Ordinary? Hardly...

November 2009 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

There are many ordinary days at Rehema; however, we often ask ourselves what the words ordinary and normal really mean. One thing is for sure: the word ordinary means 52 mischievous children, all sorts of antics, and the feeling that you are always on your toes. We have learned an awful lot from our children...here are a few of the lessons they have taught us just this past month and which encompass what has been happening at Rehema lately:

1. When all the forks go missing from the kitchen...you'll find one in the pocket of every one of the oldest children, who probably instigated the younger ones to steal them.

2. In fact, never steal forks on "chips" night...it is no fun!

3. Never aim for "just finishing." Aim for 2nd or 3rd even if running against Kenyan elite runners.

4. If Auntie (Ruth Schwandt) is too busy dealing with other children, you take charge and start ordering others around...even if you are one of the youngest.

5. Always have something in your hand at all times, so when Auntie tells you to surrender everything in your hands at devotions time, you have something to add to the stack. You don't want to be left out. Besides, it helps clean the floor of random strings.

6. When in doubt... "walk like a man" - coming from Harry, who is still having difficulty walking on his own.

7. When you have broken your watch and want Uncle (Irv Schwandt) to fix it, minimize the damage by asking for a new battery, then hand him your watch in 5 pieces, run away, and hope he can work his magic.

8. When Auntie tells you to be quiet at night, talk louder. But only if you dare!

9. When mimicking an adult within their ear shot, make sure you blame it on the person standing next to you! Adults will never catch on.

10. When Auntie gives you 2 new pair of shoes, wear them out at the same time by putting one of each set on, and then tell Auntie you didn't get a new set of shoes. She'll never notice.

11. It is not a good idea to play with water in the midst of a water shortage. For some reason, adults don't think it's funny.

12. Make sure you always aim the soccer ball at the window Uncle just fixed because we broke it last month...he likes it. Really! He does. He just doesn't know it yet.

13. When you don't like the socks that fit...wear the socks that don't fit...even if you can't even put your foot in them. At least they are cool!

14. The best place to hide your toys from all the others is down the drain (any drain will do)...it is great; no one finds it until the plumber arrives! And he likes surprises.

15. When your friend is adopted, pray for him every night. It helps.

In many ways, life has been tough for our kids. For some (like Harry), it still is tough. But each day, they pick themselves up, laugh, play, struggle through, and learn a few lessons along the way. As much as we try to teach them, the reality is that they teach us - their humility, their humor, their zest for life, and their love for each other - in many ways keeps us going. Your prayers, your thoughts, your support - also keeps us going. Thank you. Keep us in your prayers...as you can see, we have our hands full.

Blessings from all at Rehema,

Joanne

Daddy Warbucks

October 2009 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

The kids love musicals. They love music; they love movies - the combination probably gives ice cream, soda, and French Fries some healthy competition. Not a day goes by when I don't hear the children singing a song from their favorite musical. While there are several that are repeated, there is one that tops them all: Annie. I have often wondered if they see some similarities in the movie between themselves and the main characters. My suspicions were confirmed as I walked in the house one afternoon with dad following close behind. As we entered the house, one of the triplets ran up to Dad exclaiming, "Daddy Warbucks!!" In the movie, Annie, Daddy Warbucks is the rich beneficent character who accepts Annie into his home, saves her from trouble, and makes her his own. So I've heard Dad referred to as "Uncle", "Father Abraham", and "Dad" ... but "Daddy Warbucks" takes it to a whole new level!

Then a couple of weeks ago, Dennis (one of our 10 year olds), requested some money to buy Dad a present. This is somewhat of a normal occurrence; in fact, I kind of wish I had thought of this ploy to get more money out of Mum and Dad! Dennis was, however, in part, trying to cheer up Dad who was (apparently) pining away for Mum while she was in the US completing her citizenship process. Dennis took the money given to him and nothing more was heard until the following afternoon when he returned from school with his gift for "Uncle". Imagine our shock when "the gift" was a puppy - a mutt that we have officially named "Sandy" (Annie's trusted dog) and accepted into our great big family!

Somehow I don't think the similarities between Rehema and Annie end there, however. The whole premise of Annie is the idea of moving from the status of "orphan" and feeling alone in the world to finding a place to belong and find acceptance by those who take you in and grant you the gift of a family and a community. One of the comments I hear often from those who visit Rehema is how happy our children are ... they don't seem like they are orphans ... and in reality, they are no longer orphans because they now have a family with an aunt and an uncle and many other staff members who care for them.

Our little "family" has its ups and downs like any other. The past month has been a difficult one with Mum away for so long but thankfully, by the time you get this letter, she will have returned. In addition, we continue to feel the effects of the drought in Kenya and struggle with both the lack of water and lack of extra finances to purchase the water. In addition, there are the normal everyday struggles of getting homework completed, respecting others, learning life's normal lessons. We are definitely a family and a privileged one at that - we have the support of so many worldwide who keep us in their prayers and follow our progress monthly. Thank you! Your support and prayers are greatly coveted.

Blessings from all at Rehema,

Joanne