TTWWADI

We try to update Milk Project sponsors on a monthly basis.  But some things don't fit in a neat, quick email.  (Just like life, right?)

I heard recently on a podcast about the term TTWWADI (pronounced Tee-tee-waddy) which is an acronym meaning That's The Way We Always Did It)

There are practices and things we do in The Milk Project that are now sort of tried and true, but just like the rest of the mission of late, we are always in the throes of coming up against TTWWADI, versus what needs to change or be done different. 

TTWWADI as a concept of course seems stilted, or counterproductive, but of course there is comfort in doing things the way they have been done...it is comfortable, easier, known.  The unknown or new is scary.  

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As we are continuing to seek ways to mature, and deepen those coming to church, and as well the children in the Milk Project.  

We are now putting more emphasis between church and Milk Project with the pastor's participating...talking with the kids, getting to know them, and doing some house visits as well with the staff.  

That gives rise to the possibility of blurring lines, of some conflict or turf wars, but the benefit if that is managed well is obvious.  

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We don't publicize much about doing home projects, and it is a lot of extra work in many cases...but the difference it can mean to the kids in the Milk Project and their family.  

Beds and the like are easier sometimes.  Roofs and floors require calculations, who can do the work (whether the family or someone hired) and also depend on availability of materials...Sampedrana doesn't have hardware stores.  

The needs are overwhelming.  Sometimes sponsors step up, and then we do what we can.  

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Maria wrote me to ask if we could help Celenia get her uniform to go to school (something which we do not do in the Milk Project as a matter of course.)

I asked why, and she sent me this picture, to tell me that Celenia lives with her dad, just the two of them, and that he is confined to a wheelchair and has very limited mobility with his hands as well.  She is his primary caregiver, and the food he gets is from the kindness of neighbors.  Celenia gets fed at the project, and when we have a little extra, some of that.  Maria pushed for her to go to school, even writing her previous teacher from some time ago.  But no uniform means no school.  

​She will get a uniform.  

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Via a gift from a generous benefactor with long standing ties to the Milk Project, we have new books to use, including these Bibles that are very good to have in the new locations where we were short supplied.  

Good for reading, studying, and some handwriting practice as well.  

I'd be lying if I said I didn't wish we could just say TTWADI some days.  To just have "the usual," but growth, change, and maturity doesn't come in quantity just doing what has always been done, as scary as that can be.  

May God grant us all the faith, the strength, and the Holy Spirit powered desire,  to get out of the boat of normal and walk with Him, keeping our focus on Him and not what we want to do or see.  Amen y amen