Saturday, August 12, 2006
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Praise the Lord with us!!! Today we got word that Ega has received the official copy of his birth certificate!!!! That is what we have been waiting on since the first week of February 2006. Now we can get this show on the road!!!! More prayers than we could know or count are being lifted on our behalf and we are so thankful. Please continue your prayers that the Lord will grant us favor and show His mercy through all of the men and women who will be assisting us through this adoption process in Benin. We will keep you informed. Randy is in Cotonou for the next 2 days and one of the things that he will be doing is confirming the process that will make her adoption secure! This picture was taken the week of her birthday. She is pictured here with Ega, her birthfather. I had been waiting to post it when we received the news that we received today! Praise the Lord with us! 
Monday, August 07, 2006
Remembering Mom-o
A year ago this week, Tori, Jonathan, and myself (Kelly) made a quick trip to America to join my family in gathering around my grandmother in her last days. I wrote in my journal that it was one of the most holy weeks that I have ever experienced. For one week, my grandmother, Val Cardwell, was surrounded by her 3 daughters and their husbands, and at one time or another all of her grandchildren. These were moments that brought out the best in everyone as we replayed a lifetime of memories through laughter and tears, read Scripture over her, spoke words of love and blessing to her, held her hands and stroked her arms, ever watching her at her bedside until she passed from this life to the next. Oh Lord, I treasure those moments! Thank you for letting me be there to share in that time with my family and my grandmother.
Over the past year I have been absorbing what took place that week. My grandmother lived a full life and she lived with purpose and influence. I miss her.
Two months ago, I became very sick. I had malaria and a severe bacterial infection. During this time I was taking very strong medication that was causing me to have terrible dreams. Night after night I would wake up calling on the name of the Lord to come and help me. After several restless nights I prayed a different prayer. “Lord, if my mind is going to take me somewhere tonight, would you please come and take me to a pleasant place.” I heard him say in my heart, “Yes my child.” What followed was one of the sweetest things that the Lord has ever done for me.
Instantly I dreamt that I was my little 2-year old toddling self walking in the door of my Grandmother’s house. As I walked in the house into their front bedroom, my eyes went up to see a large picture of myself on the wall… “Ahhh there is Baby Teddy!” (that is what I called myself at the time.) My grandmother bent down and scooped me up and began to smother my face with kisses. I was so happy to see her. From that day on, her affectionate name for me was Teddy or Ted!
Detailed memories of times with Mom-o, almost as if I were watching a movie, carried me through the entire night.
At one point I was sitting on a stool at her kitchen counter helping her make Christmas cookies. Mom-o was a great cook. I think she is responsible for instilling in me an absolute love for everything Christmas. She loved baking cookies and making beautiful Christmas candies. She also decorated for Christmas in every single room and left the Christmas lights on all night long. I remember lying in the bed in the middle room and thrilling at the twinkling lights throughout the house. Mom-o and Pop-o always took me shopping every Christmas. We would pick out a new outfit and a Christmas ornament.
Another memory that came to mind was the joy and laughter that was everyone’s experience that entered her home. In my mind’s eye I was seeing my parents playing dominos with my grandparents at the kitchen table. The scent of Whataburger suddenly entered the house. They cleared the table and began passing out hamburgers and French fries. They ate, cleaned up, and then pulled out the dominos again. All the time, talking and laughing while my sister and I were coming in and out of the room enjoying the security of such happy times.
Another memory was a time that Becky and I were laying in the twin beds in the middle room. Mom-o was sitting at her vanity table removing her make-up. Becky and I were watching her so intently and I remember thinking how glamorous she looked. She was taking off her make-up!! And she did so with such class! I would love to see that memory through an adult eye and see what she was really doing that made such a mundane activity capture my attention in such a positive way.
Another memory involved us going to eat at a cafeteria one evening with my parents and grandparents. I must have been feeling the confidence of her love for me because I looked up at her and said in my sweetest voice, “Mom-o, you can buy my dinner tonight.”
