The Smile from your Heart

I have been extremely mindful of the blessings in my life over the past couple of years, despite the hardships and trials we have been through! It seems this Christmas Season we have been given a little respite from the testing and trials God has allowed in our lives. Though we still have many concerns that face us for the New Year and are wondering how God is going to work, we live in a peace that is found, if we seek it, in Jesus. I find myself exclaiming God's goodness for seemingly small unimportant things - a walk taken on a chilly evening, sitting by the soft glow of our Christmas tree, making cookies and spending time with friends. Because I have only been given today, I am grateful for the little things God gives and for His presence in my life. Do I live each day with the JOY that God has given me or am I wasting time with worry, anger, self-absorption or busyness? If I don't wake up tomorrow, what will those closest to me say about my yesterday...




This Christmas season, I have been captured by the word REJOICE. God seems to give me a word or phrase to cling to during this time of year. It is a word that I want to shout from the rooftops right now. That we should REJOICE in the gift of our Savior, Jesus! REJOICE in who Jesus claims to be! REJOICE in what he did on the cross! In Isaiah 61:10 it says, "I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul REJOICES in my God." Joy is found in God, not in anything else. In Luke again it says, "...and my spirit REJOICES in God my Savior...." No matter our place in life or the circumstances we find ourselves in, we can REJOICE in who God is. When I am in Zambia, I am always in awe of the women who lift their hands to the God of Heaven and REJOICE in what God has abundantly given them (how humbling!) and for all that He is, their provider, their Lord, their Savior, their Father. Their JOY is not based on the temporal things of this earth but in the peace of God's goodness and sovereignty designed on the ethereal plane of eternity.



We are to re-joy, again and again. I love Philippians 4:4-7, "REJOICE in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petitions, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends ALL understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."



Now I know re-gifting might be a faux-paux in this day and age but re-joy-ing, I think, is a great idea! Let's pray that the joy that is hopefully seen in us despite our circumstances might be re-gifted to those who come in contact with us. May the joy we have in Christ be the one gift we want to re-give during this season of getting. Let us not pass up a chance to give real joy today, for we are not promised tomorrow. Let each day this month be the 25th, days of giving -- of ourselves, of the joy we have, of our time, energy and money, not just days of preparation and busyness with the hope you are all still in one piece by the 25th! I pray that the smile on your face that we so quickly give to those around us as we rush through this month of December is truly the reflection of the smile from your heart...the inexpressible joy found in knowing Christ.

One night

There are those nights that forever haunt you, forever change your heart. Touch you in a way you were not expecting. Those nights that push you off balance yet right your soul. Nights that take you to your knees but send your mind racing ahead. There are those nights that render you speechless as you silently cry out to God.

I am continually broken every time I go to Zambia. It is something that I ask for in prayer. I don't know why I am surprised when God answers, but sometimes I still am. I have been to Zambia four times, and each time God has showed me something else that breaks His heart and that should break mine.

Again, He has answered....

I have been thinking back to a night in Zambia, one that did bring me literally to my knees. A night I spent out on the streets of Lusaka listening to the stories of and talking with prostitutes. It's not that I didn't have an idea of what I was going to see or hear or even what the environment in which we found ourselves in was like, but God gave me encounters with women -- real women -- who are broken, hurt and alone. God once again put faces and gave names to the plight of women and girls in Zambia. I looked into their eyes and heard their stories and listened to their questions and tried to come up with suitable answers.

One said she had told her stories to many before, but no one had done anything. One woman said that this was the only way for her to feed her children. Another said she didn't like this business but had no other choice. In a way, she was right. There is no other choice, no other way for these beautiful, brave women to take care of and feed their children.

Where are we? Where is the church? As I left, I went to my knees asking, "How, HOW, can we just walk away from this? How can we leave them there?"

This has given me new focus as we move forward with our goals to empower women and girls in Zambia. We are to love. We are to give the opportunity of a SAFE, sustainable living. We are to BE the hands and feet of Jesus to women and girls who are waiting for someone to show what his pure love looks like.

