GUESS WHO JUST CALLED?

~ It is so wonderful and so sad at the same time!!!!! She is stuck in that little cinder block box all day with no phone and no transportation - I REALLY wanted to go visit her one last time for the Summer. I had a feeling they would be leaving this weekend, but I too was stuck this time!!! I kept hoping they would be there tonight and we could manage to get out there after Jack came back from work. Thank you Lord for work!

So when I heard the little boy's voice on the phone, "Miss, it's Fernando, I'm moving to OHIO" at first I PANICKED! Because I thought it was a different Fernando about the same age who has been living here for years. The thought that this other family was moving was something I was not mentally prepared for right now. But then, with the signal cutting in and out, I finally realized it was little Feranado from the Hollywood camp. I asked to speak to his mom. We talked and she said they had left and this was her first chance to call. I TOTALLY believe that! She probably had to tell her husband that Fernando needed to call me in order to be able to use his cell phone and call me. She is used to the machismo culture where her son is of higher value to her husband than she is, but I would go stark raving mad living like that! {NOT all Mexican men are like that!!} So I'm happy-sad right now as I write this. We just got off the phone not too long ago. I'm thrilled she called. She said she is going to try to call again when they get to Florida and she will give me her address. I pray she will have that opportunity. She is very lonely. I'm thrilled that she does seem to know the Lord [see the post Margarita La Predicadora]! So pray for them as they travel the rest of the way to Ohio and work there for a few months. She is so precious, shy and sweet. I'm again reminded to ask for prayer for Manuel - I've been trying to pray for him in my daily QT. Please do pray for Margarita and her family and for Manuel to be free from the bondage of sin/alcohol to serve Jesus. Thanks friends. God bless.

I'm going to include the same video I put together for aforementioned post.

WHAT A BLESSING!!!!!!!!!!!

Past Video - NEW POSTING

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This was originally posted July 7, 2008 and is being reposted July 27, 2008.

~ NO CAMERA!!! Bummer. Tonight was fantastic! You know I just couldn't think of a name for this blog and was struggling with it as I was creating this site in April. So in a quick get it done moment I just thought well what is it - it is Summers of Blessings. So Summer Blessings it was and now I'm so glad I did that because They truly are that!!!!

We went out and I was not sure what to do. Should I teach the lesson that I had prepared last week and then just did not feel well enough to teach all week. I shot up a prayer as we were driving and testimony came to mind! So I thought I'd share mine with them briefly to help them open up to share theirs. One never knows if children will open up and share or if they will all get shy. Well, tonight they were OPEN and it was beautiful and made me want to cry! I shared how I prayed and told Jesus that I wanted to do whatever He wanted me to when I was 13 and my life changed! We talked about how God answers prayers. The hands went up - one story after another. All the children were sharing and they understood what I was talking about. Praise be to the God who give us His Spirit who works in hearts and minds and souls! First one girl shared about how her grandmother was going into the hospital when she was 10. She said she felt the Lord tell her to pray and she did. She said it was the first time she remembered praying and she felt Him in her life. This little girl does not come from a churched family! Then another little girl shared about when her uncle, aunt and their little baby were in a motorcycle accident. YES all three of them on a motorcycle! Geovanny kept saying you mean a car not a motorcycle and finally she explained to him in Spanish - "it was a motorcycle Geovanny, (uncle) had to go pick up (his wife) and the baby from work because her car was broken!" But her "testimony" was that they all prayed when aunt and uncle were in the hospital. The baby had NO injuries, the aunt came out of surgery well and the uncle had to have his lower leg aputated but other than that horrible part the rest was very good - considering they were on a motorcycle that is super! Then came the story of one little boy's grandfather. He was sleeping and two young African Americans came banging on the door. He came out with a machete and they shot him twice in the gut! He is fine now. When he was in the hospital, he told them all they all needed to pray! According to them, not me, these were their testimonies of how they knew the Lord. We then talked about what it meant to a have a real friendship with the Lord, praying/talking with Him, wanting to be with Him, doing things with/for Him. They were all in the conversation with me. It was really exciting for me!

