I just want you all to know...
One of my arms is really tan and the other is really not. I don't know why I find that so amusing... it's the little things in life.
Also.
I was walking the other day and I saw my first piece of roadkill in Madagascar and it was a smashed chamillion! It literally made my day ... again ... the little things.
You will also all be very proud of me when I tell you that I've officially made my first spider kill. Yep, I smashed that thing like I was the Terminator. He's just super dead... still on my wall. Of course after killing him I proceeded to stand in the middle of my room pointing at the spider, saying "Let him be an example to all of you spiders that if I see you... you will be killed. I have a no tolerance policy when it comes to climbing on my wall, my floor, my bed, my suitcases, etc." Then I realized how weird I am and thanked God for those of you that still love me.
Well, moving on, there has been so much that's happened since I last posted. I moved into my flat, I went on retreat and now I've begun lessons with Pedro and Asafe! My flatmates are wonderful! Sara is from the UK and Min Jung is from Korea. They shared their food with me my first few nights when I hadn't gotten any of my own yet and were very kind and welcoming - just another way God has continually provided.
Retreat was a great way for me to meet all the other missionaries that are stationed around Madagascar and I got to do kids' programs in the mornings, which was a blast. Also, I learned to play this crazy dominos game that seemed to take up most of the free time we had. It was also a great time to slow down a little and spend time with my Bible and God. We were at a small retreat center next to a lake, and it really reminded me of being at camp.... which was a good and a bad thing haha. I loved being away from the city and the fumes and noise, but it made me a little homesick. Waaaahhhh Trout! However, God surrounded me with some great short-term ladies that I had a blast with and helped distract me from being a sad camper.
Today was my first day teaching Pedro and Asafe and it was suuuuuuch a blessing after a busy and pretty stressful morning. It was honestly the best therapy I think God could've given me when I was able to just sit and say "This is the letter F, it's a frog jump letter because after you draw the first line you have to make a frog jump back up to the top!" Also, just blowing bubbles in the backyard. I love working with kids because life is simple. You can find happiness in things like trying to pop as many bubbles as possible as they land on the grass.
Today, bubbles and the letter F saved my life and I wouldn't have it any other way. Did I think when I woke up this morning that these would be the things that would make my day? Nope. But God knew! And he provided them for me. He provides these "little things" every day that keep me going and help me delight in him and his creation. I hope this week he provides some little joys that you can delight in as well.
Mmmm now prayer requests :)
Prayer request 1: That God would provide safety and provision for those on the east coast of the US experiencing the hurricane. Also that the bank I use for my funds here would be able to reopen soon because it's stationed there.
Prayer request 2: Encouragement for the missionaries here in Tana, that God would continue to remind them of his greater vision for Madagascar and their part in it.
Prayer request 3: That I would continue to rely on God and trust him as my assignment continues and my weekly schedule is being planned out.
Thank you all, again, for being a part of this amazing and challenging experience, I could not do it without you!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
I'M HERE I'M REALLY HERE!
Yes friends, it's really here. You are getting an update on my first day in Madagascar. Yay!
Okay, first things first, you guys must have rocked it out in prayer because God got me all the way from Atlanta to Washington to New York to Johannesburg to Antananarivo with absolutely no issues. That was a total prayer thing because some of my layovers were cutting it close, but he got me there every time with a few minutes to spare. There were some interesting moments like when I confused most of the guards at customs in Madagascar because we were just... embracing language barriers. One of my bags got lost as well, but considering everything... that's really not bad. We'll go back to the airport tomorrow and hopefully it will be there!
Also, I slept on the plane a little!! Yay!!! Thank you to those who prayed about that one :)
God just showed me on this trip, again, that when I let go and follow what he asks of me, he comes through every time. He also amazes me with his generosity, because he always gives me more than I deserve when I trust him. He allowed me to meet some really great people on my flights, which made the airport experiences much less stressful and even saved my behind a few times.
