The Trip Part 1

Hey all, just a quick update to let you all know that Barnabas and Amara did in fact go home to see "Grandma."  I have been a little hush hush about location and specifics just for security reasons.  I want to make sure my loved ones return safely to me so I will keep specifics to myself and to private conversations.  But I did want you all to know that Amara is doing great!  She has had an obsession with Grandma for the last few months and has wanted to meet her.  With all of the heartache the family has been through we sensed that taking her would bring a little sunshine to their hearts.  Amara has never traveled on an airplane or even seen Grandma other than through pictures on my facebook.  We were so curious how she was going to adjust to the different culture and climate but Barnabas reports that Amara is doing amazingly well.  We had a few setbacks with her such as the bumpy taxi rides that she has had to endure which ended in a not so nice way of "the BIGGEST throw up ever!!!" according to Barnabas.  She was probably carsick and hot. She also had to take some malaria meds and that also did not agree with her tummy which ended in another episode of throwing up.  We decided to let her enjoy her time there so for now she is unmedicated.  She has lots of bug spray on which will hopefully prevent her from getting any bug bites. They got to spend some time in the city before heading to the village.  There Amara got acquainted with her Auntie and her cousins.  They had birthday cake for one of her cousins birthdays.  Barnabas said if I open a bakery there I would be a millionaire because the cakes there do no justice. Hmm food for thought lol!  After a few days they took a risky domestic flight to the village.  I didn't really sleep much that night as I was tracking their every move.  They arrived safely and are enjoying their time with the family.  Barnabas said that Amara truly, really loves Grandma.  She is smitten with love for her.  How special is that?!  God is so gracious to bring that kind of love into a 3 year olds heart.  I love that!  Amara also has wanted to dig right into the culture asking for local fare of FuFu which is what daddy always makes for the kids and they eat together sitting on the floor where daddy hand feeds them (stew with semolina dough balls kinda like cream of wheat in a mashed potato consistency).  You will have to try it sometime.  Did I mention to you that Grandma doesn't speak English?  Yep and that doesn't even phase Amara.  Again so cool!  Well friends continue to keep them in your prayers.  Pray for protection against malaria mosquitoes, pray for health and wellness, pray for Gods presence to be so evident among them that through this sadness His light will shine among them.

Keep checking back for more updates.

From the Homefront!
Amanda

Oh and one more thing...Daddy said that this time with Amara has been so special.  He said, "I'm falling in love with her all over again!"   Yep, brings me to tears!

Ready to go!

Sisters Hugging Goodbye

Daddy taking Nnenna in to school before leaving.  She was Star Student for the week and brought her modeling pictures in to share with the class.

Mommas love!

On the Plane!

Daddy said she couldn't get enough water!

Cousin time in the city!

Birthday Cake

Just hanging out

Auntie is so cool.  She even jump ropes!

All tuckered out!

Nice bathtub in the hotel!  In the village it will be bucket baths!

Hi Everyone!

Whoa!!! KFC!!! First chain food found in country! You bet they bought a bucket of it!

You all are AWESOME!!!!

Wow!  What an amazing day today has been!  Over and over I am reminded of how important it is to be the body of Christ.  Maybe you are reading this and don't know Jesus.  I want to testify that He is Alive!  It is through experiencing His faithfulness and goodness that I know that He loves us and cares for us even in the midst of our sorrows.

Over the past few months we have been sharing openly our story, Rose's story.  We have asked you for help, for prayers, for support, for advice, for encouragement etc... You all have been utterly amazing!  It is one of the hardest things to do to be on the side of "asking."  It is much more fun to be the "giver!" God has shown us through this experience that this is not about us.  It is not about my feelings, not about my pride, not about my image, not about me in any way.  After getting over that, my husband and I have put ourselves and Rose's story out there. We opened it up so that you could also be a part of the story... and that.you.are!!!!

I have been overjoyed with tears as so many of you have been doing so much for us and more importantly for the children and families in Nigeria.  I am really capturing a picture of what the body of Christ really is and what it ought to be.  No gift is too small.  Some have been the hands that have given, some have been the feet that have literally taken our passports to the Embassy for visas, or walked the stores to find bookbags, some have been the mouth of encouragement, advise, prayer, some have been the mind of wisdom, some have been the heart of love...each gift that you have given and role that you have played has been exactly what it needed to be!  They are all important so for that we say thank you!!!!

God is working!  Rose's body has been released from the hospital and will be prepared for her funeral.  This is a huge answer to prayer as the hospital had Grace upon Rose and our family and has kindly worked with us to remedy her HUGE hospital bill.  God is Alive!

We have also been working on another project looking for a hearing aid for a 5 year old little girl (my niece).  It was a far fetched request to find one in the matter of days but God did it.  We were able to get in touch with an amazing doctor that was recommended by many of you and He graciously donated one which will be picked up tomorrow morning.  I am so thrilled that for the first time this little girl will have a shot at being able to hear and talk and progress in her life. I am also so excited for my sister in law (the mommy) to be graced with this gift. What a gift. Can you imagine how blessed she is going to be that she will now be able to help her little girl. Amazing, just amazing ! This is HUGE!!!! Thank you!  God is surely Alive!

We have asked for donations of bookbags, clothing, school supplies etc....and in the matter of a few days we have more than enough!  Thank you!!! What a blessing it is going to be to give these to the people back home and see how the small things that we have access to on a daily basis will bless their heart and will be useful and helpful to them in so many ways!  Thank you!  God has provided and is truly Alive!

Just a few of the donations that have been given this past week.

Your monetary gifts have also made so many things possible.  We have seen so many of you take part in investing in what we are a part of.  If we were millionaires we would do it ourselves, but God has decided that it is best to allow others to join us in His work!  We appreciate and value you so much.  No gift is too small.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving.  This is what I call IMPACT giving!  It has eternal rewards! Thank you!  God is soooo Alive!

We hope you join us for this ride and see what else God has in store.  We are His mobilizers being obedient to do all that He has asked us to do.  We cannot do it without the rest of the body!  Thank you so much, we truly love and appreciate EACH and EVERY ONE of YOU!!!!

Late Jude's wife and Children. Your gifts have kept food on their table,clothes on their backs, and an education to give them hope for a future!

If you would like to join us in what we do please subscribe to our blog for updates.  If you would like to give towards any of our causes such as Jude's Children's Education, Maintaining the Water Well, or Helping Rose's Children with Education and basic needs please consider giving a donation that is tax deductible. 100% of it goes to these causes!


1. Checks made payable to: "Jacob's Well Foundation" 
(You can attach a sticky note with the name Agwuocha on it to designate your donation) 
Mail checks to:  

Jacob's Well Foundation                         
177 Hausman Road                            
Lenhartsville, PA 19534     

2. Wire Money Transfer 
To wire money into the Jacob's Well account; Account Number:  8033254249 Routing Number: 031207607 Account Holder: Jacob's Well Foundation Bank Name: PNC NA Bank Address: 431 County Road 513, Califon, NJ 07830 

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