We have to get going with what God has called us to do. I know we here at Extending Hands are continuing to prayerfully research and assess what it is going to take to catapult into existence a shelter and safe house for widows, prostitutes and other vulnerable women and girls who have no other hope. What will YOUR part be in pulling women and girls off the streets in Zambia, women who are being raped, beaten and used? What will YOUR part be in giving a widow who has been left with nothing a soft place to land and skills to make a sustainable living? What will YOUR part be in helping girls who have been told they are nothing but future property the ability to understand their true identity in Christ that will far outweigh a disadvantaged beginning?

Join us now as we desperately need your help! We have lots to do before this goal is achieved, but I know we are on the right path -- the path God has placed us on. Walk with us as we commit to changing the lives of women and girls in Zambia. Let's be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Recently, when I was asked to speak at my church, this is what God laid on my heart to share. Now I am sharing His heart with an even greater audience. It is my hope and prayer that these humbly written words will be impressed upon you as you pray for us and consider supporting us financially.
To donate go to www.extendinghands.org or mail at Extending Hands P.O. Box 181 Woodstock, Il 60098
To pray for us, just go to your knees, thank you!

Extending Hands 'Under One Sky' Fundraiser, Sept. 1st, 2011

 

Wow!  What a great first fundraiser!  I want to take this space to thank all the people on our committee who worked so hard.  It all started in May when we pulled this committee together to take on this thing called a fundraiser.  Only a couple on the committee had ever done this before and we were all pretty overwhelmed and scared! 

The marketing/registration team was first to get going.  That team included Lisa Kelly, Colleen Lennon, Cindy Sharp and Heather Yoder.  They were awesome on all levels! They worked on sponsorships, marketing, time lines and just keeping us focused! Registration went off without a hitch and was SO organized with notes even at the end of the night! Oh, and Carrie Zamorano....our charming, intelligent, greeter!  You were perfect!

The creative team with the help of Kim Zelke, came up with our fundraiser logo and all the ideas for the tables, fabric, plant arrangements and overall feel of the night.  That team was Shannon Broling and Dinah Schisler!  For those of you there, you know what a wonderful job they did at bringing in the African feel!  Herb Kruse from Woodstock High School did about 10 paintings of some of my pictures of Zambia that were also placed around the venue and were oohed and awed over!  Thank you Herb!

Monica Summers and her friend Joseph worked till all hours the night before on the video presentation!  They did not have much time and did a phenomenal job!  Wow!!!  Really impressed!

The silent auction team was pulled in late but thanks to Sheri Webb, she ran it like she had done it a thousand times before!  She pulled in Hollie Grossman and Gere Wissell who gave tirelessly of their talents and energy to the HUGE task of putting together descriptions, baskets, and the tables the night of!  Not to mention, the intake of all items and the storing of them before hand.  Still can't believe all the work they did!  Peggy Souchek and Tracey Kent helped them set up the day of, thanks gals!  Also, thanks Alicia Barnett, Brianne Choitz and Ali Webb for helping with the silent auction! 

Sheryl DiCicco was gracious enough to share the story of Precious and her children to many who wandered through the gardens.  Our entertaining MC's, Glenn Chelius and Chuck Field did a fabulous job of keeping everyone informed and having fun throughout the night!  Thanks all of you!  The extra touch you guys put on the night, Sheryl, Glenn and Chuck, was priceless!

Then there is Steve and Mary Jacobs.....you guys......Steve, I don't know what we would have done without you!  Your expertise in event planning and your willingness to jump in and take over working with the venue and caterer and MANY other details was a gift from God!  Truly, we could not have done this without you!  Your support financially and otherwise for Extending Hands and this fundraiser was overwhelming!  Thank you both for all you did and just who you guys are! 

