I'm ready to leave tomorrow to visiting my family in Germany and celebrating my nieces wedding.  Yesterday evening we had a "prayer send-off" that blessed me incredibly.  I will journey on to Kenya in September to visit the children in the orphanage and being involved in all sorts of other activities. Please come with me and follow my journey on the blog.  The pictures are from last nights send off. Thanks Donna and Wayne for opening your home again and thank you for all who came to pray! What a gift to have friends like that, you make my life rich!

Dear Friends!

This week I had another change to Skype with Martin. He was in the Hospice facility. His speech was not very clear but I recognized how he repeatedly said my name. It was so touching. I could talk with him for a bit and tell him that we pray for him and that I love him. Today in the morning I received this message from "big Martin".

Hi Maria,
Martin left us this morning at 8.00 in his sleep. Went and picked his body up and took it to Tigoni Mortuary in Limuru. We are planning to burry him on Tuesday. We are meeting tonight to plan. I will fill you in on details tomorrow. I had to break the news to the other children and it wasn't easy. Pray for Mama Margaret and the kids

I am so sad to hear that we lost Martin. Yes, of course I am happy for him  that his battle has ended and that he is now with Jesus. My hope was to journey with him the last part of his life. God in His sovereign care chose differently.  

 My heart aches and cries for Martin. Sorrowful over such a young life lost to a horrible disease that roots in the greed of men. My comfort is that Martin is with Jesus and he is well.  I can't express enough my gratitude to "big Martin" for  all the love he showed to Martin and the children. Taking his little body to the Mortuary, planning the funeral. How much my heart longs to be there and to do some of these things for Martin. Please pray for all the children in the home and Mama Margret. Martin has a biological brother and some of the other boys were very close to him.

Attached are some pictures of Martin.Thank you for all your prayers and the gifts you have given to Martin. The money will pay for some of the medical expenses and for Martin's funeral.

May the God of all peace fill your heart with His love,

in Him, Maria

 

 

The B-day week is continuing on! But I really believe that is the last celebration. I am surrounded by some of my favorite people here in Pittsburgh. Alex made me a delicious cheese cake, yummy! I felt very loved and honored. Friends is one of God's best gifts to me!

The fabric of my life is woven by the threads of friendships I have.
Strengthened by deep conversations,
inspiring acts of love,
giving of one self,
connecting with Christ and others,
living life in rough terrain,
bonding through encouragement,
focusing on truth,
growing together in the awareness of God's grace,
gaining insight into oneself and God,
sharing authentically struggles and pain,
overcoming shame by speaking it,
encouraging to see God's kindness in the daily routine of life,
pursuing the best for and in one another,
rejoicing in the others successes,
carrying the crushing pain of the brokenness of life,
bearing the heartfelt pain of my soul,
staying in the presence,
living in the moment ,
loving, just loving. 

Lunch with friends at a charming country restaurant was part of my Birthday week. Traveling in class makes it even more fun.

A friend of mine inspired me to start a small project  for the coming year. Taking a picture every other day or so of usual and unusual moments of my everyday life. The goal is to recognize and grow in awareness of the fullness my life. Often I "forget" that in small and "ordinary" things treasures are hidden that are worthwhile to explore and ponder. My Birthday is a perfect start for such a project. Discover with me what a year of life can hold.

Friends and neighbor celebrate with God's kindness on my B-day!

Congratulation Germany! Winning the World Cup what a great experience. Mark, Christine and I watched at the Hofbraeuhaus in Pittsburgh! The crowd was great and we had fun painting our faces.

Hi Friends!

Exciting news! My friend Lisa and I signed the application for a non-profit organization. We labored over the name for some time and came up with:

"Reflecting God's Grace Ministries"

Hopefully before the end of the year we will be incorporated! Praise God with us, HE is so good!