I Used To...

I used to complain when: the line at Wal-Mart was too long, the hot water heater broke, and those construction crews took three months to fix one tiny stretch of road.

Now, I know people who complain when: they don’t have money to buy groceries, they can’t bathe because the river has dried up, and the roads are full of holes and aren’t lined.



I used to be afraid of: my car breaking down, being late to work, and gaining weight.

Now, I know people who are afraid of : getting robbed on public transportation, not being able to find a job, and their infants dying from lack of nutrition.



I used to worry about: what I would wear to church, how many calories were in my meal, and what people thought of me.

Now, I know people who worry about: clothing their growing children, how many times they will be able to eat this week, and who they can find to love them.



Things are different here. Some parts of the life are just plain worse—I’ll give you that. Other parts are just different (not wrong) and just need to be adjusted to.

I am adjusting to some but find myself constantly thinking about those people who never needed to adjust. Why did God give me the opportunity to grow up in the U.S.? Why not them?

The only answer I have is this…
“ You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” ~2 Corinthians 9:11

This verse talks about material blessings as well as talents to bring praise to God. I believe I have been blessed materially as well as mentally and spiritually. The Christian education I have received has been a rich gift that has prepared me for the spiritual battles I have had to fight.

In what ways are you rich? Materially? Physically? Spiritually? Mentally?

Use those treasures to praise God every opportunity that you have.

Close to my heart

For those of you that read my blog (or the blog of the Kluges) on a regular basis, you have heard two names often—San Miguel and Mololoa. They are two communities directly beside each other; they are so close that most people consider the entire area to be San Miguel. However, the church property sits in Mololoa. This area is where I have spent a great deal of time the past several months.

In this location, child neglect is a problem. Sometimes, it is a problem because the father wants to spend all his earnings on alcohol. Sometimes, it is a problem because there are seven people in the family and the family’s daily income is $2 or work is not even available. And, sadly other times, the children aren’t given love or care because they are not wanted.

Franklin is usually dirty and barely clothed. When we had the VBS, he was wearing a pair of pants with both back pockets torn out, leaving holes at his bottom. The bad part was that he had no underwear—so we kept being flashed his little bum.

This little baby is often seen naked. He is shy and doesn’t come around much. When my mother game him bananas and cookies, he was ecstatic.

Can you imagine not knowing where your next meal would come from? These children are innocent and helpless. They are unable to provide for themselves and have no one to care for them properly.

Some are forced into adulthood. Lesby is six years old, yet she cares for her younger sister and brother. She loves spending time with the Kluges because she gets to actually be a kid and play.












Walter is eleven years old. He has dropped out of school, because he is the wage-earner. His father is in jail, and he now has new responsibilities as the eldest child. His mother (who is pregnant) has bad asthma and can barely go anywhere on the mountain. She stays at home taking care of her other children and making tortillas. Walter then takes the tortillas into town to sell.

Stories like these are how the idea of a food kitchen came to fruition.

The feeding center will provide one meal (lunch) each day of the week (Monday-Friday) to children. It will not be necessary for the children to attend the church or be members. However, we will encourage and model Christian behaviors, as well as invite children to worship.

The building construction is being funded by an anonymous donor. The funding for the payment of workers and the purchase of food is still open for donors. Based on a similar program in another community, the estimated cost of food for one month is $1,000. We also have a need for items to be used. Below you will find a list of one-time donations and continual purchases. Think LONG-TERM. If you are able to help in any manner, we would be glad to hear from you. Please post a comment or send an E-mail.

Refrigerator
Freezer
Microwaves
Food processor
Mixers
Water cooler that holds 5 gallon jugs
Commercial size pots and pans
Mixing and serving bowls
Cooking utensils
Cutting boards with heavy duty knives
Plastic plates, cups, and bowls (for approx. 400 kids)
Silverware
Paper products (paper towels, etc.)
Salt and pepper shakers (plastic)
Dish drainers
Plastic storage tubs (all sizes)
Plastic Tupperware (all sizes)
Ziploc bags (all sizes)
Large trashcans
Trash bags
Liquid anti-bacterial hand soap (lots)
Dish soap
Fire extinguisher
Shelving units to store food and supplies
2 big Igloo drink coolers with spouts
Mops, brooms, buckets
Cleaning products (liquids and scrubbers)
Towels, rags, hot-pads
Hair-nets and disposable gloves
Aprons
3 pad-locks with the same key

Continually requesting your prayers,
Jennifer, the Kluges, and the children of Mololoa

What can you believe?

ALLIGATORS CAN FLY


















[I am studying the accuracy of Internet sites with my students, and I am using this for their learning process. I love you all and miss you in the States.]