From the time I was very little I have memories of seeing Mom-o studying her Bible. She was a sought-after speaker and many times she was intensely preparing her lessons. I remember seeing her preparing her notes. When I would approach her while she was studying she would always gently explain to me the importance of being prepared when asked to give a presentation. Later I would hear people commenting on how effortlessly she delivered her lessons and I would know in my mind how much effort went into her preparation!!
Later when I was 5’8” and wearing a size 10 ½ shoe in the sixth grade I was feeling a little discouraged. There were no fun-looking kids shoes in that size and I was the tallest person by far in my class. She encouraged me that tall women have a lot of options when it comes to wearing fun clothes and she had some catalogs that had a larger selection of shoes to select from than I had been able to find in the stores. We were able to get me some fun shoes and I felt much better!
I used to love hearing Mom-o talk about falling in love with Pop-o. She must have repeated the story hundreds of times. My every memory of them involves them enjoying each other and speaking to each other in love. They were each other’s best friend and modeled for us all a faithful relationship full of romance. She definitely instilled in my heart at a young age that marriage was a grand idea.
Mom-o had a great sense of humor and was constantly giving people reasons to laugh. That was one of the reasons that she was a great speaker. She knew how to interject humor and how to tell stories and people were always on the edge of their seat as she spoke. She could also be very serious, especially when it came to the importance of good manners, dressing your best, and discussing the Word of God.
Throughout all my 34 years of knowing, loving and being loved by Mom-o, I always heard her voice say, “You know how much I love you!” Her love was never something that I had to question.
The Lord is faithful to answer us in times of need. He is our refuge and strength when we are weary. That night I was weary and fearful of going to sleep. I believe the Spirit prompted my request to go to a pleasant place in my thoughts. The Lord was ready to bless that request.
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. Psalm 130:1-2
Over the past year I have been absorbing what took place that week. My grandmother lived a full life and she lived with purpose and influence. I miss her.
Two months ago, I became very sick. I had malaria and a severe bacterial infection. During this time I was taking very strong medication that was causing me to have terrible dreams. Night after night I would wake up calling on the name of the Lord to come and help me. After several restless nights I prayed a different prayer. “Lord, if my mind is going to take me somewhere tonight, would you please come and take me to a pleasant place.” I heard him say in my heart, “Yes my child.” What followed was one of the sweetest things that the Lord has ever done for me.
Instantly I dreamt that I was my little 2-year old toddling self walking in the door of my Grandmother’s house. As I walked in the house into their front bedroom, my eyes went up to see a large picture of myself on the wall… “Ahhh there is Baby Teddy!” (that is what I called myself at the time.) My grandmother bent down and scooped me up and began to smother my face with kisses. I was so happy to see her. From that day on, her affectionate name for me was Teddy or Ted!
Detailed memories of times with Mom-o, almost as if I were watching a movie, carried me through the entire night.
At one point I was sitting on a stool at her kitchen counter helping her make Christmas cookies. Mom-o was a great cook. I think she is responsible for instilling in me an absolute love for everything Christmas. She loved baking cookies and making beautiful Christmas candies. She also decorated for Christmas in every single room and left the Christmas lights on all night long. I remember lying in the bed in the middle room and thrilling at the twinkling lights throughout the house. Mom-o and Pop-o always took me shopping every Christmas. We would pick out a new outfit and a Christmas ornament.
Another memory that came to mind was the joy and laughter that was everyone’s experience that entered her home. In my mind’s eye I was seeing my parents playing dominos with my grandparents at the kitchen table. The scent of Whataburger suddenly entered the house. They cleared the table and began passing out hamburgers and French fries. They ate, cleaned up, and then pulled out the dominos again. All the time, talking and laughing while my sister and I were coming in and out of the room enjoying the security of such happy times.
Another memory was a time that Becky and I were laying in the twin beds in the middle room. Mom-o was sitting at her vanity table removing her make-up. Becky and I were watching her so intently and I remember thinking how glamorous she looked. She was taking off her make-up!! And she did so with such class! I would love to see that memory through an adult eye and see what she was really doing that made such a mundane activity capture my attention in such a positive way.
