hungry...

This is hard b/c this post deserves more time, but I can only devote a little be tonight.  We have had a VERY busy day today.  It is midnight and we are expecting our home church tomorrow afternoon.  So I have a lot to do tomorrow.

As I said in the last post- today we went to the "school" in Kibera.  I say "school" because it really isn't one.  It doesn't cost much for kids to go to school here, but these kids' parents can't afford to send them to school so they would just sit at home if it weren't for some amazing women who have given their time, money, and love to these 15 children.  God has given them hearts for "the least of these".  What a treat it as to go and see their sweet faces with my new friends!  They really enjoyed their lunch.  The first thing they did was pick the chicken out to eat.  They loved it!  It's so heartbreaking seeing the ones that are SO hungry.  I took video of little girl (Sylvia- whom you will find out more about later) who had her whole plate gone in a matter of seconds.  The other kids had only taken a few bites.  I stood there saying "we have no idea what it's like to be hungry."  I used to correct people in the states that would say "Man, I'm starving."  I encouraged them to choose another word.  But even to say "Man, I'm hungry" seems a disservice to those who REALLY are.  There are 3 children in particular that have really stolen my heart at the school.  They are Paul 4, Brian 7, and Sylvia 10.  Big sister cares for her little brothers from 5am (when mom leaves) until 8pm (when she returns from work).  As you will see from the pictures, all 3 (esp Brian and Paul) are malnourished and not growing properly.  Paul and Brian are EXTREMELY small for their ages.  Thankfully their suffering has been taken note of and they receive extra food from the teachers to take home.  We are all pretty sure the food they get at school is the only daily meal.  Thankfully Elizabeth Beaver and Macie Huddler also have a heart for these kids.  They are helping to provide them with FOOD and CLOTHING!  I have been doing an awesome bible study recently, learning more about Christ's compassion and what true biblical compassion is.  I think it's pretty cool that a 4 and 7 year old have Christ like compassion (Deut 10:18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him FOOD and CLOTHING.)  So much so that they are dedicating their birthday parties to raise money and awareness b/c they realize they aren't in NEED and other children are.  So girls, hopefully these smiles in these pictures are enough "thank you" for your hearts.  You made Jesus smile really big today!!

Keira and Kyle.  He loves all his new "Mazungu" (white) friends.

I want to show you these next 2 pictures so you can compare.  Think of a 7 year old you know.  Now look at this 7 year old.  This is my sweet Brian I spoke of above.  Do you see how I can hold him on my hip?  He's tiny!

This is his little brother Paul. He is 4 and, of course, even smaller.

I will try and post a few more pictures in the morning...

Mission complete!

Baby girl Helsby #6 was born at 5:30pm yesterday.  8lbs 9oz.  She's a beaut!!  Dave and Hannah looked so worn out when they came home.  Dave said it was the hardest labor yet.  He said their "pain medicine" didn't touch her so they asked for an epidural, but it was too late (I didn't even know they did those here).  I felt so bad for him.  He just kept saying "Ugh- the pain was aweful for her." (That has to be so tough for you men to watch that but not be able to do anything.)  I am telling you what- that is one tough lady!  I'm just glad it's over for her.  We saw pictures of the baby last night.  She definitely looks like a Helsby!  Dave said the pain had to be horrible for her, but maybe the fact that there is a baby at the end of it helps you press through it.  

I'm getting flashbacks  of Jill Briscoe using labor as an example in one session (in India) at that conference in Ooty.  She was talking about how the doctor was telling her not to waste the pain, but to USE the pain.  She went on to talk about not wasting the tears and the tough times that come our way in life.  Use the pain to grow us, teach us, and mold us into what God desires us to be.  Consider it ALL joy, right?

You all will have to wait until next week to see pictures of the baby b/c they are moving to the Hampton House (with Sid and Linda B) until our RFBC team leaves.  I'm making them promise to come back Monday.  :)  YAY!  We are so excited about seeing our fellow Rich Forkians tomorrow!  

Today we are going to play with and feed the kids in Kibera.  It might not sound good to you, but I made chicken, rice, and beans mixed together.  I guarantee they'll love it!  (They don't get meet.  Esp. not chicken.)  Keira, Shawna, and Taylor are going for the first time too!  Chris will be evangelizing.  I'm so excited about them going.  They are such naturals with kids (way more so than I am)!  Kids just flock to them.  It took the Helsby kids about 6 seconds before they were in their arms hugging them and stuff.  Any way- we'll have some pictures of the kids in Kibera soon! 

