making the dough

Jerome rolls out the dough

Jerome is proud of his Chapati and can't wait to eat it!

2008-11-14T22:05:00.002-06:00

I love them so much it hurts. Not necessarialy a "bad" hurt, but an ache. An ache that fills up my heart and overflows. An ache that longs to do something more to show my love to them. One that makes me feel full of unexpressable and unexplainable joy. A love so complete it makes me feel satisfied.

People may say, "They aren't even your children." or "You have only known them 15 months." but it doesn't matter. In the past 14 months I lived as a parent to these children. In the past couple days I have tried to be very observant of my relationship with my kids. I discovered that I knew what question Faulanta was going to ask before she spoke it because of the look on her face. I knew that Jerome has a cute little freckle on the bottom of his foot. I knew what Anna was thinking by the light in her eyes and the smile on her face. I could tell when Jackie got in a little trouble. I knew who was having a rough day and who was excited about dinner.

I am still in complete awe of the awesome task God has given me. He has placed 26 of his precious children in the care of 9 people who are not "real" parents. I can't even begin describe what a huge priveledge it is. God is so good to me.

As we begin to experience so many "lasts" of our journey together as Choir #30 I can't help but feel sadness but I also feel a huge amount of THANKFULLNESS for this amazing journey we have been on.

NEW SUNDAY CLOTHES!

2008-11-10T18:15:00.005-06:00

NEW SUNDAY CHURCH CLOTHES ARE SO MUCH FUN!

JACKIE

JEROME

JANE

JEROME SHOWING OFF HIS BROAD CHEST! :)

CHOIR #30 LOOKING IT'S BEST!

2008-11-03T16:03:00.002-06:00

A Morning at a park in Delaware

2008-11-03T09:05:00.003-06:00

We enjoyed a beautiful fall morning in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday.

Jerome

Margaret and Jackie

Joseph, Harriet, and David

A Little Flight!

2008-11-02T19:56:00.001-06:00

A Little Flight!

One of our host families in Amsterdam, NY treated us to some airplane rides!

Hudson, Ibrahim, and Uncle David

Jacob

Washo enjoying the sunset

Auntie Beth gave Faulanta a ride on the lawn mower!

The White House

2008-11-02T19:43:00.001-06:00

The White House!

Gifts!

2008-10-31T21:35:00.006-06:00

A VISIT TO WASHINGTON D.C. TO SING AT A WHITE HOUSE SUMMIT!

Gifts for the President:

Gifts from The President:

FALL IN NEW YORK STATE

2008-10-28T14:07:00.002-06:00

Fall in New York State is beautiful!

Bridget and Auntie Jenny

Bridget and Jane

Bridget, Jane, and Julian

A visit to a Wig Shop!

2008-10-23T09:36:00.005-06:00

Jane

Julian

Bridget

Our Host Family owned a wig shop! We had so much fun trying on all the wigs! Don't they look cute?!?!?

Jane, Julian, and Bridget

Jane, Auntie Jenny, Julian, and Bridget

Jane and Auntie Jenny

Food is more fun when you cook it yourself!

2008-10-22T19:46:00.000-06:00

Food is more fun when you cook it yourself!

Margaret, Faulanta, and I stayed at a host family that had a Japanese heritage. They taught the girls how to cook a meal and we had fun using chopsticks!

BAG CHECK

2008-10-16T19:13:00.003-06:00

On tour we have a term we use often: Bag Check

It can be used in many ways. For example, I say that "Anna, Jackie, and Sarah are my Bag Checks." This means that it is my responsibility to make sure that these specific girls have the clothes and toiletries that they need. Also, Anna, Jackie, and Sarah call me THEIR Bag Check. They know that when they need anything that they should come and see me. Another way we use the term is to say "we are going to have a Bag Check." We have Bag Check days every few months. It is usually a day we dedicate to switching out clothes for a new season. Believe me it is a chore to make sure we have enough clothes, in the right size and appropriateness, donated for our bag check! We just had a big fall Bag Check before we left Canada. Now the kids are definitely ready for some fall weather!

BEFORE!

AFTER!

GOODBYE CANADA!

2008-10-13T19:39:00.008-06:00

MY TRIBUTE TO CANADA!

