Since I have been back I have had the opportunity to tell many stories. Most have been randomly conjured to my mind when Tim and I have been talking. However, the "formal" presentations that I have done have been very interesting indeed. My supporters who sponsored me on the trip were invited to a luncheon and presentation a week after I was back. This made the first week quite stressful, because it takes a lot of time and thought to piece together a powerpoint presentation. Especially when it is on a testy HP computer.
Anyways, this semester I am in a class called "Promoting Health Globally," which I had the option of doing a presentation on work I've done overseas, or writing a tedious paper. I chose the former and presented last week to my class. My dear professor apparently enjoyed my presentation very much (even though I honed it to present on the global health issues and challenges in two sites in Kenya because I had a time limit). She recommended me to the head of Global Health at the U of I and now I am giving that same presentation at the annual Global Health Studies Reception in November.
God has blessed me abundantly.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Bottletops
It is funny the things that take you back to different and past times and places. It seems that the smallest little trinket can trigger an ocean of memory that puts me back in a place where smells and textures are very real.
I am currently in the process of unpacking my new house, Maggie and I are moving in to our adjoining room, and having a bit of fun fixing it up just the way we like it. I just hung up, on the rim of my book shelf, thirteen pop tops from glass bottles. Four of them aren’t from Africa, but the other nine are, and each one, as I sat back and admired my work, reminded of some amazing times.
There are two ‘Krest’ tabs, one white and one green. The white one is a ginger ale and the green is “bitter lemon.” The white one I drank while Rob and I were in the guesthouse in Nairobi. We were looking about in the gift shop and decided to get sodas. It was our last time in the Nairobi guesthouse, and the memory brings back the layout of the first floor. There was the front desk and two wooden chairs with a table and magazines between them. There was a rather large living room area with African art hung on the wall and African style furniture arranged in a welcoming way. The other Krest cap was from Litein, I had it the night that I was very sick.
There’s an “Alvara” top that is an orangy yellow colour. This we picked up in Kajiado town when we went and had yama choma in the locker of the town. Yama choma is a leg of goat put on a rotisserie apparatus and cooked for a while. Then they bring the leg in on a large wooden cutting board/plate and cut it up with a huge knife. On the edges of the plate are little mounds of salt, which you dip the meat that you tear off in and eat. Daniel (the director of the Kajiado Child Care Center), Rob and I all had this soda with our goat leg. It was a fizzy pineapple and it was very enjoyable.
Another tab is a lime green colour and it was from a “fanta citrus.” This was the soda that I had in Amaya, a mobile clinic that we did while we stayed in Churo. Festus, the nurse for the clinic, went and brought in soda for all of us when we were nearing the fourth hour of our work that day. It was very generous of him, and we all appreciated the cool drink and the break for our feet.
There are more tabs, and each with specific and detailed memories. It is good to remember.
Monday, August 16, 2010
A little girl named Pialo
Kajiado, Kenya is very deeply located in Maasai (a Kenyan tribe) land. Maasai huts are mostly mud and dung mixtures with sticks dried into the mud to stabilize the hut. The cooking is done in the middle of the hut over an open flame. There can be one or two small peep hole windows in huts, but many have no such windows and therefore, Maasai huts are very poorly ventilated. In Kajiado, Kenya there is a child care center (amongst other things) that takes care of children who are physically disabled. Most children suffered Polio when they were very young and still bear the consequences today. Some have spina bifida, some microcephaly or hydrocephaly. Pialo doesn't suffer under such conditions.
Pialo, when she was about three years old walked too close to the cooking flame in her hut and her skirt caught on fire, and she was badly burned in the accident. Her family brought her to the child care center, and she has lived there ever since, because she is of less value because of her scars and condition. She has a beautiful heart that wants to learn and serve others. She vaguely reminds me of Samwise Gamgee, the beloved hobbit from the Lord of the Rings, because she is never far off from another girl, Esther. Pialo helps Esther in and out of her wheel chair and takes Esther everywhere in the chair. They are neigh inseparable.
Though children in Africa were far more friendly and loving towards us wazungu (white peoples) Pialo seemed to love beyond a mere fascination and being around her was quite different than most of the other children that I met while I was gone. She included me in the games that her and her friends were playing on the play ground after school. I went down slides, through tunnels of water vats, ran about buildings and hid nearly everywhere they could think of to stick me. Later that night, after they had all gone and had supper, I was invited into the disabled girls dormitory by none other than the precious Pialo. I helped Esther to understand the one children's book that they had, a Christmas story as she read it in English to the others. Esther had no idea what a reindeer was, and frankly, I think I called it a moose that can fly. When I was going to leave, to be with my team for the night, Pialo teared up and didn't want me to go. To see this broke my heart and made me cry a bit too. Love is strong in the children of Kajiado, Kenya.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Getting to Churo
There is so much to explain and I will eventually post who all of these people that I tell stories about are, but for now please bear with me.
Paul H. has spent 7 years in Uganda and 13 years in Kenya with our Organisation, and he accompanied us from Nairobi to Kijabe and Churo. After our stay in Churo we dropped him off in Nakuru to catch a matatu (taxi) back home to Kijabe. Paul H. is a MD, but is no longer practicing, he does another job, which I am not sure of the title, in Kenya. Paul H., for the first week, drove our landcruiser. The first day that we were in Nairobi and then the first day in Kijabe it had rained very hard.
Personally, I had been praying for some African rains before we even arrived in Kenya, and I really got what I had requested. Rob and Kristina weren't so chipper as I about the rains, but they managed. When we got to Paul H.'s house, his wonderful wife, Pam, told us that Kenya had just recently gotten out of a two year drought and had been praying for little smatterings of rain. The past couple of days had been a blessing because Kijabe, and most of Kenya, had not seen rain like that in over two years. I was thinking through this the other day and realised that God had used my prayer to bless the Kenyans, and in this I rejoice.
About Kenyan tribes:
There are about 48 tribal family groups in Kenya and we interacted with four of them. That to say, what you read from me will not be a complete picture of the Kenyan people, but with any luck, you will have an accurate snapshot of four tribes: Kikuyu, Samburu, Maasai(the most popular for African photographs) and Pokot.
When we left Kijabe after the massive rainfall, we started out on a three and a half hour ride to Churo, in the east Pokot land. We were nearing the final stretch of our journey to Churo when we were faced with a spot in the road that had two small ponds on either side of a fallen tree. We chose the right, and apparently should have gone left. We got incredibly, award winning stuck in the reddish 'clay-mud' that didn't smell like it was just mud (there are animals on the road all the time, so it most likely wasn't just mud) and murky water. The stuck that I speak of is bottom of my knee (literally that's where I sunk down to) deep puddles with our left front and right back wheels spinning free when we tried to muscle the landcruiser out of the road swamp.
We eventually decided that we needed to get out of the vehicle and push while Paul H. tried to drive out. We tried. We failed, Kristina was splattered by the spittle of the tire she stood behind. We tried piling brush and smaller rocks underneath the two spinning tires to get some traction, but to no avail. All the while a group of Pokot onlookers were quite enjoying their opportunity of daily entertainment: Wazungu (white people in Kiswahili) Stuck In the Mud. After about half an hour of heaving, piling, pushing and sweating, a younger Pokot mechanic, also named Paul, came into the mud with us to help. He became just as dirty as we were, it was amazing to see the love, compassion and righteous work that he gifted to us.
Someone, maybe Paul, came up with the idea of jacking the landcruiser up and putting large rocks beneath the spinners to see how that would go. This took about 25 minutes to do, and we all got much dirtier than we were before. Rob (Mississippian on the team) and Paul were the most instrumental in stacking things, and Kristina, Kathryn and I brought them the big rocks from the road side. We also decided to tie the rope we had in the cruiser to the front grill and had a force pull from the front. I began tying rope to the front and some of the onlookers decided to get involved. I tied five ropes on, and women and men grabbed onto them in preparation for the upheaval. One of the women helped me cut the rope with her machete (which is merely a gardening tool in Kenya). We prepared, had pushers in the back, a pulling crew in the front and Paul H. behind the wheel, and the cruiser came out of the swamp.
The team washed off a bit in a stream, except for me, and then we drove the last 200 yards of the journey to Churo! Paul H. had neglected to tell us that we were in walking distance. I sustained the only injury of the entire ordeal, which I believe I got rather early on. A rock had worked its way into my chaco (a secure sandal brand) and cut the bottom of my big toe. The cut was into my callous and didn't bleed, which I count as a blessing of God. My foot could have been, logically should have been infected or introduced some type of protozoan or bacteria into my blood stream, but instead, I paid a little pain of the cut and then Kathryn cleaning the muck out, and I was healthy.
* The giraffe in the photo by my chacos is Marley, he originally belongs to Karthryn and he was our team mascot, and went nearly everywhere that we traveled.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Journey Map
This is my attempt to give you a physical idea of where our team went, so that when I refer to a place, you will have a vague idea of what I am talking about.
I will describe the places in Kenya and Minah by terms of medical sites we visited, because they dictated our route, but our learning was a majority of non-medical, more cultural and spiritual things. This is not to say that we didn't learn a tremendous amount of medical based things, but God surpassed what the doctors taught us all the more.
From Moline IL, I flew out May 24 and stopped over in Detroit on my way to New York. Pearl River, NY is the HQ for the US base for our Organisation. This is where Rob, Kristina and I met. Then, May 26 we began a long trek from New York to London, which I believe was neigh seven hours. After a few hours of layover in London, we got on another plane to Nairobi, Kenya, nearly a nine hour flight. We spent the night in Nairobi at the Organisation's guesthouse. The next day we began our ride around Kenya.
The places we went and why...
