Until We See You Again

Tonight we wait for the phone call. We've said our goodbyes, we have amazing memories and know deep in our hearts that Heaven is where he will finally have his mind and health back and that too is where we will meet again. Above is Pop and Shane..when we first moved here.

I reflect on when we first moved here 8 years ago. Pop was one of the few people in my husband's family who loved and accepted me. Moving to Florida was incredibly difficult, yet Pop opened his home and heart to my family and loved us as much as we loved him.

 We celebrated life every single day together..not just birthdays and holidays..but every day.

We made tons of memories together. Not too many boys can say that they have made a lifetime of memories with their great grandfather.

 Kyle prayed the most precious prayer tonight..."Jesus, please take him Heaven soon, I don't want him to be in pain or suffer. When he gets there Jesus can you give him a message from Kyle? Tell him I love him and I miss him, but I couldn't come and say goodbye, it was too hard. Please would you tell him that, and when I want to say something to him, you can give him the messages until I see him in Heaven."  OH I love this child.

 On of my favorite pictures of Pop!!

 So many sits on his lap. My boys were really blessed.

 He had a thing for Shane. I think because he was a baby when he moved here, Pop just enjoyed this child very much. Ironically enough, Shane had a thing for Pop too. Tonight Shane was the one child who needed some special time saying goodbye. He went and said it was harder than he thought it would be. He told Pop he loved him and kissed his cheek. Then he looked at Mike and said..."I have to cry now Dad..where can I go to cry?" So hard...but their love is deep!

 This is the Pop that would drive me crazy. Trying to raise 3 boys and one Pop...lol! Please stop climbing up on the counters...all of you!

 

 Mike and Pop had many many many long nights together. Especially in the past 4 years while Pop struggled with Alzheimer's and Dementia. One night in particular Pop accepted Christ as his Savior..after 7 years of living and witnessing to him. Thank you Lord for that blessed assurance.

 What God wants for Christmas, is you Pop!

So glad that for the past 7 months Pop had on earth, he was in a facility that could really care for him. He always seemed happy and alert when we would visit.

 My sweet Brendan (who has Pop's last name as his middle name), who for so long felt as though he was responsible for Pop. Years of watching his great grandfather decline in his mental health, my sweet boy felt that he too was Pop's caregiver. He would stay up late at night listening for Pop to cry out for Mike...if we couldn't hear him..Brendan felt as though he had to tell us. Countless nights of not sleeping here in the Engel house. Such sacrifices, by all of us..including my children. I pray for my boy who's heart is so sensitive.

 Just look at how alert he is!

 Many friends from our church embraced Pop...no doubt he felt well loved!

 Gotta love the man who would have to wear his winter coat on the beach..in April. I'm gonna miss this man!

 The Callahan jowls. :)

Dear Pop,

Why is this so hard for me. I didn't expect to cry a river, yet here I sit unable to stop the tears. You are 94, you have lived an amazing life, one to be proud of. You have taken care of your family and have welcomed me as one of them. Thank you for loving me..for thinking of me as "precious cargo". ;) I guess I'm sad because you were the last link I had to Mike's family. I pray that the Lord would heal this unit. I think that part of my grief is that I probably spent the most time with you out of everyone in the past 8 years...and I am not sure what to feel right now. My heart is raw. It was so challenging towards the end. I couldn't even sit in the same room for too long...I was completely and utterly worn out...and felt horrible about how I felt. I knew that I was unable to care for you, to give you what you needed. Thank God for Michael. Oh I am so grateful to have this man as my husband and the father of my children. He loves you so much Pop. He was such an amazing caregiver. Watching him with you these past few years...made me even more grateful for the man God placed in my life.

I will try to focus on the memories. Especially early on..the ones with my boys. They are indeed blessed to have spent so much amazing quality time with you. You've made an imprint on their hearts. They are grieving tonight...mostly because...the love they have for you is very deep. 

