Celebration

This past week one of our office staff workers bought a car! In Lesotho, most people do not have cars since they are so expensive. It is hard to get a cheap car even because if it is cheap it is probably because it needs work done, and there are not many reliable mechanics around. So, being able to buy a car on your own is a BIG deal. When she drove it work for the first time all the of the house mothers came running out of their houses yelling and singing for joy. They all gathered around the car and sang and danced and carried the new car owner on their shoulders. It was so beautiful and joyful to watch. I love how they celebrate each other in this culture. None of these house mothers or other staff members own cars, yet they did not get jealous. They celebrated their sister's accomplishment and praised the Lord for this blessing he gave her.

There is a boy in my house with special needs who is learning to walk. I have been holding his fingers and practicing with him and he has been getting a lot stronger. The other day while I was walking with him around the room, the house mother came in and saw the progress he was making. She started to sing his praise and dance around him. She cheered and cheered for him as he continued to take steps. I love seeing her love and care for this boy with special needs who still needs a lot of working with until he can walk on his own. In the Basotho culture, most people overlook those with special needs. But, I love how at BG each kid is loved and given the care they need so matter how high the needs are.

I love how this culture celebrates the blessings they receive from God...the small blessings and big ones. 

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!” -Philippians 4:4

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” -Psalm 91:1-2

peace and blessings,
Ausi Paige

goodbyes

In the past month I feel like I have constantly saying goodbye. In the month of June there were 2 amazing teams that came to volunteer at BG. One team was from my high school, Holland Christian, and the other was a high school team from Crosspoint Church in California. Both groups worked so hard and I became good friends with many of them. Then, after 10 days I had to say goodbye. Its a normal yet not so fun part about the missionary life.

Then, this weekend I had to say goodbye to 2 long term volunteers that I have lived with and worked with over the past month and a half. Laurie has been here for 4 months, and Casie has been here for 8 months Their farewell ceremony was an emotional one to say the least. Their house mothers wept as they said their last goodbyes to the girls they called their daughters. They both loved the kids so well and invested so much to make this place like home for them. Their joy and laughter is going to be missed around campus. Even though selfishly I want them to stay here with me, I am learning to let go and trust the Lord's sovereign plan for their life...whether that means I will get to see them again or not.

Though I am not looking forward to saying goodbye to this place once again at the end of the summer, I am thankful I can have peace knowing that God's perfect plan is so much bigger than me and bigger than Lesotho.

Blessings, 

Ausi Paige