Then Sandy and Phil Woznicki....Sandy my dear, wonderful board member....it's been quite a ride!  You have been my rock, my truth teller, my friend.  We were scared to death to even think about doing this and here we are on the other side!  Your ability to know what your roll was going to be and jump in feet first to this crazy thing with me is something I will never forget!  Phil, you were soooooo helpful wherever you were needed!  A true servant!  You and Rich Schisler behind the scenes....Rich, it was inspiring to see two men, be examples of what love looks like.  What is more inspiring is that it was done for women half way around the world whom you have never met.  Thank you!

Now, I have to mention here my other board member, Bob Barnett.  Though, he was away on sabbatical during this time, his prayers and concern of not only Ben and I but for Extending Hands did not go unnoticed!  We missed him very much but we are all glad he was doing what needed to be done!  Thank you Bob and Deb for your support always whether near or far away!

Keva Jones, you too!  Thank you for helping us out in the beginning and moving us in the right direction!  Much appreciated!

Ben.....you have been the most understanding, supportive, hard working, husband ever!  You constantly worked on every detail of not only the fundraiser and my trip but all the other Extending Hands duties that have to be done on a regular basis!  Paperwork, technology issues, printing, and on and on it could go.  Thank you for being you!

Then there is all the others who jumped in to help the day of or by supporting us financially as a sponsor (Noel Thelander-Edward Jones Investments and Nils and Sylvia Cederberg!).  Those who donated silent auction items and banners or signs, and ALL of you who have supported us financially in the past or have prayed for us at any time!

None of this though, could have happened without God.  From putting this committee together, allowing my return to Zambia in the middle of all the planning and how all of it came together in the last few weeks, God continues to show us He is in control and it will all happen in His timing.  One day at a time......

To check out the full album of the night, go to our facebook page (at the top of this page).

Thanks everyone who helped or attended!  You all made it a great event!

En Route

 

                                                                 

I am home from my fourth visit to Zambia and yet  this is not the end of a trip but the continuation of a journey.  A journey in which lay behind me, a stretching of faith, miracles and gifts from God, brokenness, tears and one box that was left unchecked on my list of "to do's" in Zambia.  The one box I thought would not be vacant of such a mark.  But I must move on, not getting stuck in what has not been but what will be.

Seeing all the women and widows again was so wonderful!  The first week was spent with them working on jewelry, fellowshipping together, devotions, and of course lunch!  We made Nshima and cabbage and chicken, yum!  They all worked  hard on the jewelry and then on Fri. even took a lot home to work on over the next few days! 

That first Friday night I went out (with some male Zambian friends of course) on the streets to talk with prostitutes.  This was not only hard on me but really opened the eyes of the friends with me on a deeper level.  This left us all a little somber but with a realization of the need for what we want to do in the future, allowed me new focus.  This was a fact finding expedition but also a mission of love to these very brave women who have been left with no other choice in how to feed their children.

I then spent a day with my friend Sam Sakala getting some paperwork done and filed for Extending Hands (Zambia) ltd. I prayed we would just be able to get it done in one day and we did!  That was a miracle, believe me:)  I also went to church with Sam and his wife Joyce the day before and went to COMESA market for fabric!  Fun!

After a failed attempt to see Precious' children the week before, not despite us jumping on multiple buses to George Compound and traipsing through to find out they don't live at that location anymore, we finally tracked them down.  I was able to make sure they got a big bag of mealie meal, some oil and sugar and then of course some stuffed animals and candy, paper and colored pencils.  It was good to see them and they looked well, despite their circumstances. 

Then, God gave me such a gift!  I went out with Gordon (The Simon Poultney Foundation) to the bush to be on a farm to see his projects in the village area.  I slept in a tent out under the stars in Africa.  Those of you who know me well, know this was just about as close to heaven as you can get on earth!  It was a little respite in the middle of so much other busyness and heartache. 

After driving back to Lusaka on Thur. and getting home late, I got up at 4am and took another long ride down south this time to visit the women in Monze who make these wonderful baskets!  It was a privilege to meet them and see them work on these baskets, some that take about a week to make!  We made that trip in one day and after getting back from that, I crashed.

