Healing 2 The Nations - Dr. Claudia R. Wintoch

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Restoration!?

I arrived in Kansas City two nights ago. A friend dropped me off, and I was wondering where to go during the few remaining hours. I felt God's pull to go to the church I was a part of during my two years there, where I also went to school, but with who I have no relationship any more.

I got there more than an hour before the service was over. As I walked in, I just heard these words over and over, "reconnect". As I sat down, several of their people who minister in the nations were up on the platform sharing. I had always thought that one day I'd be one of them. When the service was over, I enjoyed meeting some old acquaintances again, but was also grieved at my lack of relationship. Trying to put my feelings into words, I felt like a disinherited son who longed to be part of the family again.

Friday night I came back for the service - the only time I'd be able to be there. I enjoyed the service, and continued feeling the same way as the night before. At the end of the service, I went forward like most everybody else to receive prayer. The power of God was present and strong. The pastor's wife came over and released what God hadn't released directly yet. I ended up on my face on the floor, weeping, grieving, over what I had lost in losing my part in this local body. I felt like the inheritance, all I had received, would not, could not, flow from them to me because the connectros, the tubes for the waters to flow, were disconnected.

I got up and still had a hard time to control my tears. I went to the backstage door, telling the usher I'd like to say hello to the pastor and his wife. She came out, and still in tears, I told her how I felt, and to tell her husband I loved him. She told me (again) she was proud of what I was doing in Africa.

I left the church wondering what this had all been about. Was it just a healing of my heart? Or was God truly reconnecting me? Time will show.

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Looking Back On My Week In LA

Time has been so short, I haven't even been able to write my blog. Let's look back on this past week in LA.

WED - first day. Movie, sleeping, sightseeing.

THU-SAT - conference. Todd Bentley's partners' conference in Anaheim. It was a great time of spiritual refreshing and making new friends. I also enjoyed seeing some old acquaintances again, some who were on the missions trip to Malawi 2003 with me, and some who now travel with Todd. I made a few new friends, which was great to. I got to spend time with them between the meetings. Spiritually, there wasn't as much prayer ministry as I had hoped for, but the Lord still did a work in me. I enjoyed His presence during worship and some particular meetings. Physically, those were very tiring 3 days.

SUN - quality time. My friend Holly picked me up in the morning, and we went to her church, together with her family. After church, we went out to eat. WOW! Awesome food! The rest of the day we spent at her house, talking and having fellowship. During the 1 hour-drive back, she prayed for me and greatly encouraged me. I had a very precious day with my friend!

MON - two appointments. I was gonna meet two friends, but neither one worked out at the last minute. I did a lot of sleeping and catching up on emails, as well as shopping for Mali.

TUE - childhood dream fulfilled. In Europe, kids used to dream about going to Disneyland when I was growing up. It was like a fictional place. Well, I got to fulfill my childhood dream! And going there, I found out that Disneyland is all about dreams! I went with the family I was staying with, who had special passes so that we didn't have to stand in line to get in. It was all I had dreamed of; truly a magical land! I can't help but show you a few pictures:

The famous castle, which is in reality a portal, and Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse greeting visitors

Mickey's house, and meeting Mickey in person, together with the Clark family, my wonderful hosts.

We spent the whole day there, from opening to closing time, 15 hours. We went on awesome rides, beyond imagination, with speed and thrill, and saw great 3D-movies. The day ended with amazing fireworks, followed by a show on water and land, with more fireworks, as well as projections and special effects. Where (childhood) dreams come true!

WED - catching up. I met one of the friends from Monday, and spent the day catching up on sleep, emails and doing more shopping for Mali.

THU - flying. At 6:30 am this morning we're leaving for the airport. Another state, another city, another time zone. It's time to go home, to go to the place where I lived for 2 years. I'm very much looking forward to seeing special places and people again.

PLEASE PRAY FOR MY BODY! So far I'm not getting any rest, and tonight, before my day of flying, I only had 5 hours of sleep (again).

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

First Day In Los Angeles

Yesterday was my long flight from Paris to Los Angeles. My friends (former and future missionaries to Mali) picked me up from the airport and took me to their home.

