More orphans, another school, oh yes, and more spiders!

Last week was one of those where one critical activity followed the other in such rapid succession that I personally felt a bit like a puppet on a string, first pulled this way, then that.

One of last week’s priorities was to follow up on new applications made for assistance from the orphan program. First, we gather basic information from the applicant (usually a grandmother caring for orphaned grandkids). Next, we pay a visit to their home to assess their current situation. (2 very camera shy brothers)

Most of the needs a quite dire! Then, in a meeting with mission staff, we decide if the new applicant qualifies for assistance. And finally, we make our first visit to the home to deliver the much needed food, clothes and sundry supplies. Most of these people are shy in front of the camera, but their hearts are very grateful for the help! This week we added 2 new orphan families to the orphan program.
Another current mission priority has become the restoration of this old school which borders our property. This is a joint mission/community undertaking and the space it provides will be in high demand! Its main purpose will be to provide classroom space for a mission-run preschool, to accommodate the huge overflow of students from the nearby school, for women’s ministry activities and, I’m sure you can imagine, a hundred and one other uses! “It looks like it’s been through the war”...because it has been! These dots in the walls are from bullet shots fired at it during the civil war. But even with all the abuse it endured, the basic structure it pretty sound. Though construction on our house has taken a back seat lately, mostly due to weather, we are making some progress on it as well. (Note the grass growing inside the foundation walls :)) Our hopeful ‘date of completion’ is July sometime so Rick and Heather have a place to stay when they come (besides a tent). I’m sure they’re praying to that end too, and that may well be what speeds the process along!

And last but not least, the spider part. Spiders seem to be reproducing prolifically right now, much to my dismay. And their favourite spot to spin huge webs seems to be everywhere I need to be, like right across the paths we regularly use. There’s just about no worse feeling than walking merrily along minding your own business and suddenly you’re snagged by an invisible net of sticky spider webbing across your face, head and arms! I've learned some impressive 'rapid-back-up-while-in-motion' steps complete with sweeping-arm manoeuvres to decrease the chances that the web's resident spider is crawling down my neck. Aaaaaahhhhhhh! I’m happy to say, that hasn’t happened to me yet.

*Note to upcoming visitors: These aren’t on every leaf...relax :) Really.

**2nd note to visitors: We don't see THAT many spiders this size, which is why there's a picture of this guy. I'm sure you feel better already.