Donations:

It's with a heavy heart I'm announcing to you that 3 of my older children are moving out by Monday. If you would like to read the details, check my blog a little later today.

The children with me for 2+ years have been acting pretty bad for quite some time. These past few days it's gotten worse, culminating in their acts of last night. They have no respect, disobey, and teach the younger and new kids to do bad things. They do not help, refusing every time you tell them to do something, talk bad, always talk back, and do whatever they want. The oldest turning 19 in three weeks has refused to take on tasks to do the transition to team member. Last week he endangered the car and children with his reckless driving.

Five children were involved in last night's actions - that is if you count Sekouba (18 - left) who returned after 2 years and came back as a team member rather than child. Recently Abdias (15 - right) reconnected with his family, and his father wants to put him into the Malian army. We're waiting to hear from him.

Saloum (19 - left) has reconciled with his father, and will return to live with his family; he'll be in walking distance from his school.

Fousseni (17 - right) has also reconciled with his father and will live with him. We'll continue to pay for their schooling and have them sponsored as non-resident kids.

Souleymane (15 - left) has a mother and father in Bamako after all - something that was kept from us in the beginning. He will live with one of them.

My mother's heart is breaking over these events. These are MY children! But Paul is in total agreement with me, and told me that God had shown him that big changes were coming this year. This certainly qualifies.

Please pray for these children, pray against all thoughts of vengence, for peace, and for them to continue on their path with the Lord, coming to the kids' program and service, and continue with their schooling.

Pray for us during this time of transition. We've had interviews with two local families who are possibly moving in with us to help.

US TRIP Jan 6-Feb 2

On Monday I'm leaving for the US for a time of resting, healing, refocusing, seeking and finding God, and also preaching and sharing. Please pray for Paul during my absence. Pray that this year things will turn around and go up for us.

Look at my itinerary on the left, or go to my CALENDAR page for more details. I'll be in Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka, and Pasadena from January 6 until February 2.

I'm still looking for a car to borrow in Kansas City Jan 6-28, and am willing to pay for it (just not as much as the rental agency wants).

I'm also still looking for a place to stay in Pasadena Jan 28-Feb 2, if possible with someone close to Harvest Rock Church or who will be attending the conference there.

How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! (Jesus speaking - Mt 23:37b; Lk 13:34b)

Claudia