Then it was toy time which we have not had in a while and since the season is coming to a close I just took a bunch of boxes (from Barbara : ) ), put them out on the ground and said, "Take whatever you want just share!" They did! NO fights, no complaints, no saying that kid took what they wanted etc.... Some only took a hug full others took a box full. But everyone seemed to go away very happy! I just want to say publicly how very grateful I am for these wonderful Summer Blessings that the Lord has given me the privilege to experience, when I know I don't deserve them. What joy to share the truth of Jesus!!!!!

Margarita La Predicadora

Wow, this was so great for me to witness! Margarita and I have known each other for years! She has been more involved the last few years in helping me with the lessons during craft time where she didn't have to really talk : ). Last year there were so many others around and Margarita is so shy, so she was not coming out and listening to the lessons with her son or helping me. We went last night to Hollywood/Ravenel camp to visit her again. Jack was glad to see the little fawn again : ), and Fernando was quick to show us how he wasn't afraid of Gabiota now! Last time he was a little nervous about getting near her, but last night he wanted us to see how he could pet her. He wanted us to get photos of his bravery!!! And we were glad to do it.
~ Back to visiting Margarita, this was so amazing. While she and I were talking and I was giving Fernando some toys, I started handing out some toothpaste and toothbrushes to the few women who were there. One woman who had all of her belongings packed and on the ground by the fence I guess waiting for a ride, she came over and asked what we were selling. Margarita kind of laughed, she knows and I do too. We informed her that all is free and a gift from God. I began to ask her if she knew Jesus. While the three of us were having this discussion - the drunk - came up and wanted to take pictures of us. I call him the drunk because that was my initial thought. It seems there is always one who comes up completely intoxicated and joins these discussions. Sometimes it is a bit frustrating, because, as happened last night, the conversation is totally interrupted. The lady who had initially come up had no patience with him and left. But my heart went out to him. He was fairly young. I began to ask him if he knew Jesus. Now what happened next is not the way I would normally share the Good News, but I've learned that when talking with someone who is inebriated at the camps they need sobering truth. I asked him if he read the Bible, if he knew who Jesus Christ is, etc....? He said he did not know if he believed - he said he needed to see the reality of God. For being drunk his conversation was pretty thoughtful! We talked about how the Bible says that drunkards go to Hell and he was on his way. I told him I found that very sad to think that he would go to Hell, but that I believed God and only God, not him, had the power to change his life. I asked if he would allow me to pray for him. He hesitated saying he did not have faith that God could change him and stop the drinking because a pastor had prayed for him before and he said it didn't help. Boy did I feel for him. I could see the tears welling up in his eyes. But I kept being prompted to pray for him and I told him how I understood why he wouldn't want me to pray. I told him I had faith for him not in him or in myself but in Jesus. He then let me pray with him.
~ OK this was NOT amazing obviously! I'm thankful for the opportunities to pray and tell people about the saving, changing power of Jesus, but what happened next - again Wow. I promised Manuel I would continue to pray for him. He was grateful, but he said that he had no way to go to church as they have to work everyday and this is true. He felt there was no way to live the right kind of life. This is when Margarita really entered into the conversation. She had been saying a few things, but when he said this she began to give her personal story. She explained to him that it is not about going to church as she certainly can't go either. She was telling him that it is about believing in Jesus and having faith and that, "He knows our hearts and minds." I was about to cry watching this dialogue. It was so BEAUTIFUL!!! Seeing my dear, very shy friend begin to share Jesus with Manuel was the BEST! Not only did it thrill me to have her helping me in sharing with him, but it gave me confidence that Margarita really knows Him. She really understands. She was explaining to Manuel that it is not about what we can do or our good works but about knowing Jesus. We all talked about the difference between being religious and having a relationship with Jesus since Manuel saw it as religion and had little faith in the religiousness :) he had seen. I totally agreed that religion is not where it is at! Margarita went on to talk more and share how the Holy Spirit is our guide. We do not have to rely on a person. This is coming from a Catholic! The thing is - she doesn't even really know Catholicism she has not been "educated" in all of those things. She's NEVER had the opportunity to be a part of the churched community; imagine if she thought she had to be a good person, go to church etc... to know Jesus. Praise God that she really gets it! She touched my heart in such a deep way to see her talking to this guy. PLEASE PRAY WITH ME FOR MANUEL'S FREEDOM AND SALVATION & PRAISE GOD WITH ME FOR MARGARITA'S BOLDNESS AND FAITH!

