The Wheels on the Bus …

“New Year’s eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights.” — Hamilton Wright Mabie

My mom posted this quote on her Facebook last year and although it didn’t resonate with me at first, I kept thinking about it. You see, I’m not one to make New Year’s Resolutions. I don’t get really sentimental about the ending of a old year and the beginning of a new one. I don’t have ambitious thoughts about how this upcoming year could be so much better than the last.

My personality typically has me living in the moment – not too much reflection or wishing for old days or regrets about past mistakes. Nor too much pining for a future dream or possibility. If I do tend to one, it would be dreaming. But I never really resolve to make those dreams happen. Perhaps I should do more of that but often I find living in the moment about all I can handle.  Continue Reading…

One of My Heroes

Joel Karanja and Ruth

I have a hero and his name is Joel Karanja.  Joel and his wife, Susan, are Kenyan and the founders of the House of Hope Home in Kenya, Africa.  I first met Joel three years ago on our first trip to Naivasha, Kenya, and every year he amazes and challenges me with his faith in God and his commitment to the children in the home.

Several years ago, Joel had a burden – a burden for the orphans and street children that he saw every day in his community.  He wanted to adopt them.  His wife, however, did not share his burden at first.  So Joel prayed.  He prayed for seven years that his wife would share his burden and God finally answered his prayers.

Joel and Susan have invested their entire lives in being a Jesus-neighbor to children in need.  Out of their own funds they purchased land and built structures to make a home that would provide for the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of children – up to twenty-five boys and girls at this time.  The kids call them Dad and Mom and light up when Joel and Susan walk into a room.  Continue Reading…

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