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RETURNING HOME

Thank you all for praying for our trip to Mali on November 29. We had an unexpected excitement leading up to our departure, when we were asked to produce proof of vaccination which we did not have. We provided papers why this trip was absolutely essential but were not informed whether we were authorized to travel or not. We got up at 3 am, loaded the two vehicles with our 11 suitcases plus carry-ons, 2 drivers, 3 adults and 3 children and headed to the airport, not knowing whether we'd be turning around just a little time later. So thank you for praying for a smooth journey. It wasn't easy, but it was still easier than our first two trips to Mali with the children. All our luggage arrived with us, and the Lord gave us favor everywhere to make things as smoothly as possible. The children were extremely tired, especially Sammy who was crying non-stop several times, which was also used by the Lord to move us along. We arrived in Mali in the late afternoon, when it's about the hottest it can get, and it's been unusally hot for this time of year since.

I have to say that this is our best time in Mali since the kids were born. Once again thank you for praying. Last year the kids were sick the whole time we were here, but this time they've been healthy most of the time and are having more fun than I even anticipated. They love the cats, sheep and chickens and love playing with our Malian kids, when they are not in school and have time to come over. Time is flying, with less than a month left in Mali, and in a way I cannot imagine them going back into Covid lockdown in Vienna, not allowed to go anywhere but the playground, and with none of their furry or human playmates. Thank you also for praying for our helper Margit who traveled with us, who is having a great time.

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES

We're busy preparing all our Christmas activities in the upcoming days. On Friday we're celebrating as a family, including all our sponsored children in Bamako. We have ordered chicken dinners at a restaurant for take-away and have bought drinks for everyone. On Friday night all the children are coming to our base so we can eat together. Then those who can stay gather in our living room with us, where we'll be celebrating Jesus and exchanging gifts.

This is the first school year that the government has decided not to follow the French (Christian) calendar, but the Muslim calendar, and so our kids do not have off school for Christmas. That's why we're organizing our Kids Christmas Party this Sunday. At Easter we had 1500 children come, so we're expecting a lot of children again. There'll be games, praising God in song, hearing the gospel and having an opportunity to start a life with Jesus. We also give a meal, drink, candy and a pair of shoes to every child who comes.

Next week we'll be going to the villages of Dara and Sebela, where we'll be giving away hundreds of shoes and toys and stuffed animals. In January we're taking shoes and toys to a new village, Darala. Several of our suitcases were full of the toys and animals you've donated. Thank you!

Thank you for praying for all these activities. We don't have enough shoes for all our distributions in the villages, so if you'd like to help us purchase more shoes for the village children who often even don't have any, we'd appreciate it. Next time I'll give you a report of how all these activities went. Find us on Facebook to see the pictures and reports even before then.

QUICK NEWS

•        Daily Blog - If you are not on Facebook but would still like to read my daily blog about our life (with the triplets), including pictures, you can do so on our website. Go to https://h2tni.org/blog/.

•        Team from Vienna - 14 years since the last team from my homechurch in Vienna came to Mali, we're looking forward to welcoming a team of 4 (including the pastor) in January. We'll keep them busy for a week, ministering in Bamako and several villages, and then return to Austria together. Thank you for praying for them and for all we've planned.

•        Security Situation - We had a coup last year as well as this year, and it seems unlikley that there will be elections in February as planned. But insecurity is rising right now as the French plan to pull out all their people by the end of the year. Thankfully the UN and EU is increasing its presence as a result. Jihadists are still a threat, controling big parts of the country, and always trying to expand their territory.

•        Permit & Deed - Every time there is a coup, new personnel is put into place and we have to start the whole process again. Now that they have stopped and picked up work again several times, Paul continues going to meetings so we can have our building permit and title deed soon. Please pray to that end.

•        Our Neighbors - We moved to our base in 2008, and since then, our neighborhood has filled with houses and people. Many of our neighbors are against us because we're Christians and have tried over and over again to get rid of us, but God has always thwarted all their plans. Now they have formed an organization whose only goal is to get rid of us. Please pray for God's love to cover our neighborhood.

•        First-Grade Teacher - We are still looking for a French-speaking first grade teacher to join our team. There is such a need for a good, Christian school where the children are treated with dignity and learn something. Many of our Muslim neighbors would send their children to our school. Please pray we'll find a teacher!

•        Malian Director Paul - Please pray for Paul as he prepares for all our upcoming activities and then leads them all.

•       Volunteers - Do you want to come change an orphan's life? Do you want to heal the sick? Preach the gospel to those who've never heard? Come to Mali for a season and let God change your life. No language skills needed, but French skills are helpful.

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)

Loving HIM,

Claudia (& Randy)