"...and have it in abundance."

     I’ve been taught from a young age that one of God’s greatest desires for his children is that they live abundant lives. I’ve never known exactly what that abundant life looks like, but it sure does sound appealing, doesn’t it? Synonyms for such a life might be rich, or full; my Dad used to associate it with FUN. As I grow and experience more of life, I’m finding that, ironically, perhaps the most full life—and indeed, fun life—is a life which is constantly pouring  out into others.  If such service is abundant life, and “eternal life is this: that you might KNOW Him [God],” then it seems that God’s greatest commandment is simply to have abundant and eternal lives: “The greatest commandment is this: to love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul, and mind and strength. And the second is like unto it: love your neighbor as yourself.” In loving and knowing God, we embrace eternity. In loving and pouring into our neighbor, we enjoy all the riches that life has to offer.  

     Though I make ZERO claims of loving my God or my neighbors well, I am thankful that He still is allowing me to see this principle at work in my life and the lives of those around me.  God has allowed me to experience the fullness of life in several ways over the past couple of weeks. Yesterday was a prime example.

We had our Celebration Feast yesterday, modeled after Jesus’ command found in Luke 14. Though we had initially invited about 70 folks, only around 40 actually were able to come. The event was a smashing success. The kids that came—most accompanied by their mother-- had some terminal illness (generally HIV or cancer). It was interesting that, in contrast with our past Tennessee Luke 14 banquet guests, most of these kids were not visibly struggling with a disability, but their physical and emotional hardships were just as real. I can’t imagine the emotional stress and heartache that the parents (mostly single moms) are going through, without the help of good medical care and material comfort of any kind, knowing that their children will die before they do. Anyhow, for a bit yesterday, I believe, those families were able to forget their troubles.

      When they arrived, they were warmly greeted, their pictures were taken by a professional—to be given to them at the end of the party, and they were shown the Bouncy Castle, which thrilled most of the kids. The auditorium was decorated as for a wedding feast, with the food matching in quality and style. As most guests were Muslim and spoke little English, Newton gave a short introduction in the Yoruba language. After they ate, we had a short program including music (led by yours- truly), minute-to-win-it games, and door prizes. They were then led outside where there was a horse prepared to give rides, a trampoline and playground, and earring making for the mothers. The smiles on those kids’ and mothers’ faces were absolutely priceless. After a couple hours of such festivities, they were sent on their way with party favors. Our greatest prayer is that they were blessed and received the knowledge of the love of God. Thank you for your prayers.

   

       Working backwards chronologically now, I must tell you of our fantastic guests of two weeks here in the American House. On Nov. 5^th, a group of nearly 30 American medical professionals arrived in Ibadan on a mission to provide free medical care to those who were in need. As some logistics fell through last minute for the group (Called the “Moses Lake Medical Team”), American Christian Academy was called upon to help house the team. We ended up with four young women here in our house (though only three actually stayed in the country for more than 24 hrs…) who turned out to be an absolute blast. We were able to go on site with them one day and volunteer with the medical team. They had quite the smooth operation, with a couple dentists, a couple general practitioners, several nurses, several surgeons, an optometrist, an ophthalmologist, several pharmacists, and even a massage therapist.  They served a couple hundred people each day for the two weeks that they were here. It was a great work they were doing, but our favorite part was definitely getting to host and hang out with Cecilia, Brighid, and Elaine. It really turned out to be a huge blessing to have them here. 

     Working backwards once again, we finally have gotten to interact with the orphanage with which we’ve been trying to connect. We made an initial visit almost three weeks ago, and then invited them over to our compound for popcorn and a movie on the following Friday night. Talk about a precious group of kids. They were the most grateful and respectful bunch ever; huge contrast with the students that attend our school every day. We are planning on making weekly visits to their orphanage to do crafts and such starting this Sunday.

     School continues to be an adventure. My little ones are still cute as all-get-out. Bible class is still rocking my socks off—I just hope it’s having the same effect on my students. The food situation is great. The exercise situation could be much better. Life, though, is good. We WILL be celebrating Thanksgiving on Thursday with a Turkey and all the traditional sides (with as few modifications as possible). While I am so thankful for the experiences God is giving me and the ways that He’s growing me here, I am also quite excited for Christmas break at home which is three weeks from today!! So many things to be thankful for.