On my first flight I met a guy who is originally from Ethiopia and he helped me with my bags while I was checking in (which was super helpful because I had three bags plus a backpack and a purse and I'm not that buff...). On my final flight to Madagascar I met one guy who's been here four times doing missions work, and another one who was just visiting for a month. They helped me fill out my entry card and then one of them was missing a bag as well so we both (with the help of a random guy from London) figured out how to get the bags back.
It's just amazing to me how God provides people like this even when he doesn't need to. There's nothing that I've done in my life to deserve these kinds of gifts, but he gives them to me anyway, and it's a constant reminder to me of his great love.
He's also blessed me with an AMAZING family who picked me up at the airport and invited me into their home to spend the night before I move into my housing. They were so kind and helpful and I just felt a sense of home right away. My nubs and I bonded over crashing toy cars into things and I was able to take a shower.... thank goodness... I was a grease ball when I got done with all that flying.
All in all it was a successful trip here (even though on the 15 hour flight I went through a roller coaster of emotions... classic). I can't wait to see what else God has planned.
Okay everyone... it's about that time... for prayer requests.
Prayer Request 1: Help me to rely on God and keep an open mind as I learn and adapt to the culture and language.
Prayer Request 2: That I would rely on God to help me effectively plan for and help teach lessons to my nubs. (Pedro and Asafe)
Thank you guys, again, for your prayers. God is hearing them and he's doing amazing things!
"Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7
Okay, first things first, you guys must have rocked it out in prayer because God got me all the way from Atlanta to Washington to New York to Johannesburg to Antananarivo with absolutely no issues. That was a total prayer thing because some of my layovers were cutting it close, but he got me there every time with a few minutes to spare. There were some interesting moments like when I confused most of the guards at customs in Madagascar because we were just... embracing language barriers. One of my bags got lost as well, but considering everything... that's really not bad. We'll go back to the airport tomorrow and hopefully it will be there!
Also, I slept on the plane a little!! Yay!!! Thank you to those who prayed about that one :)
God just showed me on this trip, again, that when I let go and follow what he asks of me, he comes through every time. He also amazes me with his generosity, because he always gives me more than I deserve when I trust him. He allowed me to meet some really great people on my flights, which made the airport experiences much less stressful and even saved my behind a few times.
On my first flight I met a guy who is originally from Ethiopia and he helped me with my bags while I was checking in (which was super helpful because I had three bags plus a backpack and a purse and I'm not that buff...). On my final flight to Madagascar I met one guy who's been here four times doing missions work, and another one who was just visiting for a month. They helped me fill out my entry card and then one of them was missing a bag as well so we both (with the help of a random guy from London) figured out how to get the bags back.
It's just amazing to me how God provides people like this even when he doesn't need to. There's nothing that I've done in my life to deserve these kinds of gifts, but he gives them to me anyway, and it's a constant reminder to me of his great love.
He's also blessed me with an AMAZING family who picked me up at the airport and invited me into their home to spend the night before I move into my housing. They were so kind and helpful and I just felt a sense of home right away. My nubs and I bonded over crashing toy cars into things and I was able to take a shower.... thank goodness... I was a grease ball when I got done with all that flying.
All in all it was a successful trip here (even though on the 15 hour flight I went through a roller coaster of emotions... classic). I can't wait to see what else God has planned.
Okay everyone... it's about that time... for prayer requests.
Prayer Request 1: Help me to rely on God and keep an open mind as I learn and adapt to the culture and language.
Prayer Request 2: That I would rely on God to help me effectively plan for and help teach lessons to my nubs. (Pedro and Asafe)
Thank you guys, again, for your prayers. God is hearing them and he's doing amazing things!
"Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Almost there!
Well everyone, this was going to be my farewell post before I headed out to Madagascar but it turns out God would like me to wait one more week.
He works in mysterious ways. :)
But it's great because I get to hang out and work with all the great AIM people that I met in orientation this week! Woo! Shout out to you Stephanie, Lisa and Ryan. That's right. You're in my blog. Be excited.
Orientation was great, there was a ton of information that will be very helpful once I get to Africa and I got to meet a whole lot of super great people that I may never see again.
