Robin's Missions

It is well with my soul!!!!

In the joyous times.....

What's the buzz?!

Well, actually there was a lot more of a buzz around (and in) my room than I would have cared for. I came home from work one day to a loud droning buzzing sound--outside my window was a swarm of bees. Ok, outside my room seemed alight as long as I kept my door shut and none followed me in. So I thought! I opened my room to see an even bigger swarm of bees! Maybe you don't know this but I'm petrified of bees. I can deal with a bee but hundreds, no way. They were getting in through the roof! I rushed to find help. Sadly there was no one around to help. Well, it was time to take action. Luckily, another friend had the same experience a few weeks before and I knew these stinging pests hated DOOM...a killer bug spray so lethal I think you could kill a human with a full can---ick. I started by spraying the can up at the roof on the outside and a bunch of bees flew off--Then I used my noggin, and sprayed through the screened window on where all the bees were swarming. Then I left the room closed and walked away until the toxins dispersed. Hundreds and hundreds of dead bees. In fact dead bees are STILL appearring a week later! One small step in conquering fears?

Then there was church last Sunday-- My choir gave it's best performance. By the time we sat down I was covered in sweat...dance, Kawaaja, dance! We did this one dance where we swiveled our hips a lot (somewhat as if we were skiing) and really got in the groove. I laughed to myself as I thought about the fact that NONE of the church choirs I grew up in swiveled their hips or broke a full on sweat! ha! I dare our choirs to sing and dance at the same time! :)

It is well with my soul...

in the difficult times...

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

This last week a close friend, six months pregnant, went in for a normal check up. The baby's heart had stopped. They quickly took a plane to Kampala (Uganda) to deliver their unborn baby. God provided for them, in their grief, with people to walk along side them and take care of them in Kampala. This last Tuesday they brought the body home and we buried it at the church. It seemed fitting that the day was dark and cloudy with sharp winds whipping around us as we all hudled together singing "Nearer my, God to Thee" and other English and Arabic hymns. We each placed a bright pink flower on the tiny grave before it was closed. My heart ached for them that whole week, it aches still...

It is well with my soul...

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Three of our women in the Yei Bible study were pregnant at the same time! Two delivered hours apart on the same day, HURRAY! One precious boy and girl! We were still waiting for Charity, the last of the women to give birth, she was huge! What a joyful woman, a twinkle in her eye and a quick smile. She went into labor on Thursday and everyone was eager in anticipation. In the process her womb burst and we almost lost both mother and child. Thankfully, Charity's sister was there--with the same blood type--so her life was spared. For the second time last week I found myself at a funeral for a child. We were deep in the village, the baby's body was lying in the hut wrapped in blankets and we went in to pray. The weeping and wailing and even more chilling dead silences were all around. It broke my heart that not only were we burying a long anticipated child but they hadn't even told Charity yet. She didn't know until we visited the hospital later in the day. Our hearts were heavy. What a week... but God is good. He is good in the hard times, He's good in the great times.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.