December 2022

The life that counts blessings discovers its yielding more than it seems. 

Ann Voskamp

December has been full of blessings. Some so little that no one would notice and some so large that they are impossible to ignore. For me, they have all added up as one big reminder of how wonderful our God is. After several months of being on lock down, it was so good to have a “normal” month.

We continued our travels to schools. These days start early and end late. Sometimes we are traveling for hours on end. Sometimes things don’t go right when we get out there. But every single time, we are blessed. Benjamin and Benson had the opportunity to share RMIs testimony during MEBSH assembly. Another reminder of how our God loves and protects us.

If you know me well, you know that there isn’t much that makes me happier than littles. Oh how I long to be more like children. Kids are so resilient and forgiving. They all just want to be shown love. Kids live in a world full of hope even if their world is in shambles. These littles lift up my spirit. I also quite enjoy eating fritay early in the morning.

We weren’t the only ones blessed by being able to travel again. So many of these children and their families depend on these sponsorships. When they don’t see us, they don’t know if they are sponsored or not. Arriving and giving them the good news allows them to finally take a breath. Children once again get to receive gifts from sponsors which always encourage them. Pastors, schools directors, teachers, and parents are all affected by the childrens sponsorships as well. $32 a month carries blessings to more people than you can count. Another remind of blessings bestowed on us was given this month when I attended a service of thanksgiving to the Lord and heard a sweet friend give her testimony.

We were invited to a childrens choir concert at a local church. Such a wonderful time giving praise to the Lord. These kids and young adults put so much work into this concert and it really showed. Another remind to be like the children came from this young man (around 11 years old) who shared from Matthew and inspired the congregation.

This month alone we have visited over 30 schools. Taken thousands of pictures to choose from and edit. Helped hundreds of students write their letters to translate and send. Entered a number of new students into the program. Held parents meetings. Traveled many, many miles. We have been blessed with God’s protection through it all. Of course, not every day goes as we planned, but every day goes as He has planned. Sometimes kids don’t come to school, pastors forget to have parents there, we forget things at the office, the tire goes flat, the lighting is off, etc. And whatever it is, we have to remember to be patient and glorify the Lord. We make sure that one way or another, the job gets done…even with hangups.

I am personally blessed with family and friends who love me and encourage me. I am blessed with coworkers who love me, the Lord, and these kids. There is not a single person on the Hope for Kidz team that doesn’t absolutely adore these kids and long for them all to have an education and a bigger hope.

Robenson has been a blessing over this last year and a half or so. Being able to sponsor him has given me much more than I believe it gives him. He is the sweetest little guy, although not so sure about photos. I love getting to see him. This month I was able to enjoy a beach day for the first time in months with some of my favorite people. This specific beach means so much to me. It was a wonderful day spent with those I love.

During the days surronding Christmas I got to spend some more time with Oti. I love traveling so much but I am not home a lot during those days. He was pretty happy to have me around again. I was able to chat with Mama and Gigi one day. We had a beautiful Christmas service on the 23rd complete with candelight Silent Night, a tradition around here. Rameau is always around and is a constant blessing to me in more ways than I can explain. God’s beauty and love is all around us, we just have to open our eyes.