The Baby House

During the time I spent at the Iris compound, I spent as much time as possible in what is called the Baby House. The Baby House is essentially where the toddlers live. You can go and play with them on their playground, or help get them all fed at meals, or just hold them after their baths before bed. During certain times, you could take individual kids out to get some one-on-one times. This is where the Lord really drew and broke my heart. I miss these precious children more than I thought was possible!!!

This is two year old Chelsia. If I could, I would have brought her home. She has my heart and I think of her all the time. Her birthday is in just a couple of days!! Missing her...

The little girls LOVED having their nails painted = )

Steph with Marta, another super sweet little girl. One of my strongest memories of her is walking into the Baby House and making eye contact with her. She looked at me with those big eyes, pointed to herself and whispered, "Me?" WOW... Nothing will break your heart quite like that. Marta, I declare that God has CHOSEN YOU. He picks you. You are not rejected or leftover. You are His princess!!!

We let Marta and Chelsia help us bake a cake one day. They were SO serious about it, and you should have seen their faces when we let them try the icing. I don't think they've ever had that much sugar!

Jesse also grew really close to some of the children in the Baby House. This little guy was his buddy = )

LOOK AT THAT SMILE! Ernesto had a giggle and smile like you couldn't believe. He and his friend were major charmers.

Catching bubbles!

Remember, if you would like to sponsor a child through Iris Ministries, you can go to https://www.irismin.org/giving-center.

The Village of Takka

The first overnight outreach I went on was to a village called Takka. It was by far one of my favorite experiences while I was in Mozambique. We pitched tents and spent the weekend playing with kids and breaking bread with the pastor and his family. I wish I could capture some of the moments that will always be engrained in my mind... Sitting outside and looking at the stars with nothing to do but talk to my amazing team members... Sifting through beans by lamp light for the church dinner... Singing "The Body of Jesus" by lamp light while holding hands with some of the most beautiful people... It was an unforgettable experience. Such a beautiful village!!

{more posts to come SOON}

Children's Day

At Iris Ministries, June 1 is a holiday that rivals Christmas. They call it Children's Day, and it's just that-- a day all for kids. All the children receive gift packages, and that evening there is a big special dinner and program. Iris also brings in children from the Bocaria (the local trash dump) and include them in the festivities (they get presents too!) Excitement buzzes in the air that day. With so many children, little is done to celebrate birthdays, so this acts as a sort of "Every Kid's Birthday" holiday. Everyone loves it. It was so much fun getting to be a part of it while we were there!

Blueberries

I have this affinity for pictures of hands holding things. I spent last week in Maine with my family and cousins. One day while hiking, my cousins found a bunch of blueberry patches. Goodness, those things were GOOD. I've never gotten to taste a blueberry right off the bush before, but I could get used to it = ). I grabbed this picture of my cousin with a handful of blueberries and it just makes me smile. Our Creator has created so many fun colors, textures and flavors. He's so fun!

Spring Rains

I leave for Mozambique in less than a week. It's been raining excessively, and it makes me so peaceful. Tonight, I read and listen to the sound of rain, thunder and Fleet Foxes. Life is good.

Jesus Let Me See Your Eyes

I want to be caught up in Your embrace. I want to feel your arms around me. I want to be heavenly minded. I want to see with Your eyes. I want to forever be lost in You.

Mozambique T-Shirts

Hi friends!

This week I am taking orders for t-shirts to help raise money for my trip to Mozambique. There are two designs...


Lionel the Lion

OR



Geoffrey the Giraffe!

The shirts are a brand that is comparable to the American Apparel 50/25/25 crew necks. We are selling them for $15 each. AND to top it off, it's ALL PROFIT! So every shirt bought will be a significant help to get us to Mozambique!! If you would like one, you can message me on Facebook OR email me at makenzisworldtravels@yahoo.com. I will help get payments and orders straightened out from there. We have a limited number of shirts for the first order so hurry and let me know if you want one! Thanks so much!!