The team has been traveling around Zimbabwe and visiting with the HOL family. They were able to finally get some photos out to share with you. Most of the team has left Zimbabwe for return flights home. At least one team member with ill prior to the flight and needs prayer for healthy travels. The first flight was delayed in leaving Zimbabwe and it was unsure whether they would make their connecting flights all the way home. There may be more delays which is not what you want when you are ready to get home…and at least one of you is ill.

Please lift these team members up in prayer as you remember them over the next few days.

Also, enjoy these photos of the team enjoying special time with the HOL family.

Shad and Millie and family will join us at a site on a local dam where we will spend the day with both the Homes of Love kids and some children from the Good Shepherd Center. It will be a very busy hot fun day!! Two of the Homes of Love Committee members will also be with us.

Please pray for all to have fun, for safety on the roads getting there and for no injuries.

**No photos at this time…no internet access. Check back here or the HOL Facebook page for photos.

Team Girls Picture

Team Boys Picture

Another activity of the many we have done together was all take motorbikes to this very deserted part of the city we are in that is right on the coast. It was absolutely stunning there. As we looked around from where we were standing, we saw miles and miles of ocean, bunches of beautifully colored fishing boats, and scenery full of sand and greenery! Because of our busy schedule today, we had to leave to find this spot at 5:30 AM. No one complained and we had the greatest time together seeing God’s beautiful creation. We were fortunate to be able to stay there for about an hour and a half. We joked around and took many funny pictures. So grateful to God for how he has blessed this team.

A picture of the coastline from where we drove to.

Cassie (me):
Camp is now over and we have moved to a different city. It is very touristy here so are experiencing a different side of the country than we were before. We have beautiful beaches and fancy restaurants and many other things around us. It has been a lot to process since camp ended. I wanted to connect with the kids and I wanted to show them how much God loves them. We had the honor of having John Winters (missions pastor at FEFC) with us for part of camp and he told the HOL kids several times that God loves them so much that he sent this team of people all the way to the other side of the world just to see them for a few days. I wanted them to know how much they mean to us. God has a plan for these kids and He has placed them in their Home of Love. I was truly amazed by the amount of vulnerability these kids have to love us. I know these kids have felt abandoned at one time or another. It must not be easy to see us for just a few days and then say goodbye. Heart wrenching for me. I could go on and on but I wanted to be as brief as possible because there are many of us with words we want to share.

Olinka:
One of the greatest blessings for me has been watching our team work together to lead the HOL camp. In the months leading up to the camp, the team was slow to form and I often wondered if we were going to have enough people to facilitate the camp at all! But God has proven himself so faithful. This year’s team has been the best team I have ever served with. Each person is giving themselves in service to the HOL children and to one another.
A highlight was getting to share the camp with the FEFC leadership team as well as part of the Breeden family, Fellowship’s partners in the North part of the country. Here is a photo of our whole team during camp

Group shot of the whole US team with our camp shirts on.

One poignant moment was hearing John Winters share during “teen time:” a time set aside just for HOL teens. John shared about Gods love in an intimate, personal way that left many of us crying both on the team as well as among the teens. In particular, my heart was deeply touched because I yearn for the children to know Gods love and live in that love! John’s talk was the culmination of the message we have tried to share with kids each year at camp. Praise God! Pray for continued fruit from this divine appointment.

My heart is so full! Thank you Lord!

I just came out of a hotel room (with room for no more than about eight Americans) where we gathered together with more than 130 people to worship the name of Jesus together! Jesus showed up.
The love that keeps showing up from the Father is overwhelming. It is filling me up. In fact I am so loved, it some how starts to leak out of my eyes and nose (some call it tears). I am reminded of the entire book of first John, but specifically 4:19. We love because he first loved us. When I first arrived here my heart was a bit hard. In fact I was scared of the children and didn’t know what to do with them, a feeling of separation. What did I do? Nothing. What did the kids do? Grabbed my hands, legs, jumped on me and loved me. They loved me first. I still can’t speak the same language as them, but I know that we love each other and that we have a bond of love through the father that can not be faked. This is the real deal. I have no idea what it feels like to be jumped on, pulled by, or hugged by an orphan child, I do know what it feels like to be loved first and to be completely accepted by the father first…with out being able to speak the same language.
Father, never let me forget the intense love you have lavished upon me. Thank you for showing my simple mind in a tangible way, what it is like to love and to be loved first…through these children.
The Father has given us power to speak into each others lives. I have learned a new way of speaking…just being with another.

Laura Anne:
This trip is my third time coming here and I learn something new every time. I felt the Lord was pressing on my heart to focus on the ones who where standing alone. The ones who where too shy to hold your hand or to even say, “Hi.” I just wanted to show them that they were important and loved. It’s been such a blessing to be able to serve and love on these kids. I know my heart has been changed by them.

