Always Remember

I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. Psalm 143:5

Our mind is a wondrous and yet mysterious thing. The scent of a particular perfume or a glance at an aged photo can nudge even the most stubborn memories from exile. We all hold dear certain tangible reminders of a special event -a ticket stub from our first concert, a coin from a foreign country, or the petals of a corsage.

But why do we save such seemingly inconsequential items?

Because we don’t want to forget. Additionally, the apparently insignificant token we cherish enhances the memory, as seasonings enhance the flavors of a culinary dish.

For each of my children, I filled a small shoe-sized boxed with novelties from their childhood. In each, I saved the front page of the paper from the day of their birth, some baby clothes, a stuffed toy, a silver spoon, and various notes and cards.

Recently, we opened those boxes and wondered at items we haven’t seen in about four years. We laughed at the pictures, recalled almost-forgotten events, and marveled at the growth and maturity of our children. Every item was like a locket holding a secret picture; when opened it released its hidden memory and consequently, the next generation learned and cherished the stories of long ago.

I believe we learn to treasure memories from God himself. Throughout the Scripture, God continually calls his people to remember, his Holy Spirit aids our memory, and the Lord even gives instructions on how to remember. His people have built altars after glorious victories, enjoyed yearly feasts and festivals, and even now, eat and drink at his table, all in remembrance of him.

If you are a sponsor at New Vision City of Refuge, you have a photo of your sponsored child. I know many of you display these pictures in prominent places to remind you to pray. Some of you look at these pictures and remember the missions trip to New Vision City of Refuge and the significant ministry you provided. Others may know your sponsored child only through their letters and pictures in our newsletter or blog. However, I am confident you cherish these photos as we cherish your faithfulness and support.

If you would like to invest in the life of a child at New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home please look to the links section to the right and click on Sponsor a Child to get started.

It's a Mystery

Sophia celebrated her 13th birthday with a murder-mystery party (disclaimer: no actual children were harmed during this event). The cast of characters included: General Dijon, Princess Fuchsia, Miss Crimson, Chef Ginger, Miss Ivory, Miss Pheasant, Miss Jade, and Dr. Grape. Clues, food, games, allegations, interrogations, and the big reveal rounded out the evening. Everyone had a blast and we are looking forward to a house filled with teenagers now.

It Ain't the Sistine Chapel

But face painting is still an art form. Olivia had fun volunteering at Fort Wayne First Assembly's Harvest Party this past weekend with over 1500 kids enjoying our autumn alternative. That is a lot of faces to paint!

For an insightful article by Kenneth Samples on The Tricky Topic of Halloween, please follow this link: http://www.reasons.org/resources/fff/2002issue11/index.shtml#the_tricky_topic_of_halloween

To Mom

Happy Mother's Day!
Love, Wendy

Happy Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday and I am reminiscing about my great grandmother. Christened Almirinda Proscino, my great grandmother was born in the United States but returned to Italy as a young girl with her parents. Later in life, she married my great grandfather, Ciro Fiondella, boarded a ship to cross the Atlantic, and returned to her birthplace. (I never thought about it before, but my nonni (nawn-nee) was a TCK –a Third Culture Kid. That is, a child who grows up in a country that is not their passport country, like a Missionary Kid.) In Hamden, Connecticut, the Fiondella family raised their five children, one of which was my grandfather, George (my mother Carol’s father).

I remember Nonni today on Palm Sunday because we celebrated the holiday at her home each year. Palm Sunday in Connecticut is celebrated like nowhere else that I have lived (Florida, Indiana, Jamaica). I don’t know if it’s an Italian thing, a Catholic thing, or a New England thing, but Palm Sunday in Hamden was special.

Our large extended family arrived at Nonni’s abode after church on Palm Sunday. It’s difficult to describe how many people descended upon her humble home, think ala My Big Fat Greek Wedding and you’ll get the picture. Nonni had a huge garden in her backyard (huge from my childhood perspective anyway) where she grew eggplant, squash, tomatoes, etc. A trellis of grapes framed her back entrance, and wine fermented in the cellar (Communal wine, I’m sure).

The din of chatter, and laughter, greeted you at the door, and with the melody of All Glory, Laud, and Honor still ringing in your ears, strips of palms were fashioned into crosses and exchanged with loved ones. The smell of delectable treats tempted your taste buds. On Palm Sunday you had your choice of tea, coffee, soda, and assorted homemade delights: anginetti, angel wings, pignolli, ricotta pie, cannoli (oh, how I miss the food from my hometown). But it was the love that oozed out of every crevice of my great grandmother's being and home that I remember most. It was in every hug, in every kiss, in every tin of cookies, and in every dollar bill secretly crunched into your hand.

In many churches, Palm Sunday is a second-rate holiday, a precursor to Easter and not much more. But to me Palm Sunday is special. So wave your palms, give thanks to the Christ who rode triumphantly into the city, and bless your family on this special day.

Happy Palm Sunday.

Oink

Our sow had pigs last night and then promptly died. I guess the thought of raising 9 piglets was too much for her. So, here we are feeding our little orphan pigs. But where will they sleep tonight? I suggested they would feel at home in the teen-boys room.

Check out the link to the photo album and video in the right-hand column.