Kijabe: hospital, homestay and to orientate with Pam and Paul (longtermers in Kenya)
Nakuru: church, game park (safari), the only hotel (one night)
Churo: dispensary, Amaya moblie clinic, the most rural place we went
Nakuru: dropped Paul off to go home to Kijabe drove through
Litein: hospital (up close and personal)
Nairobi: stay in guesthouse (one night)
Kajiado: Childcare center, dispensary, mobile clinics in Partimarou and Piliwa, girls school
Nairobi: guesthouse for a night and flight to Minah
Minah is divided into four "provinces" in a way, like Canada, only it takes a 30 minute plane ride to get from one to the next.
We spent time in two "provinces" which we shall call GC and MH.
GC cities:
Oni: homestay, Catholic hospital, Muslim Hospital, Dr. Cortino's (a Ugandan) private practise, Kathryn's team in GC. We spent a week in Oni and then went to another "province" MH and stayed with Ruth (Kathryn didn't come with us).
MH cities:
Ezi: Staying with Ruth, visiting Heather
Ani: dispensary
Boni: hospital and clinic
Goni: hospital and families
Then we went back to GC and went to Dja for debriefing. Then back to Kenya, and back to London and New York and IL and Iowa.
Please note that the cities in Minah are magically abbreviated to be not the real names. Now, once we are all caught up on how the navigation of the trip worked, I will tell you the good stuff.
I will describe the places in Kenya and Minah by terms of medical sites we visited, because they dictated our route, but our learning was a majority of non-medical, more cultural and spiritual things. This is not to say that we didn't learn a tremendous amount of medical based things, but God surpassed what the doctors taught us all the more.
From Moline IL, I flew out May 24 and stopped over in Detroit on my way to New York. Pearl River, NY is the HQ for the US base for our Organisation. This is where Rob, Kristina and I met. Then, May 26 we began a long trek from New York to London, which I believe was neigh seven hours. After a few hours of layover in London, we got on another plane to Nairobi, Kenya, nearly a nine hour flight. We spent the night in Nairobi at the Organisation's guesthouse. The next day we began our ride around Kenya.
The places we went and why...
Kijabe: hospital, homestay and to orientate with Pam and Paul (longtermers in Kenya)
Nakuru: church, game park (safari), the only hotel (one night)
Churo: dispensary, Amaya moblie clinic, the most rural place we went
Nakuru: dropped Paul off to go home to Kijabe drove through
Litein: hospital (up close and personal)
Nairobi: stay in guesthouse (one night)
Kajiado: Childcare center, dispensary, mobile clinics in Partimarou and Piliwa, girls school
Nairobi: guesthouse for a night and flight to Minah
Minah is divided into four "provinces" in a way, like Canada, only it takes a 30 minute plane ride to get from one to the next.
We spent time in two "provinces" which we shall call GC and MH.
GC cities:
Oni: homestay, Catholic hospital, Muslim Hospital, Dr. Cortino's (a Ugandan) private practise, Kathryn's team in GC. We spent a week in Oni and then went to another "province" MH and stayed with Ruth (Kathryn didn't come with us).
MH cities:
Ezi: Staying with Ruth, visiting Heather
Ani: dispensary
Boni: hospital and clinic
Goni: hospital and families
Then we went back to GC and went to Dja for debriefing. Then back to Kenya, and back to London and New York and IL and Iowa.
Please note that the cities in Minah are magically abbreviated to be not the real names. Now, once we are all caught up on how the navigation of the trip worked, I will tell you the good stuff.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Mind's Eye
Greetings to all,
I have been in Iowa for a few days now and have been thinking about what to write on here first, what order it should go in ect. So that you know, I don't believe that what I write will be entirely chronological, maybe not at all. I will eventually write about the order as a reference though. Also, getting everything out onto the blog will most likely take a lot of time, and I have no goal as to when it will be finished. Even if I were to write all I thought through, there will still be many ways that this 2010 trip will be moving my life in the future. So I believe it will never actually end.
It is strange being in Iowa, even New York and London were weird. First off, there are so many more wazungu (white people- non derogatory). Secondly, Rob, one of the four people that comprised our team, we left at the Nairobi airport on the 29th of June. While I was in Kenya, I began listening to the Lord of the Rings radio version, and when we left Kathryn and then Rob, and then I left Kristina, it very much felt like our fellowship was breaking (which, in the physical sense, it was).
I have over 2000 photos from the trip, and my mother and I were flipping through some of them. We got to one from Kajiado-a place you will hear much more about in the future- and my mind, for a second, took me back there. I cannot adequately explain it, but I felt like I was standing (which I was when I took the scene in the photo) but my physically intact body was sitting. I squinted my eyes because of the sun, by it was dark in the room. I snapped back and took a deep breath- it was so odd.
Every now and then when I am missing a certain bunch of people, I will close my eyes and my mind takes me back to them. A few moments ago I was missing people in Kajiado- for some reason my mind went back to a very specific day in Kajiado compound and rewinded me through my walk to morning devotions, waking up and having a small disagreement with the mosquito net, then the night before, sitting at the table and talking with Kathryn and Rob. Its amazing. I remember rocks, little details, sounds, lighting, colours of clothing and who was there, where they were, what we were talking about, everything. It's amazing.
I asked God to help me remember so that I could bring small glimpses of Kenya and Minah back with me. So that I could share. So that He could use what I shared to change peoples' hearts in my home country. He answered that prayer, just like He did throughout the whole trip. One right after another, we saw Him healing and loving and walking with us, and answering our prayers. He answered this one.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Team Building
Since three pm on the 24th of May, our team of three have been getting to know each other and spending a lot of time together, since that's what you do here.
First off, AIM's HQ is not at all what I expected, but it is really really nice. Its very similar to the house that my family used to stay at that was just outside of Wisconsin Dells. There's a train track that is close, so I get to hear the whistle every now and then, and there are lots of evergreens and plants surrounding the HQ building. Its really a nice place, sort of like a hotel, but more home like than any hotel that I have ever ventured into.
I finally got to meet Rae on the first day that we arrived and it was great. I am rooming with Kristina and Rob is all the way down the hall from us in the upper level of HQ, where there are twelve housing rooms to accommodate the missionaries that are passing to and fro. As a team, God is pouring out blessings which are above my wildest dreams to imagine or comprehend.
We have only been together for about twenty-four hours and we are already a close-knit unit that only God could have made us into for this trip of His to Kenya and Minah. The first night that we had together we spent about two hours talking about the initiation information that comes along with meeting new people. Stuff like families, quirks, interests and Rob's southern accent. Then we had supper with Rae. Finally, we finished off the evening by playing an assigned team building game, cleverly titled, "Getting to know me." I admit an initial hesitance, even when we were first talking, to be open, emotional (at a normal person rate, not a drama queen, but normalish). The assigned game was simple, there was a deck of cards (not playing cards though) and we spread them out on the table and took turns choosing cards and answering the questions that were on them. God, being sovereign over a little thing like the game we were playing, had me choosing really deep, emotionally involving, character revealing, challenging cards and answering questions that I simply could conceal myself through. For example: "What are your spiritual strengths and weaknesses?" Rob and Kristina, on the other hand, got questions like, "What is your favourite type of music?" (Kristina's). Or, "What is your favourite month?" (Rob's). God moved so that the stubborn and disobedient Chelsy would have to lie or be vulnerable, and the truth side of me would have none of the faking it stuff, so on the first night I got very real with people that are not strangers to me anymore. Praise God that He has looked at all the details and is powerful to compensate for my introverted tendency. Praise Him.
So, the 25th, today, was full of instruction from different staffers. We had a culture + worldviews "lecture" this morning, and then we had lunch. We were supposed to meet with Rae after that, but she was detained for the day with business for another trip. So instead she gave us these books and told us to go through the spiritual warfare chapter together. In the first hour and a half we made it through a page an a half. There were many side tangents that we were kind of "reliving life" together through, because before yesterday, we were unable to actually live life together. We talked about deep things; things that I haven't gone so deep with some of the gals in my Bible study. We talked about spiritual giftedness, for some reason Kristina was really interested in what gifts I had and especially what the gift of discernment looks like in my life when it is fleshed out. We talked about weaknesses and strengths, we took a long hard look into our individual weaknesses actually. We looked at them again later on in the night through the context of the armour of God, and what we find that we are good at putting on and keeping on, and which pieces that we struggle to carry with us. Its crazy, no group of people that I have ever heard of have had their hearts mesh so fluidly, and it is only because of the grace of God and the Spirits interweaving and interlocking of our heart that this bonding has happened. We have discovered that where one of us is weak, another seems to be very strong, and when this compensation and complimentation doesn't happen, I have reminded myself that we still have a team leader to meet tomorrow, and God will make up all shortcomings that we have to bring a child of His into the Kingdom.
I do not know who will understand this when it is read, but I will say it anyway, and this is my warning. When I was at Village Creek Bible Camp, a dear friend that I made over the years working there was Andy Wolfe (Hi, Andy). He could tell me what I was thinking most of the time. Verbal communication was not amazingly necessary when we were in the same room, especially on my part, because Andy could just respond to my thought, which was really scary the first time I realized that he was able to do it. In the same token Grant Baker (Hi, Grant) is readable to me. It drives him absolutely crazy sometimes because thought life is supposedly private, but for him, not so much. I say this because I can read Kristina and Rob in very similar ways. So much so that I felt comfortable to lovingly and gently challenge Rob today. God has showed me some of their gifts that they aren't really fully aware of. God has been opening my eyes and having me see them as He sees them. Its amazing. Through the Spirit telling me and shedding light on Kristina's life, a was able to tell her what the spiritual gifts were that she already knew that she had. It was crazy sitting there thinking to myself, "She's got evangelism and hospitality, yeah hospitality hard core." Then when she said them, I was blown away by realizing what the Spirit had just done. Also, at supper tonight, Kristina and I had our first nonverbal communicae, Rob, I feel, is soon to follow. It is God's plan, and that is the best way that I can come up with to explain it.
I do not know how to tell you about the relationship bonds that God has made between us in the short time that we have been in New York better than what I have said so far, so I digress, hoping that what I have tried to say will be proven as God works in us in Africa.
I am well, we leave HQ tomorrow at 2pm to catch a 6pm flight to London. I am excited.
