Toys for Tots--

This past week we received a wonderful gift from the Toys for Tots Program sponsored by the US Marines. Four Marines from the US Embassy here in Burkina came to Yako with a huge box of toys for our children.















The toys were for children of all ages from the babies to the primary school age children. There were also several soccer balls for our older boys who love to play ‘football’ as it is called here.















Because there were not enough toys for each child in our primary school, our director chose 5 or 6 of the neediest children from each class and we invited them to stay after school for something special. It was heart-warming to see the smiles of some of our children who possibly had never received a gift of a toy before.










It was also great fun for us to meet our new Marine friends and to introduce them to the project.















Thank you so much to the Marines inside of Burkina and outside who promote this wonderful program throughout the world.

Visit from Messiah College

We were blessed by a visit from students and professors from Messiah College, Grantham, Pennsylvania this week. The whole Burkina team was 14 people who divided into smaller groups and visited various places of ministry in Burkina. Three education majors and 2 professors came to visit Yako.

The students earned credit in cultural studies and also towards their ‘student teaching’ hours as they taught prepared lessons in each of our primary classrooms. The team leader, Angela Hare, also taught lessons in our 5^th and 6^th grade classes.

In addition to teaching, the students melted into daily life with us and participated in caring for the babies and a myriad of other orphanage activities.

Thanks so much for the visit, Messiah College, and we look forward to more times together in the future.

Goodby USA Family - Hello Burkina Family

Saying goodbye is always difficult for me and this trip was no exception. But, I am so thankful that this trip was truly a ‘rest trip’. I worked only a little and now as I return to Burkina most of the things filling my head and heart are sweet memories of times with family and friends.

Of course, ‘home for the holidays’ is always very special and therapeutic. We had memorable times together to remember the birth of our Savior and to celebrate His love.

This is 4-year old Claire

Great Grandma and 4 of the grandchildren.

The magic of Christmas

Family celebrations

And more family celebrations

I enjoyed lots and lots of face-to-face ‘coffee time’ with friends from near and far.

Lunch with friends from California, MO and Columbia, MO.

Coffee with Kate Horrigan

The Mathenys from Kentucky

And, just some everyday family time.

Claire is a ‘bat’ as she hangs upside down

Lillian getting her ears pierced. She isn't so happy in this picture but she was very happy and proud to show her new earrings afterwards.

Family fun with a new WII game