Number 20: Attend a Live Music Event…

I am slowly, but surely checking things off of my 30 Before 30 list.  The past week I feel like I’ve actually hit the 30 before 30 jackpot as I am beginning to check things off left and right.  After leaving the family reunion in Okoboji a day early I headed to Omaha to meet up with Jamie to check number  20 off the list: attend a live music event.

We bought tickets awhile back to see Gavin DeGraw and Matt Nathanson in concert at Stir Concert Cove in Council Bluffs.  

Gavin is my favorite.  If you haven’t checked him out, you should…you won’t regret it!

Sister dates are fun!

Brian was suppose to come along too, but was sick so Sarah filled his shoes… 

After the show I got one of the official set lists.  After just dejunking a lot over the past few weeks, I decided to snap a picture with it and pass it on to someone else :)  Digital is much better in my book these days.

This was my third time seeing Gavin in concert and as usual, he didn’t disappoint!  All three times have been smaller venues, which makes the experience that much better.  We were pretty darn close to front row and it was awesome!   There is something about live music.  Outside.  In the summer.  That is just plain magical.

{The Launes}

Family, Food and Freedom…

July started out with a bang {pun intended} and hasn’t slowed down yet.   On July 2nd we loaded up the Escape and headed to lake Okoboji for the first of many miles that we were about to travel.  We got to spend the 4th on the lake and take part in the first official Laune family reunion.  19 of us (little ones included) made the trip to Trent’s aunt and uncle’s place for some good old fashioned family bonding. 

Everyone loves a boat ride…

Ellie didn’t last too long on our boat ride.  She snuggled right up to me and was out in no time!

Nothing says America more than a little patriotic outfit…It wasn’t the warmest 4th of July, but sacrifices were made to sport shorts and a tank top.

Preparing the all American 4th of July dinner with burgers and corn on the cob…

A storm rolled in just before fireworks were set to start.  Probably the best way to watch fireworks is with lighting all around.  I joked that it was God’s way of saying, “Fireworks, shmireworks.  Look what I can do!”

This little firecracker had all sorts of fun over the weekend…

Kooper enjoyed her first 4th of July and also sported her own patriotic outfit…

All the nieces and nephew on the Laune side enjoying their time together.

I am so thankful for freedom and everything that comes with it.  Because of it we were able to enjoy a nice 4th of July weekend.  Let’s face it…We ate, we swam, we ate, we relaxed, we ate, we caught up, we ate, we had fun!  Did I mention that we ate?  Oh, and for all those skeptics out there…family reunions can be fun!   

{The Launes}

 

6.9.14: Until Next Time…

Today was our final day in Sierra Leone.  Other than a slightly rough start of not feeling well, the trip could not have been more perfect.

This morning we had our farewell ceremony.  The kids and staff again sang for us.  We were able to give some care packages to all of the staff as well, which they really seemed to appreciate.  After the farewell ceremony we got to hang out a little bit longer before saying our final goodbyes and leaving for the boat and airport.

Telling Daniel goodbye and sharing some treats…

Little Hawa was all smiles on our last morning…

Sharing care packages with the caregivers…

Before we left for Africa I was curious of how this trip would be different than the last.  I think I expected a mostly similar experience, but I really don’t think it could have been more different.  I am so thankful for all of the opportunities we had while we were here.  God continues to be present and working in this city.

The Raining Season is a city on the hill that is transforming lives each and every day.  This city continues to be more than the trash on the ground and the poverty that exists.  These children represent true beauty in the every day moments of life.

The song Kings and Queens by Audio Adrenaline is not about Sierra Leone, but it is about orphans.  God wraps these little orphans in his majesty and they can become kings and queens.  These little children that have been forgotten on Earth are going to have a special place in heaven one day because of what they've been through here.

Little hands, shoeless feet, lonely eyes looking back at me
Will we leave behind the innocent too brief
On their own, on the run when their lives have only begun
These could be our daughters and our sons
And just like a drum I can hear their hearts beating
I know my God won’t let them be defeated
Every child has a dream to belong and be loved
[Chorus:]
Boys become kings, girls will be queens
Wrapped in Your majesty
When we love, when we love the least of these
Then they will be brave and free
Shout your name in victory
When we love when we love the least of these
When we love the least of these

I have enjoyed sharing our experiences in Sierra Leone, but it is important to mention that I could not even begin to capture all of the little moments in our days.  There were so many small stories that have come up in conversation since we’ve been back.  Quite honestly, I think the little moments are the ones that have been most impactful on my heart. 

Until next time, Africa…

{The Launes}

6.8:14:This Holy Water…

Today was a day filled with worship at the center.  The morning started out with Sunday school, followed by church, a baptism and finally tonight, devotions.  That is one of the neatest things about the Raining Season.  The children and staff are constantly worshiping throughout the day.  They are connected and Jesus is real to them.  He brings healing and hope.