Finally, we need prayer warriors who are willing to take up the cause of Christ by praying for our team and the plans that God has for us in Kenya and Minah. Please, take it to the prayer closet. We are meeting with God in a similar closet, and will be there, even if we are miles away.
Love, cj
First off, AIM's HQ is not at all what I expected, but it is really really nice. Its very similar to the house that my family used to stay at that was just outside of Wisconsin Dells. There's a train track that is close, so I get to hear the whistle every now and then, and there are lots of evergreens and plants surrounding the HQ building. Its really a nice place, sort of like a hotel, but more home like than any hotel that I have ever ventured into.
I finally got to meet Rae on the first day that we arrived and it was great. I am rooming with Kristina and Rob is all the way down the hall from us in the upper level of HQ, where there are twelve housing rooms to accommodate the missionaries that are passing to and fro. As a team, God is pouring out blessings which are above my wildest dreams to imagine or comprehend.
We have only been together for about twenty-four hours and we are already a close-knit unit that only God could have made us into for this trip of His to Kenya and Minah. The first night that we had together we spent about two hours talking about the initiation information that comes along with meeting new people. Stuff like families, quirks, interests and Rob's southern accent. Then we had supper with Rae. Finally, we finished off the evening by playing an assigned team building game, cleverly titled, "Getting to know me." I admit an initial hesitance, even when we were first talking, to be open, emotional (at a normal person rate, not a drama queen, but normalish). The assigned game was simple, there was a deck of cards (not playing cards though) and we spread them out on the table and took turns choosing cards and answering the questions that were on them. God, being sovereign over a little thing like the game we were playing, had me choosing really deep, emotionally involving, character revealing, challenging cards and answering questions that I simply could conceal myself through. For example: "What are your spiritual strengths and weaknesses?" Rob and Kristina, on the other hand, got questions like, "What is your favourite type of music?" (Kristina's). Or, "What is your favourite month?" (Rob's). God moved so that the stubborn and disobedient Chelsy would have to lie or be vulnerable, and the truth side of me would have none of the faking it stuff, so on the first night I got very real with people that are not strangers to me anymore. Praise God that He has looked at all the details and is powerful to compensate for my introverted tendency. Praise Him.
So, the 25th, today, was full of instruction from different staffers. We had a culture + worldviews "lecture" this morning, and then we had lunch. We were supposed to meet with Rae after that, but she was detained for the day with business for another trip. So instead she gave us these books and told us to go through the spiritual warfare chapter together. In the first hour and a half we made it through a page an a half. There were many side tangents that we were kind of "reliving life" together through, because before yesterday, we were unable to actually live life together. We talked about deep things; things that I haven't gone so deep with some of the gals in my Bible study. We talked about spiritual giftedness, for some reason Kristina was really interested in what gifts I had and especially what the gift of discernment looks like in my life when it is fleshed out. We talked about weaknesses and strengths, we took a long hard look into our individual weaknesses actually. We looked at them again later on in the night through the context of the armour of God, and what we find that we are good at putting on and keeping on, and which pieces that we struggle to carry with us. Its crazy, no group of people that I have ever heard of have had their hearts mesh so fluidly, and it is only because of the grace of God and the Spirits interweaving and interlocking of our heart that this bonding has happened. We have discovered that where one of us is weak, another seems to be very strong, and when this compensation and complimentation doesn't happen, I have reminded myself that we still have a team leader to meet tomorrow, and God will make up all shortcomings that we have to bring a child of His into the Kingdom.
I do not know who will understand this when it is read, but I will say it anyway, and this is my warning. When I was at Village Creek Bible Camp, a dear friend that I made over the years working there was Andy Wolfe (Hi, Andy). He could tell me what I was thinking most of the time. Verbal communication was not amazingly necessary when we were in the same room, especially on my part, because Andy could just respond to my thought, which was really scary the first time I realized that he was able to do it. In the same token Grant Baker (Hi, Grant) is readable to me. It drives him absolutely crazy sometimes because thought life is supposedly private, but for him, not so much. I say this because I can read Kristina and Rob in very similar ways. So much so that I felt comfortable to lovingly and gently challenge Rob today. God has showed me some of their gifts that they aren't really fully aware of. God has been opening my eyes and having me see them as He sees them. Its amazing. Through the Spirit telling me and shedding light on Kristina's life, a was able to tell her what the spiritual gifts were that she already knew that she had. It was crazy sitting there thinking to myself, "She's got evangelism and hospitality, yeah hospitality hard core." Then when she said them, I was blown away by realizing what the Spirit had just done. Also, at supper tonight, Kristina and I had our first nonverbal communicae, Rob, I feel, is soon to follow. It is God's plan, and that is the best way that I can come up with to explain it.
I do not know how to tell you about the relationship bonds that God has made between us in the short time that we have been in New York better than what I have said so far, so I digress, hoping that what I have tried to say will be proven as God works in us in Africa.
I am well, we leave HQ tomorrow at 2pm to catch a 6pm flight to London. I am excited.
Finally, we need prayer warriors who are willing to take up the cause of Christ by praying for our team and the plans that God has for us in Kenya and Minah. Please, take it to the prayer closet. We are meeting with God in a similar closet, and will be there, even if we are miles away.
Love, cj
Monday, May 24, 2010
Embarking
Greetings,
I have just said goodbye to mom, dad, Kolby and Tim in the terminal area of the Quad Cities airport. Made it through security fine and since this airport is really small I have also made it to my gate. Since everyone whom I have spoken with in the last few days has asked me how I feel and told me to be safe I thought I would share my thoughts with you.
I am slightly nervous, but, praise God, it is not in a worrying sense. I think that this is the same nearly indescribable
feeling that I get when I am heading into something unknown. Not worry, not anxiety, not fear, not sadness, but rather a state of wonder that I am actually leaving and trying to imagine things that my mind cannot possibly think
of on it's own. I have no idea what will happen, what meeting the other two people on my team will look like, or even fathoming that this afternoon I will be in New York. It's actually in Queens, New York, which is a place that I have heard of in Law and Order, but never really thought that I would go there.
I am looking forward to meeting Rae because we have talked so much in the past six months that it feels like we should know
each others faces now, but we have never met. It's very strange to think of that, because we have talked about very deep and hard things, and only now are we going to meet. Aimee, my roomie who leaves for east Asia today, and I have been counting this day down for months. Now that it is here it is odd. Maybe this particular day, because it is the official departure date, was built up too much for all the splendor that airport concourses have to offer.
I believe I am going to spend a little time with Jesus now, but I thought it important to record the Iowa departure log. With any measure of luck there will be a New York log as well.
I have just said goodbye to mom, dad, Kolby and Tim in the terminal area of the Quad Cities airport. Made it through security fine and since this airport is really small I have also made it to my gate. Since everyone whom I have spoken with in the last few days has asked me how I feel and told me to be safe I thought I would share my thoughts with you.
I am slightly nervous, but, praise God, it is not in a worrying sense. I think that this is the same nearly indescribable
feeling that I get when I am heading into something unknown. Not worry, not anxiety, not fear, not sadness, but rather a state of wonder that I am actually leaving and trying to imagine things that my mind cannot possibly think
of on it's own. I have no idea what will happen, what meeting the other two people on my team will look like, or even fathoming that this afternoon I will be in New York. It's actually in Queens, New York, which is a place that I have heard of in Law and Order, but never really thought that I would go there.
I am looking forward to meeting Rae because we have talked so much in the past six months that it feels like we should know
each others faces now, but we have never met. It's very strange to think of that, because we have talked about very deep and hard things, and only now are we going to meet. Aimee, my roomie who leaves for east Asia today, and I have been counting this day down for months. Now that it is here it is odd. Maybe this particular day, because it is the official departure date, was built up too much for all the splendor that airport concourses have to offer.
I believe I am going to spend a little time with Jesus now, but I thought it important to record the Iowa departure log. With any measure of luck there will be a New York log as well.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Support
Greetings one and all,
This morning all of my support for the trip arrived with glad shouts of welcome and sighs of impressed relief from my parents. The 20th I received a call from Rae saying that my support was only about half in at HQ in New York. The finance department was becoming slightly disgruntled, but she assured them that I would make all of it in, at the time I was at about 80%. Then she called me, and I started finding out what the actual figures for the trip were. Ten new supporters, that I had no previous news of showed up between 5pm on the 20th and 9am on the 21st!!! Plus a few that were taking a bit longer to get their commitments physically fulfilled.
Long, testing and trying story short, God brought all of it in. Praise Him! He is sending His workers out to the harvesting field. Praise His Almighty name!
Now, it is even more real to me that I leave in three days...
This morning all of my support for the trip arrived with glad shouts of welcome and sighs of impressed relief from my parents. The 20th I received a call from Rae saying that my support was only about half in at HQ in New York. The finance department was becoming slightly disgruntled, but she assured them that I would make all of it in, at the time I was at about 80%. Then she called me, and I started finding out what the actual figures for the trip were. Ten new supporters, that I had no previous news of showed up between 5pm on the 20th and 9am on the 21st!!! Plus a few that were taking a bit longer to get their commitments physically fulfilled.
Long, testing and trying story short, God brought all of it in. Praise Him! He is sending His workers out to the harvesting field. Praise His Almighty name!
Now, it is even more real to me that I leave in three days...
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Consider Your Calling
This morning, before my physics final at noon, I decided to listen to a Piper sermon, the one that was advertised was his last sermon before he left at the beginning of May, 2010. The title, Consider Your Calling (http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2010/4593_Consider_Your_Calling/), and the text 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.
In the light of this passage, I would like to take a bit of time to express to God, and on here for the benefit of others what great love He has been showing me, that which I have seen and perceived correctly, since the beginning of the world. Because I am a time bound creature, I am inclined to think of and ponder more recent things, so bear with me, and know that this is not an extensive or all inclusive list of the ways God has proven His love for me.
