Happy New Year

Wow January is almost over already and I am just getting around to writing this.  News for Madagascar include a new president.  The election was on December 20, 2013 and the official results were announced last Friday.  The ceremony to put him into office will be this Saturday.  This being said the looser and his party are trying to get the African Union to say that the election was not a good one.  Always someone not willing to accept the results and move on.

As 2013 came to an end I celebrated the birth of Christ in many settings.  The first was with my bible study ladies group.  We finished our study of the patriarchs the end of November so we had a end of study Christmas gathering.  We shared Christmas goodies from all over the world.  What a wonderful group of missionary women.  The next  two was with my English clubs. We all had a good time except upon leaving the Ministry of Population I fell down the stairs and am still healing the wound o my led from that fall.  (no there wasn't any  alcohol at the party I was not drunk LOL). The next was just a small one with the children at church.  I am leading the children ministry team  and the children sang a couple songs for the adults then we went back to the class room and had snacks and juice.  The kids made a ornament out of the bottom of a soft drink bottle and then put glitter inside and tie a string to it.  They love glitter.  The next one was the same day when I along with my friend Mbola hosted the children's ministry team for lunch and gift exchange.  We had a really fun time.  Finally that same day I went to a gathering with the missionaries here in Tana to sing Christmas carols and enjoy a meal together.  (boy that was a long day)

Christmas day was quiet for me, after church I came back home and focused on the Lord.  It was a nice day.

I started out the new year with a summer cold.  It lasted 5 days and I am glad to say I am completely over it.  Yeah!  The weather is nice here during the day, but lots of rain.  Yesterday it was raining so hard I had to wait it out before heading to my car after church.   Of course I didn't have my umbrella.

I have received a lot of cards from family and friends all over the world.  I guess people really do read my facebook posts.  In November I posted I had not received any Christmas cards in the 6 years I have been here.  Now I was blessed beyond measures. I have put them on the wall in front of my computer and each day I open one and pray for that person or family.  It is a good way for me to remember you in my prayers.  Today I got a package from Burl and the mission prayer team at Craycroft Baptist Church.  I am always excited about a package from home.  Thanks for sending it.

I have decided to sell my car and look for a different one.  The one I bought 2 years ago has been broken down more than working.  It is all computerized and it appears when you fix something it needs to be re-programed each time.  So I had to put in a new fuel pump but it was not re-programed and now has no power.  You need to get a code to program it and the only way you can get the code is from the dealer and they want more than $1,000 to do it.  Then they will not give the code so you have to go back to them each time something goes wrong.  So if you could pray it sells quickly and I am able to get a fair price so I can get a different one I would appreciate it.

Blessings to you and may God bless you in 2014.

You can contact me either by facebook Sandi Horen or e-mail sandra.horen@gmail.com.  I no longer use the AOL account so please delete that from your contacts for me.

Love Sandi Horen

Children school fees and supplies

Some of you have given gifts to help the some of the children here go to school.  One of the little boys we have been supporting for the last 3 years is a little deaf boy that prior to our helping him was not able to attend any school. 

As is the case for everywhere the fees have gone up a lot during the past 3 years.  Heriniaina has to travel south 4 hours and live at the school during the school year.  The fees this year have doubled since he started.  The fees are about $250.00 for the school year.  This includes his room, board, school fees, supplies and transportation to and from home 6 times at $15 each time. (one to school first of school year, 2 for Christmas holiday, 2 for Easter break and home at the end of the year). Previously I have paid for his transportation and am willing to continue helping if we can send him this year.  I currently have support of $100.00 for him.  Are you interested in helping with the remaining amount.  If so you can send a gift to World Venture indicate on the memo line #6401-900.

This is a  miscellaneous account used once a year for support for children here in Madagascar.

Currently we have 6 children we help at $100.00 a year for fees and supplies.  For most of them this covers the needs, most of the parents are asked to contribute a little bit towards these fees.  There are 2 that the parents can not afford any amount because they use all they earn to feed the family. 

If you choose to give there are a couple ways to give. 

1.  by check in the mail to 1501 W. Mineral Avenue, Littleton, CO 80120-5612  
2.  by e-mail at www.worldventure. go to donate you need to go to a secure mission and enter 6401-900
3. by phone you can call 720-283-2000 and tell them you would like to donate to 6401-900.

Although credit card are easy and convenient please be aware there is a 3% fee deducted from the gift.
Other than credit card there is no fee taken from these gifts.  100% goes to the children.

I pray you can make a gift for Heriniaina or give for another child.

Last few months

As you all know I was in the states from May 8, 2013 to August 1st.  My mother went to be with the lord 2 days after I arrived there.  I thank God for being able to be there with my dad and brothers and sisters during this tough time for us all. 

I spent the rest of the time there 6 weeks with my Dad and family.  I lift my Dad in prayer.  He is very lost without the love of his life.  My mom was sick and in a nursing home for the last 5 years.  My dad went and had dinner with her and held her hand until she went to sleep every night except 2     nights when he was in the hospital.  I pray for a friend for my dad someone he can do things with like going to rummage sales and golfing.

I went to AZ for 3 weeks and had time to visit my friends and church. Kristen always has a room open and ready for me.  Bob is always fun to spend time with.  I am so blessed with the friends and family I have all over the world.

Savannah, Braydon,Me,Dotti,Kristy

Me and Gabbie

my friend Bob

Jeremy

Our newest Jason

Anne-Marie and me

Jeannie, Bradley, Jerry

the end of my time in the states I spent time with my friend Anne-Marie. We visited places I have never been. So much fun.

I returned to Madagascar on August 1st.  On August 9th while out walking trying to move a little more, my buddy and companion Bandit was run over by a car and died.  I grieve for him I still miss him especially at night because he slept under the bed or right beside the bed.  When I get up he was always there right beside me.

Yesterday I received notice my uncle had passed away.  He had a stroke on Saturday and didn't make it.

I pray God will move me into a new season past these deaths.  I know He will not give me more than I can handle, but I think I am at my limit.  Asking for you prayers.

My Bandit