From Michelle

I met Rogers family today. I don’t even know how to express the joy I experienced there. They live very comfortably (relatively speaking). They have foot pump sewing machines which his father uses to make bags to sell at the market and he is teaching his wife and Rogers to use the machines as well. Just recently, he was able to purchase a machine to help him make shoes and is practicing by making shoes for Rogers.

He welcomed us into his beautiful living room, which was laid out with all of their best linens. He and Rogers mother were so thankful for the help we had given. When we started sponsoring Rogers it came at just the right time as he had just had an accident in which he broke his femur. At that time, they were not in a position financially to deal with all of the pressures as one of their other children was in the hospital as well.

Rogers father started our visit with his Bible open on his lap, talking about Genesis 18, and how Abraham welcomed the strangers into his home. He followed that with a blessing and prayer over us (Tracy, myself , and the IN staff that were with us). I felt so humbled and welcome. It really felt as if I’d met an extension of my family, and one who could teach me so much about living in Christ.

Apparently one morning Rogers, who is 8, approached his father and wanted to read Romans 11 to him, but was interrupted because it was 5am and time for their prayer meeting.  Rogers prays regularly for our family, and holds some of the perler bead creations that my kids have sent him while he’s praying. 

It is impossible, unless you’ve been here, to understand what an unbelievably unique story all of this is. People are barely able to move in their homes because they are so small. The father is very often not involved in raising the children. Many children don’t have shoes for their feet. And most importantly, my joy came from seeing what an incredible man of God Rogers father was, and such an amazing example for his son.

In four short years, their family situation has improved drastically, and now they talk about how they are able to help their neighbours and community using  the experiences they have had and in sharing God’s love.  

All 4 of us left their home with a gift of one of the sewn bags, and a bottle of water.  The biggest gift I felt was the hope and joy that comes from knowing Christ.  

It was so hard to drop Rogers off at school and say goodbye.  I felt as if I was leaving one of my own children across the world, not knowing when I would see them again. 

This week I realized something that I really didn’t grasp before.  These families that I sponsor really are part of my family and although I haven’t been great at sending gifts and letters (which is definitely going to change, as I’ve seen how much they are appreciated), I love them as my own.  God has His love overflowing out of me (especially out of my eyeballs-which won’t be a surprise to many of you) and I am so grateful for that.  

Thank you for your prayers, and your support in sending our team on this trip.

Much love, Michelle Price