Winter Warmth Update

Winter??? It’s spring already! Well yes, technically, it is spring, but it still feels like winter. Warmer days are ahead…hopefully sooner rather than later. We just wanted to follow up our last newsletter with pictures and an update about the warmth the street kids were blessed with this winter.

We already informed you that several of the kids received fleece sweatshirts and hats, and that one friend had knit hats and other friends had donated money to buy shoes for them. Additional donations were later received from some kids in America so that we could buy gloves. In all, we are able to give almost 50 kids a knit hat and new shoes and new gloves. It was fun blessing these kids with so many gifts this winter! They were quite needed this year with colder temperatures and more snow than usual in Tbilisi.

Last week, they were again blessed with more gifts. We had Christmas in March! Who doesn’t love that! Ever heard of Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child gift program? If not, we talked about it back in December (click here for more info). We were hopeful that these kids would get the boxes again this year, and thankfully, they did. Typically, the boxes don’t seem to arrive in Georgia until February anyway, but the contact who helped get these boxes for the kids was sick so the kids didn’t get them until March this year. Doesn’t matter…the kids are happy to get them anytime!

So a big THANK YOU to all who gave to make these gifts possible! This includes those who gave through Samaritan’s Purse. It doesn’t matter if your box came here or somewhere else, we are certain every child who got one was thrilled to receive it!

“Truly, I tell you,

whatever you did

for one of the least of these

brothers and sisters of mine,

you did for me.”

Matthew 25:40

This is LOVE

They are LOVED

We are all LOVED

For the Ladies

Posted by Megan

Happy Women’s Day

to my female friends and family!

Did you even know about this day? If you are American, I will venture to guess that most of you didn’t know about it. I never was aware of such a day before first coming to Georgia. It’s an official holiday here and also in Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia. In the United States, the month of March is “Women’s History Month,” but I have to admit…I never knew that before researching information about International Women’s Day. And, therefore, that means it is not a big deal in America. But we Americans certainly go all out for Mother’s Day every May, and many try to be all inclusive by honoring women in general on that day. However, for someone who is not a mother, it kind of feels like a stretch when the day is really for mothers. I’m all for honoring my mother and all mothers, and they can have their own special day.

But today is for women…just women…ALL women.

So today I honor you and want you to know how valued you are! Embrace the fact that you are a fantastic part of this world and in particular, my life. I am especially grateful for all the women that have crossed my path. You may have come as a family member, a friend, a classmate, a co-worker, a teacher, a mentor, or even just an acquaintance through mutual friends or interest groups. Regardless, you’ve made an impact on my life, and I am thankful for your influence.

We certainly have great power to influence one another for the positive and, sadly, the negative. Today pursue the positive and strive for this the other days of the year too. In our February 27, 2012 post, we included Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. There is a time and season for everything in this life…weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing, and everything else that life brings. All of these life seasons are far better or far less burdening, when we stand by each other and walk through them together instead of against one another. May we mourn with one another when necessary and rejoice together when appropriate.

Now…go enjoy your day ladies and know that you are loved, and we are in this life together!

Some flowers I received today from our English students, and now I share them with you.

For some history on International Women’s Day and a short video about the day in Russia (and the former Soviet Union…including Georgia), click here.

Random Thoughts

Posted by Wade

During the past year-and-a-half, I’ve learned a lot about myself. It is interesting how a small-town boy from Missouri can be interested in learning another language, can get to know people he has nothing in common with in a completely different culture, and struggle with people who just can’t drive normally (at least from my point-of-view)!

Before we arrived in Georgia, I had heard about people struggling with this or that. Many people can have a hard time adjusting. Many people just can’t handle it. I can see why; sometimes it is very frustrating. I think if I would have moved to Georgia (or another very different place) before I was 30, I would have had a hard time. God provided me with many trials that really made me think differently. I remember thinking many things were a “big deal” before. Sure, I’m still a little spoiled and like to have it my way sometimes (ask Megan), but I am surprised at how many things are now not a big deal. For example, kids with runny noses and dirty hands kissing me on the cheek isn’t a big deal now. That happens on a weekly basis. That used to gross me out. Now, I’m much less worried about little things. I’ve moved a bit toward the phlegmatic/melancholic temperaments!

I’ve learned that everything will work out. I know that some bad things are going to happen, but with God, everything will be ok. There will be some tough times. God will help us with those. I’m thankful for knowing that. If you don’t, I recommend learning more about it!

In Missouri, we are called the “Show-Me-State”. It is interesting that I learn that way (and try to teach my English students that way). Sometimes I can’t really get my arms around something unless I see it or experience it. In teaching, I try to act out words you can’t really act out. However, we laugh at the effort. The other day, I laid on a table during class to demonstrate hospital words. It was quite entertaining for everyone!

Why doesn’t everyone look when they get ready to drive into the street or out of a parking space? It seems to me this is logical. We are taught to look/yield/drive defensively in Missouri. Here, my biggest frustration is the daily close-calls. I’ve never honked my horn so much (Megan thinks I need to honk it more). We’ve been hit two or three times by other people. I’m amazed by how frustrated I get at these crazy drivers. When people go into the oncoming traffic’s lane just to get to the front of the line, I almost lose it. That to me is just ridiculous. It happens all the time here. Rarely, someone gets pulled over…another frustration.

So, I’ve learned a few good things about myself and a few things I need to work on. I’m thankful for the lessons I’ve learned that prepare me for what is in store in the future. I’m thankful for the continued refining. God, please help me with these Georgian drivers.