Over that weekend I ran into Princess Kasune Zulu at a book store!  The funny part is I never went to this shopping center because I was walking distance from the other one in town.  But for a certain purpose, I had to be at that one that day and then ran into her!  It was wonderful to chat with her and get a pic!  Hoping to catch up with her when she returns to the states!  God is good!

Had a  down day that next day and did laundry while Dolly the cat (my roommate) kept trying to get on my lap as I was scrubbing my clothes! 

Then I was able to go out with Bob and Mary Sendgikoski and Gary Schnieder from Every Orphans Hope to the village I first came to help build orphan homes.  Brought stuff for the kids and got to see all the new things happening out there.  Had a wonderful dinner with them as well!

The Tues. before I left, I had some meetings and things to do along with seeing and saying "good-bye" to the women who were coming out to the office one more time.  I  met with Daisy at IJM (International Justice Mission) and had one more meeting/lunch with Gordon and then after spending the afternoon with the women I got to meet with Siyani, one of my pastor's friends who works for World Vision and had a great conversation about many things going on in Zambia. 

As all this was happening I was also trying to get that one box checked off....our old sponsored child, Agness.  I was not having any luck getting a hold of the one person who knew how to find her.  I felt so trapped and frustrated.  I was so close yet I was so far away.  I just wanted to see her and spend some time with her and give her a few things.  I started realizing it might not happen as the days ticked by without any response.  I never got to see her on this trip....it was heart breaking and frustrating.  I will have to have it out with God as to why.  But I will make it my mission to continue the journey not only to better the lives of the women and widows I work with but to get back and find her. 

We are moving forward here at Extending Hands to do what God has called us to and it means walking the path God has laid out before us and trusting His sovereignty in all things.  Even the things I don't understand.  But maybe while en route some things will become clear.  The journey beckons us on.....

We now have less than a month till our fundraiser on Sept. 1st, 2011 and will be planning out the next year.  We have much to do, expanding the  market for the jewelry and baskets, working on speaking engagements, and planning out next summer's trip.  Please, pray for us.  We want to make sure we are hearing and following God's plan and that we are on the right path, His path.  Thanks everyone!

Packing List

I was thinking today about my return to Zambia and the things I want to bring with me this year.  Little things for Agness, our "old" sponsored child.  New clasps for the jewelry the women make.  Pencils and other fun products if I go see the orphan homes or go to a school.  Gifts for certain people and fiber bars...well, the fiber bars are for me:)  Though,  I was also thinking about what I don't want to bring with me...stress, hurry and worry.  I want to be a blessing in who I am, not in just what I bring to Zambia.

This will be a different trip for me as I am going it alone this year.  It will be a chance to reflect and be quiet in my traveling and arrive ready to minister to those people I come in contact with.  I heard a great quote the other day..."Speed and caring for people are incompatible".  In this society, we try and tell ourselves that being busy and rushing around is what we get medals for.  But those medals of hurry weigh us down so that we are not able to listen to God or act on the whispers we so often miss.  We are more worried about  "pushing on" with those things dangling around our necks and trying to get to the next event, or phone call, place or some sort of made up finish line in our heads. 

I cling to the many verses in the Bible that talk about being still.  Psalms 46:10-Be still and know that I am God.  Love that one.  Be still and then we know...As I desperately try to keep my schedule from hitting a level of lunacy, I try each day to spend time being quiet, hoping to take some deep breaths and claim the promises of God.  It is also so neat to notice that Jesus continually "went away" to be quiet and pray.  If He needed to, how much more do we?

That being said, we then ask,"How does it make a difference?".  It is in being before God that our priorities are always straightened out.  That we remember who He is and who we are and why we are here.  That the "interruptions" in our day, from our children, spouse, or neighbor are the chances to show we can slow down and be the blessing, the encourager, the shoulder to cry on to the people we come into contact with.  To listen to that still small voice that says maybe you can miss that meeting or class.  Or maybe on my trip I won't look at delays or missed flights or no shows for a ride or getting stuck in the bush as problems but a chance to be where I am supposed to be to minister to someone around me if I choose to be still and listen.

