Asanti sana - thank you

This is the little girl staying with us. She loves to play dress up with my girls all day long.

This is the fire victim family with their 3 youngest children.

On the left is the lady and her daughter who are living with us, then our pastor friend of 11 years and his wife and then his brother's family.

Asanti sana - or as they say, thank you very much! We are overwhelmed - speechless! People from our church, surrounding churches, blog friends and family have poured out love and donations on the refugees in need.

Here are some examples of things we have received:

*all kinds of toiletries

*canned food

*tons of clothes

*new undies for the kids

*hair things

*toys and books

*wipes

*pack n play for the 3 month old baby

*jackets for everyone

*a target gift card for 1 family

*many blankets

*many great shoes for the little kids (a few for the adults)

Tonight we found out from the refugee pastor, Augustin, that another refugee family from their refugee camp church is coming to America (AZ) tonight and another one next week. When they come, the government literally gives them an apartment for a few months and mattresses on the floor. The great thing is we already have enough blankets and toiletries for them and surely some of the overflow of clothes we have will work for them too.

My sister and brother in law are taking in the fire victim family until they can find an affordable apartment. Please pray for my sister's family as they take on this challenge and blessing. They will have 6 kids 6 years old and younger in their house (the oldest 2 children from the family will probably stay with a friend so they can continue to go to their school in Phoenix).

We have never felt so covered in prayer like we did this week! Miracles from the Lord is the only explanation for what is happening in our home. We were warned of severe and dangerous behavior from the little girl staying with us, but so far she has done pretty well and is learning how to behave. The mom would love prayer for healing of her daughter from the trauma and a job for herself. She needs healing from the trauma as well. Praise God that He is the all powerful healer.

Below are ways that you still can help: The items in this gray color are no longer needed.

*volunteer to help me babysit the 5 year old girl when her mom has appointments

*help the mom apply for jobs

*sz 7 1/2 or 8 women's shoes

*women's sz 3/4 (XS) and size 16/18 underwear

*bath scrubby fluff balls - we have had several body washes donated, so they will last much longer if used with those things you can find at the $1 stores

(with homeschooling 4-5 kids and with 3 babies/toddlers -taking on a 5 year old with major emotional/behavioral needs or running errands like applying for jobs, is more than I can do)

Anything for the new refugee families:

*furniture (not mattresses) - kitchen table, coffee table, something to set a TV on, desk and computer for the older boys

*dishes

*cups

*large pots and pans (nothing for baking - they don't bake)

*utensils

*laundry soap

*towels

*pillows

*sheets - any size

*clocks - still need alarm clocks

*school supplies

*toilet paper

*someone with a truck/trailer willing to deliver stuff to the families in Phoenix

*anything else you can think of to set up an apartment - like I said earlier, they get mattresses and about $220/mo + food stamps to pay for rent/food/toiletries and everything for a few months. There is nothing left to buy any of the necessities I mentioned above.

Thank you for all your help! I hope we can have a big African party at our house where everyone who has helped or who is interested can come hear their stories and enjoy their singing and thankful spirits.