Rain, Rain Go Away : ) or Wildlife Fun Day

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Deer story and video below : )!


Well aren't we the techies? This is what lesson time is like. But they seem to still like it and I love teaching. The weather has not been cooperating with us though. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the lightning and thunder is not good for lesson time. There is no shelter here as in other places. So if there is rain there is no where to go to get out of the bad weather and we have to rush out of there. But we did need some rain. It has been interesting the way it has covered the area from Hollywood to Seabrook Island including John's Island, but not other areas. I'm praying we won't get more rain for a little while so that the tomatoes will still be good for picking and they will have a good season!

Some news that was exciting for me and for Jack, just for different reasons. I mentioned my friend Margarita before. She had been at Jenkins for years!! But I'd been told several weeks ago that she and her family would not be there. When we went back last Friday, Janet told us that she was at the camp out in Hollywood. Though Janet does not speak English and didn't know the word "Hollywood" when she was explaining where the camp was I figured that had to be it. So when I said "Hollywood/Ravenel" she said, "SI, SI". So Jack, Gramma and I went out Tuesday to that camp. It is a good drive out there, but it was worth it! When we drove in it was BUSY with trucks and vans everywhere. I figured it would be asking one person after another until I either found her or found out she was not there. But when we drove in I saw her and we were able to go right to her. She gave me the most precious hug really squeezing me. That is the first time she has ever done that. She is very quiet, shy and not a real huggy type as others. Fernando is growing up so much. His English is great. He was so well behaved. While we were chatting and they were showing me their bird and the puppies their dog had, I looked over and saw what looked like a DEER!? It was a shock but it was true. "Jack, Jack look that's a deer!" It was the cutest thing! We went over there to that side to see it. I wanted to get a picture with Fernando and the deer but he was a little frightened by it. It was certainly more tame than normal, but still a bit hyper bucking and romping around. Below is a video of Jack with the deer they have name "Gabiota". The guys have had it for 3 months. They rescued it while in Florida. That was the highlight for Jack, but for me it was definitely seeing Margarita again. She asked if I would come back and was so sweet. We gave her and Fernando some things we had. Fernando was amazing. Normally he was asking for more toys, but when I told him to just take whatever he wanted he became shy and just took one little bouncing ball. He had to answer two questions - Who made everything and Who loves him and died on the cross for him. He got them right : ). So we gave him some more. There are only a few other children there, but the camp was bursting at the seams with guys and girls who are working in the fields. So far they are still picking and Margarita said they wouldn't be leaving until July 20ish. She got my number and I asked her to please call me if they were going to be leaving sooner than expected. It was a blessing to be able to find her and get such wonderful hugs coming and leaving. God is good and once again is giving us the Summer Blessings.

Summer 2008 Slideshow

I just like this so I'm going to keep it here for now : ). Still here!