Tonight is Choir #30's last night in Canada. We first crossed the border from the U.S. to Canada last January. We have been here for 9 of the 13 months we have been traveling. I have really enjoyed our time here. We have been to amazing places and have met wonderful people wherever we've gone.

Choir #30 in Ottawa, the Capitol of Canada

Me with Jane, Bridget, and Martin

I will really miss these Loonies! These are $1.00 coins nicknamed because of the Loon.

And I will miss these Toonies even more! I was always surprised when I thought I had just a wallet "full of change" and then realized it was quite a bit of money because of the Loonies and Toonies!

Using the term "Washroom" in place of "bathroom" or "restroom" has become quite normal to me. I think I will have a hard time converting back!

And lastly....Tim Horton's!!!!! I have become quite a big fan! The last time I was at Starbuck's all I really wanted was a Cafe Mocha from Timmy's! I can hardly believe I have become such a traitor! I had never even heard of Tim Horton's until we came to SK last January and now it is one of my favorite places! We decided to have a mini Goodbye Canada! Party on the bus with Tim Horton's. Here are some pictures:

Faulanta with the famous yummy Timbits! (Donut holes!)

Ibrahim holding Uncle David's snack.... maybe a muffin????

Daniel and I enjoying a Cafe Mocha.

Goodbye Canada! We will miss you!

Lakeside Park Carousel

2008-10-13T18:41:00.002-06:00

LAKESIDE PARK CAROUSEL
STILL JUST 5 CENTS A RIDE!

Can you believe you can still get something for 5 cents?!?!? I can't even find a "cent" symbol on my laptop keyboard! We had a nice ride on this carousel before leaving St. Catharines.

Halima and Auntie Beth

Washo and Auntie Jenny

Jane

NIAGARA FALLS--ONE MORE TIME!

2008-10-13T16:01:00.005-06:00

NIAGARA FALLS--ONE MORE TIME!

AUNTIE JENNY AND JACKIE

WE JUST HAD ANOTHER CONCERT CLOSE TO NIAGARA FALLS IN ST. CATHARINES AND OUR HOST FAMILY TOOK US TO SEE THE FALLS ONE MORE TIME. IT WAS GREAT TO BE THERE ON A BEAUTIFUL SUNNY DAY!

JACKIE AND HALIMA

HAPPY FALL!

2008-10-13T15:40:00.004-06:00

WE ARE ENJOYING FALL IN ONTARIO

JACKIE, HALIMA, BRIDGET AND AUNTIE JENNY

A TRIP TO THE FIRE HALL

2008-10-12T21:01:00.002-06:00

A TRIP TO THE FIRE HALL!

My host family's Father took Peter, David, and I to the Fire Hall where he used to work. He even took us for a ride!

Peter

David

Family Night with the ACC!

2008-10-07T18:45:00.004-06:00

FAMILY NIGHT WITH THE ACC!

My Dad and Mom drove me up to Ontario last week after my 2 week vacation. They specifically wanted to take me back to "see the kids one more time." They couldn't believe how much the kids had grown since last November when they saw us when we were in Iowa. The funny thing was that Stacie, who is a new chaperone with us, had her parents visiting at the same time. Her parents flew up all the way from Texas to meet the choir for the first time. I think the children enjoyed the extra attention and just liked spending time with our families.

Mom and Dad with the boys and Uncle David

and with the girls

Jackie was especially excited that my parent's dog, Lady, also came along for the trip!

Michael W. Smith - A New Hallelujah live

2008-10-04T22:18:00.001-06:00

So I'm trying really hard to not be jealous of this one! Watch this video to see Choir #31 perform a beautiful song with Michael W. Smith!

2008-09-21T15:00:00.000-06:00

Okay. Hold on to your hats. Take a deep breath. I feel inspired to blog about my feelings at this interesting time of my life. I'm not sure where this blog is gonna take you.....