"When's your Baaaby Due?" -Brian Regan

Finally- Becky is having the baby!  She was really trying to NOT have to be induced because Megan got so stressed when they induced her.  But it's time that little fella gets outta there! They have been here now for 2.5 weeks waiting for little one to come, but it hasn't happened.IT wouldn't be so bad if they didn't really need to get back to Wanza to finish their house.  (They're moving in if it's done or not in Sept).  They went to the doctor yesterday and told her they could go ahead and induce her.  She chose to come home for one last good nights rest them go back EARLY this morning to be induced.  Becky, Dave, and Hannah (oldest) all got up and left for the hospital at 5am.  So I have really enjoyed pretending to be the mother of 4 today.  I got to do Meggie's hair first thing after feeding them cinnamon raisin biscuits this morning.  We watched a movie and now we are having reading time for the older 2 and naps for the girls.  You know, I mentioned to the girls- "I think we should have some rest and reading time in a little while because I need to do some work."  Next thing I know- the house is completely quiet and I don't see the girls.  I went upstairs and found them both asleep in their beds.  Now, I KNOW that nap time isn't a fun thing to a 3 and 5 year old.  But they just WANTED to be obedient.  I just can't tell you how great they are!  They have all asked me about 5 times each "Aunt Lindy, may I do anything to help you?"  Oh my word- are you serious??  I really think I might shed a few tears when they have to go back to Tanzania.  We will try keep you updated about the baby!

Couldn't have said it better!

I, too, was going to post about our weekend with new friends, but Keira already did it and I couldn't have said it better myself!  So read this from Keira's Blog to get her scoop on our divine meeting!  It's uncanny the similarities between us girls.  Thanks to Chris for finding me some friends!  Can't wait for their company next week while the FRBC team is in South Horr.  Oh the Slumber Parties to be had...

They are also super excited about going to Kibera with me.  AND they just happen to be on Holiday in August!  Yippy!

No fever=New friends

Chris update:

Last night his fever was 101.  He proceeded to tell me that the thermometer was broken b/c he felt fine, just a bit weak.  This morning he woke up without a fever!  First time in about 48 hours!  So whatever it was we kicked it with motrin, tylenol, and antibiotics.  He's out and about this morning.  He called me very excited b/c he met some college kids from Arizona that live right near us and haven't been past Karen into Nairobi.  They didn't even know we have a movie theatre!  So they are coming for dinner tonight.  They probably live 5 minutes from us and work at an orphanage.  We don't think they've had real american food in while.  So we are excited about cooking a good ol' americano din for them tonight.  Chris is so anxious for me to meet them.  He said they don't have any outside source of encouragement other than a few nationals.  They approached him at a coffee shop in Karen.  They asked him if he was a missionary- and the convo advanced from there.  I'm excited about possibly seeing if they would be interested in going into Kibera with me sometime.  Yay- praise to Lord for new friends in Christ!!

Poor Chris...

The internet is not working today at the house.  (I personally think it's because it's such a yucky, rainy, overcast day.)  So I'm at Java House downloading some emails.  I'm waiting to hear back from a doctor friend with some hopeful advise.  

Chris has been in bed for 24 hours now with a fever, chills, sore throat.  So we are nearing about 2 weeks that we've been sharing the "in sickness" part of our vows. :)  I think maybe he has strep, but who knows.  I started him on a Z-pak yesterday.  At first I was worried about Malaria, but it's too cold here for the mosquitos to be out.  He woke up yesterday with a sore throat, but went about his day.  Then he came home and went to bed.   After Hannah, Jake and I schooled the other Helsby's in kickball, I went to check on Chris.  I felt his head and knew he had a fever.  It was 102.  (In the 8 years we've been together- I don't recall him ever having a fever.)  I've been pushing Tylenol/Motrin every 4-6 hours like a good nurse... but despite my efforts he still has a pretty serious fever.  In the middle of the night I woke up very hot flinging the covers off of me.  I reached over and felt of my man- I haven't felt skin this hot in a while.  I woke him up and gave him more motrin.  His temp had to be like 104, but he was so not into me taking his temp at 2am.  Any way- I say all this to tell you guys to pray for my man.  Maybe the enemy is at work b/c he wasn't able to go out to evangelize today in Kibera.  I'm bummed that i didn't get to go see the kids either.  (While he is in the streets, I go to that "school" to see the kids, take them food and play with them.)  But Chris needed me and I'm not comfortable driving or going there alone yet.    So you all will have to keep waiting on those pictures and stories until next week.

