Being Salt in the City of the Big Salt (Antsirabe)

Their clothes were tattered & torn, dirt covered their bodies, snot ran down their faces, & their hands were always extended.  Whenever we went to the local grocery store in Antsirabe, we were always met by these children.  When we first got here, it was too overwhelming that we didn’t know what to say (nor knew how to say anything they could understand) or what to do so we often ignored them hoping that they would just go away.  

Then because of another missionary friend’s example, we began paying one of the children a very small amount to “guard” our car while we shopped.  We also got into the habit of buying each of them a small pack of biscuits (cookies) to help them with their hunger or to appease our guilty conscience.  

But shortly after this, we realized that many of the things that the white person (“vazaha”) has done for them has really perpetuated the enormous problem of begging in Madagascar (particularly in Antsirabe).  Sadly, Malagasy children, as soon as they are able to walk, instinctively extend their hand when they see a white person, because they have been trained by their parents that the white person is rich & will often give them money.  

Unfortunately, when we realized this we became a little hardened in our hearts toward them because many of these children are professionals at lying to get whatever they can get from the white person whether or not they have a real need.  So often we became annoyed with the constant pleas for money or food.

But then I was reminded that Jesus had compassion on the masses when they were still dead in their trangressions and sins.  So we asked ourselves, how can we help them?  Initially, we had wanted to help the many children on the streets to be able to go to school, and stop begging in the streets.  But of course, the solution to the problem was not that simple.

 After much prayer, we talked with our local Malagasy pastor (Kris), about how we could best help these children both physically & spiritually by partnering with his church.  In mid January, we invited 30 children (plus their families) to come to New Life Baptist church for a small gift but more importantly to allow them an opportunity to hear the gospel.  While all the children watched most of “The Jesus Film” in Malagasy, their parents or relatives were hearing the gospel being preached by Pastor Kris with an opportunity to respond.  

We were so blessed to have this opportunity to be a small part in introducing these children to the only One that can satisfy all their needs and give them the true riches that they are longing for!  Please take time to pray for the faces that you see that they would come to Jesus because his hand is not too short to save and He never grows weary.  If you want to know more about how you can partner with us in praying more specifically for these precious children, please email us!

“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”  Matthew 19:14 

Buckeye or Disco House?

Brutus was here to welcome us to our new house

One of our two disco lights in our living room (unfortunately we don't have the disco music hooked up to come on with this awesome lighting yet;)

 We officially live in the Buckeye/ Disco house in the capital city (Antananarivo) in Mada!  Don’t knock it until you see it—it is pretty swank;) 

  

Our very buckeye kitchen (we even crated red canisters and red pots & pans!)

We have had some problems with the house since we have moved in, but we are so thankful to have a roof over our heads and a new place to call home!  We are also so thankful that we were able to bring our wonderful Malagasy day guard & his family from Antsirabe to live here & work for us!  This allows us to have a very trustworthy guard/ dog trainer and housekeeper that work for us during the week!  However, it will still take time for us to adjust to the heavy traffic and the change in the cost of living here in the capital. 

 

Oh, the Marvelous Mahoney Mayhem:  Eli is enjoying homeschooling in the mornings with Ruth.  We are glad that he is eager to learn & loves to read.

This is how I found Eli & Gee monkey after morning prayer before we started school one morning.  Gee was practicing his prayer position (a treasure I hope I will not soon forget!)

Zoey joins them for singing, science, some stories & other fun activities (below is a pic of our Roman Dinner Party).   

Eating with our hands while laying down at our Roman Dinner Party!  I am acting the part of the 'slave' like they had back then.

At the end of January, the kids started a new French school here in Tana, but this time they are only going in the afternoons for a few hours.  This allows them to have Malagasy friends as well as continue to learn French.  

            Alleluia is close to 7 months now & she always keeps us on our toes!  She surprised us when she became mobile at 5 months, but perhaps she shocked us even more when she began pulling up a little over a week after she learned how to crawl.  We were definitely not ready for her to grow up this quickly!  Boy, I am thankful that she has two little kids that adore her, and make sure that she does not get into any trouble:).  One of our greatest joys is to watch Eli make her laugh—no one can make her laugh like her Bubby!  

About a week after this pic was taken she fell head first into this basket-- bless her heart she is going to have a lot of bumps & bruises (maybe the most out of all our kids!)

 

Happy New Year from the Mahoneys!!

 Sunday before Christmas:

• What a blessing it was to celebrate Christmas with some other missionary families here!  We enjoyed exchanging gag gifts with the adults & the kids got to open one of their gifts from family/friends in America.  Also, we had quite the spread: chicken, awesome mashed potatoes, ham, yummy noodles, cranberry sauce, amazing rolls & several desserts (that we almost didn’t have enough room for)!
  

  Eli is wearing Andy's gift (the hat), & Waverly is wearing
Ruth's 'vomit poncho' (for when Alleluia spits up)!