Oh, God, you are great, your plan for me is wonderful, even when I deny that you have been paying attention. You have promised good to me, not in which to harm me, but to give me hope and a future. Lord, you took a trip that wasn't going to be medical missions (as far as I could see, but not for You) the mission field that you called me into, and you turned it in to a medical quest. Lord, then you tested me, and you knew the limits of my faith at that time, and you were gracious, my King, to refrain from giving me more than I could bear. You tested my heart for Senegal, you made me use the analytical skills, which you blessed me with, the determine that Senegal would not be satisfactory for your will in my life, because the officers overseas were making sketchy decisions. Lord, I may never know what else you protected me from in Senegal, but I cry out with joy for the fingerprints that I see on all along my path to Africa, telling me where to go.
God, you made me look into my heart, as you revealed my own heart to me, because you know it better than anyone, Lord, better than I even know it, the tricksy thing that it is. Lord, when you presented Kenya, you showed me my stubbornness, that a great gift would have been given to me if I would have only opened it, an e-mail. After a few days of pouting and seeking wise counsel, Lord you convinced my heart to go to Kenya, even though you had placed in my heart a passion for Muslim women and you had compelled me to begin learning French and Arabic. I surrendered to your good and sovereign, outside of time, will. Then a week later, when I opened the message that revealed that Minah was a part of this Kenya trip, Lord, you taught me that you do not give us divine passions without a divine purpose..
Lord, when you got me to this point, you did not stop giving, and you allotted more time than I would have dreamed of asking for, because Lord, when it comes to you, I want too little, I dream in a small box, but you are apparently willing to overlook those things and give a greater portion that I though possible. All of this, and I haven't even packed for the trip to Kenya and Minah, I have not even begun the journey, and you are already there. I praise you Lord, for your great mercy on your foolish and enamoured servant girl.
Lord, where next shall we go? Lord, in the last few weeks, as Spiritual warfare remains constant, yet I am a soldier being moved up closer to the front lines, crossing them even, you have been with me. In the illness and in the stress, you have been my only rock, my strong tower, in which I take refuge. Nearly, every night for this past week, I have been awoken, sometimes with anxiety gripping at my every breath, sometimes with a sickness that makes me writhe in pain, sometimes with an annoyance, trying to understand why I cannot sleep. Lord, in the sleeplessness you have shown me that sleep, while it is a good thing, is not as necessary as you are. In the sleeplessness you have shown me peacefulness. And not the peacefulness that the world seeks after, it is not a calmed or sedated state. But a peace that allows me to walk through the sleeplessness with you, and not alone or afraid. In the sickness, you are there and your peace surrounds me, in the midst of temptations to worry about final exams, Lord, even when I have lost it, when I looked down at the waves, and not at you, even when I began to sink, Lord you reached out your hand, and taught me once more how to abide in your peace. Lord, you are near, even when I walk through these valleys because you are great and mighty to save your child from drowning herself in her own tears of despair. You are great, because of who you are.
Lord, before this semester began, when you gave me a new friend, Miss Maggie, and after a boot camp of your love over new years, you actually changed my heart to love Maggie in ways that I cannot explain. You controlled my heart, and it made me do crazy things. Lord, I have no idea what you did, and trying to analyze it will not help, because the work that you did that night was amazing. You sent a vessel that had a newly changed and submitted heart over to Hillcrest and called another heart that needed changed to your recently repaired heart. God, your Spirit gave a mouth that is not eloquent answers to questions about evolution, answers about you and a gentleness that is not fleshly characteristic of my mouth, came out in love and truth.
Even though this is amazing, I hold it so much more precious what you did in Maggie's heart that night! Lord, you opened up your love for her, you showed a lost daughter the way to get home to you, a loving Father. Lord, you taught her that those things that she had questioned about you, the very same things that she questioned that night, were all answered in who you are, the essence of your being speaks truth into the darkest of nights. Lord, you had prepared her heart for months before this through Cru and Emma's fun loving person that you placed with Maggie for a divine purpose. Lord, you had it all worked out, you had an immaculate and intricately detailed plan that caused Maggie to take a step of faith into your loving arms, and I was there to watch you do it!!! How blessed am I to be given a woman that I love, a friend, and then to watch her become my sister. How blessed are the ears that heard the first prayer from her heart, a prayer to accept you as Lord and Saviour! How sweet, sweeter than all else I have known to be fathomable. How great are you, oh God, that you gave me a taste of the pursuit of Maggie, a pursuit that you have been on since before time. How amazing you are.
Lord, I ask that you would become greater, and that I would become so much less, today, and hence forward.
In the light of this passage, I would like to take a bit of time to express to God, and on here for the benefit of others what great love He has been showing me, that which I have seen and perceived correctly, since the beginning of the world. Because I am a time bound creature, I am inclined to think of and ponder more recent things, so bear with me, and know that this is not an extensive or all inclusive list of the ways God has proven His love for me.
Oh, God, you are great, your plan for me is wonderful, even when I deny that you have been paying attention. You have promised good to me, not in which to harm me, but to give me hope and a future. Lord, you took a trip that wasn't going to be medical missions (as far as I could see, but not for You) the mission field that you called me into, and you turned it in to a medical quest. Lord, then you tested me, and you knew the limits of my faith at that time, and you were gracious, my King, to refrain from giving me more than I could bear. You tested my heart for Senegal, you made me use the analytical skills, which you blessed me with, the determine that Senegal would not be satisfactory for your will in my life, because the officers overseas were making sketchy decisions. Lord, I may never know what else you protected me from in Senegal, but I cry out with joy for the fingerprints that I see on all along my path to Africa, telling me where to go.
God, you made me look into my heart, as you revealed my own heart to me, because you know it better than anyone, Lord, better than I even know it, the tricksy thing that it is. Lord, when you presented Kenya, you showed me my stubbornness, that a great gift would have been given to me if I would have only opened it, an e-mail. After a few days of pouting and seeking wise counsel, Lord you convinced my heart to go to Kenya, even though you had placed in my heart a passion for Muslim women and you had compelled me to begin learning French and Arabic. I surrendered to your good and sovereign, outside of time, will. Then a week later, when I opened the message that revealed that Minah was a part of this Kenya trip, Lord, you taught me that you do not give us divine passions without a divine purpose.
Lord, when you got me to this point, you did not stop giving, and you allotted more time than I would have dreamed of asking for, because Lord, when it comes to you, I want too little, I dream in a small box, but you are apparently willing to overlook those things and give a greater portion that I though possible. All of this, and I haven't even packed for the trip to Kenya and Minah, I have not even begun the journey, and you are already there. I praise you Lord, for your great mercy on your foolish and enamoured servant girl.
Lord, where next shall we go? Lord, in the last few weeks, as Spiritual warfare remains constant, yet I am a soldier being moved up closer to the front lines, crossing them even, you have been with me. In the illness and in the stress, you have been my only rock, my strong tower, in which I take refuge. Nearly, every night for this past week, I have been awoken, sometimes with anxiety gripping at my every breath, sometimes with a sickness that makes me writhe in pain, sometimes with an annoyance, trying to understand why I cannot sleep. Lord, in the sleeplessness you have shown me that sleep, while it is a good thing, is not as necessary as you are. In the sleeplessness you have shown me peacefulness. And not the peacefulness that the world seeks after, it is not a calmed or sedated state. But a peace that allows me to walk through the sleeplessness with you, and not alone or afraid. In the sickness, you are there and your peace surrounds me, in the midst of temptations to worry about final exams, Lord, even when I have lost it, when I looked down at the waves, and not at you, even when I began to sink, Lord you reached out your hand, and taught me once more how to abide in your peace. Lord, you are near, even when I walk through these valleys because you are great and mighty to save your child from drowning herself in her own tears of despair. You are great, because of who you are.
Lord, before this semester began, when you gave me a new friend, Miss Maggie, and after a boot camp of your love over new years, you actually changed my heart to love Maggie in ways that I cannot explain. You controlled my heart, and it made me do crazy things. Lord, I have no idea what you did, and trying to analyze it will not help, because the work that you did that night was amazing. You sent a vessel that had a newly changed and submitted heart over to Hillcrest and called another heart that needed changed to your recently repaired heart. God, your Spirit gave a mouth that is not eloquent answers to questions about evolution, answers about you and a gentleness that is not fleshly characteristic of my mouth, came out in love and truth.
Even though this is amazing, I hold it so much more precious what you did in Maggie's heart that night! Lord, you opened up your love for her, you showed a lost daughter the way to get home to you, a loving Father. Lord, you taught her that those things that she had questioned about you, the very same things that she questioned that night, were all answered in who you are, the essence of your being speaks truth into the darkest of nights. Lord, you had prepared her heart for months before this through Cru and Emma's fun loving person that you placed with Maggie for a divine purpose. Lord, you had it all worked out, you had an immaculate and intricately detailed plan that caused Maggie to take a step of faith into your loving arms, and I was there to watch you do it!!! How blessed am I to be given a woman that I love, a friend, and then to watch her become my sister. How blessed are the ears that heard the first prayer from her heart, a prayer to accept you as Lord and Saviour! How sweet, sweeter than all else I have known to be fathomable. How great are you, oh God, that you gave me a taste of the pursuit of Maggie, a pursuit that you have been on since before time. How amazing you are.
Lord, I ask that you would become greater, and that I would become so much less, today, and hence forward.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Happy Birthday
On June 12, 2003 I was on my knees in mud weeping and crying out to Jesus, begging Him to change my heart and my life, and to use me as a small part of His story. This is the day that I celebrate new life in my King.
This year, I will be in Africa, and God has blessed me with this gift on the seventh remembrance of my new identity in my Saviour and Lord.
Thank you Lord. None but you could give such a good gift, do not let my fleshyness allow me to forget your sweet goodness.
This year, I will be in Africa, and God has blessed me with this gift on the seventh remembrance of my new identity in my Saviour and Lord.