After a good night that helped to adapt to the time difference (9 hours to Paris), we had a busy and wonderful day today. We started off watching a kids' movie at a theater, with my friends' son and his cousin. From there we went to the beach - I got to see the pacific ocean! I love the ocean; it reminds me of our yearly summer vacation at the Mediterranean growing up. I saw some lifeguards and was reminded of the TV show BAYWATCH that was filmed here, and I saw a few people with surfboards, but no one actually surfing, unfortunately.

From there we took a ferry to Balboa island and walked around the neighborhood. What contrast from the 4th-poorest to the 4th-richest nation in the world!! (If California were a nation, it would be up there.) Then we went out to eat - Cheeseburgers. I greatly enjoyed it! In fact, I was just looking around and simply enjoying being in the US again. I consciously enjoyed every single sight and impression. Later we got to go to Walmart. I just wished we had a store like that in Mali! :-)

Tomorrow morning the conference with Todd Bentley is starting. I'm really looking forward to it. Please pray for spiritual refreshing, and for divine appointments.

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Monday, July 17, 2006

Next Stop: Anaheim

My time in Paris has come to an end. Tomorrow morning I'm leaving for the airport, to take the long flight to Los Angeles. Honestly, my heart desires to already be in Kansas City, but it's another 10 days before I arrive there. And they will be wonderful days. I'm attending a Todd Bentley conference where I hope to reconnect with him and make other new friends, as well as be refreshed spiritually. And then I'm gonna have a few days with special friends there, who will also show me Disneyland - the childhood dream of every Austrian kid.

These past few days have been marked by a lot of sleeping, as well as shopping for Mali, and attending the church meetings. Saturday was my 13th birthday in the Lord, and during worship, He took me on a walk on our property, with everything built. I had a hard time coming back to Paris, even during the preaching, already drawing what I had seen.

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Friday, July 14, 2006

More Sleep & Rest

I'm sleeping much of my freetime between sessions. Even during worship I'm too tired to lift my hands much of the time, and struggle with keeping my eyes open during worship.

The sessions have been good, encouraging. Tonight they had the people pray for all those from out of town, so I qualified. They said some encouraging things.

I got to talk to some of the team members of the speaker, though not the speaker himself yet. They are from different parts of the States, and very nice people.

Tonight I talked to Paul on the phone - everything's alright in Mali. Paul went to the optamologist today, and will have his glasses in two weeks. It will be about time for him to be able to see (better) (again)!

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Leaving & First Day In The West

Last night it was time to say good-bye to my family and leave for 6 weeks. I got everything done, except making a video presentation. I hugged the kids and said good-bye to the adults. It seemed hardest for Abdias; his face was all sad, and he wouldn't even talk to me or respond to my hug. Abdias is the most huggy person, needing his share of physical effection every day. Hama maybe even more so, but he was already asleep, so I couldn't say good-bye to him. I know it will be very hard for him not to have me around. He spends many hours with us every day, and DEMANDS his hugs. If I don't take him, he just cries and cries. I he doesn't see me for some hours, he just calls my name over and over.

Having arrived at the airport, and waiting to get on my plane, I called my family once more and apologized to Paul for my words that had hurt him. I was stressed, tired, and shouldn't have voiced my concerns about leaving Paul in charge, all alone, while I'm gone. They're in God's hands, and God will give him grace! On the phone he told me that he hopes I'll find that he had been given 10 talents and made another 10 when I get back.

Having hung up, I had another half hour until boarding, and the tiredness overcame me. I was talking to my Lord, while dozing, praying for the trip and asking for divine appointments along the way. Then I said, Lord, but most of all, I want a divine appointment with YOU. More than anything, that is what I desire! I don't care about anything else, but I MUST HAVE YOU! I must find you afresh! And it nearly made me choke.

The plane left at 11 pm, and at 6:30 am this morning I arrived in Paris (which is 2 hours ahead of Mali in summer). I hadn't really slept on the plane and was really tired. My friend picked me up and took me to the church, where I'm staying in a nice little room. And then I slept ALL day, more than 8 hours. In Mali the nights had been short - around 6 hours - and the tiredness great. Now there was silence, and no one to wake you. Thank you, Lord!

In an hour the first meeting is starting. I'm looking forward to worshiping the Lord and entering into His presence. Please pray that I will meet with HIM even this weekend. It's the biggest purpose of this trip!

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Just About Ready For Take-Off

In less than an hour I'm leaving my home for 6 weeks to go to Paris, Los Angeles, Kansas City and Atlanta. It's gonna be a time of refreshing, of refocusing, of seeking the Lord, in order to enter into a new season with fresh vision and strength. God knows how much I'm in need of just such a time, and I solicit your prayers for these coming weeks.