I can't wait to wake up in  the morning and be drawn outside to see the beginning of a day that though planned, is open for God's unexpected moments.  Pray I pack carefully....

Is It Summer Yet?

It is May 2011...from dark, dreary, and cold to warm, summer like weather over night. I didn't think I was going to make it to that special day when we say, "Yes! Open all the windows!". It is momentous that we, here in the Mid-West, have made it through another winter. Though, I was thinking today about who we are during our stormy winters that matters more. Are we just holding out for the sun and warmth or can we find true rest in the middle of the storms of life?


I am challenged to want to take that sigh of relief, not after, but during the crisis at hand. I want to live in the rest that God says He gives to us if we turn our eyes to Him. I love the story of Peter in prison in Acts 12. James, the brother of John, had just been put to death and Peter was arrested and put into prison and guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. The night before he was going to be brought to trial he was said to have been sleeping between two soldiers. SLEEPING, yes, sleeping. He was not awake worrying about what was going to happen to him the next day or wringing his hands in disbelief that he was in this position to begin with. He was so at rest with the circumstances at hand that he was peacefully asleep. More so, he was at rest with who was in control of his circumstances.

Then, I love how he is woken to the angel. When we are willing to accept our circumstances and rest in His presence, God shows up. He is never on the "other side of the fence", He is always right where we are. Sometimes we are so busy trying to get out of the pain or crisis we are in that we miss that God could have given us the refreshment we needed during the wars we fight on the frozen cold battlefields of life. He is there...Psalm 27. When David is speaking of evil men advancing against him and his enemies attacking him; his desire is still this-"that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." His desire to be in God's presence was at the forefront of his mind in spite of the enemies that were pursuing him.

I hope and pray that I can live in the presence of God and truly rest in Him, like these men did thousands of years ago.  I want to have the peace of God exuding from my soul as the wars around me wage on.  I want to put myself out there as a lightning rod in a storm so God's power can be seen in the dark not just when my life is sunny.  This challenge has been set before me that I might be able to continue in the work that God has given me.  That through whatever happens, I will BE at rest in Him who has sent me to love the widows and vulnerable women of Zambia.  Come what may....

Soap and Seeds for Hope Campaign!

We, at Extending Hands, Inc. would like to announce our first project directed to the widows and women we are working with in Zambia. It is called the Soap and Seeds for Hope Campaign! It all started last May when I was there and had purposed to buy soap and seeds for the widows. I had not realized when I was purchasing the soap and seeds the impact it would have on these precious women. I had handed it all out the first day and when I came back the second day I was overwhelmed with their response. They were coming up to me telling me (some through the translator) that they had not had soap in a while and they had used it to “scrub up” so when I returned, they would smell nice! They were so excited about being able to be “womanly” and fresh! The seeds as well, were a huge hit and much appreciated. Boy, the things we take for granted! How many bars or bottles of shower gel do we have sitting in our showers? How many times do we buy seeds to plant or give away and never use them all or end up throwing them out? It is truly the little things that show we care from thousands of miles away….

Will you join us in this small gesture of love to the widows and women of George Compound in Lusaka, Zambia? You can supply a woman and her family with our package of hope which includes 2 bars of soap and 8 packets of seeds (bought in Zambia) for a donation of $15.00 which also includes packaging and distribution. I will then be purchasing and distributing these when I return next to Zambia which I hope will be soon! Our plan is to distribute quarterly and would love to have you sign on to give monthly to this project and will look forward to the pictures and stories of hope that will come out of your generosity to these women in need.

You can help by pledging to sponsor a woman monthly, or by offering a one-time gift. Get involved today!

May 2010 Soap & Seeds Distribution

Widows Reaction!

         

Jewelry!