You are on your way to meet Jesus face to face. I'm so glad you gave your life to him, even if you didn't understand it 100%, Mike always says...he believes your spirit man did...and now you meet my Jesus. He will give you a new name Pop. It will be...amazing! Don't worry...you'll always be Vincent Donald Callahan...and yes we know that the "O" got dropped in the ocean when your family came over from Ireland. 

Until we meet on that side dear Pop....I love you!

 "Where sky and water meet, Where the waves grow sweet, Doubt not, Reepicheep, To find all you seek, There is the utter East." - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, CS Lewis

Are You Hungry?

It's is Wednesday, our Missions Focus Day. We have had so much happen in just one week. I stand in awe once again. The events on Monday amazed me...so I'll recap for some of my readers and fill in the others. It started off with a morning filled with expectation. Mr. Incredible had a job interview last week for some part time work. It was with the company he worked for for 10 years...he actually managed several Starbucks...now he was just asking for 20 hours at regular barista rate. The manager actually called him and told him he was exactly what she was looking for. She had several partners leave and she could really use someone with his hours and experience. It was in the bag...she just had to clear it with her district manager. He was to find out...on Monday!

Then I received a "random" email from our friend Molly. The Lord had put it on her heart to bring my family some things. We couldn't wait to see her. Gifts from God are always amazing. She stopped by, shared about her trip to Mali when she went with our Pastor and a few others. She told my superheros about the items she brought and that she was giving us these things. We couldn't believe it. We have been praying about what the Lord would call us to..what is He trying to teach us...where will He send us. You can see my other post below about our trip to the Rafiki Foundation. The Lord is stirring us.

Among some of the items she brought, she gave the boys a few bracelets that the women make to help support themselves as well as that beautiful tapestry above. She shared her heart and her calling. You can tell by her voice and when you look into her eyes...there is no doubt what God has called her to..no doubt at all. She doesn't know what it looks like yet, but she is confident in the Lord..that He has called her to missions! It was so moving to hear her share her heart and passion with me. But, not only that, she encouraged me...and what I was doing with my children and what the Lord might just be doing in my family. I felt like a prophet stopped by and visited us. Truly!

While she was at my home a package came to our door. I didn't open it yet. Molly and I continued to chat and I told her just how much our trip to Eustis meant to my family. I mentioned that if we became missionaries with Rafiki, we would have to raise our own support and that would be a huge task. She replied with something like..fortunately He is a Big God!

When she leaves, my boys and I open the package only to find that my friend Debbie in North Carolina sent me the Pray Big sign. She said that the Lord had stopped her in front of this sign and spoke to her heart to "send it to the Engels so they can hang it in their home." It came, this very day, after Molly leaves and right before I got the phone call from Mike...

He didn't get the job. The Lord miraculously covered all of our expenses for the month of February! Incredibly amazing. Every prayer was answered...my boys are completely aware of God's hand in our lives. He is a big God! We were shocked to hear he didn't get the job, but we are not shaken. How will things get paid in March...I don't know...but I do know He has it covered! There is absolutely no fear! We are full of anticipation and excitement. Pray Big to a Big God and He will continue to do Big Things...for his Glory and for His kingdom!

That is my recap of the week thus far. Now to how we focused on Missions this week.

This morning my children got up and sat at the table fully expecting cereal, waffles, muffins..something...just not this...

Rice? They were shocked. Three cups of rice...about one cup for each of them...for the whole day. I explained that in some countries in Africa or even other impoverished countries many children don't make it to see their 8th birthday do to malnutrition, disease, HIV.... Many only have about 1 cup of rice a day to eat and many have less than that. I encouraged my children to only take about 1/2 a cup, because they may want the other half later, it has to last throughout the day.

At first they thought I was kidding. After I gave them a few more statistics we went and visited this blog below to read some of the stories of the children in Koutiala. Then the tears started. One of my boys had such a hard time staying in the room, looking at the pictures.

We sat and prayed for some of these children. Hearts aching. Then came the question. "Can we have breakfast now?" What...I just gave you some rice. That is all you will get...for the day. More tears. Why are you crying? Here is what I heard. "I'm starving!" "My stomach hurts, its already 10:00am and we haven't had breakfast." Well, just imagine being those children..who only get 1 cup of rice..in 24 hours. I think that you may be hungry...but starving..I don't think so. More tears. Why are you crying?

