Joy comes in the morning....

Things have been going well here lately! My women’s group has been a lot of fun. Last week, we had a wonderful lady come and teach us how to make baskets out of palm leaves, and other local materials. Her technique and baskets were really nice, and the women really tried hard. The teacher kept saying, “Your women can really try. They have good morale, and that has made me want to teach them.” She’s right. These women really desire to better their livelihoods and to learn more about Christ. They listen intently. They learn each and every Bible Story. They go out into their communities and share Him with others. They cut palm leaves until their fingers bleed (literally). They walk miles with babies on their backs just to be a part of our group. God has given me such a love for these women!!!
Things have been better for me lately too. To be honest, I had just been feeling so stressed the last few months. It was a new kind of stress I had never before experienced. I know I can attribute it to living in a new environment and starting a new job. These things obviously can cause stress, but I just didn’t know what to do about the stress! I was holding onto all these worries I had, and though I tried, couldn’t quite lay the worries at the foot of the Cross. I was clinging to all my burdens and worries. I was talking Ruco’s ear off instead of going to the One who knows my heart best.
Lately, however, I have FINALLY allowed God to carry my burdens, my hurts, my worries, and my STRESS. I have given them to Him. I have allowed His love and grace to cover me-to envelop me. To be in His arms, and let him take my burdens is the most wonderful place to be. Why did I make it so hard just to give him my worries? And now that I have given it all to Him, I can’t remember why I was so stressed in the first place!!!
I love this verse: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28
Yes Lord, I am weary, and I am so very tired! But I will come to you!! Thank you for giving me rest, and for making my JOY new again!

Marita with one of the big baskets the teacher brought as an example. We are learning to make baskets that will look like this.

Sitting with the women learning to make the baskets

This is Christine. She has a very special place in my heart. She endures a LOT at home, more than I could ever imagine. Yet, her joy is so abundant, and her faith so steadfast.
This is Nakiru making her basket. Nakiru was recently saved and is working on her husband also becoming a believer! She is 25 and pregnant with her 4th. Please pray for her husband!
Nakiru, baby Precious, and I...
The teacher who taught us how to make baskets wanted a photo of all of us. We made really small baskets to practice and learn the technique.