New residents, new adventures...

Last weekend we were privileged to open the shelter to 4 new residents. We only had them with us for about 3 days, but it was truly a blessing to have known them. During those few days, they taught us a lot about love, grace, and fellowship.

We thoroughly enjoyed getting to serve these amazing people throughout the weekend. There was art therapy, jewelry making, singing, dancing, eating and good talks. I learned about strength and courage and keeping your Faith in the face of adversity from them. Unfortunately, we cannot disclose any details of their case right now, but please pray for them; they are homesick and heartsick for their families, having been away from them for years at this point. Pray that they remain steadfast and patient, and that they find peace in this difficult time of waiting. 

After a fabulous weekend with our new friends, I took a little vacation over this past weekend. I headed to Semonkong, a village with a stunning waterfall about 3 hours from Maseru. Two other missionaries came with me, and we stayed at a great little lodge and had an incredibly relaxing weekend. We were meant to do the world's highest abseil (204 meters of repelling), but it got rained out :o( We completed the training, though, so I will definitely be back to conquer that adventure sometime in the near-ish future!

Pray hard this next week, another one of our precious residents will be in court as they prosecute her traffickers. I will be testifying in this case, so please pray that I will have wisdom and the right words to say, and for my physical safety aswell. 

Some photos from my trip:

 Kisses from a sweet Basotho pony

Beautiful scenery everywhere you look!

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

~Ephesians 4:2 (yes, I know that I have used this verse before- I just really, really like it :o) )

Another year older, another adventure...

Oh where to begin. I had a fabulous birthday in Africa this past Monday. I could spend this post reflecting on all of the things that I have learned in this past year, the ways that I have grown, or the goals that I may (or may not) have set for this next year of my life... But today I just can't seem to embrace my inner narcissist ;o) Instead of reflecting on myself, I'll give you all an update on how and what BDS is doing! 


It has been a great two weeks- the board came and went, and we all had a great time with them. We talked about what was going well (the residents, the teamwork, the shelter), what needs work (human resources being spread too thin, healthy balance needed between work and rest) and where Beautiful Dream is headed (transitional care, a men's crisis care shelter). All in all, great conversations were had and it is wonderful to know that the board is behind us, raising funds for us and encouraging us back in the US.


Also, while the board was here, we got another property here in Maseru!! We are very excited to be opening "The Hope House" this weekend... It will officially be known as the 'Hand of Hope Transformation Center' as Joyce Meyer Ministries is funding it- what a blessing it is to partner with them! It will be a home for our transition program; our residents who have graduated from crisis care will be moving in on Sunday. While in transition care, we will help them find jobs, receive additional training, and instruct them in basic life skills for 6 months to a year. Praise the Lord for His awesome provision! 


Please be in prayer today, as we are expecting 3 new residents at the crisis care shelter. Pray that the police are able to collect them and deliver them to us safe and sound. Pray for peace, that they will settle into the shelter quickly and gain a sense of safety here. We are ready and excited to welcome these survivors into the Love House!! Updates to come...



"You are my hiding place;
   you will protect me from trouble
   and surround me with songs of deliverance."
~Psalm 32: 7

An anxiety inducing adventure...

After meeting with a CGPU client's mom today and discussing anxiety, I have decided that the universal scale for anxiety in Lesotho ought to be the Pick-n-Pay parking lot at a given time on a certain day. (Pick-n-Pay is the big grocery store in the mall here). It is very likely the worst place to have to drive in all of Lesotho. Nay, Africa. Here is what I came up with:


Extreme Anxiety:


P&P on a Saturday morning at 10am. (Pretty sure I am giving myself an ulcer right about now)


High Anxiety: 


P&P on a Monday evening, say around 6pm (Can't find a parking spot, extreme annoyance at the big truck that just took my spot)


Moderate Anxiety:


P&P on a Tuesday afternoon, 3pm (It's half price movie day, so the parking lot is fairly full even though it shouldn't be in the middle of the afternoon)


Low Anxiety:


P&P on a Thursday morning at 7:30am (the stores don't open until 8, so there really isn't anyone around except employees)


No Anxiety:


No P&P parking lot after all (I decide to stay home and make someone else go get groceries. Best decision I've made all week, my blood pressure will thank me for it) 


So after seeing my client this morning and then having an extreme anxiety provoking experience at the P&P parking lot, I needed a little humor. Send up a few prayers for safety as I continue to figure out African driving and make my way around Maseru :o) 


"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 


~Philippians 4:6-7