We are excited to share that we have new jewelry from the widows in Zambia!  After a couple of attempts to have it hitch hike in someone's suitcase to save on shipping costs (which failed on both attempts despite those on the ground trying to make it happen!) we decided to have it shipped and recieved the jewelry quickly and without any problems!  At least we know now, that it is seamless to have it shipped (though expensive as all getout!).  I am posting some pictures of the jewelry and if you would like to purchase something that you see email me and I can have it shipped to you.  Keep in mind, I only have one, maybe two of the same thing so if you see something you like ask quickly to purchase it and I will put it aside.  You can mail me a check for the jewelry to P.O. Box 181, Woodstock, Il 60098 and we will figure out the total costs via email.  If you live in the area, some of the jewelry will be up at Diva's Attic on the Square by the end of the week or you can just give me a call and stop by my house :) 
email- kristin@extendinghands.org

Pieces

I was pondering last week the wonderful opportunities I had to share my heart for widows and vulnerable women in Zambia.  I realized that though it was a busy week for networking, I never tired of sharing my heart and my passion.  I also became very aware how my own personal story ties into the question so often asked, "How did you come to be involved in such a thing?".  Not that I wasn't aware of how the puzzle pieces of my life fit into this personally but how other people want to know your story as it cements for them the cause and the passion of which you speak.

Now, let me speak from my heart.  What is the puzzle piece ('s) in your life that seems to be a mistake; maybe a piece that doesn't fit or make sense?  The piece that you didn't even know was missing?  The piece you pretend not to need?  Or the one you destroyed?

Ask God to show you what that piece is, that part of your life you haven't handed over or the one you haven't really dealt with.  I had numerous pieces that I just kept shuffling around, not seeing or understanding how they fit...until I let God take over.  He placed those pieces where I didn't think they would work.  Where I had assumed they wouldn't fit.  As Extending Hands was forming, my life was falling a part.  I saw Extending Hands becoming clear as I walked through the fog of my past.  Slowly, I saw God intermixing the pieces of my life with Extending Hands.  I let go of how I thought the puzzle was going to look and let God create something much more beautiful.  Until we move out of the way and give God free reign in our lives we won't see or experience that finished work.

I am just beginning to see how He is putting the pieces of my life together to not only be a better wife, mother and friend but to understand my role in women's lives half way around the world.
For my heart breaks for what breaks His and that comes from a deep place in my soul.  I hope you all take the time to figure out that piece you don't know what to do with and hand it over to God.  It has led me to a place called Africa and to women and girls that I didn't know I had so much in common.



Sweet Agness



Two Nights Out

On this cold, rainy, dreary evening, I was out with a dear friend.  We were enjoying our annual January night out.  (Yes, we know it is February but we take what we can get!)  As we always do, we saw an inspiring movie and ended up sitting afterwards at a pub speaking of life, God, and well, more life.

Two nights before this I also enjoyed a time with good friends.  I have become increasingly aware that the blessings of life come in evenings like these.  And it is in these blessed evenings that God is exalted over all as we challenge and encourage each other to live out a life of worship. 

Worship has been a topic for me lately as we are doing a Bible Study at our church on intimacy and worship and also some other reading involving putting God above all.  That means, God above all.  All things, all thoughts, all ideas, all work, all relationships, all hardships, all schedules, all agendas, all goals and all "good works".  I am constantly  reminding myself that my goal in life is to exalt the Holy One.  "That I am not primarily a worker for God; I am first and foremost a lover of God." (Satisfy my Thirsty Soul, by Linda Dillow) 

It challenges me to double check my motives and my heart as to what I do and why I do it.  Is my goal to be invisible so that I might illuminate the power and majesty of God?  Are my words and my works singing out a song of adoration to our Lord?  Do we have a hidden or even maybe a subconscience agenda to lift ourselves up?  This quote hit me as I re-read it today-The true gospel is a call to self-denial. It is not a call to self-fulfillment.--John MacArthur.  Let us strive to have less of us and more of Him.

