just shake the ants off!

Other missionaries have said to me in the beginning that your house help become like family. Esther has been working for us for a while and she has for sure become part of our family. I know most of you are thinking... it must be nice having house help : ) Yes it is really amazing! Actually to be honest in the past it has been a love/hate relationship. BUT Esther is unique! We love Esther. The kids really love her as well. Especially Silas. Silas is constantly asking (well telling) her to come and play with him. He is also really good at convincing her to give him juice or a snack.
Househelp is giving a job to someone. The pay is extremely affordable here. Since we moved to Africa we have had someone at least 2 days a week. For a while I could only handle someone in my house 2-3 days a week. That was enough for me. Esther comes 5 days a week. I know crazy! But when she started working for us we knew right away that she was great. Plus she is a single mom and not only supports her 12 year old son but her parents as well as other siblings. Her approximately $100 a month supports this many people.

About a month ago Esther had a medical (female) problem and had to stay in the hospital for a couple of days. It was a very difficult time in her life. At the time she had 2 boyfriends. Well not really but she really likes this one boy but her family likes another. It's kind of a romeo and Juliet story :) anyways....
this November her family is planning a wedding for her and "the other guy". The one who she does not love. Today she just cried! With her broken english and my broken french we prayed together. Today I am asking for you to pray for Esther. Pray that either her family can understand that she doesn't love him or...... well not sure what the or is! I don't think I will ever be able to understand some of the cultural differences here.

Today Luke, my first born turned 10! Time is flying by! I remember 5 years ago we were telling everyone "we will be back from Africa when Luke is 8"! HA!! We are still here on this journey serving our God! Luke has had a few birthdays now in Africa! God is good and has really blessed us with an amazing son. Luke is smart and has a sensitive heart! Yesterday he made some business cards. His company is titled "Poor African Children Fundraiser"! What a sweet child.



Okay going to bed I love all y'all and remember.... don't leave the chips open on the counter. You may just have to shake the ants off when your ready for a snack. you know your a missionary if..... you just shake of the ants!

april