I'm starting with a conference at our sister church in Paris this weekend. Next Tuesday I'm flying on to Los Angeles for a conference with Todd Bentley and some days off with friends, before continuing on to Kansas City.

Today was still very busy - spending a long time at the airport, trying to find Johanna's luggage, and picking up her visa.

This time I won't have a CD to give away - I simply couldn't find any inspiration last night. Sorry!

Emma is doing his Bible school exam right now, but if I'll have time to correct it before leaving...

Last backup of the computer, last instructions for Paul, and...

.... LET'S GO!

In fact, I've been so busy, I can't even imagine leaving yet.

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

More Visits To Doctors

This morning Seybou and Hama, Paul, Johanna and I, we piled into the car to go downtown. We took care of Johanna's visa, and then dropped Johanna and Sekouba off at the dentist's. Sekouba has been saying for weeks that his tooth aches. Our doctor told us yesterday where to go without the costs being too high. After having dropped them off, we continued to the center where a doctor should examine Hama. Hama has been going to the local center twice a week, to do his exercises. But he needed to be examined by a doctor once. It was hard to find the center, but we finally did; it was a long way off. Arriving there, we were told that they were closing for the summer and the doctor wasn't there any more. We should come back in October.

We returned to the dentist's, where they were still waiting. It is a government led medical dentist center with many little rooms with a dentist each. When you get there, they assign you to one where you then always go. When we got there, we relieved Johanna, who went to buy some fabric for clothes with Seybou. I stayed with Hama and Sekouba. Little did I know that we'd spend 4 hours there! We waited 3 and a half hours before it was finally Sekouba's turn! Hama was ready to fall asleep, and poor Seybou also who is supposed to sleep during the day. Finally Sekouba and I went into the little room with the dentist. It was quite Western, though simpler. The dentist said that Sekouba had two big holes and several smaller ones. He repaired the two big ones - no injections, and most of it by hand with his instrument. Poor Sekouba was in pain. I had decided not to tell him in advance that it would be painful, so he wouldn't be in fear all the time. Instead it was somewhat of a shock. He now needs to go there each week until it's all done. I'm sure he won't be the only kid needing to go there.

We were joking with Seybou afterwards. He once told me his tooth was aching, so I told him he'd be next. Seybou is terrified of pain, of injections, and refuses to go to the dentist's or have his injections. He won't have a choice :-)

By 3 pm we were finally home, and Emma was already waiting for me to do the 4 Bible School sessions he's missed. So I went straight to taking care of that, before having a chance to prepare some food. It was 4 pm by the time I had lunch.

In the evening, the construction manager came by to talk some more. I believe he is the right guy for the job! When he left, it was time to celebrate Seybou's birthday. He turned 28 (or so). My gift for him was some money. That should help since he won't have a salary this month. (Just so you know, I pay all the food and washing powder etc. for them anyway.)

It's 10 pm now, and I need to have my last family meeting with the kids, since I'll already be gone tomorrow night. After the meeting, I only have this one night left to finish my video presentation - it will take a miracle! I'm very tired, and I need inspiration.

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Monday, July 10, 2006

Finally Going Swimming

For a long time already the kids have been bugging me to go swimming (again). Today the time had finally come. Sekouba, Abdias, Fousseni, Salim, Paul, Johanna and I, we piled into the car that should normally not carry more than 5. First we went to the airport, but Johanna's suitcase had still not arrived. Then we made one more stop before arriving at the swimming pool.

As we pulled into the parking lot, I couldn't believe my eyes: there was a car with Austrian license plates parked!!! And an Austrian couple standing right next to it. Needless to say, we started talking. That family actually drives to Mali every summer! He's a teacher, so he has several months off. They were interested in my work, and asked whether I'd had Austrian "civil servants" come help. I said, no, could I? We exchanged email, and who knows, maybe that will be a good contact to Austria.

What's a "civil servant"? In Austria, every young man has to do 8 months in the military. For those who cannot do that with a good conscious, they can do 10 months of humanitarian work instead.

Back to the kids - they spent ALL DAY in the water, rarely getting out of it. On my last trip I brought some stuff like a swim ring, and a blow-up crocodile, and other swimming helps with me (see picture), and they just loved it.