It's Friday Night

Tonight we wanted to go to Jenkins even though we knew there were not many children there. Fatima had told me three weeks ago that Janet would be coming to Jenkins. She was there with her new little baby girl!!! Dianalee is 7 months old now. She also told me that Margarita is at the camp out in Hollywood. So it looks like that trip will be sooner than I was thinking. I can't wait to see her and her son Fernando. He is so cute. She had been out at Jenkins camp for over 17 years and I don't know why she isn't this year, but hopefully I'll find out. Her husband was the crew leader so something has to be up there. This week has been interesting with rain, which we needed, but in the evenings. We were out on Tuesday and I had decided to bring the magnetic board. We started putting the verse up with the magnets and whew - the lightning started. David wanted to help us take the board back to the van as we were all running to take shelter. Jack was like no way and got the board and I said, "Thanks, David, here take this bag instead." He is too cute. He's the one who answered that I was his favorite person on the first day and we had just met. He'll be a little sweet heart. OK so that's just a bit of an update.

But I've saved a really fantastic answer to prayer for the last. We were at the last of the toys, and you know how that situation has been. Well, my friend Barbara (I nannied for her twin boys in Columbia years ago), let me know she would be down with her children for a day at the beach. She was so great and actually came to the pregnancy center and dropped off several boxes of some really great stuff before going to the beach. There were so many things - books, hats, lots of coloring/art supplies, stuffed animals, etc... Wow!!! Thank you Lord!! He is good and never late.

Lovin' It

~ It really is a blessing and privilege to be able to teach the Bible. The children were so fantastic Thursday when it WAS finally toy night. As we've been doing for, lets see, yep 20 years now, they earned the toys with memorizing the verses, listening, attendance, etc... But as I mentioned we were giving out the toys every night instead of once a week as I used to do years ago. Well, Thursday they were attentive and they were memorizing verses. It has been wonderful! Tonight I was exhausted again after a really hectic weekend and long work day. So we got out there a little late again and I was wondering if I should just tell them we'd do the lesson tomorrow. When we pulled up we didn't see any children, then we saw them all over on the other side so we were going to go over there and they thought we were leaving. They all came running over screaming wait! They asked if I had the toys and I said, "No remember we are going to do that on Thursdays." Surprisingly, there really weren't any major complaints, and everyone still came over and we spread out the sheets. They were concerned that we play cut the cake again. And when I asked if they remembered the last lesson, they did : ). They are so precious.

It is so interesting. I was so tired and really didn't want to go out, but I always feel like I should take advantage of every opportunity I'm giving since a child could leave to go to another state/crop any day. God is faithful to reward the obedience. We have a 13 year old guy who has attended every lesson and I so surprised by this. He is such a great guy and obviously pretty brave to come out, participate and even help keep the children in line. I'm amazed that these kids even come to the lessons when everything is so incredibly low tech. I've been drawing flash cards on paper for the lessons. We do the verses on a pocket chart. And I don't have any real crafts. Oh it is not that I've not had all the bells and whistles at churches or VBS etc... But this is all on the ground, which by the way has been crawling with red ants that bite us every night! Back to the amazement. No tables, no snacks this year, no fancy videos, flash cards, no hygiene kits this year, no expensive toys - all under $3.00 a piece, and still they come. It is a testament to the appeal of God's Holy Word and love. That does not mean I would not love to be able to do all the great stuff when these kids, but if I had to trade teaching the Bible for all the bells and whistles, I'll keep just the Bible. They're still coming and we're still having fun. It's been a reminder to me. I've even said that the Truth has more lasting appeal than good methodology, but putting it to the test was tough. But, once again, the Lord has shown me that the Truth has prevailed : )!!!

WOW, Prayers Answered - Great Kids!

Are these kids adorable or what!!!! Well, the prayers were answered! Jack and I went out on Tuesday night without any toys. I explained to them that we were there for one purpose - to teach the Bible. We believe knowing Jesus is the more important than anything else. Eglaen helped me translate and Geo helped her : ). We talked about how Jack and I enjoy and want to give out the prizes when they pay attention and learn the verses, BUT we were not there just to give out toys. We said they could get toys from anyone. They WERE LISTENING! They were so respectful and I told them we would not be giving out any toys until Thursday. We would write down their names and put checks and crosses and add them up. We explained that they did not have to stay they could leave if they were there just for the toys. The point was made plain and repeated. They were better that night than in years. The focus was on the lesson and no one was even thinking about toys because they knew they weren't coming. They memorized the verse and we played cut the cake. In the last few years, they would be so ready for the toys that we would not even get to play the games because they were so anxious for the toys. But now they can just enjoy and not be preoccupied with prizes and toys. It was great!!! They even wanted to keep going and kept playing cut the cake even as we were leaving. So thanks for the prayers; they were answered!