Another memory involved us going to eat at a cafeteria one evening with my parents and grandparents. I must have been feeling the confidence of her love for me because I looked up at her and said in my sweetest voice, “Mom-o, you can buy my dinner tonight.”
From the time I was very little I have memories of seeing Mom-o studying her Bible. She was a sought-after speaker and many times she was intensely preparing her lessons. I remember seeing her preparing her notes. When I would approach her while she was studying she would always gently explain to me the importance of being prepared when asked to give a presentation. Later I would hear people commenting on how effortlessly she delivered her lessons and I would know in my mind how much effort went into her preparation!!
Later when I was 5’8” and wearing a size 10 ½ shoe in the sixth grade I was feeling a little discouraged. There were no fun-looking kids shoes in that size and I was the tallest person by far in my class. She encouraged me that tall women have a lot of options when it comes to wearing fun clothes and she had some catalogs that had a larger selection of shoes to select from than I had been able to find in the stores. We were able to get me some fun shoes and I felt much better!
I used to love hearing Mom-o talk about falling in love with Pop-o. She must have repeated the story hundreds of times. My every memory of them involves them enjoying each other and speaking to each other in love. They were each other’s best friend and modeled for us all a faithful relationship full of romance. She definitely instilled in my heart at a young age that marriage was a grand idea.
Mom-o had a great sense of humor and was constantly giving people reasons to laugh. That was one of the reasons that she was a great speaker. She knew how to interject humor and how to tell stories and people were always on the edge of their seat as she spoke. She could also be very serious, especially when it came to the importance of good manners, dressing your best, and discussing the Word of God.
Throughout all my 34 years of knowing, loving and being loved by Mom-o, I always heard her voice say, “You know how much I love you!” Her love was never something that I had to question.
The Lord is faithful to answer us in times of need. He is our refuge and strength when we are weary. That night I was weary and fearful of going to sleep. I believe the Spirit prompted my request to go to a pleasant place in my thoughts. The Lord was ready to bless that request.
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. Psalm 130:1-2
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Church, Communion and "Making Friends"
This morning Tori invited 9 of her favorite African neighborhood friends to church. Only one of them regularly goes to church (she usually attends one of the other churches with which we work). I was so proud of my daughter. On the way to church in the village of Aflantan, the kids all busted out singing some African worship songs (even though they don’t all attend church regularly, these simple songs are familiar to a lot of people). When I looked into my rearview mirror, Tori was seated smushed in between several friends with the biggest grin on her face. I was so proud of my little girl.
-------------------------------------
I was noticing the Communion service today. Yes it looks nothing like it does in suburban America where I call home. The wine was old and stored in an old ½ liter soft drink bottle. The “cork” or “stopper” for the bottle was a folded-up, used cigarette carton stuffed down into the bottle. We’re one-cuppers here (not by doctrinal preference, but just because). Today the “cup” was a shot glass traditionally used for the local brew. The “bread” was a small package of flavorless imported cookies all broken into small pieces. It was all set up on this crude, rickety wooden chair. When the Communion leader closed out the prayer after everyone had partaken, he examined the amount leftover into the shot glass, and poured it back into the soft drink bottle. In other places I’ve worshipped, they’ll just gulp down the remaining wine. Anyway you play it, it’s SO different, but still the same celebration of the Lord’s death, His life and His covenant with His people all over the world (as different as we all are!)