I am home on "vacation" for a couple weeks. First of all, isn't it strange for me to say I'm taking a vacation to go HOME? Most people take a vacation to get away from home. It's just one more indication that my life is weird! Anyway, it is an interesting time to take a break from tour considering we only have 3 months of tour left. I think I possibily may have skipped taking a vacation if it hadn't been my Grandmother's 90th birthday. However, I felt it was very important for me to be home for that special event and also to see all the people that just got their feelings hurt when I just mentioned that I almost skipped a vacation (yes, I have missed ALL of you and am so glad to be home to see you!). So anyway, it is a strange time to be home, taking a break, when I think about the fact that in 3 short months my tour will be over and the 34 people who have become my traveling family will all go to their various homes across the world.

Before coming home I knew I had to mentally prepare myself for the one big question I knew I would be asked over and over again.

The question: "What are you going to do when tour is over in December?"

The answer: "I don't know."

Yes, It's true. I don't know.

A few weeks ago, at God's prompting, I pulled out my "Experiencing God" book from the bottom of the suitcase I store on the bus. If you have never read it you should. It has some awesome truths about God's plans for His people. Today I was reading the chapter called "God Pursues a Love Relationship with You." Here are a few things I underlined:

*He created you for a love relationship with Himself. That is the very purpose of your life. This love relationship can and should be real and personal to you.

* If you want God to reveal Himself to you, you must love Him and obey Him.

* "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30). Everything depends on this! Everything in your Christian life, everything about knowing Him and experiencing Him, everything about knowing His will depends on the quality of your love relationship to God.

So I was just thinking about that and how it fits into my thoughts about my "after tour life." I really don't know what God has planned for me yet. In some ways I feel a sense of urgency to "figure it out". In other ways it is just exciting to be waiting for Him to reveal His plans for me. When I am completely honest with myself I realize it's a little frightening to consider that I don't know what's next. I like having my life planned out. I don't want to worry about how I will take care of my responsibilities like my house and health insurance. Or wonder how I will ever be able to fix my car that is falling apart or buy a new one. Then I remember, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matt 6:33) The author of Experiencing God describes it by saying "Out of His love for you, He will provide all else that you need-when you love Him and Him alone". So today I am basking in that Love from my Father and loving Him back.

ONE YEAR AGO

2008-09-11T18:08:00.004-06:00

ONE YEAR AGO......

One year ago I was at the airport to greet 26 sleepy eyed kids and 3 chaperones! They had just flown into Chicago from Entebbe, Uganada. I remember waiting at the airport feeling as if they just couldn't get there soon enough! Every second waiting felt so long! They walked out looking so tall and proud wearing their new ACC shirts. I was so happy to get those 26 hugs!

They got on the bus and had their first ride on the bus we now have made our "home away from home". They had many questions about the many vehicles they saw and all of the tall buildings in Chicago. We drove to Cedar Lake, Indiana where we would spend a few days at a camp before venturing out for our first real concert.

That first night was full of surprises for them! They had come to America with just the clothes they were wearing. We showed the children to the rooms where they would sleep. On each of their beds was a duffle bag with pajamas and a tolietry bag. We made a lot of noise trying on new pajamas and having the kids take showers for the first time! I remember Jane and Jackie "enjoying the hot water" and dancing in the shower!

It wasn't long before the shouting and laughter turned into quiet as we told the kids goodnight and they headed off to bed.

I went to go peek in on 14 little girls that were fast asleep. I stopped by each bed praying for each of those precious ones. I could hardly believe that God had sent them to me.

Today, one year later, I am at a host family with 8 of those little girls. Words cannot express the amazing joy and love these children have brought into my life. I think I will go peek in on them and pray for them once again............

Niagara Falls

2008-09-09T20:21:00.002-06:00

NIAGARA FALLS

To celebrate 1 YEAR of tour we took the kids to Niagara Falls for a day! It was a little bit rainy but it made the day even more fun considering how much fun the kids were having with the ponchos they wore (plus they looked pretty darn cute!). We even took a boat ride on the Maiden of the Mist. It was amazing to see, hear, and feel the falls so closely! Once again I am in awe of the beauty the Lord has created in our world!

Faulanta and Auntie Jenny

Jackie

The whole group!

Auntie Jenny and Peter with the Falls behind us!

Auntie Jenny and Sarah

Joseph

Farmington, Maine USA

2008-09-09T19:53:00.004-06:00

FARMINGTON, MAINE USA

My host family took the girls and I to the coast for an evening. We explored the beach and found yummy blackberry bushes! Everyone had purple hands and lips before the evening was over!