It is such a blessing to be able to teach the truth about Jesus. The lessons are about the life of Jesus from birth on. When I was asking them about who the mother in the Christmas story was - they were not answering. Then I asked if they knew what Christmas was all about and how it started and two of the little ones said "Santa Claus" in such a strong accent I wasn't sure at first what they were saying, especially when not expecting that. But one of the older boys was laughing and saying nooo! But he said it was about gifts! Finally one of the girls said with much uncertainty, "el nacimiento de JesuCristo?" Then I asked how many went to church on Christmas and only 3 out of 15 said they did. And of one who raised his hand his relative said, "you don't go to church!" But Johan insisted that he had been before. It is amazing me how isolated this group of people is in this area. But we encouraged them to remember the true meaning of Christmas and go to church when they had a chance. For me, telling those who really DO NOT know about Jesus' love for them thrills my soul. Even though I see some of these children for several years at a time, it is only for the summer. So that is not like going to church regularly. It is a privilege and joy to share the Good News with such open hearts.

CRAZY WHITE LADY!!!!

Well, I was working ALL Day and Jack was too! So we were trying to get dinner down and get ready. I had already planned the lesson earlier and printed out the handout - Thank the Lord! Next thing you know it was getting pretty late. By the time we got out there it was already starting to get dark! I couldn't believe it. That's a first. Thankfully, we knew the parents and they knew us from previous years; so they knew this was not our normal time. The rest of the people, mainly single guys sitting out around us, I'm sure must have been thinking, "What is that crazy white lady doing!!??" Here we were sitting in the grass, in almost the dark, while I was trying to teach a lesson in English and then in Spanish because we have some kids who don't speak English and some who don't speak Spanish. So everything had to be in both. That wears on the brain! The kids were GREAT!!! They didn't even complain about us forgetting the blanket or something for them to sit on.


We found out a few funny things. Evidently, one of the girls on Friday got it in her mind that we would be coming at 2:00PM today. Her mother met us wondering what had happened. I thought she was talking about us being later than normal, but she said, "the kids were dressed and ready since before two, waiting, finally, I told them to just go out and play." She was worried that they were not clean enough. I assured her that I was stinky myself, and that all were welcome. The kids were sooooo excited. I have to say - that's a good feeling! We had the short introduction lesson and then sang a song. One of the moms said her son had been singing one of the songs from last year all the time, but when I asked him to help us sing it, he went all shy on us :). All around, it was a bunch of fun, even with us being so late.

Prayer Requests already!!! We had prizes tonight and it already brought up an old issue. We have some very small children who do not attend but expect the same as those of the same age who sit through the whole thing. I just can't afford the toys to begin with, but if I'm going to buy them and give them out, I want what we have to go to those who are faithful to participate. If we had a ton of extra that would be a different story. I find it interesting that it seems to always be the ones who are not participating or around who complain about what they get. So I am going to have to address this issue head on very soon. Pray that we'll have wisdom and that the parents will understand. We have spoiled them (the ones who come up late and those who attend :} ) in years past and now they expect it to continue. So it is our fault as well. Pray for God's provision for lesson materials and the prizes. Pray for these little hearts to be transformed for a lifetime not just a summer. Thanks for all of your prayers.

We Found Them!!!

