Last day of preschool

Ariana loves Tuesday afternoon preschool from 1-3:15pm.  Those days will be missed.  Today we took some pictures though a number of kids were missing (likely due to flooding and lack of access to some roads). 

Some of her classmates that have become very special friends during this year.  And of course all the fun crafts were a huge highlight for her.

Kruse EDD?

What is our Estimated Date of Departure?  That is presently a difficult question to answer.  We know that we are "next in line" to get our work permits processed.  One of the problems is that the Charities & Societies Board has been revamped as well as the offices that issue spiritual work permits.  I don't actually understand the whole process as our paperwork needs to go to numerous offices.   As far as we know, these offices are only partially functioning. 
These issues are obviously not only affecting our work permit.  Many missionaries and aid workers are waiting to get their work permits.  Pray that God would clearly move in this area so that SIM staff in Ethiopia would have wisdom and that we would have clear direction.

It is also a reminder to us that though there are physical and spiritual needs all over the world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get into countries to share the message of salvation.   When you pray for missionaries, pray that they would find favor with the government.  Pray for key nationals to be moved into positions of influence.  Pray that our work permit would be processed in God's timing. 
With a lengthy delay it becomes difficult to focus on what is ahead.  I have always been a person who has attempted to "bloom where I am planted" and so I am determined to bloom here until we are called to move on.  At the same time, we desire to prepare our hearts, bodies and minds for ministry among the Gumuz.  Pray that Rolf and I will have wisdom and patience during this time.

FIVE LESS TEETH

It has been quite the month of April!  Two days after Sonia began her antibiotics, we were off to the dentist with Joel.   It was confirmed that he needed his 4 six year molars removed.  Amazingly, they had an opening 2 days later for him at the Western Surgical Centre in Winnipeg.  Due to high fevers during his episode of malaria at the age of 10 months, his molars had come up mottled and basically void of enamel.   He complained often of pain (sensitivity to cold, hot and sweet things).   No cavaties yet but we were promised that they would eventually need root canals if they were not removed. 

So we took the 7am appointment Friday morning and my mom was able to be with our other children while we took Joel (& Sonia) in at 6am.  Joel was so brave (and the new lego helped anticipate the end).  It went smoothly though the wake up from the anesthesia wasn't so pleasant. 

Here they are......Ariana said they looked like "pants" or little men.  Notice the serious lack of enamel on the tops.

We were told that within 24 hours he would be able to play normally and eat everything except popcorn.  That was far from the truth.   He hardly complained (not a good sign) and couldn't chew anything.  Within 48 hours, it was obvious he had an infection.  His fever spiked at a Kruse gathering in Winnipeg.  We managed to get our dentist on a pager  and he phoned in a prescription for antibiotics. 

As of yesterday, we are an antibiotic free household and everyone is happy and healthy!  PTL!  After biting an apple, Joel lost another tooth (thankfully one that was already loose) and so he has 5 less teeth than he did 10 days ago.

April Endings

This past week, there were several sweet endings.  Kalia, Joel and Ariana finished their year of Awana and did a super job of memorizing verses.  They each received awards last week at the awards night.  Kalia and Joel were not especially impressed that Ariana managed to memorize all their verses including all the Old & New Testament books of the Bible.  She liked to help them out when they were practicing:)  Awana was a highlight of the week each Wednesday night.  They have begun to "hide God's word in their hearts" which is such a valuable tool in the Christian life.  And a big thanks to Tracy for picking up our kids each week!

Last week, also ended my 12 week Bible study.  What a special time to dig into God's word with a group or ladies.  I will look back on this time fondly.  We ended our time with a special brunch put on by Marcia.  Yum!

Rolf also ended a 12 week study with a great group of men as they studied the Truth Project video series together.  An excellent opportunity to discuss biblical values in our society today.  Sorry no pictures.

Sonia's baby dedication

Yes this was the day we also realized Sonia had strep throat!

And then we celebrated my birthday.

The Woes of Strep Throat

Following my last post on spiritual warfare, it seems rather trivial to write about strep throat but since it consumed 2 weeks of my life, it may be worth something.   I believe that once a person has experienced strep throat, it will never be forgotten.  My 6 yr old son Joel asked me, ``Why does it feel like a fuzzy ball is in the back of my throat?  I can`t even swallow my own spit.``  Well that is because your tonsils are touching each other and your uvela is touching your tongue.  (Seriously, they were that enlarged!)  ``Mom, I am cold.``  Actually, you have a fever.  ``Mom, why is my whole body itchy and red?``  After a quick google search...ahh that is scarlet fever.  Apparently Joel, Nadia and I had all the symptoms of strep throat.  I was flat on my back for 24 hours at which time the antibiotics took great affect and I was able to function once more.

3 days later on a Sunday morning, Ariana came down with the same symptoms (minus the rash) and my kind neighbour brought me in to emergency (since Rolf was taking a course in the city).  By the time we returned home, she was in severe pain.  24 hours later, almost back to normal.

Bringing a 4th child to see the doctor a few days after that, I was certainly sure that we would leave with some antibiotics in hand.  I was not disappointed. 

Apparently breastfeeding babies are not likely to get strep throat but it is still possible especially if they have close contact with an infected person.  Hmmm....the chances are pretty high in this household of baby lovers! 