Maycie:
It always amazes me how beautifully heartbreaking this image is of Gods love. Having just five days with all of these precious children, and then saying goodbye without the insurance of returning next year is truly heartbreaking. This year was the first time I’ve been consecutively. I was able to grow in the relationships I had already established and begin new ones. Lizzy (Ly) from home 4 is the first friend I made four years ago and saying goodbye to her again was very emotional for me. It’s such a sweet picture to be a part of. I wouldn’t have it any other way and I look forward to coming back.

Liz:
I was so excited to be able to experience another year of summer camp. Throughout this past year I have been skyping with a teen in home 4 named Tina. We have grown to be better friends this past year and I could hardly wait to be reunited! It amazes me through all the language barriers and different cultures that we are able to be such great friends. One night I got to spend some one on one time with Tina and talk with her about relationships. I was thankful she was able to share with me and I was able to share with her. As camp drew to an end I knew all the children I have built relationships with over the past 5 years would have to say goodbye… including Tina. She promised me she would not cry when saying goodbye. Until it became reality and we knew we couldn’t see each other for another year. I love Tina and see God in her daily. She is a leader to the younger children and seeks after where God is calling her. I am so sad not to be able to hug her constantly but I am excited to see what God does in her life this next year. As camp has ended I am hoping all the children have learned what the Father’s love truly is and how He deeply wants a relationship with them. I am grateful for our team this year. We have all bonded together and have inspired one another throughout the trip. I am excited to see how the Lord will use us the rest of our trip!

Philip:
After returning to the HOL camp for the fourth year I have learned that though each year has its similarities, God will show himself in new ways specific to you each year. I came this year with one fact that has made it much more different than any other year. I came knowing that I will probably not be back next year, knowing it could be a number of years before I could see the kids again. It is never easy to say good bye to the kids. Each year has been hard, but eased by the simple words “I hope see you again next year.” Although these same words were spoken amidst the goodbyes they were followed by the words I never hoped I would have to say. The words expressing that next year(s) it would be very difficult to come. But along with these good byes come the sovereign power of God and the truth that he is in control. That though I want to hold on longer, and tighter I am reminded that they will still yet remain in God’s arms when I am gone. In His arms comes a peace, strength, and joy that will never leave them nor have to say good bye.

Melanie and her new friend

At the closing ceremony tonight, for our last night at camp (I can’t believe it’s gone this fast!), we sat next to each other–and she never stopped smiling. She would look up at me and wait for me to look down–and, when I did, the smile appeared. Not just once…she smiled every time. She held my hand and then, suddenly, she would hug me & bury her head in my side. I praise God for creating this beautiful child in His image and for bringing her to a home where she is deeply loved. She came to her Home of Love very recently (less than 2 months ago I believe), but everyone loves and cares for her as if she’d been there for years.
I do not know her story before Homes of Love, but I know her story now–and I am hopeful and praying for a future where all of her–body, soul, mind, and of course, her smile!–treasures and shines for Jesus. I already hate to think of leaving her when we leave camp, but I know she is treasured and loved so much by Jesus and her new HOL family. Thank you, Lord, for a glimpse into your everlasting joy in my new little sister’s smile.

Lift Your Name on High…2013 Camp Video #1

Tomorrow is day 3 of camp and will be sort of similar to today. Please pray that we would regain some energy tomorrow and have a good nights sleep tonight. Some of us are having a tough time sleeping through the night. Please also pray that we would have opportunities with the children to hear about where they are with Christ and would find some way of applying what we are teaching them about their identity in Christ. We are so appreciative to have all of your a support back home. It’s amazing how God can take your prayers and requests and carry them all the way to the other side of the world. Know you all are in our thoughts and prayers as well!

Want to know how to a group our size eats– messy!

How do they feed all of us- don’t ask me!

All of us after the long bus ride

Today we had a long bus ride to where camp is (I was wrong about the train ride- that is later). It was great to see a lot of the country and I was able to do a lot of observing of people that live along the road. While I was listening to the new Passion CD, I found my heart breaking for the people and wanting to pray for them, whether lost or found by God. I could just imagine them living their everyday lives as I saw just a glimpse of them. I saw hard working people. I saw frail people. I saw strong people. I saw tired people. I saw happy people. I saw young and old. I know they need Jesus just as much as I do and I want them to know Him. He has so much to give them and I pray they know Him and live eternally with all of us.

This was a picture I took from the bus. Sorry for the poor quality and rain drops. Love the beautiful mountains in the back (if you can see them).

So far, everyone is doing well. We did some shopping this morning and some of the boys got tshirts and some girls got movies and sunglasses–Definitely interesting to walk through the market. We got to eat at Pizza Hut for lunch and it was delicious. Then we got  back on the road and arrived shortly after eating dinner at a local place. The boys seemed to sleep most of the long bus ride. I think they can all sleep pretty much ANYWHERE! The rest of us girls took naps here and there and talked about anything and everything. It is also a blessing to learn from the people who have been here before. Soaking it all in from them! So thankful for their knowledge!