I for my part enjoyed some quiet, some lying down not doing anything for a change. Paul and Johanna did some sleeping.

Unfortunately, in the evening, the kids just came with more demands, not saying a single thank you. Instead they got angry that they couldn't watch a movie during the remaining half hour before going to bed.

Our Doctor

On the way home, we did a detour to stop at our doctor's clinic. Abdias had developed a not-so-good looking rash on his back that was also painful. I had wanted to wait until my return from the US until starting to pay a doctor, but now we needed him. We took advantage to get to know his clinic. It is beautiful, no comparison to African hospitals! It's only 8 months old.

Dr. Alan prescribed something for Abdias's rash, and told us where to find a dentist for Sekouba - he's had pain for at least 2 months now. We also talked about details and payments. We need to pay a fixed amount of money each month, and he'll be available to us anytime. Starting this month. When I get back, all the kids and also adults will be tested and start getting all the needed innoculations.

Building Project Update

Tonight both potential construction managers came over. One Seybou's cousin, the other a Christian that was highly recommended. And I have to say, there is a high possiblity Kofi will be the one doing the job. He's built many churches and other buildings in this country, so he has a lot of experience, and he has integrity. He said that the amount that architect said is ridiculous. He actually knows the architect. He also said that he's worked with an American architect before, so that's great. He said he'd be willing to manage our project. So let's pray we'd know whether he's the one!

It became even clearer talking tonight, that we cannot move forward unless we get those papers that put the property into our hands. PLEASE PRAY THAT WE GET THOSE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! They're blocked somewhere.

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Sunday, July 9, 2006

Something Is Different

Tonight I noticed that something was different, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Was it that God's grace was there in greater measure for the sake of Johanna? I don't know. Spiritually, I'm going through a desert time. But tonight, during our family meeting, when I laid hands on each kid like every other night, to bless them and call them forth, there was a spirit of prophecy, and I powerfully spoke over each one. It was the first family meeting Johanna was at.

Maybe it was also their hearts. We've been planning on going swimming tomorrow - the only possible day - and they've made an effort to behave and obey so that I won't cancel what they've been looking for ward to for a long time. But as often at night, there was an incident as they were getting ready for bed, involving all three, and having two hit each other - something that is not tolerated. They each have their own set of problems, and Fousseni has the nickname "Mr. Complaining" because he constantly complains. That's how the incident started.

Now we were sitting at the family meeting, and Sekouba started with asking forgiveness; Abdias followed, and then finally Fousseni. Maybe that's what released the Spirit of God to come and speak so powerfully. In any case, I could tell Johanna had never seen anything like that before! I admire her for participating in everything, even our Sunday lunch fast, and being open to all these new experiences. May the Lord of glory reveal Himself to her!

When the kids got up to go to bed, I grabbed Fousseni and just held him. As the 3rd and last kid to join us, he often feels left out, neglected, loved less. And it's true that I've been praying to God for more love for Fousseni. As I grabbed him, I felt God answer that prayer. And slowly Fousseni started smiling, and I told him I loved him, like I often do with the others. And then Abdias also needed to be held before going to bed.

Did I say something was different today? In fact, the kids called me their mother today. And Fousseni grabbed my hand for the first time. Only Abdias is really huggy. Sekouba feels too grown up for it. I went to the airport with Johanna, Abdias and Fousseni, to see whether Johanna's suitcase had arrived. Abdias was always as close to me as possible, and Fousseni took my hand on the other side. People were all looking at us :-) Unfortuantely Johanna's bag hadn't arrived.

Did I say something was different today? At 11 pm I stood in the kitchen making an egg and a tuna spread for our lunch sandwiches today, that we're gonna take with us to the swimming pool. Claudia in the kitchen? Claudia spending more than 10 minutes in the kitchen?

Emmanuel

Emmanuel came to the service tonight, and stayed to talk to me. Emma left us two months ago, supposedly to have some distance and sort out his life. He is torn between what his family wants, and what God wants. Right now, he keeps resisting the will of God, and we spoke frankly and bluntly tonight. He knows it, but he's not (yet) willing to pay the price. Please pray for him to take the difficult step of doing what God wants him to do.

