Friday, March 13, 2020

March 2020 is a Big Month!


Today is my 40th birthday! My grandma loved to tell me about the day I was born. It was an unusual blizzard of a storm that day in Indiana. My arrival into the world was a bit stressful on several fronts. But grandma always reminded me how it was the day her "angel" was born. It was her term of endearment for me as far as I can remember. All 4lbs of me made quite the entrance into the world. I was small but strong from the start! Here are a few pictures of a younger Wendy for your enjoyment.  


Several have asked, "How do you feel about turning 40?" I've asked myself the same question several times over the last couple of weeks. It is a bit hard to believe that I am 40 years old but I can honestly say I am good with it! I own it! I've always been a little older than my age in some regard. I started teaching Sunday School when I was twelve years old and usually had more responsibility than most my age every year building from the one before. At 40 I'm thankful for the experience, wisdom, and maturity that it brings. I am thankful for choices and decisions that have brought me to this point in my life. I am content! I love what I do in Tanzania and love the people who I get to do life with. This is a big birthday and I know that the same will be true for years to come. I am grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate life today and everyday.  





















One thing that is harder for me to believe than turning 40 is that I have lived in Tanzania for 10 years! Milo and I made that long journey to Tanzania three days after turning 30 years old. What an adventure it continues to be. I have experienced so many things and faced many challenges. Not one bit would I change and it has kept me on an ever learning journey that continues to unfold. Many of you have prayed, supported, encouraged, and loved me on this journey~ I am very grateful! 


"Trusting that where you are today matters for who you'll be tomorrow" Joanna Gaines 

Yes, I'm 40 years old! And, yes, I'm very very thankful for each moment that God has given me and the people who have filled these 40 years! I've come along way from the 4lb premature baby who some thought might not make it though her first day!   

Sunday, December 29, 2019

"The Lord is My Salvation"

Many of you, my readers, might remember Joshua. He is the little baby that I helped to deliver whose mom was addicted to drugs, HIV positive, and very unhealthy. Joshua was abandoned by his mother and I lovingly took care of him for two weeks as he went through withdraw. I sang to him, rocked him constantly, and prayed over him. Finally, when he was strong enough to transition from the clinic social services documented that he was abandoned and needed to be take to an orphanage. Without being to specific to protect him, he is in a place that takes good care of him. They said I could visit anytime and thoughout his life I have gone to see him often as I can. However, with my stint in the States, I had not seen him for a long time. I was finally able to go and he celebrated his 1st Birthday 5 mths ago. He is a big boy now walking all around. I wasn't sure how the visit would go since I had been gone so long. But, like always with his back to me he recognized my voice and came walking up to me. He had a book to read and sat on my lap to happily read. He gravitated to me and loved to sit in my lap while the rest of his class played around us. He continues to be developmentally on track, healthy, and has the most beautiful personality. The staff comment that he continues to be a favorite among them even though they are very loving to all the young children. He is old enough to know when people leave so I was concerned about that but he stood at the railing waving goodbye to me with is cute little hand. Of course this both made my day and made my heart ache a bit as I drove away. This kid is a beautiful reminder of transformation. While we tried so hard with his mother and the end was not what we hoped. Joshua is a little boy who is happy, healthy, and has a smile that lights up a room. He is secure and happy so for those things I celebrate. The results are not entirely what we hoped but this little boy has a chance at life which is what we are all about because of Jesus! 


Come right into his presence with thanksgiving.Come bring you thank-offering to himand affectionately bless his beautiful name! For the Lord is always good and ready to receive you.He's so loving that it will amaze you--so kind that it will astound you!And he is famous for his faithfulness toward all.Everyone knows our God can be trusted,for he keeps his promises to every generation! 

(Psalm 100: 4-5, TPT)