"It's not fair, I am a spoiled child! I get to eat anything and these children don't, and when we see some pictures of these children they seem happy just to have Jesus and a little bit of food. I should be able to not eat today, but I can't, I'm so hungry." I think they are starting to get it.

Now, why are you crying? "I must be spoiled too Mom! Sometimes I don't even eat what you give me and I tell Dad I don't like it. I don't like rice, but I was so hungry I ate it. Even the homeless children eat what they are given at the kitchen on Sundays."

God has blessed us in so many ways. We are not starving, we can have fruit loops and waffles. There are children who don't even know what "more" means.

We are a very spoiled people here in America.  My children wept at the table and repented for their spoiled hearts. Me too, I'm just as spoiled as they are. Let's not take for granted the many wonderful blessings we have, the freedoms that we enjoy and yes, even the food we have to eat. Let's pray for the Light of His Life to shine through us to others, and pray for Lord to penetrate lost people groups!

I did give my children more food for brunch. They were hungry, but they ate in a very appreciative manner. This will stay with them for a long time. This whole experiment spring boarded into discussions on fasting and the purposes God has for that. With our hearts naked before the Lord and humbled as well, we continued our time of prayer. We Prayed Big...knowing full well that there is power in Prayer! God is the Giver of good and perfect gifts. The best part was the prayer of one of my 10 year olds..."I know you are calling me to be a missionary..help me not to have any fear and help me to be selfless..and just go!"

Yes...Lord...You are doing a great and mighty work in my family!

I Left My Heart In Eustis!

A few months back my husband and I were strolling along the streets of Mt. Dora, remember that post about Florida's Little Mountain, and we stopped into a little shop called Rafiki. Figuring it was African art, we stopped in because, number one...we absolutely love African art and dream of having a library full of books and African decor, and two...we know so many people who live there and serve there...well, we had to stop in. When we walked in, the man behind the counter told us about their facility in Eustis and what it was all about. He mentioned that their headquarters was a replica of the villages that are built in the 10 countries of Africa that house orphans. He handed me this card below and I told him that I was going to bring my children by....so I did just that today (probably yesterday by the time this gets posted)! It's Wednesday and we are committed to focusing our hearts, minds and prayers to Missions on Wednesdays!

I don't exactly know what I expected. Perhaps, just a store that sold the crafts handmade by the widows in their widow program. I didn't expect the incredible sense of love that I received when I walked through those doors you see in the next picture.

Mr. Ken Long was the gentleman that greeted us. Here I am, 11:00am, with my 3 superheros, walking in unannounced. From the word, "Hello", I could sense the presence of the Holy Spirit in that place. "Rafiki" means friend in Swahili and it intentionally depicts the purpose of the Foundation -- "to befriend orphans and widows in their distress" from James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." Mr. Long spoke to us about the purpose of the Rafiki Foundation (please click on the name and go directly to their website...it is beautifully done and full of wonderful information.)

When we arrived we watched a video explaining how since 1985, Rafiki has answered God's call to be that "friend" to the needy in Africa in various ways, including missionary work in 10 Africa countries. In 2001, they received its first orphan, and has made orphan care and Christian education its top priority. These children, all orphaned because of famine, war, and illness (mainly HIV/AIDS) are being rescued from starvation, disease, despair, and hopelessness. They are given a healthy future filled with laughter, promise, security, learning and love!

The Rafiki Village gives job opportunities for many national women who are each trained to become the permanent mother of 10 children. You could tell these children were full of joy. One of the comments made by one of my superheros...."Mom, they are singing in English...and they seem so happy!" When we are rescued and shown the love of Jesus...yes...we are full of joy and it shows!

