The work begins

This is a mural Lisa painted today in the games room. The caption reads "Never, never give up"!

Monday, just like at home was the beginning of our workweek. Kids Alive director of maintenance Doug Johnson was excited to have not just skilled workers available to build but also, friends of his. He led us in prayer and then proceeded to layout the plans for our week. As tough times have fallen on economy worldwide, less teams are visiting the Oasis. In years past as many as 25 teams would come in a year - this last year saw only 4 teams. The building we started last year was basically untouched. So, our most important objective is to complete this new purple house. Our work will consist of building all the cabinets, installing doors and handles, getting gas lines connected, installing sinks and counter tops, connecting electrical, connect showers and toilets, get heat for hot water, and more. Each house is able to house up to 10 girls and 2 staff. We were informed that the Oasis has some new challenges in that almost half the girls are now older and many will be moving into the “independence” program. This is a program where they are integrated into the city and public school and taught how to make it on their own. A small house outside the Oasis may become the new home for some of these girls. As the girls grow and the government remains confused, the logistics of obtaining more children has slowed. That and the lack of teams visiting has really taken a toll on sponsors for the kids. Please pray that God would move in people’s lives to share in the growth of these dear children. As Doug Dahl led devotions tonight we were all moved how we are needing to “become the church” as we see how good we have it and then see this precious kids with such need for love and a model of family in their lives. We shared of our frustration with language, and tools that don’t work like those we have at home yet one look of a child’s eyes tells you this is a real God thing going on here.