P.S. still no baby.  Becky did play kickball last night in hopes that it would help move things along...  but NOTHING yet!  (I mean to tell you- she might be the nicest preggie I've ever encountered and has  a ton of energy!  Pretty sure something is wrong with her.)

     

Praying to share in the growth

Today I was emailing those who have requested and committed to "Share in the growth."  (If you have no idea what this is- then you may not be getting our emails.  If you would like to receive them, please email us at chrisandlindyt@gmail.com.)  

Recently I have been really convicted about my prayer life.  I began to wonder about all those people I told "Yes, I will pray for you", then I never did.  It's so easy to say that one 3 letter word when people ask us to pray.  One person replied to our email and transparently said "I want so badly to share in the growth.  I've never been good at long term prayer, but I'm willing to give it a shot."  I thought about that and there has only been one person that I have prayed for ALMOST every day for over a year. (Notice I didn't say EVERY day b/c I FORGET!)  The fact of the matter is- I'm not good at long term prayer either! Yet, I'm asking others to be.  So I want you all to know that Chris and I are picking up a few names of these newly converted believers too.  We are in this together.  There are people that I emailed that I just KNOW will have no problem remembering to pray for their people.  As for me, I HAVE to make a list.  When I don't is when I get way behind and forget.  If at the end of your day you find yourself saying "Oh no. I didn't pray today," then you have to MAKE TIME for it.  A wise old pastor friend once said something like "You will only do what you make time to do.  If you make time to serve, then you will serve."  It's the same way with prayer.  You will only pray if you make time!  So maybe we should get up a little earlier.  Yea- I said it!

I started wondering if we will one day be accountable for all those people we have said in passing "I will pray for you" or the simple "Yes." when asked to pray.  This sent my A.D.D. on a wild goose chase.  I was really trying to keep in mind not to take scripture out of context.  I found something I wanted to share in Samuel 12: 

"22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you." 

Could it be?  Do we sin against the LORD by failing to pray?  Lord- help us!  

I learned from Jill Briscoe (my hero) when I was in India last year that when someone asks you to pray for them, either you do it right then or you say "As God calls you to my mind I will pray for you."  She and Stewart travel all around the world speaking and get asked by a billion people to pray for them.  I thought that was some very good advice.    

After emailing all those who replied that they were anxious and willing to "share in the growth", i found myself looking at over 50 blanks next to names that have no one to pray for them.  Chris is out again today, in the streets of Kawangware Slums, evangelizing as we speak.  So more names are coming home this evening.  If you are willing and can commit to at least 4 months of praying for 2 people- please comment below (click on open ID- you do not have to be a blogger) or email us with a simple subject line saying that you want to share in the growth.  These people desperately need your prayers.  They have 4 months of discipleship lessons to complete before they receive their bibles.  They need YOU to pray them through.  There are several people who never finish it and never receive their bible.  We need you to pray for them, their lessons, their family, their work, their eagerness to learn God's word and finish the lessons.  We need you to pray for them to take the savior to their homes and to their families.    We PRAY that you will choose to TAKE TIME share in the growth!

"Oh Lord, God!  Forgive us for sinning against you by not praying for the people that you love and care about!  Pardon us for all the times we have said  "Yes, we will pray" out of haste.  God, I'm so guilty of this!  Lord I am heartbroken about this matter.  You deserve so much better than what I give you and your people!  Lord make us sympathetic and compassionate toward your people... OUR NEW BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST- that we would have the ZEAL to pray for them on a daily basis.  Jesus, we thank you for the awesome gift of prayer and ask that we do not take it lightly nor will we take it for granted.  Get us EXCITED about praying for these people.  For they are the potential to change this country and point it to the one true God!  I pray now that the Holy Spirit will descend on the hearts of those who want to share in the growth of the kingdom, and prompt us to pray diligently.  For this is all an important part of the great commision!  We love you- now let us show it...   

Amen"