-------------------------------------
Tonight, I spent several hours with a couple of good men from Dandihoue going to the home of another church member’s mother. We were visiting the mother (not a believer and also separated from her husband) because her daughter is a prospective bride for one of our mutual dear friends (a church leader at Kaiteme). When we got there, before the mother came into the mud hut room where we had been seated, I was going over with my two friends on how to exactly talk to this elderly woman about her daughter and this man’s relationship. Our run-through got interrupted and I had to improvise (dating vocabulary is not something I spent a lot of time on during my language learning years). So when the mother arrived, I permitted my friends to talk first. They then nodded for me to address the mother and say a brief word on behalf of our mutual friends wishing to receive the parental blessing. I said a phrase that immediately gave me the impression that I had butchered the language (or worse, corrupted the sense of what I was trying to say). I was wanting to acknowledge this couple’s relationship and tried to state it in a way that I thought was culturally appropriate, all the while linguistically treading on thin ice in a context of love, relationship, marriage, etc…(lots of rooms for blunders!) I turned to one of my companions who had already stepped in to explain what this white guy was trying to say. Soon afterward, the mother left the room to find another relative with whom we were also required to see. During her brief absence, I inquired about what exactly I had said that caused the surprised reaction on the mother’s face.
My gracious friend: “well, uh….it’s no big deal, really. I corrected your error. She understands now.”
(Not what I wanted hear).
I incredulously asked but not really wanting to know the answer: “what on earth did I say?”
He replied: “when describing their relationship, what you said gave the mother the impression that they were already engaging in sexual relations with each other, and that it had been this way for a long time!”
(Oops, another language blooper for the blog)
My friend said, “but you have a chance to say it differently when this girl’s older brother comes in.”
“Her older brother?!” I whispered with great shock. “Well, then, quickly tell me how to say it the right way.”
He said, “tell the brother that this couple is wawa xlo*.”
With my vast (!) knowledge of the Aja language, I queried, “but isn’t that just saying that they are ‘making friends’ with each other?”
My friends both laughed as the mother and brother were entering the room. My friend smiled back and said in a hushed voice, “in America, don’t you become friends before you get married?”
-------------------------------------
Another fun day in Benin!
-Randy
(*in Aja, it sounds like “wah-wah-hlo”)
-------------------------------------
I was noticing the Communion service today. Yes it looks nothing like it does in suburban America where I call home. The wine was old and stored in an old ½ liter soft drink bottle. The “cork” or “stopper” for the bottle was a folded-up, used cigarette carton stuffed down into the bottle. We’re one-cuppers here (not by doctrinal preference, but just because). Today the “cup” was a shot glass traditionally used for the local brew. The “bread” was a small package of flavorless imported cookies all broken into small pieces. It was all set up on this crude, rickety wooden chair. When the Communion leader closed out the prayer after everyone had partaken, he examined the amount leftover into the shot glass, and poured it back into the soft drink bottle. In other places I’ve worshipped, they’ll just gulp down the remaining wine. Anyway you play it, it’s SO different, but still the same celebration of the Lord’s death, His life and His covenant with His people all over the world (as different as we all are!)
-------------------------------------
Tonight, I spent several hours with a couple of good men from Dandihoue going to the home of another church member’s mother. We were visiting the mother (not a believer and also separated from her husband) because her daughter is a prospective bride for one of our mutual dear friends (a church leader at Kaiteme). When we got there, before the mother came into the mud hut room where we had been seated, I was going over with my two friends on how to exactly talk to this elderly woman about her daughter and this man’s relationship. Our run-through got interrupted and I had to improvise (dating vocabulary is not something I spent a lot of time on during my language learning years). So when the mother arrived, I permitted my friends to talk first. They then nodded for me to address the mother and say a brief word on behalf of our mutual friends wishing to receive the parental blessing. I said a phrase that immediately gave me the impression that I had butchered the language (or worse, corrupted the sense of what I was trying to say). I was wanting to acknowledge this couple’s relationship and tried to state it in a way that I thought was culturally appropriate, all the while linguistically treading on thin ice in a context of love, relationship, marriage, etc…(lots of rooms for blunders!) I turned to one of my companions who had already stepped in to explain what this white guy was trying to say. Soon afterward, the mother left the room to find another relative with whom we were also required to see. During her brief absence, I inquired about what exactly I had said that caused the surprised reaction on the mother’s face.
My gracious friend: “well, uh….it’s no big deal, really. I corrected your error. She understands now.”
(Not what I wanted hear).
I incredulously asked but not really wanting to know the answer: “what on earth did I say?”