Time Is Short

Three days from now I'm already gonna be in the plane to Paris. And yet, much is to be accomplished those days. Like:

Help Johanna get her still-not-arrived suitcase.
Help her get her visa extended for her stay here.
Go to the bank with her, and buy Malian clothes.
Have the doctor come and look at Abdias's strange rash.
Have the architect come.
Meet with two potential construction managers.
Go to the therapy center downtown with Hama to have a doctor examine him.
Celebrate Seybou's birthday.
Go eat out with Abdias - I was sick today and couldn't go as planned.
Put together a video presentation, and burn it on CDs a 100 times.

I'm sure I forgot SOMEthing. I'm just praying everything gets accomplished.

Please pray also for my health. Today my nose was running a lot, and just before the service I started feeling worse and worse. A bad headache started, and I had to do the service that way. After the service I just wanted to lie down, and I was sorry I couldn't go to the restaurant with Abdias as promised. All the kids ran to me, to lay hands on me and pray for my healing. They were so eager! I teased them asking whether they did that so we could go to the swimming pool tomorrow. They honestly agreed! :-)

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Saturday, July 8, 2006

Salim Going Home Again

Tomorrow morning Salim is going home again. I can't say that I approve, or that I have peace about it. That saddest kid of the neighborhood (for the picture I MADE him smile) is going home to an abusive father who's intent on killing him.

What's happened today? I printed out the paper saying that Salim would be placed in our care, and Paul and I went to see his parents. When we arrived, they were both asleep. His father got up, but his Mom kept sleeping. His father was adamant that he wasn't gonna sign anything. End of story. He wasn't too friendly. I called our neighbor Fanta, the influential lady, and she said, she'd have to talk to the mother - who was asleep. So we simply had to leave. The plan was to have the (favourable) mother come over tonight and talk to Fanta on the phone.

In the evening, Paul and Salim went to see Paul's family, neighbors of Salim's. They found out that all the neighbors had gotten together with Salim's parents and unanimously decided that Salim had to return home, because they couldn't allow this (supposedly Muslim) kid to fall into the hands of Christians. Salim is already a follower of Jesus; has been for a while. Salim saw his mother who told him the news. Paul said he'd still spend the night with us, because he would still have to explain to me the latest developments.

So this sad kid came back home sad. The sadness and fear was all over his face. When I asked him whether he was glad he was going back, he lied to me. I honestly fear for him, even for his life. We'll have to keep praying for him, for protection. I told him, if ever something like that happened again, he could always find a refuge with us.

Building Project Update

The architect in Atlanta (Peter) has taken on the project, and I'm gonna see him in August. We now need a construction manager, and amazingly, I have two possible people. I'm gonna call one tomorrow - a Christian man who knows English - and the other one is coming over on Monday (a relative of Seybou's). Please pray for direction that we'd know without doubt if one of them is God's "chosen one".

Sekouba

Sekouba keeps worrying us. The other day he bluntly lied and disobeyed, which is why he has to stay in his room for 3 days. He did come with us to Yirimadio today, though, and plays the djembé in the morning. Sekouba has a lot of anger in him. Tonight he got angry, during our family meeting, and kept murmuring words we couldn't understand. I did understand the last sentence - which was about him killing someone.

Paul told me that Sekouba often says to the other kids that he's gonna kill them; whenever he's angry. He needs to be delivered of this anger and murdering spirit.

When I get back, we're gonna do inner healing sessions with all kids and some adults.

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Friday, July 7, 2006

Meeting With Salim's Parents

Salim has now been with us for two days. Today Paul and I went to talk to his parents. For those of you who've followed my time in Mali for these past few years, his Mom is Aramata, who was one of the three ladies who received rice on a weekly basis during the first year of our church. Then she got upset with us, and we haven't seen her since. I've also met his Dad once before.

Both were home when we got there. Salim's Dad is known to be a man of rage, by what I've heard in the meantime. He worked for my neighbors for a while, the Malians who've lived in Austria, who are of great social standing, until they fired him because of it. In any case, they knew why we'd come. We sat down, and the father asked us what we wanted. I told him that Salim had come to us, telling us he had been thrown out, and we wanted to know what had happened and see whether he could come back or stay with us. He started saying all kind of bad things about Salim, even telling that he'd always beaten him. He said we could have him, and they'd wipe every memory of him from their family. Strong words! The anger and violence in that (big) man is actually VISIBLE. I told him, in that case, I needed him to sign a written statement that Salim could stay with us. As soon as I said that, he refused it. He wouldn't sign anything. He even got angry. I tried to calmly explain again that we needed that as to not get into trouble. By that time Salim's Mom was joining us, and she talked to her husband saying, either he'd take Salim back or he'd sign the paper. After some time of talking, he was starting to agree that he'd sign, when another lady came and got involved. That lady actually works for those neighbors' of mine I mentioned earlier. In Paul's opinion, she came to tell the family Salim was with me - something she disapproves of. She's one of the people who's in an obvious way never liked me. She started saying he should never sign anything like that, and how could he... I finally interrupted saying we'd come back later, they should think about it in the meantime.

