November 2010 Update

Church:  It is so precious to see the toddlers participating in the Sunday services at IAA. They sing their praises and give testimony of God's work in their lives. Some testimonies given include: "Today I was able to get up and take tea." "I am saved and I love Jesus." Lydia and Newton have become great leaders with the toddlers by teaching and directing them in learning songs and dances for their praise and worship time. 

Nursery School: The nursery school is always busy and Joyce is such a blessing. She teaches the children their ABC's, numbers, scripture, and how to speak English.

Visiting Nelson: Christine and I took a 48 hour journey to Western Kenya to spend one night with her family and to see Nelson. Going into the trip, I knew there were many bumps and holes in the roads, but I had never felt them so intensely until our grueling 13 hour ride in the back seats of a public bus. We surprised Nelson, but we were only allowed to spend 15 minutes with him. He is doing so well and becoming such a wonderful young man. It was also a blessing to get to know Christine's family (mostly widows and children). 

IAA was very blessed to have such wonderful volunteers who helped with the babies, toddlers and younger children. They helped with bathing and feeding the children, and played with them as well. Time was also spent gardening and planting new plants around the church. They assisted with shopping, Bible teaching, homework, and building and fixing all of the broken things at IAA (that's a never ending battle). Thank you all!

Doug and Gerry Gifford: They came to IAA for one month. Doug built the children a new wood workshop where they learned how to build a birdhouse and other projects of wood working. Thank you Doug and Gerry!

 

April Lingle: April is our new 11 month intern from the Missions Society. She is such a blessing to the children and staff. April is leading the children's Bible Study on Saturdays, helping with babies and toddlers during the week, and also helping to write our new orientation program for our mission volunteers. April graduated from Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts with a Psychology Major and Family Studies Minor. We are very excited to have April in our family.

Ann: Joan, Ann's new baby girl, has fun while Mom watches close by. Ann comes to IAA every morning to wash clothes.

Auntie Donna: It was time to have the Bible Scripture memorizing contest again for the community and IAA children. Donna wanted to make it harder this time, so she announced they would have to memorize all of Psalm 23. They would be judged on who not only presented the scripture correctly, but also who held their head high and spoke clear and good English. The winner would receive a new bicycle. Our own Maggie was the winner. I insisted she had to do it again for me since I was not at the site the day they had the contest. Click on the link to see Maggie recite Psalm 23.

Maggie Reciting Psalm 23

Auntie Donna and Mum Jane working in the kitchen

Chicken House: We've made a new addition to the chicken house. We now have about 200 chickens (laying chickens and broiler chickens). We not only have chickens to eat, but we have an abundance of eggs to eat and sell. Twice per week the eggs are sold to various local businesses.

Abba's Wall: The wall is progressing beautifully. However, we still have a long way to go. Alex, the iron worker, is starting to make the names of God to be attached to the different sections. To those who have given to help us provide protection to the children -- THANK YOU!