My little Mermaid: Bridget

Enid

Harriet

An Evening on the Lake

2008-09-09T19:43:00.003-06:00

AN EVENING ON THE LAKE

I stayed with 3 boys at a host family that lived on a beautiful lake near Bangor, Maine. We went for a boat ride and each of the boys got to take a turn driving which they thought was awesome! We were on the lookout for birds and saw an Eagle and some Loons. It was wonderful to sleep with the windows open and hear the loons at night.

Jacob

Ibrahim

Sara Groves,

2008-09-09T19:37:00.001-06:00

This video explains a lot about how I feel about my trips to Uganda. What do you think?

COTTAGES AT THE BEACH

2008-08-28T19:48:00.005-06:00

We had a 2 night stay in Amhearst, Nova Scotia. The host families had us all stay at their cottages on the beach. The children had a great time exploring the ocean at low tide.

Halima and Jacob hunting for crabs

Yes! They caught one!

Me and Jerome

Jerome and his new friend.

Peter

Jane

Faulanta with her shell collection

PEGGY'S COVE, NOVA SCOTIA

2008-08-28T19:14:00.005-06:00

PEGGY'S COVE, NOVA SCOTIA

Before leaving Nova Scotia we stopped at the famous Peggy's Cove. It was a beautiful day with blue skies and big white clouds. The kids loved jumping from rock to rock and exploring this amazing place.

Auntie Jenny and Jane

Jacob, Auntie Jenny, and Jerome

Auntie Jenny and Bridget

Auntie Jenny and her shadow

A day off in Halifax, Nova Scotia

2008-08-28T19:08:00.004-06:00

A DAY OFF IN HALIFAX, NOVIA SCOTIA

Terese and I had a day off in Halifax. We decided to become pirates for an 1 1/2 hour sail! It was a beautiful but windy day and we put on the pirate coats to keep warm and also to take some fun pictures! The crew was dressed as pirates and they let us help raise the sails, shoot off the canons, and even swing on the ropes!

Margaree Valley

2008-08-28T08:55:00.005-06:00

One of my favorite places we have traveled to is Margaree Valley. It is a teeny tiny town in Cape Breton. Cape Breton is an island in northern Nova Scotia. We had a 4 night stay in this little village and it was kinda like stepping back in time. My host family and I took our girls swimming in the river and blueberry picking.

MARGAREE BAPTIST CHURCH

THE STREET WAS LINED WITH CARS FOR EVERYONE COMING TO THE CONCERT

THE BEST PLACE TO PICK WILD BLUEBERRIES WAS AT THE MARGAREE "AIRPORT".

JACKIE MANGED TO PICK SOME BLUEBERRIES IN BETWEEN CATCHING BUGS!

JACKIE AND JULIAN ALSO ENJOYED EATING QUITE A FEW! LOOK AT THOSE BLUE TONGUES!

Cape Brenton Island Novia Scotia

2008-08-22T13:23:00.007-06:00

FINALLY WE MADE IT TO THE EAST COAST!

This is in North Sydney, Nova Scotia on Cape Brenton Island

Halima and Jenny

Jenny and Jane

David, Auntie Jenny, and Joseph

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

2008-08-07T20:24:00.005-06:00

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

In my lifetime the only place I ever dreamed of going in Canada was Prince Edward Island. Can you believe I have been across 8 provinces to get there?!?!?! That is roughly 5,000 miles of travel! I have enjoyed the scenery of many beautiful places in Canada but I must say that my 1 day trip to PEI was a huge highlight of our journey coast to coast in Canada! I grew up reading the famous "Anne of Green Gables" books and was delighted to visit the places that inspired the fictional stories by Lucy Maud Montgomery. It was a truly a day to never forget!

This is at the New Brunswick shore. In the background is the bridge we took to Prince Edward Island. The bridge has been there for about 10yrs and is 8 miles long.

Lucy Maud Montgomery's family's home that inspired her to write "Anne of Green Gables".

Me at the front door to Green Gables

Me walking down Lover's Lane

Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island

2008-08-07T20:03:00.005-06:00

CAVENDISH BEACH, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

AHHHHHH.... CAN I STAY HERE FOREVER?