So we left. Back home I called my neighbor Fanta, who I'm friends with. We don't see each other often, but I really like her, and she's been a help and encouragement. She always loves it when I come over, especially when I pray for them. In any case, since she knows the families involved well, I knew her involvement would make a difference. She agreed that that man would ACTUALLY kill Salim one day if he returns there. She also got angry about her employee getting involved, and said she'd call her. She also wanted to talk to Aramata to tell her to get her husband to sign it.

So all in all, I'm optimistic that it's gonna work out. I officially welcomed Salim to the family today. He's a very serious young man, with very sad eyes, and yet so intelligent and such a good boy. No comparison to the rest of our kids! It would seem his father talked about a different kid!

Our Austrian Visitor Has Arrived

Poor Johanna! Because of a miscommunication, I expected her to arrive this night, however, she arrived LAST night. "Coincidentally" I was checking my emails just as I was finishing lunch, and there was an email from Johanna saying she was already in Bamako and I should come get her. She had arrived as planned at 2:30 in the morning, and when I hadn't shown up, she just left with some Malians who put her up. That's where we went to pick her up from.

Fousseni, Abdias and Paul came with me. Johanna was glad to see us, and we rode home. She's already practiced her French as well as Bambara, and Paul is trying his German on her. The kids like her - especially Hama is happy to have another white friend.

Tomorrow we're going to a wedding. That will be a great experience.

School's Out!

Today the kids did the remaining two exams - French and Writing. They didn't do too well. They all failed the Writing test (which was predictable), and one failed French. I then calculated their final grades (exams + class grades), and they all had either 2 or 3 F's (out of 5 grades). They will have to retake the exams for the classes they failed in September, if they want to start the next grade. Salim should be able to easily catch up while I'm in the US, so he can continue with them into second grade.

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Thursday, July 6, 2006

More Challenges

What a day! Tonight, I could not sit down with the kids to talk and pray for them. I told them my heart was hurting too much, and went into my room. Paul took over.

Today they all acted up up quite a bit, but it was Sekouba who went far and beyond. One time he's visibly "spiritual", and then he's so the opposite... Today we found out that he lied to us deliberately yesterday. When we told him to stop doing what he did today, he simply ignored us and continued on. I really got angry today - the disappointed, hurt, breaking of trust. I did not want to look at Sekouba the rest of the day. He had to stay in his room the rest of the day, and I said he'd have to stay for a week. Later, he came out to study in the afternoon and prepare for the exam tomorrow morning. At one point, Abdias said something, and Sekouba's anger flared up, and he hit Abdias hard. He was sent to his room for the rest of the day (except dinner). So far, I haven't heard a "forgive me" yet. Tomorrow I will have to talk to him.

I will let him know, that him lying to me so blantly hurts as much as Seybou having stolen from me. Both have broken my trust in them. I'm disappointed. But one week in his room is probably too much; I'll make it three days. I don't want him to get ideas about leaving again.

I know, if I wasn't so tired and had more time with God, I'd handle it better as well.

Abdias also threw one of his fits today. Paul really gets angry when he does. I just feel compassion and want to hold him and love him until he calms down.

It was time for exams today - they did the first 3, and they have 2 more tomorrow. Fousseni failed two, but was best in Bible. Sekouba passed them all - and was best in Maths (95%). Abdias failed Bible, and was best in Reading. Tomorrow they have French and Writing. Unfortunately I don't believe any of them will pass Writing.

We didn't make it downtown with Hama today - just too much going on. I've postponed it till Tuesday. My last chance to go.

Emma didn't show up for Bible School. It was the last session tonight, and he's now missed too much to pass this trimester. With Simeon having failed the last trimester, Paul is now the only student left. He's gonna do his final exam Sunday night.

