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Friday, March 18, 2016

Sharing the Love

One of the most rewarding parts of our work in Africa is having the of privilege distributing food and gifts to sponsored children and widows. The compassion and generosity of each devoted sponsor reaches out and touches an individual child and says, “You are loved. You are important. You are child of God.”





Pierre is bursting with joy !

Ousenni is happy to have rice for his family.
Lizette and Papa 

What a great smile ,Rasmata!
Ruth reads a sponsor's letter to Mabesini.



A bike is more than a toy in Burkina as Seraphine knows.

Hito and his father



Oumar feels the support of someone who cares!
These smiles say it all !

Monday, February 15, 2016

Surrounded By Gifts


Sharing the road with camels
"Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons." Ruth Ann Schabacker.

 Our return to the village of Kimini after our extended stay in the States reminds me why we call this little village our African "home".  


After driving several hours  to arrive at this remote location, we were weary from travel but energized by the friendly smiles and warm greetings.

 Here are just a few of the many blessings that fill our days in Kimini.


The directress of the school mobilized the bigger girls to clean our little house as a welcome home gesture.


cleaning our house


Sweeping our porch
unwelcome visitor
Now if only they could sweep away those pesky scorpions! 



Morning flag ceremony at Kimini school.
Thanks to the generosity of the children and staff at Saint Thomas School in West Springfield, MA, our students proudly assemble each morning to raise the flag and sing their national anthem. In addition to this gift, each first grade now has a new reading book!
New first grade readers
Enjoying the new microscope donated by a dear friend !




Each of you is a blessing to us. Each of you is a gift!




Sunday, January 31, 2016

LIVES HAVE BEEN CHANGED !

Ruth reading Amy's words at the funeral
It is with a heavy heart that we return to Burkina Faso, our beloved African home. Our scheduled return date was January 27.Then the horrific terrorist attack took the life of our friend and colleague, Mike Riddering on January 15 in Ouagadougou. We were able to change our flights and arrive in time to be with Amy and his family in Yako.


Laid to rest in Yako
Mike was passionate about everything he did. He lived his life to the fullest and was greatly loved. His funeral and burial was a real testament to the lives he touched for Christ and the impact he had on so many people. 



" I have fought the good fight,I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,which the Lord will award to me on that day-and not only to me,but also to all who have long for his appearing."  2 Timothy 4:7-8 

Crowds gather to say farewel


 Well done, Mike !