He replied: “when describing their relationship, what you said gave the mother the impression that they were already engaging in sexual relations with each other, and that it had been this way for a long time!”
(Oops, another language blooper for the blog)
My friend said, “but you have a chance to say it differently when this girl’s older brother comes in.”
“Her older brother?!” I whispered with great shock. “Well, then, quickly tell me how to say it the right way.”
He said, “tell the brother that this couple is wawa xlo*.”
With my vast (!) knowledge of the Aja language, I queried, “but isn’t that just saying that they are ‘making friends’ with each other?”
My friends both laughed as the mother and brother were entering the room. My friend smiled back and said in a hushed voice, “in America, don’t you become friends before you get married?”
-------------------------------------
Another fun day in Benin!
-Randy
(*in Aja, it sounds like “wah-wah-hlo”)
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Interesting Reading!
Worth your time:
My brother pays tribute to a great QB!
BST tells the funniest story ever!
Becky just writes so well that everyone wants to comment!
Tim is way too excited about laying his first egg!
GT shares why God is not always a Republican!
Speaking of politicians, one takes a slug at a police officer!
A significant realization in Thailand!
JQ reminds us of what we really want!
Mormons make better Presidents than Muslims!
One NE governor makes an interesting donation to one SE state!
Hillary talks church!
Apparently pearls makes one a serious news anchor!
and finally . . .
In case you’re hungry, here’s 300 ways to eat your toast (#132…yumm)!
My brother pays tribute to a great QB!
BST tells the funniest story ever!
Becky just writes so well that everyone wants to comment!
Tim is way too excited about laying his first egg!
GT shares why God is not always a Republican!
Speaking of politicians, one takes a slug at a police officer!
A significant realization in Thailand!
JQ reminds us of what we really want!
Mormons make better Presidents than Muslims!
One NE governor makes an interesting donation to one SE state!
Hillary talks church!
Apparently pearls makes one a serious news anchor!
and finally . . .
In case you’re hungry, here’s 300 ways to eat your toast (#132…yumm)!
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Beautiful girl! Pretty princess! There's so much joy in this little body! We're so curious what her first words will be....right now, in response to Timo's tiger roar, she likes to roar right back at him and scare him. Sometimes she actually makes him cry. I think she can hold her own pretty well here. We also predict she is going to have a great sense of humor. When she falls down, she gets amused at herself. She makes some funny faces and giggles when Timothy and Jonathan are wrestling. Tori can get her laughing alot! We are so blessed with all 4 kids...enjoy the pictures below!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
August 1st Celebrations!
On Wednesday, we say good-bye to our good friend, Jim Kennell. He has been in Benin for the past 2 months conducting some research toward his doctoral studies in anthropology at SMU. Jim was here for 4 years as a missionary so we shared some great times reminiscing about the past and talking about the future of the work among the Aja people. I am going to miss having Jim around to talk with. It’s been a lot of fun and he’s been a great houseguest. The kids have really enjoyed Mr. Jim!
We want to say HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Kelly’s parents who celebrate 37 years of marriage today (Aug 1st)! Congratulations!! My parents also celebrated their anniversary last week (sorry that it went unnoticed until now)….married back in 1965!! We are so blessed to have parents who are examples of faithfulness and commitment!
Lael has started taking her first steps!! I have still not witnessed it with my own eyes, but everyone keeps telling me about it. She is really growing up! Hopefully we will have some good news about Ega’s birth certificate next week…the next step in the adoption process. Thank you for your continued prayers for our family through all of this!
-Randy
We want to say HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Kelly’s parents who celebrate 37 years of marriage today (Aug 1st)! Congratulations!! My parents also celebrated their anniversary last week (sorry that it went unnoticed until now)….married back in 1965!! We are so blessed to have parents who are examples of faithfulness and commitment!
Lael has started taking her first steps!! I have still not witnessed it with my own eyes, but everyone keeps telling me about it. She is really growing up! Hopefully we will have some good news about Ega’s birth certificate next week…the next step in the adoption process. Thank you for your continued prayers for our family through all of this!
-Randy
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