the power of hardwork

i woke up this morning really tired and a little overwhelmed at having go to the atm to get money to sari bari's rent at 630am. I did not want to face the street today but i ploughed through singing " i need thee every hour" as i walked past a few hollers and hoots in my direction. I got the money and went to the market and got some milk for a good cup of hot cinnamin milk to enjoy with 2 corithians chapter one. i sat out on our veranda in the cool blowing breeze and was blown away by how directly i needed the words of first corinthians

He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort— we get a full measure of that, too. When we suffer for Jesus, it works out for your healing and salvation. If we are treated well, given a helping hand and encouraging word, that also works to your benefit, spurring you on, face forward, unflinching. Your hard times are also our hard times.
When we see that you're just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you're going to make it, no doubt about it.

not sure why this encouraged me so much...i guess it made me feel not so alone. and i reassured of the healing that will come from a faithful God.

and finally putting my bible down i had a few minutes to reflect on yesterday. yesterday was the first of the month...payday for sari bari. And the end of the first month of our 7 ladies in training. they got their first paycheck...or really just their first training supplement. And their response was suprising to me and so beautiful. each one of them had a similar reponse...pride! Good pride...that kind that reminds you that are valuable and can do something to make a difference in your own circumstance. They knew from a simple paycheck that their work has value, that they have value. and while we know their value is not in their ability to work...it is step in the right direction for these women to be empowered. for most of them this was their first payday ever from a real job...their words not mine. one lady said from my own trouble i earned this money. i wanted to cry. i am sold out on giving people jobs as a means for empowerment. a job does what a hand out can not...it gives hope and belief in self. these new ladies are so amazing and i am so so proud of them!!