When we walked into the Rafiki Exchange, Mr. Long and I were talking about the curriculum that is used to educate the children who live in their villages. It is an academic curriculum integrated with a biblical worldview, made specifically for these African children. I don't think this is a part of their regular tour..not sure..but he brought us back into the printing room..and we saw all the boxes of curriculum ready to be shipped to different countries. It reminded me of what some of us homeschoolers call..."box day". Oh how my children love to get their hands on their new school "stuff". I thought about those boys and girls and teachers who will handle those very pieces of paper..and I was moved to pray over those boxes. So right there..my boys and I laid hands on those boxes and prayed. (I know..bold..but Mr. Long seem appreciative...and I felt the prompting of the Lord...so..we prayed and he prayed with us!)  Prayed for the Holy Spirit to go before these boxes and prepare the hearts of every boy, girl and teacher to receive the love of Christ. We prayed blessing over each one who will be touched by the very specific curriculum prepared, I'm sure, with much thought and love! Oh, we felt like we had just been a part of something amazing. There is such power in prayer! We talked about that moment in the copy room the whole day.

Here is Mr. Ken Long showing us one of the many beautiful pieces of handcrafts made by the widows and impoverished women in Africa! 100% of the proceeds go back to these people. May the Lord richly bless each and every one. I just went around the room, praying over items that I know represented women, who sat beside one another, enjoying each other's fellowship and receiving the benefit of hearing a Rafiki Bible Study. Everything is so moderately priced. Yes...we did get a special something...an ornament. If you know us, Christmas ornaments are very special as each one represents some "time" or some "one" and each one has a special story behind it. When we take out our special ornament...we will remember this day...always!

Now I wish I had asked what "asante" meant. Brendan gave his opinion....goodbye, exit? I know some of you who read this live in South Africa...perhaps you could leave a comment. ;)

What was so unique about this trip..was that when we walked around the grounds of this facility in Eustis, (which by the way was anonymously donated...all 57 acres...you know that it was God's will for sure!) the complex replicates the design of a Rafiki Training Village in Africa. As I talked with my boys, they could visualize students walking in and out of the homes, the dining hall, the schools. Such a powerful statement for them. Mr. Long did an amazing job of painting a wonderful picture in our minds and hearts.

Picture this building with several doors like this..each one to a different classroom. I get weepy just thinking about the boys and girls. (happy tears...no worries!)

Here we are in front of the map. The 10 flags mark the places where Rafiki have established their training villages - each one providing living, educational, and life skill facilities through the four programs offered by the foundation: Childcare, Education, Training and Widows....

..Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. To gain a little perspective of the size of Africa..just look at this picture below. Don't quote me, but I think that we were told that in America alone there are approximately 500,000 orphans (half a million)...but in Africa...

something like 29 million orphans..."Flow river flow, flood the nations with Grace & Mercy...send forth Your Word, Lord and let there be LIGHT!"

 My children, really didn't want to leave this place. I told you...we felt the love here.

We noticed their hymnal had many of the songs we sing too. Shane mentioned how cool it was to see the digital photo frame of pictures of the children, and know that these kids were probably singing these songs.

When we got out to the car, Brendan asked if there was more we could do. He wants to go back, to volunteer there, or go to Africa. This really touched my children. We felt like we made new "rafikis" (friends) today! It really isn't new, we've heard missionaries speak. We have friends who are missionaries...even in Africa. We pray for our missionaries and the people whom they are being "Jesus in skin" to.  He says to me..."Mom, could you become a teacher in one of their schools? You are a teacher?" I told him that long before they were born, their Dad and I felt like perhaps the Lord was calling us to teach English in China. We didn't know, we still don't really know. We have a heart for lost people...we pray our children are grasping that part of our heart and that the Holy Spirit is taking hold of their precious hearts. Today was proof that indeed...He is moving the hearts of my superheros. Mike and I are working hard to be intentional in the training of our children. In the end...our legacy to them...is to do this...

...take up their cross and follow Christ! To remember that we are "God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Eph. 2:10

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To catch up on how we are focusing on Missions...feel free to see these posts: Pray Until It Melts, Love-Praying for Light and Little Man With a Big Heart.