Sunday school was the first hour of the morning.  One of the older girls led the class I joined.  They went over a little bible lesson and memorized a verse.  I was sitting in the doorway and Trent was actually inside the room, just out of my sight.  I got a kick out of this because he was sitting in a toddler sized chair participating in the lesson like he was one of the kids.  It reminded me of the movie Elf when Buddy is at school with the other elves.  All I could hear from where I was sitting was Trent’s deep voice booming over the kids as he recited the verse with an African accent and all.

After Sunday school was church.  There was lots of singing, dancing and a sermon by Pastor Daniel as we all worshiped Jesus together.

Trent and James at church…

The girls…some of us in our African skirts we had made.

When church was over we went with Pastor Daniel and a few of the kids from the center for a baptism in the ocean.  We walked about a mile and a half downhill to Lumley Beach in Freetown.  Then Pastor Daniel baptized two people he had been working with over the past year.  After the baptism we walked a mile and a half up hill to get back to the center…holy hot!  Today was the hottest it’s been all week and were were all completely drenched after our long walk.

This afternoon we also had a USA vs. Sierra Leone basketball game.  Basketball is not a very popular sport here, but hoops were installed at the center about a year ago.  Quami (part of the management team) actually played basketball for the national team in Sierra Leone.  The staff challenged the USA to a game earlier in the week.  The kids were all so excited.  They were chanting USA!  USA!  and Go Big Red!  Some even made signs.  It was a fun game, no major injuries and the USA won 60-34 (Sierra Leone’s biggest loss to an American team).

Pre game prayer…

Team USA and Sierra Leone after the game…

We had our final team devotion tonight.  One of the caregivers, Uncle Joseph, shared his story with our team.  His main message was about not worrying, but praying constantly.  The caregivers here are not only helping to raise 100+ children, but they are also helping them to see the power and blessings in believing and praying.

Tomorrow will end this part of an incredible journey.  It is amazing to see the transformations in this city and at this orphanage since our visit last year.  God has a plan for every single one of these children.  We love being here, but he is working even when we are not here. 

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

{The Launes}

6.7.14: Just Another Day in Paradise…

Today was beach day for our team.  We got to take a few of the kids from the center to the beach.  This beach is truly amazing.  It has the softest, whitest sand and turquoise water.  It is just outside the city and it feels like you are in paradise.

Excitement was running high amongst the kids as they knew beach day was approaching.  They were constantly asking, “You going to take me to beach day?”  Only 9 kids got to come (all sponsored by people on our team).  Luckily all 4 of our sponsored kids got to come.  Zanaib was very concerned that she might not get to come and was in tears most of the morning.   Since only a few kids got to come we had to all pile into 2 vehicles.  Our poda (picture bigger than a minivan, but smaller than a cargo van) had 23 people in it!  We were literally squished like sardines.  On this year;s trip to the beach John earned an A for driving.  Last year I gave him an F.

Kandeh and Zanaib wore their new outfits we brought them to the beach…

I was still finding sand in this girl’s hair two days after the beach…a sign of a good time!

This is a small glimpse of what 23 people in a poda looks like…

The beach was a blast!  I got to check something off of my 30 before 30 list as we swam in the ocean, played with the beach ball and had fun with the kids.  Kandeh and Zanaib loved laying close to the shore and letting the waves come crashing over them pulling them under water.  They would come up with great big grins on their faces and sand all over their bodies.  After 5 hours at the beach we headed home for a relaxing evening.  Thank goodness for SPF 50 sunscreen!  I got a little bit of a spotty sunburn, but it could have been much worse!

River No. 2 Beach…the pictures really don’t do it justice.

When we got back we had a little play time and then I went to Kandeh’s devotion.  After devotion I brought him outside. We were sitting and talking on the bench.  I was asking him some questions and then we started talking about the American and Sierra Leone flags.  After a minute or so Kandeh asked me why the clouds in America are red.  I was so confused by this question that seemed to come out of left field.  Then I thought more about it and asked Kandeh what the colors on their flag stand for (green/land, blue/water and white/clouds).  Therefore, if our flags are similar in color then they must mean the same things, hence clouds in America must be red :)  I loved spending time with Kandeh tonight, but pretty soon he started looking very sleepy.  I asked if he wanted to rest his head on my lap and he was out like a light within two minutes…poor guy was all tuckered out from a long day at the beach!

Baby Mishell, who is sponsored by Trent’s parents…hard to believe that just a few months ago this cutie was brought into the center malnourished. 

It is hard to believe that tomorrow will be our last full day in Sierra Leone.  Saying good bye will be so tough.  It is incredible the relationships that can be formed in such a short period of time.

{The Launes}