:(
Just kidding. We got each others' e-mails so we'll keep in touch. Here's a picture of all of us on the first day of training...
I'll be in Atlanta until next Wednesday and then I will hopefully fly out! It should be the same route as my previous itinerary, so I will be flying from Atlanta at 5:54AM to Washington to New York to Johannesburg to Antananarivo! Clearly I'm not lacking in layovers haha. I will be flying by myself so...
BOOM!
First Prayer Request: Please please please help me to make my flights on time and be alert and aware of what's going on around me.
The longest leg of the flying will be from New York to Johannesburg... it's 15 hours. Ooofta. I will be periodically doing laps around the airplane, possibly chatting with the flight attendants. Also (thinking ahead) I brought three books to read! So most likely I won't get bored, I'll just have trouble walking when we finally land. BLOOD CLOTS! (hopefully not)
This brings me to my...
Second Prayer Request: Please help me to get some sleep on the plane. :S (and also that I don't get blood clots... those are scary)
I should be in Antananarivo by Thursday when I'll be picked up and brought to where I'll be living. There's going to be a conference for the missionaries serving in Madagascar when I get there so that will keep me busy for awhile. I get to meet my nubs!! The little guys, Pedro and Asafe. I'm very excited about that.
Of course this is when I'll need most of your prayers! Aaah!
Third Prayer Request: That I would trust in God's plan and be able to identify lies the enemy may try to use to hinder the beginning of my ministry there.
I'm sorry... I have a lot of prayer requests. You totally do not have to do all of them, it's more of a "choose your own adventure" type of deal. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate your prayers, they are truly what will be guiding me and helping me through this year of ministry. YOU GO PRAYER WARRIORS! Hopefully I'll have more updates once I get to Madagascar and updates on how your prayers have been answered.
Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Sure I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
He works in mysterious ways. :)
But it's great because I get to hang out and work with all the great AIM people that I met in orientation this week! Woo! Shout out to you Stephanie, Lisa and Ryan. That's right. You're in my blog. Be excited.
Orientation was great, there was a ton of information that will be very helpful once I get to Africa and I got to meet a whole lot of super great people that I may never see again.
:(
Just kidding. We got each others' e-mails so we'll keep in touch. Here's a picture of all of us on the first day of training...
I'll be in Atlanta until next Wednesday and then I will hopefully fly out! It should be the same route as my previous itinerary, so I will be flying from Atlanta at 5:54AM to Washington to New York to Johannesburg to Antananarivo! Clearly I'm not lacking in layovers haha. I will be flying by myself so...
BOOM!
First Prayer Request: Please please please help me to make my flights on time and be alert and aware of what's going on around me.
The longest leg of the flying will be from New York to Johannesburg... it's 15 hours. Ooofta. I will be periodically doing laps around the airplane, possibly chatting with the flight attendants. Also (thinking ahead) I brought three books to read! So most likely I won't get bored, I'll just have trouble walking when we finally land. BLOOD CLOTS! (hopefully not)
This brings me to my...
Second Prayer Request: Please help me to get some sleep on the plane. :S (and also that I don't get blood clots... those are scary)
I should be in Antananarivo by Thursday when I'll be picked up and brought to where I'll be living. There's going to be a conference for the missionaries serving in Madagascar when I get there so that will keep me busy for awhile. I get to meet my nubs!! The little guys, Pedro and Asafe. I'm very excited about that.
Of course this is when I'll need most of your prayers! Aaah!
Third Prayer Request: That I would trust in God's plan and be able to identify lies the enemy may try to use to hinder the beginning of my ministry there.
I'm sorry... I have a lot of prayer requests. You totally do not have to do all of them, it's more of a "choose your own adventure" type of deal. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate your prayers, they are truly what will be guiding me and helping me through this year of ministry. YOU GO PRAYER WARRIORS! Hopefully I'll have more updates once I get to Madagascar and updates on how your prayers have been answered.
Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Sure I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
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