Presence - Mears Family September Update

I am sitting on the front porch of our house in Kigali, feeling the gentle cool breeze that flows through the valley in the beginning of the rainy season. The clouds are dark and threatening to my left but the sun is bright and beautiful to my right. Symbolic. I am so thankful to be alive; to be here in Rwanda with my family contending for abused children; to work along alongside amazing, talented, passionate, and fun Rwandans; to experience the dark, rainy times of life and the bright, sunny times of life; and to see that God is in each. I am thankful for Jesus, my redeemer; God, my waiting, loving Father; and the Holy Spirit, whose presence guides me. I am thankful for Anna, and her patience and grace with me. I am thankful for my kids, as they are a source of joy, laughter, and (at times) consternation. And I am thankful for you, our friends and family, who sustain us in so many significant ways.

Several months ago, I downloaded a book on my Kindle (based on the recommendation of someone I can’t recall – Ron, maybe?) called “Present Perfect: Finding God in the Now,” by Greg Boyd. For some reason, a few nights ago I scanned my Kindle for something new to read and came across this book. I am so thankful I did. The book’s premise (and truth) is that God is present all the time everywhere and that we will grow in experiencing His love, joy, and peace the more we can develop the discipline of continually being aware of His presence. If you’ve read our more recent updates, you know I (Lane) have struggled quite a bit of late. But, things are changing, largely because of this book’s reminder. I HIGHLY recommend this book to you. It is not a magic formula by any means, but it does remind of a truth, the awareness of which is transforming. Get it. Read it. Do it.

IJM Rwanda celebrating 2 legal wins!

Among its accomplishments over the past three months, IJM Rwanda has: Secured convictions of two men who sexually assaulted children (the goal for all of 2011 was two); seen four clients complete their trauma counseling; had several clients develop skills in sewing and/or making purses, bags, etc. (so they can have a source of income, as the desperately poor are the most vulnerable to injustice generally and sexual assault specifically); worked with police to have four men arrested for sexually assaulting children; prepared a training for prosecutors and judges on how to more effectively prosecute cases of child sexual assault (the training will take place on October 3-5); and secured four more trial dates this year (two on October 12; one on November 1; and one on December 6). I am so thankful for all of this, and for all of your prayers and support in making it happen.

Mearskat News: 
Lane has begun taking language lessons in the local Kinyarwanda language during lunch one day a week and he has been testing out his new words a little each week. Lane also had his 42nd birthday at the beginning of this month! Do you know anyone else who was thrilled to get Triscuit crackers, Rotel tomatoes and Velveeta cheese among other things for birthday presents? Living overseas, it is funny the things you crave!

The kids started another semester of school, Caleb in 3^rd grade, Abigail in 1^st grade, and Luke in pre-school. They LOVE it. 

Caleb is learning to play a “recorder” at school, essentially a child’s flute. His teacher has implemented “Recorder Karate,” which means that the kids get different colored “belts” (strings they tie on the recorder) when they master more and more advanced songs. Caleb loves this and plays his recorder all around the house. He is taking Tae Kwon Do after school with many of the boys in his class. Here is a picture of a trip to Ivuka Art Studio, with one of the well-known local artists, Emmanuel, letting Caleb have a try at his painting. 

Abigail is also enjoying school very much. Among her best friends who attended her birthday party last week were kids from Rwanda, Uganda, Eritrea, Germany, and more. It makes me so happy to see that our kids are developing such a broad base of relationships. She started ballet again this semester and has fun showing off at home what she is learning.  Last night, she lost her 2^nd baby tooth. This morning she found 2,000 Rwandan francs under her pillow. Tooth fairy Africa style!

Luke - 3 yrs old

Luke is in pre-school for the first time (three mornings per week) and can’t wait to get there each day with his big boy lunch box. In class, he works puzzles, plays with play-dough, has story time, and gets to play on the playground. For more first day of school pics - click here.


Here is a picture of our little Texas Cowboy Luke (just before potty training!).  Of course, we had to bring Daddy's boots and hat to Africa. I (Anna) really wanted to get this picture because I have one just like it of Caleb from 6 yrs ago. :-) Someone please remind me to take this same picture when our new baby boy gets old enough.  

Since this picture, Luke is now fully potty trained.  Way to go Luke! 

Caleb - 2 yrs old

Anna is now 6 weeks away from delivering our fourth Mearskat baby. She is thankful to be largely over the nausea and is working to prepare a place for the baby in our home. She attends a ladies Bible study each week with about 20 other missionary women, which has been a huge encouragement to her and resource of other women living overseas. 

Looking Ahead: Due to airline regulations which do not allow flying during the last month of pregnancy, Anna and Luke will return to Texas (Dallas) this Sunday on October 2nd. Then Caleb, Abigail and I will join them in Texas for the birth on November 2nd. Baby is due November 7th! Our plan is for all of us to be in Texas for the entire month of November to have the baby, enjoy Thanksgiving, and see family and friends. Both Lane and Anna’s families are in Dallas, so that is where we will deliver the baby. But, we plan to make a trip to Austin to see friends and attend Hope in the City, our home church at some point during that month.

Please Pray With Us: Please pray for us as we make many decisions regarding the birth and our travels back to the states this fall.  Pray for wisdom for us as we decide a name for this new baby. Pray also for the delivery and health of mommy and baby. Pray for us as a family during this month of separation, that we would be able to stay emotionally connected with each other even over the long distance and time difference and look forward to reuniting on Nov 3rd.

We really appreciate all of you and are thankful for your prayers. We believe that prayer really works. We thank the Lord for his goodness and his grace and love in our life. 

Blessings,

Lane and Anna

Caleb, Abigail, Luke and baby boy!