Wednesday Morning--Faces that I Love

Wednesday mornings. Every Wednesday at 11 a.m. I stand in front of a large class of Primary 2 students and share the amazing truth of God's word.  What a privilege! I love this activity in my week! 

The faces of P2

From the two stories I told today we could extrapolate a number of themes. But, we're talking about the Israelites and what usually stands out most with the Israelites was their almost incessant complaining and whining. If God was in the circus, they wouldn't be satisfied with a three-ring simultaneous performance! 

At the point where we picked up in the wilderness today we see He had already rescued them from Egypt, parted the red sea, fed them daily, made sure their shoes never wore out, provided them water and shelter, blessed them with able leadership, and gave them victory over their enemies. Apparently He should have added a few more rings to His amazing feats, for in the very next scene they are copiously complaining about how horrible the wilderness is and whining to go back to Egypt. God, in His great mercy, provides them with what they are asking for and we have a wee positive turn in their story--they were able to remain satisfied for a short bit. So much so that when they came up against another enemy in the land they cried out to God for His hand in victory instead of complaining against having found themselves in enemy territory. 

Whew! It seemed they were on track, but it was not to last, bummer. After said definitive victory they were back at the griping and moaning. Due to this lack of belief (for that is what complaining against God is--a lack of believing that He will provide and that what He is doing is enough) there were poisonous snakes sent into the camp and many died. Tragic.  God instructed Moses to raise up a stick with one of the poisonous snakes wrapped around it and told the Israelites that looking upon it would bring healing. Those who looked up were indeed healed. (This is from where the medical profession has taken it's worldwide known emblem.) I couldn't pass up the opportunity to point out to these children that we have the ultimate healing in Jesus--the One raised up and to whom we look. 

To make these long ago stories a part of their reality today, I encouraged the children to be thankful for where we are and what God has given us. Today it's hot even though the rains have begun and the tendency is to complain that it's too hot! We listed together the blessings God has given us, for we must remember and thank Him or we too become like the Israelites! Our recent rains, ability to plant in our gardens, the privilege of school, our shelters, places to sleep and food are all things for which to thank God.  It was sweet to leave them in a thankful state! And as I was leaving, Aunt Hannah walked in for her time of teaching them music! What better way to express thanks than to sing and shout praise to God!

On my way home I was feeling thankful for all the people God has placed around us--all those we have the privilege of sharing with in life. So, I decided to stop along the path home and visit some neighbors.

This is our dear friend, Lydia, and new baby. I was able to be a part of her labor two months ago when she'd gone many hours and needed some encouragement! I found her washing clothes, caring for her toddler and then feeding the infant while we visited. Once she finished around the house they were off to Kiwoko hospital for immunizations. I love the "drop-in" nature of visiting around here! Though she was very busy, she sat leisurely with me as if she hadn't a care in the world!

Her toddler "gave me a push"--a Ugandan custom of walking a visitor a ways toward their destination when the visit is over.  Here he was looking back to make sure I was still following him.

As I rounded the bend I found Auntie Lucy enjoying the shade and cutting greens for lunch. 

Her son joined her on the mat as he drank his porridge.

In the David Family kitchen I found this smiling face cooking beans and greens for lunch.

And who should ride by just then going to fetch water?  Kevin!

Upon returning home I found Kevin back from fetching water and playing peek-a-boo with the little baby of the woman who washes laundry for us.

Kevin was making him laugh and smile as they played!

This one's smile is captivating!

Toby has been at the secondary school all morning and just returned home for lunch. The 3-day seminar on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood started today and we wanted him to be a part of it. Geoff opened the series with the introduction and many are involved in teaching the various sessions.

Acacia and Kevin went to the garden this morning with Medi to plant black beans. They returned at break time, just before I left for the P2 class! 

I LOVE ALL THESE FACES!!!! Faces of dear ones that bless our lives!