The reality of it all....

We come here and laugh at many of the differences we come across in Africa. We write about some of them to share in our laughter, but we are quickly reminded of the reason we are here. The understanding that we are in an area with extreme needs, and an environment that you would have a difficult time understanding by any explanation that I could give you.

There are these Diamonds in the dust as I call them. These babies, these children and these teens that come from the most desperate situations in one of the most difficult places in the world. God has allowed us to be here with, and for them. That's why it is difficult for us to watch when the small unseen enemies of many of the people of Africa strikes. A flu like sickness has swept through the orphanage. We have 2 babies that had to be brought to a hospital in the larger town of Ouahigouya (pronounced: why-yo-gwee-ah), and have three babies here that are being treated with I.V.'s by our staff in our medical clinic. Some of these babies come in poor health to begin with, so a sickness of this magnitude is a very scary thing. Prayer is needed!

As Amy and Delaney continued to care for these sick children, they both felt the affects of the illness. Amy fought it off fairly well, but Delaney has been running a fever for 2 days and hasn't been able to eat much. Through this her spirits are still good! She is an amazing young lady.

It is a battle, but that's why we are here. The reality that so many people try to ignore is the reality that we have embraced. The one that God has called us to attend to. To feed his sheep, and to care for the widows and orphans. To deny this call would be to deny what God had designed our family for.

This is truly a nation of kind, gentle, loving people with so many "diamonds in the dust" that simply do not have the means to help themselves. Your prayers, your encouragement, your financial support and your concern are needed. These children, these widows, these people are God's children. Help us help them.