Christmas Eve:

Zoey loving on one of the kids in the orphanage

Eli playing ball with one of the boys in the orphanage

Add caption

Our family really enjoyed getting to visit a local orphanage to share the Christmas story in Malagasy, sing Christmas carols (in English & Malagasy), pass out candy & stickers & love on some sweet, precious children.  It was so wonderful to see Eli & Zoey help pass out the candy & their stickers to these children; as well as love & play with the many babies that we saw at the orphanage.  There were 40 children that lived at this orphanage.  Please pray for these precious children that they will have a family next Christmas & that they would truly know how much God loves them!

Zoey & Eli before the Christmas play

The big kids got to take part in our church’s Christmas play!  Eli was one of the wise men & Zoey was one of the angels.  It was so great to see our kids enjoy being a part of this play & have fun with the other children.  There was a practice before the play began so by the time the kids were on stage, Eli was losing his costume & Zoey had lost her halo:).  
 

 

the kids trying on their new clothes on Christmas morning.

Christmas Day:

We had fun just spending time together as a family; reading the Christmas story & watching the kids open their gifts.  It was a very simple day, but somehow it was still special even though we still missed being with our families in America!

Moments with the Mahoney kids:

1. Homeschooling begins:
   Each week, Eli gets to learn a new verse from the Bible through song. Here is his version of the Romans 3:23 song: “All have sinned (echo), and fall short (repeat) of the glory of God that is the word of the Lord & it’s written by Bob in Romans 3:23.”  [Bob otherwise known as Paul!]
2. Imaginary dinner with Zoey: Yesterday, at “Zoey’s diner” I had pork, chicken, rice, French fries, carrots, smoothies & homemade donuts with ice cream (all imaginary, of course).  Here is part of the conversation we had:
   Ruth: “This pork is really good.  What’s on it?”
   Zoey: “Homemade sauce”
   Ruth: “What’s in it?”
   Zoey: “It’s homemade.”
   Ruth: “What did you make it with?”
   Zoey: “You know, I made it by myself.”
3. “You Got to Move it Move it”: Someone has been sending this subliminal message to Alleluia while she’s been sleeping because a few days after Christmas she became mobile; & she is only 5 months old!  She isn’t crawling, or doing the army crawl but she has been doing planks then lunging herself forward to get around wherever she wants to go!!  (We will try to post a video of this soon).

Allie at 5 months :) 

Thanks for your faithful prayers!  You are a big part of the work we are called here to do!!  

Happy Chicken Day and Faly Faly Christmas!

 I am sure you have heard of ‘Happy Turkey Day’, but this year we had a huge feast with a ton of chicken to enjoy!  It was such a blessing to host a large number of our mission family on the island at our house this year.  We had quite a feast & we were all able to reflect on God’s many blessings in our lives.  We definitely missed our family & friends in America, but we cannot help but see how God is so faithful to fulfill the promises from His Word.  In Mark 10:29-30a it says, "Jesus said, 'Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel,  who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands.' "

 

 

I can’t believe that Christmas is right around the corner!  And yet, we are wearing shorts, enjoying some hot weather & seeing no Santa Clauses.  I am so thankful that we were able to buy a small fake Christmas tree at our grocery store.  Most places we go even play English Christmas music.  The kids really enjoyed getting to help put up the tree & decorate it this year (even if it does look lopsided).  We hope to make this Christmas a special one since it will be our first in Mada.  We are also looking forward to celebrating it with 2 other mission families that live here in Antsirabe.  We  hope to do some special things together as a family to spread Christmas cheer to the Malagasy.

When I reflect on the first Christmas, I often think of the 3 gifts that the wise men brought to baby Jesus and I ask myself what 3 gifts can I give to Jesus?  Well, the first most important gift I can give Him is myself completely.  Yes, I gave my heart to Him many years ago… but I know that many times my heart is not fully surrendered to Him daily like He desires.  Secondly, the gift that I was given in Jesus Christ I should not keep to myself because frankly, it is not just for me.  It is a gift for all people-- I must proclaim it on the mountaintops!  Lastly, we all, as Christians, eagerly await Christ’s return.  The Bible clearly states that He will not return until all peoples have had the chance to hear about Him.  Won’t you pray about giving to Lottie Moon (http://www.imb.org/main/give/page.asp?StoryID=5725&LanguageID=1709) so that people who have never heard may have the chance to hear about the One that we sing about at Christmas time?  Please pray fervently about what God would have you give to further His Kingdom.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

November Update

 We know that you have been praying for us and we want to say we are so thankful for all of you who partner with us!  This last month has had many joyous times as well as times of struggle.  But we know that God has been with us every step of the way.  Here are the highlights!  

 

Zoey’s 4^th Birthday Party

1. Her favorite Tinker Bell costume, Water balloons, and swimming—what’s not to love? 
2. Fellowship with Malagasy people from Zoey’s school & many basic conversations were understood despite our broken Malagasy!

Fun with balloons @ Zoey's party

Swimming @ Zoey's party!

