Are you Square Peg Trying to Fit into a Circle Hole?

We had a great conversation last night with the African coordinator.  Chad or Cameroon? 


The African Coordinator last night said that we wants to make sure that the job is a good fit for both us.  In Chad, if we focus on my work we would be in the capital city, and they are very interested in me coming as an IT Manager.  However, they won't have a linguistic position available in the city, so Steve might have to work in something that he is not necessary as passionate about, literacy work.  If we focus on Steve's skills of linguistics, we would have to be in a more rural area closer to the people groups and they would have to find something for me.  In Cameroon, there is an opportunity to be in a city and they can use both Steve's linguistic skills and my skills as a computer help desk specialist of sorts.

Of course, we are both willing to work where we are needed and Steve is willing to fill the role in literacy, instead linguistics, if we do choose Chad.  Dave, the African Coordinator, however; said that even though Steve is willing to step out of his passion area he doesn't want to "take Steve as a square peg and drill him into a round peg, just so they can fit him into a round hole."

In either country, it sounds like we would most likely be working in a language cluster where they are working on many languages at the same time, since we have to be in a city but still close to the people groups.  Steve would occasionally take trips to the villages to meet with the "mother-tongue translators."

My New Sister-in-Law

We got to meet our new sister today.  She is such a sweet little baby.  I got to feed and snuggle with her.  She is so very precious.

Steve's mom adopted a baby.  She is one week old today.  She is such a lucky little girl to have been taken out of a cycle of generational poverty into a huge loving family.  God must have something really amazing planned for her.

I love Fall

We raked our leaves for the second time this season today.  Our first pile was about a third of the one we made today.  This is a picture of our leaf pile from today.  I parked my car next to the pile, so you could get an idea of how big the pile is.  It is taller and longer than my car.  There are still some leaves on the trees too, but the rest we can mulch with the lawnmower.  I love Fall or Autumn as it likes to be called.  I really think it's my favorite season.  I love the cool crisp air and all the pretty colors.  It was such a beautiful day today.  It was perfect day for raking leaves and yard work outside.  I hope the weather stays like this a little longer.

YWCA 2011 Winter/Christmas Wish List

This week we been over capacity averaging between 145-155 women and children residing at the YWCA North Central Indiana.  Today, we have a census of 78 women and 78 children for a total of 156.  This proves there is a great need for our services here in the Michiana area.  The YWCA serves women and children that are victim's of domestic violence, chemically dependant, and living in our Transitional and Permanent Housing programs.

Many of our clients are young single moms that enter the shelter with nothing but their kids and the clothes on their backs.  We never turn away a woman and her children in need of shelter due to domestic violence. 

What does this mean?  It means that we have some huge needs currently and I predict bigger needs as it gets colder.

Our Current Immediate Needs:

• Hats/Gloves/Scarves/Winter Coats for both women and children
• Twin sized winter blankets
• Pillows
• Snow boots for both women and children

YWCA Wish List

Due to Indiana Health Laws, we cannot accept used Stuffed Animals

Food Related: Canned & Boxed Foods of all kinds, Non-Perishable items, Food Storage Containers, metal teaspoons, plastic forks/knives, Plastic bowls/cups, Juice, Cereal

Personal Care Products: Deodorant, Conditioner, Lotions, Shower gels, Hand Sanitizer, Combs, Toothbrushes (adult and children), Toothpaste (small and large), Disposal razors, Kleenex, Feminine Care products, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper

Infant Care: Baby bottles, Disposable Diapers (all sizes), Baby Wipes, Baby Shampoo, Baby Lotion, Baby Powder, Baby Food and formula, Sippy Cups, Baby monitors, Strollers, Toddler and Preschool Car Seats

Over the Counter Medicines and First-Aid: Aspirin, Tylenol, Midol, Advil, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, Non-Alcohol Cold medicines, First Aid tape

Household Items: Shower curtains, Wash Cloths, Towels, Crib sheets, Twin-Sized Blankets and Sheets, Bed Pillows, Elevated toilet seats, Space Bags for storage, Laundry Detergent, Small Alarm Clocks, Microwave Ovens, Small Kitchen Appliances.

Clothing: Plus Sized Women, Baby Clothes

Miscellaneous Items: Pre-paid Phone Cards, Bus Passes, Wheel Chairs, Office Supplies, Blank Journals, Reading Glasses, Luggage, Heavy Duty Snow Blower, Leaf Blower, Drill Dress, Gas Fryer, Heat Lamp for Kitchen, Commercial Washers and Dryers

Almost anything you use in your household is needed at the YWCA.
Items can be delivered to the front desk between 8-5 Monday through Thursday and 8-2 on Friday.

YWCA North Central Indiana
1102 S. Fellows
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone Number: 574-233-9491
Crisis Line: 574-232-9558