Where to start!

Where to start!
First of all this is my first blog to the world, so go easy on me. Most of you who have kept up on the blog (if that’s the right term) have read about some of the prior events we have all experienced, so I won’t start from the beginning. Today was a very special day for me and also for the others I’m sure. Today was church day. It started with the rooster alarm clock which goes off every morning about 5:30, breakfast, a little sit and talk time and then off to church. We arrived at about 9:00 (a guess) in our Sunday best and I soon realized I was under dressed. I sat in the back row as to not bring attention to myself and listened to the Sunday school lesson. Had somewhat of a difficult time keeping up with the hour lesson due to a slight language barrier, others were coming forth with answers and I really didn’t want to start any heated arguments, so I kept quiet. Praise and worship started next and I recognized the first song but couldn’t remember the words, so again I kept quiet. The beautiful singing continued for about 30 minutes. It’s kind of cool that praising God can be understood in any language. (Don’t tell my wife that I was moving with the music and raising my hands above my head, kind of embarrasses her I think.) Marie brought all of us up front and Pastor Bob gave a beautiful moving message translated by Marie. The moving part was Marie’s translation, sorry Bob. We all introduced ourselves and when it came to me I had somewhat of a tough time. With all the new friends I have made and knowing that they have helped me more than the reverse I became a little choked up. We all returned to our seats and came time for more music and the collection. I have an inexpensive necklace hanging from my rear view mirror which I picked up some time ago. It’s a cord with a small copper coin attached (remember Ethan) which reminds me every day of the woman who gave everything she had while others gave of their excess. That’s exactly how I felt today during the collection. We finished the day by enclosing the temporary shelter that housed Marie and the girls shortly after the quake and that now houses (as I found out after the service) the Deacon and his wife. Wow, small world. Wish we could do something about the dirt floor; at least it’s not mud, yet. The other half of the crew, the better half (sorry Bob) finished the shelter over the small courtyard at the orphanage. The woman who cooks for the girls, which is an all day event, praised God and move the charcoal cook stove as soon as we were done. What great faith. Finally I was able to spend some quality time with the girls, the part that I have been patiently waiting for and a little scared of. The girls are so loving, inquisitive, and upbeat that it washed away all my preconceived anxiety immediately. I felt like a tree the way they were all hanging on me, and loved it. Toni you will also. Well, I really don’t want to wear out this blog thing out so I think I will give it up and get on with the adventure, I mean work. (Brothers at RIFD, believe me your money is changing lives, one at a time, mine included.) Thanks all. Not Bob- Tim