Thank you Lord. None but you could give such a good gift, do not let my fleshyness allow me to forget your sweet goodness.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Packing Lists
The last time that I saw such a list of things was when I was off on my first summer at Village Creek Bible Camp, packing about a week in advance because I was so excited!
While this packing list for Kenya and Minah is very exciting, I am also caught in a state of wonder. Wondering how I am to fit all sorts of crazy things into one suitcase. Wondering what I would do if God weren't backing me all the way on this trip. Wondering how I am going to make it through the last week of Spring semester classes and the finals week without itching to pack all of the things I am going to take with me. I wonder when I will find time to pack with a sound mind, wondering where in the world I will find a sound mind. Wonder if this what God means when He characterizes Himself as an all consuming fire!!!
Let me take you through the packing list and tell you my "tid bit" thoughts. I will put my thoughts in brackets:
The Section for Girl's Clothing:
Skirts: around 5 would be good. [I cannot remember the last time that I actually wore a skirt, and I don't have 5... yet. Guess mom and I get to go shopping in a Africa prep trip before I leave]. They must be at least mid calf length for Minah, or even better full length. Make sure you have at least one full length skirt. It’s useful if the skirts aren’t too straight as that makes getting in and out of landcruisers etc difficult. [I am really hoping that landcruisers are just as awesome as they sound]. If you have skirts with pockets they can be useful but not essential![I now have sewing to do... I think I am going to use these comments of mine as a "to do" list in about two weeks].
Slips: To wear under your skirts if they are likely to be see-through in any way. Two slips should be enough depending on the type of skirts you have. [I don't own one].
Tops to match skirts[I believe this means that our team leader would like us to be fashionably sensible enough to match... I always ask roomies now because I am terrible at fashion sense].: I usually find it helpful to have two tops to each skirt. These should not be sleeveless or too low cut.
Pyjamas: A couple of pairs at least. It’s probably good to have at least one more summery pair for the Islands (i.e. shorts and vest top) [what's a vest top in pajama land... certainly don't intend to have one of those]. and a pair of warmer ones for Kenya where it can get cold in places.
Trousers/Pants/Capris: A couple of pairs for travelling in, wearing in Nairobi etc.
Swimming Costume: This should be a one-piece or a tankini. You will also need to wear shorts to swim in when in Minah to respect the culture, you can either bring shorts designed to swim in or normal shorts you don’t mind swimming in. [I am really glad we get to swim!!!!].
Sleeveless tops/vest tops: Bring a couple with you as you can wear them when we are at the beach for debrief or inside houses when in Minah.
Sweatshirts: Bring one or two as it can get cold in some places we’ll visit in Kenya because of the altitude.
Shorts: Bring one or two pairs with you for wearing on the beach we will be doing debrief at. [I don't wear shorts...hmmm this hot place may change my mind though... okay I will bring one].
Underwear [glad there's no required length or style for this... no really good thing].
Socks: Girls you may want to consider bringing a couple of pairs of tights too for the colder parts of Kenya. [how about the red ones with snowflakes and the plain black ones... the one thing I have nailed down as a sure thing are tights].
Sunhat/baseball cap [I don't do hats too well either, Kolby ( my little brother) one of yours is going to go missing :)].
Waterproof jacket: When it rains in Africa it RAINS! You may also want to bring a small umbrella that can fit in your bag. [Amira told me umbrellas aren't used in Sudan, so I will skip. Thank you Tim for the Raincoat].
Fleece/Lightweight jacket: For higher altitude areas in Kenya. [Northface].
Footwear: Comfortable, practical sandals such as walking sandals are great. Bring a pair of trainers/sneakers/tennis shoes too, and a pair of flip flops you don’t mind getting wet that you could wear into the shower if need be. A pair of smart closed-in shoes are also useful in the colder parts of Kenya or for special occasions. [Merrels and going to have to get new ankle wrap sandals because I am not getting sand into the chacos].
Toiletries/Medicines:
Shampoo and conditioner if you use it
Shower gel [pretty sure shower gel is going to be the one thing, I highly doubt that Africa is going to make me worry about my hair, especially since I intend to get it cut short and braided before going so that it is out of my way. No time to worry about such silly things. This will also eliminate the need for a hair brush].
Suntan cream: I would recommend at least factor 25
Deodorant
Razor [debating how necessary this really is... its not if i wear skirts, pants and longselves... sorry for all who are grossed out by that].
Toothbrush and paste [must get travel size paste, possibly for the body wash as well!]
[Good sweetness, how am I going to bring stuff back?]
Insect repellent: Ideally with 50% DEET
Alcohol Gel: Just a small bottle that you can carry in your pocket/bag and use between patients and before eating.
Cleansing wipes: These can be really useful for freshening up especially if there’s a shortage of water where we’re staying.
Hair brush/comb: plus hair ties/clips if you’ve got long hair [taken care of yippy!]
A small mirror: can be useful but not essential [not essential is the key here].
Any Medications you are on
Malaria prophylaxis
Analgesics/Aniti-inflammatories
Oral Rehydration Solution sachets [ what is this]?
Immodium
Bite relief cream
You can bring a full first aid kit if you want but I intend to have a team first aid kit with all the usual supplies in it. [not bringing it then... good to know]
Other things:
Camera
Batteries for your camera: bring plenty or rechargeable ones as they are poor quality and expensive, especially in Minah
Memory stick/jump drive: That way we can share the photos we take as a team. [ wouldn't have thought of that]
Ipod/Mp3 player: Great to listen to when traveling
Journal: You will be expected to journal during the team to help you process what you’re seeing and experiencing [planned on it ;)].
Bible [feel this should be at the top of the list]
Notebook and pen
Sunglasses
Books to read: Just a couple, we’ll also be reading some things about medical work too.
Games: nothing too big! (not essential, just if you want to!)[i shall put them in my imaginary space].
Towels: If you have space it would be good to bring a bath towel and a beach towel [bath yes, beach maybe].
Torch/flashlight: headlamps are great! [torch... really]?
Alarm clock: Or you can use your mobile phone if you prefer [perhaps get intl plan for a month+].
Sleeping bag [that's never gonna fit but i must bring it].
Small backpack: Useful for carrying stuff if we go on a day trip. You may chose just to use your carry-on bag [also planned on that].
Small handbag/purse: I’m mainly thinking of the girls here as guys can carry alot in their pockets but most skirts don’t have pockets A bag with a strap that you can wear across your body is useful particularly in Nairobi as it makes theft harder. You should be able to fit your wallet, water bottle, and camera into it.
Water bottle: You can bring a dedicated water bottle with you or you can just reuse a 500ml bottle of mineral water bought here [team leader is already in Minah] if you prefer.
Stethoscope: For those training to be medics among you if you already have a stethoscope bring it with you but don’t go out and buy one especially!
Tropical medical book: Again if you already have one bring it with you as it can be useful but if not don’t worry. I have a tropical medical handbook you are welcome to borrow[really want to use this as an excuse to buy one!!!].
With God all things are possible. Even packing a suitcase. Oh, God, please be with my parents and I and give us wisdom in this seemingly frivolous task of packing. Please let us cut the useless and not judge too quickly what will be useless.
While this packing list for Kenya and Minah is very exciting, I am also caught in a state of wonder. Wondering how I am to fit all sorts of crazy things into one suitcase. Wondering what I would do if God weren't backing me all the way on this trip. Wondering how I am going to make it through the last week of Spring semester classes and the finals week without itching to pack all of the things I am going to take with me. I wonder when I will find time to pack with a sound mind, wondering where in the world I will find a sound mind. Wonder if this what God means when He characterizes Himself as an all consuming fire!!!
Let me take you through the packing list and tell you my "tid bit" thoughts. I will put my thoughts in brackets:
The Section for Girl's Clothing:
Skirts: around 5 would be good. [I cannot remember the last time that I actually wore a skirt, and I don't have 5... yet. Guess mom and I get to go shopping in a Africa prep trip before I leave]. They must be at least mid calf length for Minah, or even better full length. Make sure you have at least one full length skirt. It’s useful if the skirts aren’t too straight as that makes getting in and out of landcruisers etc difficult. [I am really hoping that landcruisers are just as awesome as they sound]. If you have skirts with pockets they can be useful but not essential![I now have sewing to do... I think I am going to use these comments of mine as a "to do" list in about two weeks].
Slips: To wear under your skirts if they are likely to be see-through in any way. Two slips should be enough depending on the type of skirts you have. [I don't own one].
Tops to match skirts[I believe this means that our team leader would like us to be fashionably sensible enough to match... I always ask roomies now because I am terrible at fashion sense].: I usually find it helpful to have two tops to each skirt. These should not be sleeveless or too low cut.
Pyjamas: A couple of pairs at least. It’s probably good to have at least one more summery pair for the Islands (i.e. shorts and vest top) [what's a vest top in pajama land... certainly don't intend to have one of those]. and a pair of warmer ones for Kenya where it can get cold in places.
Trousers/Pants/Capris: A couple of pairs for travelling in, wearing in Nairobi etc.
Swimming Costume: This should be a one-piece or a tankini. You will also need to wear shorts to swim in when in Minah to respect the culture, you can either bring shorts designed to swim in or normal shorts you don’t mind swimming in. [I am really glad we get to swim!!!!].
Sleeveless tops/vest tops: Bring a couple with you as you can wear them when we are at the beach for debrief or inside houses when in Minah.
Sweatshirts: Bring one or two as it can get cold in some places we’ll visit in Kenya because of the altitude.
Shorts: Bring one or two pairs with you for wearing on the beach we will be doing debrief at. [I don't wear shorts...hmmm this hot place may change my mind though... okay I will bring one].
Underwear [glad there's no required length or style for this... no really good thing].
Socks: Girls you may want to consider bringing a couple of pairs of tights too for the colder parts of Kenya. [how about the red ones with snowflakes and the plain black ones... the one thing I have nailed down as a sure thing are tights].
Sunhat/baseball cap [I don't do hats too well either, Kolby ( my little brother) one of yours is going to go missing :)].
