Going To OLA

Hi Everyone,

At least once a week our daughter, Corrie, goes to OLA (the Catholic Children's Home and Hospital) and this is a ministry that Back2Back is coming alongside to help and encourage. Thought you might be interested in seeing (below) one of only TWO traffic lights in all of Jos. And these two lights are on the way to OLA. I want to share a little bit about OLA because you will be hearing alot in the days and weeks ahead about what we're doing there. This week, Crist and I both went to begin getting acquainted with the children and staff there. It's a special place and is in the countryside and many of the villagers around OLA go there for their doctoring needs. At present, there are maybe eleven or twelve children living there. Only Nigerians may adopt a Nigerian orphan and there seems to be more awareness now so the children in OLA are beginning to be adopted. Let me introduce you to just a few.

This is Joe holding little Mary. All the older children at OLA help with the caring for the younger children and there is a strong sense of family among them all. There is another Mary too. She's the cutie in the blue sweater and she's scared of me. Since this picture was taken, we've visited twice, so she's not as frightened anymore. This next picture is of our grandchildren surrounding little Hope (on the left) and Agnus on the right. We've heard that Agnus may be getting adopted and we're very sad because she and Hope are BEST friends. The Lord is swishing an idea in my head right now on ways that I (Eileen) can help at OLA. Playing with the kids is a given, but maybe there's something else I can help with. OLA's washing machine is broken, and there are always piles of dirty/soiled children's laundry to be washed. Maybe that's something that I could do whenever I'm around - ummmmm - something to think and pray about.

OLA is trying very hard to be self-sustaining. They do get help from the Catholic Church but there is never enough money to get the things done that need to be done. Back2Back is helping them with a fish farm where they grow the fish and then sell the fish at market and the money goes back to the Children's Home. Also we provided blocks for a chicken house to be constructed (it's almost done) so that there can be chickens for eating and eggs enough to go around.

There's always something to be done and God has a way of providing doesn't He!!?

It rained again last night - buckets and buckets of hard rain!!! But when it stopped around midnight - the air was cool and wonderful! We'll check in again in a couple of days to let you know what we're up to.

In-joy,

Eileen and Crist