Trip to Tana

Eli sitting next to a dwarf Baobab

1. There was no room for the kids at the two English schools we looked at; this has led us to home school for the remainder of this school year.
2. We searched for a place to live, but didn’t find one yet.
3. Had a fun time at the Lemur park with the kids!

 

 

Dinner with new friends

1. Shared a meal with a friend of Eli’s from school & his family.
2. They are a family of Indian Mu**ims that have lived her for 5 generations.
3. God has placed them in our lives for a reason.  Please pray for an opportunity to share with the mother Lydia* (*name changed).

Sickness

1. Andy experienced chest pain & shortness of breath and was seen by a local Doctor here in Antsirabe.  He was given some medicine for a sinus/throat infection. 
2. An EKG was also done and after consulting with some doctors back in South Carolina it appears that Andy has pericarditis (an inflammation of the sac around the heart). 
3. Andy is feeling better now, and we are thankful for your prayers!

Allie trying out her new outfit (4 months old)

We can’t thank you enough for your continued love, prayers, & support!  If you are a part of an SBC church, please pray as we get closer to Lottie Moon that you & your family would give what God would have you give to help missionaries all around the world share Jesus with those that have never heard! 

A glimpse of Malagasy life...

In September, I was able to visit a famadihana, or turning of the bones here in Antsirabe.  Every 7 years, usually, the Malagasy people will gather with their extended families and friends and celebrate their ancestors.  The family tombs are opened up and the ancestors’ bodies are removed and then paraded around-either through the streets or just around the area where the tomb is located.  Many times people will take a part of their ancestor to help with a physical problem they are suffering.  For instance, teeth are taken and placed in a person’s mouth if they are missing teeth; a tea is made of remains of the corpse and drunk to help cure various ailments; sometimes bones are carried home for ‘good luck’ or viewed as the ancestor’s blessing.  Loud music and a lot of alcohol are enjoyed by the families during these celebrations.  

As more people are moving to the cities looking for work and younger generations are becoming ‘westernized,’ this tradition is slowly going out of style in Madagascar.  The famadihana that I was able to go to exhibited many of the above characteristics, although thankfully none of the corpse eating/mutilating.  There was a lot of dancing to live music played by a small band.  Then, a witch doctor came to preside over the opening of the tomb and then one of the elder males in the family spoke a prayer to the ancestors they were honoring that day (a total of 6, I believe).  A sad realization swept over me standing there watching, as I realized many of these people would soon be sitting in their local Lutheran, Catholic, or other church the following Sunday morning-and yet here they were praying to dead bodies to help them with their problems!  I am so thankful that Jesus has conquered the grave and that we no longer need to fear death!  

“through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, ¹⁵ and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” ^[1]

A song kept coming to mind as the Malagasy were singing and dancing in worship to their ancestors: click here to watch it. 

This is what God has called us to Madagascar to proclaim; 

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,

because the Lord has anointed me

          to bring good news to the poor;

he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

          to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

     ²     to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,

and the day of vengeance of our God;

to comfort all who mourn;

     ³     to grant to those who mourn in Zion—

to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,

          the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit”^[2]

---

^[1]The Holy Bible : English Standard Version. (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Heb 2:14-15.

^[2]The Holy Bible : English Standard Version. (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Is 61:1-3.

Beginning...again...

Malagasy man that Andy was able to meet

The Lord is developing in us a love for the people here. We appreciate, more & more, who God as made them to be. The Malagasy are usually always smiling, very friendly, polite, ingenuitive, and willing to help.

A story to illustrate:

Saturday night, our upstairs faucet in our tub broke. When Ruth was filling up a bucket with water in order to fill the washing machine, of course) the rusty pipe snapped in two and water was shooting out of the wall! Fortunately, Andy was able to shut the water off pretty quickly. Andy & our night guard (Tolotra) tried to figure out how to shut off the water to just the upstairs, but they  were unable to. Thankfully, we live next door to a plumber! Around 10 pm, Tolotra was standing on the outdoor sink trying to get our neighbor’s attention. Though we had woken up our neighbor, he was very pleasant & helpful. Not only did he help us with our immediate problem that night, but he came back Sunday morning to finish fixing the faucet.

The kids outside their classrooms @ College Francais Jules Verne

This month has been busy with reacclimating to life here in Mada; we started back to language class with a 2 month-old and the ‘big kids’ started French school.  It has also been a challenging month for us as we miss our family & friends back in America.  Each of us (except for Alleluia) has been going through some culture shock at one time or another, adjusting to our new normal here & the stresses involved. But one thing remains the same: our God is always with us, is faithful & gracious to us every step of the way!

1st day of school!

Thank you for your faithful prayers, love & support. Thanks to our SBC partners for giving to Lottie Moon! We could not do what we are doing without your prayers!

We always appreciate hearing from you as well .

Zeke

This is Zeke, our new Great Dane puppy!  We bought him from a local breeder here in Antsirabe.  He is a very sweet & gentle dog, and the kids get along really well with him as well.

We will be putting up some more posts about some of the other things about we have been able to see & experience this past month.