Heroic Rats and Prayer Requests

I can't make this up--it's just too outrageous. But in Angola, rats are doing life-saving humanitarian work.

Rats you say?!

Yep, rats. HeroRats. I read a cool article a few days ago about Gambian pouched rats that are trained to detect land mines--and their life-saving work in countries like Angola is an awesome example of innovation in the the humanitarian world. They are trained to detect land mines by scent, and they are able to work up to 20x faster in detecting mines than a human with a metal detector could! How cool is that? GO RATS GO!!!

Check out this article with a little video for more information about the Hero Rats in Angola--it's serious cool: The Giant Rats That Save Lives

Prayer Requests

Please continue to pray for our visa process. This has become so heavy on my heart as of late. Right now, it's the final step in a process that began way back in 2009 when we first talked to MAF at the Urbana Missions Conference. From there, we began orientation in November 2013, finished our fundraising in February, and look forward to moving as soon as we can get our visas! So will you pray for the process to happen soon? My heart longs to be in Angola--to start life there after living the last few years in limbo.

Please also keep MAF in your prayers as they work in Nepal, and the MAF staff in South Sudan particularly in your prayers, as the security situation there is rapidly deteriorating.

Brief Snipits of Life

Currently, I am sitting in the kitchen listening to Ethan breathe heavily while asleep in his little vibrating chair. The radio is playing, the coffee is brewing, and the sun is shining ... life is good. The perfect time to write a brief little update on our blog.

God's timing ...
We are still waiting on our visas, but one blessing that has come out of waiting is that we get to enjoy more summer here in Canada, and hopefully, witness a wedding, a birth, and several big moves for some of our friends. Please continue to pray for our visa approvals!

Renters ...
We are looking for renters to take loving care of our house in early fall! No, we don't know out departure date, but if we aren't gone by then, we are sure we'll be able to find a temporary home with some family! Keep your ears open if you know of anyone looking for a lovely, 3-bedroom condo!

Ethan ...
Look at this guy! At one month, he's getting so big (fitting very nicely in his three month clothing at over 12 lbs)! He's smiling more, grunting more, and looking more and more like his dad! This pic doesn't accurately show his little double chin forming, but it's there!

MAF in Nepal ...
MAF does not normally have ongoing operations in Nepal, but after the earthquake, the MAF Disaster Response team has moved to Nepal to help with relief operations there. They have secured the use of two helicopters, providing much needed subsidized flights to some of the most isolated regions. Check out this video and the updates from the MAF US and MAF UK webpages.

\

Praise the Lord ...
Psalm 150 came alive to me this morning, specifically verse 6: "Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!" Having a newborn makes it hard to find time for devotions in the morning, but how lovely at the most quiet times of the night to sing God's praises and find time for prayer. There is no better way to tackle late nights, early mornings, difficult circumstances or incredible days then to praise God first for who He is and the good things He has done. It is rarely easy for one reason or another, but it is so life-giving.