Waterproof jacket: When it rains in Africa it RAINS! You may also want to bring a small umbrella that can fit in your bag. [Amira told me umbrellas aren't used in Sudan, so I will skip. Thank you Tim for the Raincoat].
Fleece/Lightweight jacket: For higher altitude areas in Kenya. [Northface].
Footwear: Comfortable, practical sandals such as walking sandals are great. Bring a pair of trainers/sneakers/tennis shoes too, and a pair of flip flops you don’t mind getting wet that you could wear into the shower if need be. A pair of smart closed-in shoes are also useful in the colder parts of Kenya or for special occasions. [Merrels and going to have to get new ankle wrap sandals because I am not getting sand into the chacos].
Toiletries/Medicines:
Shampoo and conditioner if you use it
Shower gel [pretty sure shower gel is going to be the one thing, I highly doubt that Africa is going to make me worry about my hair, especially since I intend to get it cut short and braided before going so that it is out of my way. No time to worry about such silly things. This will also eliminate the need for a hair brush].
Suntan cream: I would recommend at least factor 25
Deodorant
Razor [debating how necessary this really is... its not if i wear skirts, pants and longselves... sorry for all who are grossed out by that].
Toothbrush and paste [must get travel size paste, possibly for the body wash as well!]
[Good sweetness, how am I going to bring stuff back?]
Insect repellent: Ideally with 50% DEET
Alcohol Gel: Just a small bottle that you can carry in your pocket/bag and use between patients and before eating.
Cleansing wipes: These can be really useful for freshening up especially if there’s a shortage of water where we’re staying.
Hair brush/comb: plus hair ties/clips if you’ve got long hair [taken care of yippy!]
A small mirror: can be useful but not essential [not essential is the key here].
Any Medications you are on
Malaria prophylaxis
Analgesics/Aniti-inflammatories
Oral Rehydration Solution sachets [ what is this]?
Immodium
Bite relief cream
You can bring a full first aid kit if you want but I intend to have a team first aid kit with all the usual supplies in it. [not bringing it then... good to know]
Other things:
Camera
Batteries for your camera: bring plenty or rechargeable ones as they are poor quality and expensive, especially in Minah
Memory stick/jump drive: That way we can share the photos we take as a team. [ wouldn't have thought of that]
Ipod/Mp3 player: Great to listen to when traveling
Journal: You will be expected to journal during the team to help you process what you’re seeing and experiencing [planned on it ;)].
Bible [feel this should be at the top of the list]
Notebook and pen
Sunglasses
Books to read: Just a couple, we’ll also be reading some things about medical work too.
Games: nothing too big! (not essential, just if you want to!)[i shall put them in my imaginary space].
Towels: If you have space it would be good to bring a bath towel and a beach towel [bath yes, beach maybe].
Torch/flashlight: headlamps are great! [torch... really]?
Alarm clock: Or you can use your mobile phone if you prefer [perhaps get intl plan for a month+].
Sleeping bag [that's never gonna fit but i must bring it].
Small backpack: Useful for carrying stuff if we go on a day trip. You may chose just to use your carry-on bag [also planned on that].
Small handbag/purse: I’m mainly thinking of the girls here as guys can carry alot in their pockets but most skirts don’t have pockets A bag with a strap that you can wear across your body is useful particularly in Nairobi as it makes theft harder. You should be able to fit your wallet, water bottle, and camera into it.
Water bottle: You can bring a dedicated water bottle with you or you can just reuse a 500ml bottle of mineral water bought here [team leader is already in Minah] if you prefer.
Stethoscope: For those training to be medics among you if you already have a stethoscope bring it with you but don’t go out and buy one especially!
Tropical medical book: Again if you already have one bring it with you as it can be useful but if not don’t worry. I have a tropical medical handbook you are welcome to borrow[really want to use this as an excuse to buy one!!!].
With God all things are possible. Even packing a suitcase. Oh, God, please be with my parents and I and give us wisdom in this seemingly frivolous task of packing. Please let us cut the useless and not judge too quickly what will be useless.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Itinerary السلام عليكم
Here's the game plan:
May 24th... will fly out to Pearl Harbour, New York for orientation.
Orientation lasts through the noon hour on May 26th.
May 26th... will head to airport in New York where we will board and fly out to London, England. Will arrive in London around 7 am, their time, about 2 am from where we left.
May 27... will spend the day enjoying London, going to see place and things, and then at night we will head back to the airport and fly to Nairobi, Kenya. We will land in Nairobi, and that is about where I lost track of time differences.
Some time around the 19th ish of June... We will fly to Minah and spend a week or so there.
June 28th... fly back from Minah to Nairobi.
June 29th... fly back to London from Nairobi.
June 30th... will be in Pearl Harbour and after a debriefing we will fly back to Iowa... or at least I will other people will fly back to their respective places.
So if you note that I will be gone longer than I thought at first ( I misread the website). Pray. Start now and pray hard.
May 24th... will fly out to Pearl Harbour, New York for orientation.
Orientation lasts through the noon hour on May 26th.
May 26th... will head to airport in New York where we will board and fly out to London, England. Will arrive in London around 7 am, their time, about 2 am from where we left.
May 27... will spend the day enjoying London, going to see place and things, and then at night we will head back to the airport and fly to Nairobi, Kenya. We will land in Nairobi, and that is about where I lost track of time differences.
Some time around the 19th ish of June... We will fly to Minah and spend a week or so there.
June 28th... fly back from Minah to Nairobi.
June 29th... fly back to London from Nairobi.
June 30th... will be in Pearl Harbour and after a debriefing we will fly back to Iowa... or at least I will other people will fly back to their respective places.
So if you note that I will be gone longer than I thought at first ( I misread the website). Pray. Start now and pray hard.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Dynamic Passion
So, erm there has been a slight change in plans. Its actually quite a large change to be a bit more fair and realistic. If you look at a letter that you've got, all you really need to do is scratch out Senegal and insert the word Kenya. Surprised? So was I.
For one reason or another, which I do not care to go too terribly deep into, Senegal has dropped off of the list as a possibility. It wasn't a rejection, it was more like the travel coordinators in Senegal cut the trip time in half, and with such a shady move, it became obvious to me that I did not wish to further entrust this trip to their hand. Let me clarify: AIM is not this travel coordination base that did this, and AIM is faultless and had no control over the duration of the trip. AIM goes through the travel coordination of MIS (missions in senegal) and they are the ones who are at fault. As a result I will not be going to Senegal, but staying with AIM to go to Kenya.
This was devastating to me and it broke my heart. Even in this, I know that God is working His will for my good because I love Him (Rom. 8:28). I have sought God's will out again through a close friend and my discipler, Abbie, who was gracious and patient with me as we talked through this information. I nearly did not mention Kenya as an option that had been offered to me because I thought that it was completely wrong for my potential. (The Kenya trip is more of a medical observation trip than a hands on helping trip. Furthermore, of the two languages I already speak and the two that I am learning now, only English is spoken in Kenya. Finally, Kenya is maybe 10% Muslim with the majority of the country being Protestant or Roman Catholic). These details inclined me to turn down the Kenya trip the first time it was offered.
I wanted God to find some circumstances that fit me, and this is something that He rarely does. God generally molds a person to fit the circumstances that He puts them in. In Luke 4:42-43, Jesus has just cast out a demon in the synagogue, healed Simon's mother-in-law and healed a whole crowd of people while preaching. The people find Him the next day and have every intention of keeping Him in their town so that the can set Him up His very own tent: Jesus' Preaching and Healing Chateau. He tells them that He must go on to preach in the next place as well, and that He cannot stay there for long. Realistically, He could have set up shop and stayed there forever healing and teaching, He had the potential to do so. But that was not His calling.
In the same way I desire to pursue my calling from God, and not my potential.
About a week after writing this, I finally begin to re-vamp my support letter for Kenya, when I come across the information e-mail that I have been avoiding opening because of the residual stubbornness in my heart. I am not just going to Kenya, but also Minah,which is the surname I am choosing to use for a restricted area that we will be venturing in also. This area is nearly 100% Muslim, and the languages used there most often are French and Arabic. I feel like a naive child that God has to lead by the hand. Praise God that He is leading me to a place that I cannot even imagine asking for, look at what the Lord has done and be glad, rejoice!!!
For one reason or another, which I do not care to go too terribly deep into, Senegal has dropped off of the list as a possibility. It wasn't a rejection, it was more like the travel coordinators in Senegal cut the trip time in half, and with such a shady move, it became obvious to me that I did not wish to further entrust this trip to their hand. Let me clarify: AIM is not this travel coordination base that did this, and AIM is faultless and had no control over the duration of the trip. AIM goes through the travel coordination of MIS (missions in senegal) and they are the ones who are at fault. As a result I will not be going to Senegal, but staying with AIM to go to Kenya.
This was devastating to me and it broke my heart. Even in this, I know that God is working His will for my good because I love Him (Rom. 8:28). I have sought God's will out again through a close friend and my discipler, Abbie, who was gracious and patient with me as we talked through this information. I nearly did not mention Kenya as an option that had been offered to me because I thought that it was completely wrong for my potential. (The Kenya trip is more of a medical observation trip than a hands on helping trip. Furthermore, of the two languages I already speak and the two that I am learning now, only English is spoken in Kenya. Finally, Kenya is maybe 10% Muslim with the majority of the country being Protestant or Roman Catholic). These details inclined me to turn down the Kenya trip the first time it was offered.
I wanted God to find some circumstances that fit me, and this is something that He rarely does. God generally molds a person to fit the circumstances that He puts them in. In Luke 4:42-43, Jesus has just cast out a demon in the synagogue, healed Simon's mother-in-law and healed a whole crowd of people while preaching. The people find Him the next day and have every intention of keeping Him in their town so that the can set Him up His very own tent: Jesus' Preaching and Healing Chateau. He tells them that He must go on to preach in the next place as well, and that He cannot stay there for long. Realistically, He could have set up shop and stayed there forever healing and teaching, He had the potential to do so. But that was not His calling.