Ode to Sammy 2006-08

We said goodbye this week to Sophia's hamster, Sam. He lived a long full life (for a rodent). Gifted to Sophia on her 10th birthday, Sam was showing his age in recent months -losing his hair (I didn't know hamsters could do that), and generally slowing down. Some would say that Sam was more than a hamster, that he was a . . . uh . . . well . . . he was a Jamaican hamster. But he was fine Jamaican hamster and he will be missed. Goodbye, Sam.

Sixteen Candles

Olivia celebrated her 16th birthday on January 26. We gathered at the famous Rick's Cafe in Negril along with the rest of the missionary family in Jamaica for this special occasion. As we dined, we watched the cliff divers leap into the ocean from incredible heights. The sunset was beautiful and we all enjoyed ourselves greatly.

Happy Birthday Olivia!

Happy Birthday Sophia

The Mom Song

www.anitarenfroe.com

How was your Christmas?

We had a wonderfully warm Christmas; hope yours was as well. Please check out the new photo album under the links section to see how Christmas was for all the kids here at New Vision City of Refuge. They started off their day opening up stockings and having a nice breakfast accompanied by hot chocolate. Then a little later they enjoyed Christmas cake and sorrel before opening up more gifts. For dinner they feasted on turkey and ham and an assortment of side dishes. We were thrilled with the generosity of our sponsors, local churches, school groups and businesses who gave of their time, money and gifts to make this such a special day. Blessings to you and your family in the new year!

Merry Christmas

Warm Christmas greetings from Jamaica. May the Lord's blessings be upon you for the new year!

Love,

Stuart, Wendy,

Olivia, Wesley and Sophia

Assessing the Damage

Friend and fellow missionary Gary Pyatt sent some photos of the aftermath of Hurricane Dean in Jamaica. This particular photo is Windward Boulevard in Kingston on the way to the airport. Soon he will be putting up more photos on his website. You can access it here: www.jamaicachildcare.com
The kids and I are scheduled to leave on Thursday, August 23. We'll be arriving in Montego Bay at 2:05 pm CT. I appreciate you prayers because we still don't know the condition of the roads through the mountains into Montego Bay.
Again, I am so thankful for your prayers and provision through this time.

Heading Home NOT

Well I thought we were going home tomorrow but it doesn't look like that will be possible. My flight was cancelled and after talking with Stuart it might just be as well. He tried going to Christiana and telephone poles were down all over the place. Our friends in Kingston said the airport road was impassable.

Tomorrow I will call the travel agent and try to find another flight out at the end of the week.

I am so grateful to everyone who has prayed and offered to help us in our plight. I want to especially thank Shawn and Cheryl Small of Wonder Voyage who have generously put us up in a hotel while we wait to go home. God is good!

Heading Home

As Hurricane Dean heads towards Mexico we are heading home. Tomorrow morning our flight is still scheduled to fly. We will go to Miami and then into Kingston. Please pray for roads to be clear so Stuart won't have a problem picking us up.
Our City of Refuge in Christiana held up to some very strong winds; some of our trees were damaged and some roofing was blown off. The City of Refuge in Kingston suffered much worse damage; the chicken coop with 150 chickens is gone, the coffee crop is ruined and a few roofs were blown off.
Fortunately no one was hurt at either home.
After today I probably won't have internet service for a while. So until then, thanks for your prayers and I'll send an update as soon as I can.

The Approaching Storm

Hurrican Dean is poised to hit Jamaica on Sunday, August 19. Our family has been in the States for the last couple of weeks spending our last week in Texas for our Caribbean Retreat. That is where Wendy and the kids are right now. Stuart flew out this morning ahead of the storm to go back to New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home and help them prepare. At this point the government is only allowing citizens and those with work permits to enter Jamaica.

Please pray for us.

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed." Psalm 107:29

Gifts to Remember

Most churches on Father's Day honor dads by giving them small tokens of appreciation on their special day. This same tradition is recognized here in Jamaica as well. Pictured to the right is what our church gave Stuart on Father's Day. Properly wrapped in cellophane, Stuart received aftershave cream, a can of Irish Moss (I read the ingredients but I still have no idea what it is), a bottle of Malta (it may look like beer but I assure you it is a non-alcoholic barley drink), and a can of Supligen (a vitamin fortified milk beverage). Coincidentally, Olivia, Wesley and Sophia bought Stuart one of those plastic, liquid filled mugs that you put in the freezer.

Praise God, Stuart will smell good and be sufficiently hydrated.

You the Man

Happy Father's Day to my dad, Marshall R Mitchell.
With love,
your favorite daughter :)
Wendy

Thirteen Candles

Happy Birthday Wesley!

Going to the Birds

Recently we visited Rockland's Bird Sanctuary near Montego Bay. We successfully found this private abode after maneuvering past Sasquatch-size potholes and four-wheeling up a steep mountain road. The trip was well worth it though, as we were greeted by care-taker Fritz who supplied us each with a mini hummingbird feeder to hold and sprinkled bird seed on our knees and by our feet. It didn't take long for our flying friends to warm up to us and start feeding. We enjoyed the company of Jamaica's national bird, the Doctor Bird; a hummingbird with a long double tail that resembles a doctor's coat. Also, a Mango Hummingbird, a large Jamaica Oriole and a variety of others. We were then given a tour of the surrounding area and an education about the various plants and herbs.