I should have suspected that Sonia (4 mth) had strep throat when she experienced fever for 3 solid days in a row.  I decided it was teething since her fist was in her mouth constantly and my other children all cut teeth early.  I should have further suspected it when she screamed for 2 hours Saturday night, slept poorly and cried again Sunday morning before leaving for church.  (I thought it was the Mexican beans I had eaten or cold feet regarding her baby dedication that took place that morning).   Thankfully she was actually cheerful and alert for her baby dedication.

But that Sunday evening,  April 10th (one full week after Ariana went on antibiotics) I noticed the unusual and yet now very familiar rash (Scarlet Fever) all over her face and body.

Then I knew. 

When I brought Sonia in to see the doctor, he asked the same questions:  Does she have a cold?  No.  Fever? Yes.  Fussiness?  Yes.  Okay we will take a swab.  And then I added ``Oh by the way, she has a rash. ``

 ``Well no need to do a swab that will likely come back negative anyway.  She needs to go on antibiotics.``  And by now I knew it was because after a week numerous other possible illnesses can arise including rheumatic fever.  24 hours later, Sonia was once again her cheerful self and the rash is gone.

Maybe my experience will help others identify strep throat in their own home someday:) And of course, in my weakness, the Lord was strong and I was blessed by God`s people.

Is this a spiritual battle? Are you alert?

This post is a little old as it didn't get out of the draft box very quickly:) 

My 4 year old daughter loves to pray.  In fact, I find myself saying "just 3 things tonight Ariana" or "okay say amen".   When she came home from Awana with her prayer mat, she immediately began praying on her knees as though it was the most natural thing in the world.  Why is prayer so easy for a 4 year old?  Each sentence beginning with, "Thank you God...." and humbling herself before the Lord without question. 

How do you view life?  Do you fall to your knees on behalf of your family members, your children, your parents, neighbours, friends, coworkers - for their protection, for their needs, for their salvation?  Do you  prepare your heart & mind for the battle you or a loved one may face that very day?  I am responding to these questions in my own life.  How often I fail to prepare myself each morning with the 2 weapons available to me - prayer and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.  Wow!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  Ephesians 6:10-12

We are often reminded that there is a spiritual battle going on in Ethiopia.  In fact the battle is often very obvious.  We are entering Satan's territory when we bring the gospel of freedom to people who are living in bondage.   During my last week in my Bible study, we studied self control.  What struck me was how free we truly are when we allow God to control our lives.

We need God's word to saturate our daily lives in order to protect our minds from the evil one.   We need to be in relationship with our Father so that we are aware (not paranoid) of the battle going on.  "Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8  Just as the disciples slept in the garden of Gethsemane, I fear that I often slumber.  Are we ready when we face the battle?  "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground....." Ephesians 6:13

I am also aware that our focus can swing to the other direction - focusing on the battle rather than on the Lord.   Beth Moore says, ``It is never the will of God for warfare to become our focus.  The fastest way to lose our balance in warfare is to rebuke the devil more than we relate to God.  The primary strength we have in warfare is godliness, which is achieved only through intimacy with God.``

There is also a spiritual battle here in North America and it many ways it is so very subtle.   It is a battle to consume us (and particularly our children) with materialism, technology and selfishness.  We are in many ways an apathetic society that no longer values truth.  Do we weep for our coworkers, neighbours or relatives that do not know the Lord or are we consumed with ourselves.

I see this battle at work in my life and in my children.  Satan is a deceiver and He is looking to get a foothold into our lives where we have not given control over to the Lord.  May our hearts be so in tune with the Lord that when He asks us to stand in the gap for someone, we are already on our knees.

Nadia is 2!

We enjoyed celebrating Nadia's birthday (March 17th) at home and then with Angela's family.  It is always a little crazy with 15 little ones but we enjoy each opportunity we have with family.  Nadia chooses to saw few words but she fully expresses herself through actions.  I was able to get a fuzzy picture of Nadia saying thank you to Joel.

Who is in Control?

We believe God is able but we don't always believe He will do what WE want Him to do.   So we respond by helping Him out as much as we can....maybe even hoping to manipulate circumstances  Meanwhile, He is patiently waiting for us to give up control, stop fighting and depend on Him.  After all it isn't about what we get from Him but on our relationship with Him - our Father.

I see a lot of God's relationship to His children as I interact with my 2 year old.  When Nadia tries to dress herself, she can get quite mixed up.  Her favorite word being "NO", I am near at hand waiting until she is ready to look over to me for some help. 

I wonder how often our Father smiles to Himself while waiting for us to look to Him and say:  "I can't do this.  I have tried every angle and life is getting more confusing than before.  Can you help me?"  And we can believe in faith that He responds to our request because He has been watching all along. 

Two weeks ago, we received news that we would not be able to receive a development work permit and would have to wait for a spiritual work permit.   We prayed and sought the Lord.  Rolf ponders while my mind begins to whirl with solutions to the problem.   I have to be intentional about letting go of my human solutions and giving control over to my Father.   Jesus' question to Philip comes to mind, "How should we feed all these people?"  Jesus then shows the world how to look beyond what is humanly possible.  After all, our ways are intertwined with the world and His ways are coming straight from heaven....what more could we ask for?

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.  Isaiah 55:8-9