In the same way I desire to pursue my calling from God, and not my potential.
About a week after writing this, I finally begin to re-vamp my support letter for Kenya, when I come across the information e-mail that I have been avoiding opening because of the residual stubbornness in my heart. I am not just going to Kenya, but also Minah,which is the surname I am choosing to use for a restricted area that we will be venturing in also. This area is nearly 100% Muslim, and the languages used there most often are French and Arabic. I feel like a naive child that God has to lead by the hand. Praise God that He is leading me to a place that I cannot even imagine asking for, look at what the Lord has done and be glad, rejoice!!!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Leaving Family
God's call and His will are something that we know to be perfect and irreproachable. However, His plan being perfect does not mean that it is free of suffering, pain, tears and sorrow. Perfection from God comes through the fires of trial and if Jesus as Man was not exempt from these things, and if we are to follow in His footsteps, then we should be preparing for such things and not shrinking away from them.
God's plan for me in Africa is perfect. However, God's plan for me requires me to leave my family behind. Not in the sense that I stop all communication or cease to love them, but rather that I won't have many opportunities to show them that in a physically present way. I am not going to be the with them less and less as I get older and deeper into God's will, and I am going to miss them.
Since before I was called to Africa, I can see where God's hand has been in easing me and my family into this distance. I worked at Village Creek Bible Camp for a while and was a camper there too. I was never really homesick, ever. I really love camp, and because I wanted to be there so badly, and loved where I was at so much, I simply did not miss spending the summer with my family. When I graduated and went off to college, I still did not get homesick. God, I believe, built a resilience within me to some extent.
During the Thanksgiving break of 2008 I had a reality check. My mom's side of the family gets together at every Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Easter and Christmas of 2008 I had missed or would be missing, along with Easter of 2009, and I already knew this going into our family Thanksgiving. My cousin, Cody was born a few months before me, and we grew up, in the early years, more like siblings and good friends. As Cody was about to leave the night of our Thanksgiving reunion, he looked me in the eye and asked me when I was going to see him again. He caught me completely off guard because I honestly didn't think that he cared anymore. I was wrong. It dawned on me that it would be about a year, next Thanksgiving, when I would see him again. When I told him, he nodded his head, said okay and pulled me in to a hug.... At that moment, it took everything that I had within me to not cry. As I waved goodbye from the window, I cried.
God was choosing to reveal this reality of His plan then. The security that I experience with my family now, and being at home, where I was raised, and having all those comforts; those things are going to fade into memories as time progresses. It hit me then.
Oddly, this was the very same Thanksgiving break that God made it obviously clear to me that I was supposed to relent to the valiant pursuits of this man of God that God himself had put into my life for a specific reason. For two plus years I was being pursued by a godly man and had done everything, including outrightly rejecting him to encourage him to stop his pursuit. He never stopped, acting in faith on God's will, and God came through. I know that I am going to have a family in Africa, but its a bit newer. I am going to have brothers with me in Africa, and eventually sisters, but they are being brought together by God right now, and God has been bringing us all together for a long time coming, and we probably have done a very poor job of realising what has been going on.
In recognising and accepting all of these things, the fact that I won't have my Mom, Dad, Dakota, Kolby, Grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles close anymore is daunting. This family is a good family and it is a good thing to desire, but it was for a season and a time in my life that is drawing to a close. A new season, with a new family cometh. And it is hard. It is hard to accept, it is hard to believe. God wants what will be best for me, and what will glorify Him.
I do not know what would be best for me, but I know the One who has such knowledge. So I am going to follow His and where He leads me I will go, and where He stops me I will stay. It would be wrong of me to hold on tightly to a good thing that God is calling me to open my hand and let go.
God's plan for me in Africa is perfect. However, God's plan for me requires me to leave my family behind. Not in the sense that I stop all communication or cease to love them, but rather that I won't have many opportunities to show them that in a physically present way. I am not going to be the with them less and less as I get older and deeper into God's will, and I am going to miss them.
Since before I was called to Africa, I can see where God's hand has been in easing me and my family into this distance. I worked at Village Creek Bible Camp for a while and was a camper there too. I was never really homesick, ever. I really love camp, and because I wanted to be there so badly, and loved where I was at so much, I simply did not miss spending the summer with my family. When I graduated and went off to college, I still did not get homesick. God, I believe, built a resilience within me to some extent.
During the Thanksgiving break of 2008 I had a reality check. My mom's side of the family gets together at every Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Easter and Christmas of 2008 I had missed or would be missing, along with Easter of 2009, and I already knew this going into our family Thanksgiving. My cousin, Cody was born a few months before me, and we grew up, in the early years, more like siblings and good friends. As Cody was about to leave the night of our Thanksgiving reunion, he looked me in the eye and asked me when I was going to see him again. He caught me completely off guard because I honestly didn't think that he cared anymore. I was wrong. It dawned on me that it would be about a year, next Thanksgiving, when I would see him again. When I told him, he nodded his head, said okay and pulled me in to a hug.... At that moment, it took everything that I had within me to not cry. As I waved goodbye from the window, I cried.
God was choosing to reveal this reality of His plan then. The security that I experience with my family now, and being at home, where I was raised, and having all those comforts; those things are going to fade into memories as time progresses. It hit me then.
Oddly, this was the very same Thanksgiving break that God made it obviously clear to me that I was supposed to relent to the valiant pursuits of this man of God that God himself had put into my life for a specific reason. For two plus years I was being pursued by a godly man and had done everything, including outrightly rejecting him to encourage him to stop his pursuit. He never stopped, acting in faith on God's will, and God came through. I know that I am going to have a family in Africa, but its a bit newer. I am going to have brothers with me in Africa, and eventually sisters, but they are being brought together by God right now, and God has been bringing us all together for a long time coming, and we probably have done a very poor job of realising what has been going on.
In recognising and accepting all of these things, the fact that I won't have my Mom, Dad, Dakota, Kolby, Grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles close anymore is daunting. This family is a good family and it is a good thing to desire, but it was for a season and a time in my life that is drawing to a close. A new season, with a new family cometh. And it is hard. It is hard to accept, it is hard to believe. God wants what will be best for me, and what will glorify Him.
I do not know what would be best for me, but I know the One who has such knowledge. So I am going to follow His and where He leads me I will go, and where He stops me I will stay. It would be wrong of me to hold on tightly to a good thing that God is calling me to open my hand and let go.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Letters
My support letter went up very quickly, they were sent out quickly, but there are some that have made me incredibly uncomfortable to deliver. I don't think that this uncomfortability is something that is confined to me, or that it is necessarily a bad thing at all. Maybe this is the feeling one gets when they step out of a boat and into the crashing waves as Peter did, maybe it will be done only to find that the ground beneath my feet feels surprisingly solid.
But right now, I really don't know what will happen. All I know is that I've been called to step out in faith and to deliver a message, much like I am called to deliver letters. God really chose the people who were given letters, not I.
God, what I really need is for you to expand my faith, please increase it a few more micrometers towards the size of a mustard seed. I am relying on you to send me, people will be the means, my faith the fuel, and you, you are the one who will spark it to make it all work.
But right now, I really don't know what will happen. All I know is that I've been called to step out in faith and to deliver a message, much like I am called to deliver letters. God really chose the people who were given letters, not I.
God, what I really need is for you to expand my faith, please increase it a few more micrometers towards the size of a mustard seed. I am relying on you to send me, people will be the means, my faith the fuel, and you, you are the one who will spark it to make it all work.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
For the Moments I Feel Faint... instead of Faith
So I was pretty sure that I was going to be gone for about six to eight weeks this summer. Today I was beginning to write my support letter and got to a part where I wanted to say how long I was going to be gone... funny part was that I didn't know. So I called AIM and got forwarded to the short term secretary, Corola. She told me that Rae hadn't solidified the times yet, but the educated guess was about three weeks in all. I politely said thank you and got off the phone.
I was upset and ready to call back and let them know that I didn't think I would be going on that particular trip because with the amount of support that I have to raise, plus the preparation that I have been working on to be gone all summer, plus I thought that I could be used better, for a longer period of time. Why would this happen this way, this isn't what I wanted.
It took a little while, but I eventually came back to God's will and his sovereign goodness over everything. I said yes to His choice for me and said, whatever happens, God is good. I still wasn't content in my heart, but I knew that whether my stubborn heart liked it or not, I was going to Senegal.
Not very long after that Jared Weston, a brother of mine, posted this back, "Something we need to be reminded of every moment of the day." This was encouraging, which meant I was going in the right direction, God still speaks.
I started to realize how pride filled my thoughts about this whole time thing had been that morning. God revealed to me that I would be really lucky if I came out of Senegal with an ounce of emotional, physical or any other type of energy or strength left within me, and what was left would be non-existent apart from Him. I told Him that I would keep pouring and rely on Him for the refilling process. But man, I was ready to scratch that today, and now I feel really faithless for thinking that.
God is outside of time, and three weeks will most likely seem like an entire lifetime to me while I am gone, because I will be on His time, not the world's or my own. God is able to do what I think would take me eight weeks in three weeks. He really is. I pray that these impurities will be burned out of me. Even as I am beginning this week physically ill and emotionally drained, I still wanted it my way and not His. His will has it right, and that is what I am going to follow as He teaches me exactly what that looks like.
A few hours later, when God and I had struggled through all of this, and I had gotten back on the altar as His living sacrifice, God spoke to my heart again through Jared again. Jared posted Daniel 11:35 on his status. Daniel 11:35 says, "Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time." Praise God. I am praying now that God will give me the courage to remain on the altar.
I was upset and ready to call back and let them know that I didn't think I would be going on that particular trip because with the amount of support that I have to raise, plus the preparation that I have been working on to be gone all summer, plus I thought that I could be used better, for a longer period of time. Why would this happen this way, this isn't what I wanted.