On this Sunday, this day of worship, I think of those worshiping in Zambia.  The widows in George compound, the fine people at Pastor Johnson's church, and those out in Chongwe village.  I think about how  they worship with such abandon to Him.  How those who have so little can be so filled with joy and so eager to raise their hands to adore the One who gives and takes away.  Oh, that in all circumstances I too may glorify the God of the Universe.




Women In Chongwe Village Worshiping Together







New Website!



We are excited to share that our website is up and running!  The Winn Group did a great job and we are so thankful for all the hard work they poured into this little project.  Please, go and visit our website and let us know what you think. 

We also have a contest on fb with The Winn Group.  It is the "show me some love" contest.  Join fb and go to The Winn Group's page and "like" The Winn Group then go to their albums and go to the "show me some love" album and "like" our logo.  The client with the most "likes" wins $1,000 worth of design work!

More jewelry is coming in a couple weeks as well!  We are thankful to Diva's Attic on the square for carrying it for us.  Look for it there or email me and I can do a home show and share about Extending Hands to your friends and family. 

We will continue to update our needs and prayer requests as they are met.  I am excited about what God is doing and what is to come.  Hope you all like our new look and new website!

2011-Prayer Requests and Needs

I love when they dance!  The widows in George compound.

Happy New Year from Extending Hands!  We hope that you all are looking forward to what 2011 is going to be!  As I have been contemplating this new year and thinking about how we move forward, lots of challenges present themselves.  My new favorite verse right now is Isaiah 58:10-11-..."and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.  The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.  You will be like a well watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."  So.....I believe that if we are doing what we are called to, God WILL guide, WILL satisfy, and WILL give us the strength we need.  I am looking forward to how God is going to continue to provide for Extending Hands as we jump feet first into 2011.

I am going to use our blog to lay out some of our needs as we do not have our website up and running yet.  Though it is being worked on as we redo our logo and then the website immediately on the heels of that.  Hopefully soon you can donate on line on our new website!  That being said, here are some prayer requests and needs as we hit 2011.
1.  $850.00 to finally file our 501c(3).  There was a misunderstanding and payments made already to close our old corporation and re-incorporate did not include the filing fee for the application, which we thought it did...that was discouraging!  This is Filed!  Whoo Hoo!!!  Praise God!
2. Before knowing that, we signed on with a non-profit design group who is redoing our logo and doing a 3 page splash page website.  That is $750.00 that has to be paid by February. Which is a steal because they are doing it for no profit to themselves!  They are great people but still need to be paid:)-This is paid for!!  Thank you God!
3. Ben and I need to get to Zambia asap to deal with some business specifics and spend time with the widows and get samples for Trade Shows we are hoping to attend this year.  I am hoping to find out if frequent flyer miles can be donated to us as this trip would cost between $6-7,000.00.  God allowed for one plane ticket!  I, Kristin, went back in July!  God provided everything I needed within a month of buying the ticket and leaving! 
4.  Prayer for our partners in Zambia and the widows we are working with.  That God would allow us the continued connections and support there as we move forward.  God is working in the women's lives and He continues to connect us with amazing people! 
5.  Prayer for "the next thing".  I think God is calling us to be a physical "place" in Zambia.  We don't know what that means yet, but is on our list of things to research and pray about when we are there.  The research on this is definitively moving us in the direction of a shelter/safe house.  The need is undeniable.  Pray as this is a HUGE goal!   
6.  Prayer for Ben and I as we refocus and want desperately to listen to what God is telling and asking us to do.  And for our 2 wonderful board members as they pray and thoughtfully give their advice and opinions.  We love them!  So blessed by our board members!  Keep praying for them!
7.  Well, I know there is much more to pray about but this is a good start!  Hoping to be able to update you all as God divinely provides for these needs and so much more!    Ephesians 3:20-"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us...".

Thank you  and we hope that God is going to be so real to everyone of you in this year of jumping feet first into God's will for our/your lives. To donate you can make checks payable to Extending Hands, Inc. and send to P.O. Box 181 Woodstock, Il 60098.  Let's start the new year off with a bang!