There's some hope concerning our construction project. The architect in Atlanta wants to take on the project. Now we need to find an experienced guy who can lead the construction here in Bamako. I had an email from someone who's lived in Mali before who said he knows some guys who could possibly help. I'm also looking for a cheap plane ticket to fly to Atlanta during my 3 weeks in Kansas City.

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Wednesday, July 5, 2006

Update On Seybou & More

Read the news about Seybou in the email update I wrote this morning, right here.

Read the email I sent in the evening, of all the crazy (wonderful and terrible) things that happened today, here.

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Tuesday, July 4, 2006

Update On Seybou

At 1 in the morning Hassan came with some news. Seybou had stopped at some relative's house, asking for money, because he had lost mine. And in fact, it's not "just" $420 he lost. I remembered that he had another $40 for a mattress for his kids I gave him, and he took our food money with him as well (another $40). I just learned that, getting up, since Fanta has no money to cook today.

That means he left with $500, and lost that much. It's really weird though that he would have taken the food money with him. And is he intending to borrow money everywhere until he has it together, and THEN return? This is a fortune for Malians.

What should I do? This is a lot of money to just disappear. Even if I had it, I have a limit of what I can withdraw every month and I've reached it. I don't know what to do. I have to leave sufficient money with them here for food etc. while I'm in the US, but it looks like I won't be able to.

In this crisis, I'd be happy for any spiritual wisdom.

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Monday, July 3, 2006

Crazy Day!

First an architect who tells us it will cost one million dollars to build - read it here.

Then Seybou disappears, leading to hours of prayer and a search for him around town - read it here.

It's 1 am and I'm falling into bed now - literally.

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Sunday, July 2, 2006

A Malian Architect?

A few months ago I was given the phone number of a Malian Christian architect. I got it out a few days ago to give it a shot. He was very nice on the phone (because of potentially much money?), and tomorrow afternoon we're gonna go to the property together, and talk. Please pray for God's will to be done! Maybe he'll just do the drawings for the simple 3 houses that we're also gonna start with building, and the foreign architect will do the main big building.

Send me your comment on this blog

June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

archive home

Saturday, July 1, 2006

Hangar Goes Up On Property

"Hawa nana! Hawa nana!" We were just pulling up to our property, and the kids came running from everywhere, shouting, "Claudia has come!" I was tired and very frustrated with the way things (don't) work here, but now a smile came to my face as I heard and saw the kids' joy at my coming. I was here for THEM. The picture shows my new friend Marietou. A high percentage of kids there are girls.

We arrived at the welder's in the morning, and everything was ready. Except that he hadn't bought the cement, and we had no way of transporting everything to the property - too big for my car. In the end, solutions for everything were found, and we pulled up on the property at 11 a.m..

The welder and his assistant got right to work, to put the hangar up, while Paul and the kids started singing and dancing with the kids that had gathered. Praise God that we got the drum repaired - Sekouba was overjoyed when he got it back. Now he was playing for God in front of the kids (see picture). Fousseni had the triangle, and Abdias was dancing - he's the best dancer of the three. Paul did the lead-singing.

The welder (picture) had put the roof structure together, and now they had to make 6 holes in the ground, 50 cm (20 inches) deep each. A daunting task in that rocky ground! And it did take them the longest time. In the meantime, I had made Sekouba "kuntigi", the leader responsible for playing games with the kids. The three of them did a great job, trying to get 70 kids to do what they want them to do.

After 3 hours in the sun, from 11 am till 2 pm, I started noticing that my arms were turning real red, so I saved myself into the only shade there was - in the car. The kids followed me over there, crowding around me and enjoying talking to me, and so did I. I learned some names, had some sit on my lap, and tried to make friends with the little ones who were afraid of white people.

After another hour, and 4 hours there alltogether, the hangar was finally done. The cement had been mixed with sand and water and poured into the holes. It would dry quickly.

Looking at the picture, can you tell something's still missing? Yes; there's nothing on the roof. The structure itself cost $300, and a plastic tarp on the roof would have cost that same amount, plus we don't have a guard there right now. So we're gonna put some cheap plastic mats on top.

In any case, this is a temporary structure until we build. We had to put it up to put a claim on the property, so nobody else can take it away from us.

We got back home at 3 pm. The kids were starved, but I still had to cook for myself. My arms were red and burning, and my head.... I should have been wiser. Poor Paul also turned pretty red.