Well, we were out at the camps and still no kids. Finally, I found Maria, who was there last year. She is an older woman whose husband is one of the crew leaders. She told me that Fatima said I was out there looking for them. The two families with children just arrived and were not in the camp, but at a trailer park. Maria was telling me where it was and I knew the exact one. So we left there and went to the trailer park. Thankfully, Giovani was there. He is the young boy who spoke NOOOO English when he came and was at Mt. Zion Elementary. I was volunteering as a tutor helping students who just arrived to learn English while they were in classes. Giovani really touched my heart. He has a difficult situation which I will go into more detail in the "Special Prayer Requests for Friends" link. It will be titled "First Night".

Anyway, so when Jack and I went out there we had no idea where to look for the families Maria told us would be there. When I saw Giovani I was so glad. Not just because he could help us but also just to see him again. He is now 13 and looks the same just taller. He is even still skinny! So he lead us on his bicycle while we drove the van. We knew we were in the right place when off in the distance we saw 4 little kids jumping up and down and clapping! We took these pictures and one is a bit blurry because I had to make them quit moving around : )! We are finding them. Thanks to Maria at Jenkins and some information from Dave tonight, who works with Jimmy Shaffer, and there are about 100 here. There will be more than 500 but most will be single guys. But thankfully one little girl did return. She has been a concern of mine. I'll share more in the other where it is more confidential. The rest of her family did not return but she came back and I'm so thankful I will have more time with her. They wanted to do the lesson tonight but we will be waiting until Monday night. I can't wait. Pray for us! Thanks friends.

i Signs Of Life !

~ YIPEE, Gramma and I went out yesterday and the other side of Jenkin's camp is filling up. Fatima, for those of you who have received previous prayer letters was there :)! No children had arrived on that side just yet but the man who was the "boss" of those who had arrived, assured me that by the end of this week the children would be arriving. I just can't wait to see who will be here - Alexia, Alex, Angel, Andres, Aracely (miss shy right? Not!), Axel, Carlos, Christian, David, Eduardo, Fernando, Griselda (oh I pray :)), Israel (Gramma's little helper), Jasmine, Luis, Luis, Luis, Luis, Luis (no mistake there are 5), Maria, Nicky, Nicky, Pedro, Sonia, Steven, Yari, and any new ones? We shall see, Lord willing, and I'll be updating you soon. Keep pryaing. Thanks. God Bless. ~

I'm not going to cry -YET!

~ We've been sooooo excited to start this summer season of blessings. Jack and I have been passing by the camps and yesterday we even went by the one out in Hollywood. Gramma and I drove into Jenkin's camp and down Abapoula Rd. We've passed "Solomon camp" and nothing. The fields are looking empty and nothing was stirring even at the "white" camp off of Mary Ann Point road tonight. The one family that lives there was there, but no one else seemed to be there yet. So other than the folks who live year round at the camps on Abapoula and the family just mentioned - no sign of Migrant workers just yet.

So I called Sister Amelia, as I missed the task force meeting while volunteering elsewhere. Sister Amelia didn't know too much except to say even fewer were planting this year. Then I called Amy R. and only Joel was there. So far it seems a definite that Schaffer will be the main farmer. Every summer those of us who work with Migrants hear how it will be so different and then it ends up not being as horrible as it was made to seem. However, this summer it does appear things will be seeing some big changes. But until I see it for sure or hear from Amy, Thursday, I'm not going to start crying - YET! Even if there are only a few families, they will still be isolated and in need. We are waiting expectantly to see how God is going to work in the hearts of those who will be here this summer. Please pray for safety for those who will be traveling/ on the road. As soon as they arrive we will be posting some new photos. God bless. Thanks for your prayers. If you haven't seen it yet - look below and check out the slideshow of last years highlights. ~ I'm editing this to update the info. :) They're here!!!! :) I spoke with Amy Rosario this morning, great catching up, and she said she was just at Jenkin's and there are 4 children with more coming!!!! I'm glad I hadn't started crying just yet :)! Though only one farmer planted for the summer, he will be using 4 camps!! So there will be children to teach! Then one who had knee surgery will be harvesting in the fall. That group will be coming to start the planting. Things are changing but they are not over yet!!!!