Housewives and other funny things!

There's been a lot of laughter lately! What's so funny?

Finding armloads of dolls for $1 a piece at the dollar store. I will use these in the sewing class I'll be teaching at Clarkston Community Center in a couple of weeks. We will start by making blankets for these dolls. Tim and I got a big kick out of this unexpected blessing!Story problems? Not again! Kelly helps Ethan figure out what's being asked for -- addition or subtraction. Yikes, that's enough to make anyone laugh! Or cry!
Drawing a face for the first time in your entire life! This beautiful young woman put a lot of time -- and laughter -- into trying to sketch her little sister's face on my marker board.
"Housewife!" This word sent my friend into hoots of laughter. I was helping her learn how to fill out basic forms in English. I asked her what her job was. "Taking care of the children, cleaning the house, cooking food," she said in Swahili. I told her she is a "housewife." After laughing for several minutes at this new English word, she agreed that she is married to her house! "Yes," she said, "it's true, I am the wife of the house." A housewife! (photo removed by request)

New sewing machines! Thank you, Tim Cummins -- and Jesse and Ashley. What a great gift to start off my class. Another ministry partner is donating fabric and thread. Oh, boy! I can't wait to get started.
While we've had fun this week, I've spent a lot of time helping my refugee families deal with problems. We've had a little of everything . . . children getting bad grades, kids missing school buses, AT&T bills with astronomical charges, high fevers, unfaithful husbands, sorrow over missing loved ones, and yes, even some anger.

This child, who cuddles up next to me and begs me to take her home, is symbolic of the pain and suffering, confusion and fear refugees feel when they come to America. But she's a real little girl, too, and she needs your prayers. Karen is blind in one eye and has had a very difficult life. Please pray for her today . . . and for all of us.