It took a little while, but I eventually came back to God's will and his sovereign goodness over everything. I said yes to His choice for me and said, whatever happens, God is good. I still wasn't content in my heart, but I knew that whether my stubborn heart liked it or not, I was going to Senegal.
Not very long after that Jared Weston, a brother of mine, posted this back, "Something we need to be reminded of every moment of the day." This was encouraging, which meant I was going in the right direction, God still speaks.
I started to realize how pride filled my thoughts about this whole time thing had been that morning. God revealed to me that I would be really lucky if I came out of Senegal with an ounce of emotional, physical or any other type of energy or strength left within me, and what was left would be non-existent apart from Him. I told Him that I would keep pouring and rely on Him for the refilling process. But man, I was ready to scratch that today, and now I feel really faithless for thinking that.
God is outside of time, and three weeks will most likely seem like an entire lifetime to me while I am gone, because I will be on His time, not the world's or my own. God is able to do what I think would take me eight weeks in three weeks. He really is. I pray that these impurities will be burned out of me. Even as I am beginning this week physically ill and emotionally drained, I still wanted it my way and not His. His will has it right, and that is what I am going to follow as He teaches me exactly what that looks like.
A few hours later, when God and I had struggled through all of this, and I had gotten back on the altar as His living sacrifice, God spoke to my heart again through Jared again. Jared posted Daniel 11:35 on his status. Daniel 11:35 says, "Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time." Praise God. I am praying now that God will give me the courage to remain on the altar.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
My Favourite Princess
Yesterday I met with Amira, my newest Muslim friend. Our stated goal for the day was for her to begin teaching me how to speak Arabic. It is a good thing that she like to teach and that I like to learn, because I must have said one of the Arabic letters seventy times before my pronounciation of it started to get better. After our learning time was over, because Amira apparently knows that Americans like me can only learn so much of the Arabic language in one day, we stopped and talked for another while... did I mention that Amira and I are in Evolution together... odd huh?
We talked about the Kingdom of God, and I owned my status as a Christ follower. We openly talked about the American culture, how degraded and slutty it has become. I really desired for Amira to know that I am not a part of that culture, the culture where I grew up. We talked about dating, and her perception of it in America, is that the young women and women alike sell themselves away, destroying the idea of purity and devaluing marriage. In this aspect, I fit into her culture much better than my own. She was very happy to hear that I believed in abstinance before marriage, and that I thought it was risky and degrading to practice anything else.
When I told her that my intentions were not only to learn Arabic from her, but also to be her friend, her eyes lit up and then the light was immediately extinguished. She told me that she didn't have many friends. She said that the reason for this was, her current friends told her, because she was very blunt and truthful. She said that she calls things as they are presented to her, and for this, many resented her. This, of course, filled my heart with joy, because I understand being blunt, to the point and full of truth, that's me in a nutshell! I told her that we would get along just fine.
We also spoke of other religions. She brought up the Mormons, with whom she apparently had encountered in Iowa City. She told me that when they had presented their view of faith to her, she looked at them and frankly said, "I am a Muslim, and I have friends that are Christians and Catholics, but you and your religious beliefs are way off." This makes me smile and laugh, to hear of a Muslim woman tell these poor Mormon guys that they were far off the track. God still speaks.
I cannot wait to meet with her again, but until then I will be practicing my alphabet a lot. God has blessed me with a budding friendship. Amira and Chelsy aren't very different at all, we have similar personalities, similar passions and the same God, Allah, most merciful and most gracious. Amira means princess, and if you ask my daddy or Tim, that's what I am too :)
We talked about the Kingdom of God, and I owned my status as a Christ follower. We openly talked about the American culture, how degraded and slutty it has become. I really desired for Amira to know that I am not a part of that culture, the culture where I grew up. We talked about dating, and her perception of it in America, is that the young women and women alike sell themselves away, destroying the idea of purity and devaluing marriage. In this aspect, I fit into her culture much better than my own. She was very happy to hear that I believed in abstinance before marriage, and that I thought it was risky and degrading to practice anything else.
When I told her that my intentions were not only to learn Arabic from her, but also to be her friend, her eyes lit up and then the light was immediately extinguished. She told me that she didn't have many friends. She said that the reason for this was, her current friends told her, because she was very blunt and truthful. She said that she calls things as they are presented to her, and for this, many resented her. This, of course, filled my heart with joy, because I understand being blunt, to the point and full of truth, that's me in a nutshell! I told her that we would get along just fine.
We also spoke of other religions. She brought up the Mormons, with whom she apparently had encountered in Iowa City. She told me that when they had presented their view of faith to her, she looked at them and frankly said, "I am a Muslim, and I have friends that are Christians and Catholics, but you and your religious beliefs are way off." This makes me smile and laugh, to hear of a Muslim woman tell these poor Mormon guys that they were far off the track. God still speaks.
I cannot wait to meet with her again, but until then I will be practicing my alphabet a lot. God has blessed me with a budding friendship. Amira and Chelsy aren't very different at all, we have similar personalities, similar passions and the same God, Allah, most merciful and most gracious. Amira means princess, and if you ask my daddy or Tim, that's what I am too :)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
The Hearts of My Parents
My soul will magnify the Lord, for He is good to me and blesses in abundant ways, that I did not even ask for, and did not deserve. Give thanks, O my soul, to the Lord, sovereign over all, ordaining hearts and change for their purposed time.
I was concerned that my parents, especially my dad, would take God's call on me to the African nations in a dimmed light. My mom has been behind the dreams that the Lord has cultivated in my heart for over three years now, to go to the red soil, but my dad has been fearful of losing his little girl.
I have seen God work miracles in my dad's heart over the past week, which I suppose that God has been truly working for much longer than a week. The support of my dad, who I fondly determine, Pastor Rusty, has been an encouragement to my soul. Praise God, that daddy has chosen to love God's will in his daughter's life, instead of loving his daughter more still.
Praise the God that turns and molds stubborn hearts, and makes all things new, surprising and beautiful in their time. Magnify the Lord, o my soul, for he has shown his arm to be strong and has exalted those of meager circumstance. Praise the Lord, for my dad has chosen to fear the Lord instead of fearing the future. Praise God!
I was concerned that my parents, especially my dad, would take God's call on me to the African nations in a dimmed light. My mom has been behind the dreams that the Lord has cultivated in my heart for over three years now, to go to the red soil, but my dad has been fearful of losing his little girl.
I have seen God work miracles in my dad's heart over the past week, which I suppose that God has been truly working for much longer than a week. The support of my dad, who I fondly determine, Pastor Rusty, has been an encouragement to my soul. Praise God, that daddy has chosen to love God's will in his daughter's life, instead of loving his daughter more still.
Praise the God that turns and molds stubborn hearts, and makes all things new, surprising and beautiful in their time. Magnify the Lord, o my soul, for he has shown his arm to be strong and has exalted those of meager circumstance. Praise the Lord, for my dad has chosen to fear the Lord instead of fearing the future. Praise God!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
The Emotions Wear Off
For the past three or so days, I have been really excited that God has ordained this summer as my first trip to Africa. Now it is Saturday morning, I have been awake for a few hours, and the emotions and initial excitement have mellowed out into a very mentally sobering morning.
I suppose I knew that I would need to rely on God for strength in the time that I am in Africa, but I didn't know that all of this heavy, Africa related reliance would begin today. As I read through the checklist of what to bring, a very fleshy reality hit me square between the eyes, "O, God! What have I gotten myself into?" Even as I logically made plans of how to get money on a visa debit card, and knew that I would very soon need to begin writing support letters, I hit a wall where I know that there's only so much a person can prepare for.
I am so vastly unprepared, and I have so precious little time to prepare what I must to meet bare minimal survival requirements. But God, He's chill and calm and collected, and sitting, sovereign, on His throne patiently chuckling at my heartbeat, which goes from steady to wildly beating out of my chest. God is sovereign on the throne, and smiling as His plan unfolds, because He knows that He has been preparing me for this throughout my whole life.
Now I am praying that He will lend a wing so that I can find rest under it. So that I may find rest in His sovereignty over all and in all circumstances.
I suppose I knew that I would need to rely on God for strength in the time that I am in Africa, but I didn't know that all of this heavy, Africa related reliance would begin today. As I read through the checklist of what to bring, a very fleshy reality hit me square between the eyes, "O, God! What have I gotten myself into?" Even as I logically made plans of how to get money on a visa debit card, and knew that I would very soon need to begin writing support letters, I hit a wall where I know that there's only so much a person can prepare for.
I am so vastly unprepared, and I have so precious little time to prepare what I must to meet bare minimal survival requirements. But God, He's chill and calm and collected, and sitting, sovereign, on His throne patiently chuckling at my heartbeat, which goes from steady to wildly beating out of my chest. God is sovereign on the throne, and smiling as His plan unfolds, because He knows that He has been preparing me for this throughout my whole life.
Now I am praying that He will lend a wing so that I can find rest under it. So that I may find rest in His sovereignty over all and in all circumstances.
Acceptance
Here's the brief version of the path to acceptance from AIM, African Inland Missions, which happened January 20, 2010.
Some time in June/July of 2009 I met a gal who was spending her summer at the University of Iowa, working in the hospital as a student. Her name was Rochelle and we had 2 very brief conversations about Africa, God and missions. She connected me with Warren Day, on staff with AIM, and we had two "interviews," although by the second one I felt like we were old friends and were simply meeting to catch up. It was either odd of God, and I bank on the latter.
So many months later, in January, I get an e-mail that says that I have been accepted, and will be going to Africa this summer.
Some time in June/July of 2009 I met a gal who was spending her summer at the University of Iowa, working in the hospital as a student. Her name was Rochelle and we had 2 very brief conversations about Africa, God and missions. She connected me with Warren Day, on staff with AIM, and we had two "interviews," although by the second one I felt like we were old friends and were simply meeting to catch up. It was either odd of God, and I bank on the latter.
So many months later, in January, I get an e-mail that says that I have been accepted, and will be going to Africa this summer.
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