A verse that we read tonight during our devotion was Luke 1:79: “to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Please pray that we would fulfill this. The kids all come tomorrow for camp and we all seem to have a level of both excitement and nerves about seeing them. Please pray we would listen to where God is calling each of us.

Two teams of soccer (“football”) players!

A few months ago, an American military family moved to South Korea to serve our country…Thank You!!! They decided to visit another SE Asian country and came away from there with a need to do something for those people through Christ. Talking to a friend back in the States about their desire, the wife was told to check out the Homes of Love website. This friend is an active HOL volunteer…Thank You!!! After reading through the entire HOL website, they contacted us via email asking how their family could be involved. We discussed the many options available and also invited them to check out our HOL Facebook page.

The next week we posted a need on Facebook for a supply of soccer balls to take to SE Asia in a few weeks for each of our homes. This family jumped on this opportunity…from South Korea…and went to Walmart.com. They ordered everything we had asked for and had it ready for pickup in our Knoxville, Tennessee store the next day! We picked up their generous gift from Wal-Mart, brought it back to our office, deflated the balls, packed up the balls and ball pumps, and sent it all with a team from a Knoxville TN church to SE Asia. The balls were used for fun play at the HOL camp then each of the eight homes took a ball home for their family enjoyment.

From a home in South Korea…around the world once…and back to eight homes in SE Asia! Our world is so small and our God is so Great Big!

A special gift from around the world! Thank You!!!

The Birthday Boy

Olinka’s comments following their arrival: “At long last our family is together in SE Asia! Karis is in her element – seems to be adjusting to the time well and is greeting everyone she sees! I’m so glad we are all together!”

The Jefferson’s will be traveling the country to visit several of the HOL homes, conduct interviews, get to know the families, and evaluate special needs. Please be praying for these last few days in country for this family as they develop lasting relationships with the HOL children and parents.

Sweet friends

After we walked around the city and ate dinner, I decided to call a few young girls that my family has known for years. These 3 girls all grew up on the streets, and my family stayed in contact with them for over 10 years. These girls are like little sisters to me. They are always the first people I contact when I arrive here. I’ve laughed, cried, held, comforted, helped, and listened to these girls when they needed someone…anyone to talk to. These young girls have already gone through and seen more than I will in my whole life. One of these young girls is only 18, and she is having to take care of two babies without the help of any emotional or physical support. She spends her entire day selling postcards on the street so she can feed her little ones.

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” -Psalm 59:16

Every time I am able to see them again it’s like we’ve never been apart. We all went to the park and I got to introduce them to Teddy, which was really fun. None of them could believe that I’m getting married. Having Teddy join me for a part of this trip was so much fun. I loved getting to show him my heart for these people and this country. I know that it made us so much stronger as a couple. There were easy times and hard times, but every part was good.

Teddy and I loving on some of the HOL kids.

The next week of our trip was spent with the HOL children at camp. Our days were quickly filled with swimming, teaching, crafts, games, songs, eating SE Asian food, and so much more. I think my favorite part at camp this year was being able to sit down and talk with some of the children that were really struggling last year. They told me about all the ways the Lord had helped them and revealed Himself to them. I remember crying with a few of these children last year begging the Lord to help them not only feel loved, but to know it in their soul. The Lord answered those prayers in ways that I didn’t even think possible. The pain and anger that I saw in these children’s eyes had turned into joy and laughter. It was truly amazing.

The little boy that I sponsor and love!

It was also fun to get to see my little boy that I sponsor. Teddy seemed to really connect with him as well. By the end of the trip Little “B” always seemed to be waiting by our side. He’s not a child that asks for attention, but you can tell when he wants it. He always seems to get this sweet little smirk on his face that was irresistible. It was hard to walk by him and not always pick him up and love on him.

Caitlyn & Teddy feeding the gators

Another one of my favorite moments at camp was the time that I got to spend singing praise songs with the children. Hearing them lift up their voices to the Lord was an amazing, spiritual experience. These children don’t just sing the words to the songs, they proclaim and rejoice with every bit of sound they have. They sing and praise the Lord until they are so overwhelmed with his power and love that they cry. It gives me chill bumps every time I even think about it. I’ve never been in a service in the states where I saw so many people/children worshiping with their entire being the way that these children do. At one point one of the homes put on a drama skit, and I’ve seen this skit done before, but never have I seen it done with such impact. All the members in our group were speechless…completely speechless. There was a good 15 seconds where I couldn’t even move. I’m certain that the Lord has gifted these children with the power to spread the gospel like fire, and not when they are older, but now!

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. -John 14:18
God sets the lonely in families. – Psalm 68:6

These last few days have been a time of rest for Amanda and me. We have enjoyed a few nice meals on the beach together, tried to catch up on sleep, read our books, and just tried to relax. This next week is going to be filled with interviews and meetings as we travel around to a few of our homes. We are both tired, and try to sleep whenever we have a free hour. Pray the Lord gives us energy to finish this trip strong. I can’t believe that this is our last week here. I know it will be such a bittersweet time when we leave.

Caitlyn & Amanda enjoying the market