I was driving home from Wal-mart - I turned the corner one mile from home.  I saw a man just finish crossing the street ahead of me, weighed down with grocery bags and a jug of milk.  He leaned over and rested his hands on his thighs, the bags hanging off his forearms.  I thought - he needs a ride.  I drove past him.

I remembered my lesson from Elta.  Never pass up an opportunity to give love (see my March posts).

I turned into a driveway and returned as he was walking again.  I rolled down the window- "Would you like a ride?"  He was obviously surprised - but very grateful and quickly got into the car.  He had SIX plaxtic grocery bags, a gallon jug of milk, and a smaller jug of laundry detergent.  The store is over a mile away.

He had only a couple more blocks to walk - but he could not thank me enough times for stopping for him.  I told him I just couldn't pass him by.  He explained that he had come into town a few days ago to help a family member - and his car was still at his home in another state.  I drove him to his door, he thanked me again, and I left.  Feeling warm, happy, and blessed.

I am sometimes hesistant to help strangers - maybe he was a serial killer (Ted Bundy was from here!) or a lunatic high on meth.  But I just feel that God EXPECTS me to help His other children when I can.  God ALLOWS me to help His children - ALLOWS me to be HIS Hands - what an honor and a privilege!

Dear Elta - thank you for reminding me.  You are my little angel now.  When I reach Heaven, I will come lift you into my arms, cover you with the hugs and kisses I didn't give you on Earth, and thank you for changing my life.  For helping me see God's plan.  For reminding me to always give love - anytime, anywhere I can.

I just haven't felt like I had anything important to say lately.  I gotta get out of this funk.  Of course, now I have a cold so that makes it worse.

My daddy passed away a month ago - he was 85 and had a great life.  It was unexpected and sudden but quick and painless.  Dealing with the aftermath - legal and emotional - is hard.  My sister bears the brunt of the legal efforts - but it hit all of us emotionally.  Funny how all six sibs deal differently.  I try desperately to be 'OK' and manage for a week, then crash, then back to being "OK".

Thinking alot about why we're here - what we're supposed to do - and why we don't.  Decided that "Christianity" is a verb, not an adjective; and sitting on my butt in a pew isn't practicing 'Christianity'.  Verb, that's what's happenin' (remember Schoolhouse Rock?)  So trying to figure out what to do - how to balance motherhood and service to others - and whether leaving it all to work full-time for missions is the appropriate thing.  My dh keeps reminding me that missions also need financial support - and we're doing that - and perhaps that IS our part.  But HE makes the money - I just give it away!  LOL

Even thought of volunteering at the local animal shelter - but it's closing for funding reasons.  Sigh.  "It's not easy having a good time.  Even smiling makes my face ache."  If you can place that quote, you probably understand my teen years!

So there's something freeing about being able to sit and write - and I hope some of what I say makes sense.  Pray for Haiti - the issues there are so big sometimes they seem insurmountable - until I see the photos Lori posted of the 4 babies on Medika Mamba.  And then I know that yes, one person can make a difference.

This is Tana on June 18.  Her mama brought her to the clinic for an infection.  She was happy until the ladies set her on the table and took her photo.

Even after her mama picked her up, she refused to smile anymore.  I think I recognize the little dress as one I sent home with her - it's way too big, of course.  Unfortunately, the little girl hasn't gained any weight in the 3 months she had been home.  I know it wasn't even easy HERE for her to gain while she was eating buttered sweet potatoes, enriched formula, and Cheetos.  So I'm not surprised, but my heart aches for her.  Eddie wants to sail down and kidnap her.  He totally lost his heart to this baby girl.  But even though she had an infection, and isn't gaining - her mama and papa DO love her very much and take as good care of her as they are able.

In that area, we are still raising funds to build a home for Tana and her family.  It is costing over DOUBLE what we thought it would - prices have increased since last year and they've decided to move nearer to the clinic.  So if you'd like to contribute - you can make tax deductible donations through RHFH and indicate that it is for Tana's house.  I can e-mail more information to anyone who is interested.

Please keep Tana's family in your prayers.  The rainy season is upon them again and we pray that it does much less damage this year.  Also, pray for RHFH and all the workers and those they serve.  Times are hard.  While there is much rejoicing, there is also sadness.