God's plan was for me to come to India in September to work with rescued girls through Freedom Firm. All of the details of that first sentence were made very clear to me before I had taken off.
My plan was to stay for six months, but the more I have come before the Lord the more clear He has made it that His plans were different. Two nights ago I changed my plane ticket and I now will be leaving India at the end of December (just about two months earlier than the original date). This decision has taken a lot of prayer, thought, and advice seeking, but I have come to the point where I can honestly say I have heard His voice, and as far as I'm concerned He is calling me home.
It's been crazy, I feel like I was born to live overseas. Throughout my missions career I have never felt homesick, but have strongly felt a desire to settle in the land so my relationships and ministry could take on a deeper level. This decision is conflicting in the fact that it is difficult and easy at the same time. I find it difficult when I think of the judgment of man and how I think it will actually be harder to leave early than it would be to stay (for many reasons). But I find it so simple when I think about what I want my life to be used for (glorifying God) and who I am striving to seek and obey in this life (Jesus), no matter how difficult it may be.
I think of the story of Abraham in Genesis 22 when God asked Him to sacrifice His only son, Isaac. The next sentence after God tells Abraham to go to the place of sacrifice simply says this, "Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey." That is the kind of trust in God I want. I want Him to be able to tell me something, whether it is, "sacrifice your son," or "go home," and as soon as I hear his voice I want to "load up my donkey early in the morning," with no doubt in His guidance.
There are times I feel as if I could stay and it would be fine, I mean surely God would bless my time here right? I actually do believe that He would bless my time in India if I stayed the full six months, but to me that isn't the issue anymore. The issue is God told me to go home, and I want to respond to Him the best I can. I think of John 10:4 where it says, "...his sheep follow him because they know his voice." Again, I have heard His voice and I cannot deny what I know to be true in my heart.
Of course this doesn't all make sense. Why would God want me to go away from the mission field? Away from a place where so much help is needed? First I have to remember that wherever I am placed is my mission field, India, Michigan, and anywhere inbetween, I am a missionary. Second I think of Isaiah's words in chapter 55 verses 8 & 9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." This may be something I will never grow to understand, and I am okay with that just as long as I do understand that God is above me and He has my best interest in mind...even if I can't seem to understand it myself.
My plan now is to obey God, and as far as I am concerned in my heart and my mind, that is exactly what I am doing by flying home in December.
Hakuna Matata
Sunday, November 14, 2010
I'm Moving...AGAIN??
When I first arrived in Ooty I settled into my cute little room upstairs and everything was, well, cute. =) That is until I had a bat friend that liked to scare me at night. He actually has never came flying into my room but still, I am just not a fan of bats, even if it is just hearing them. So after a couple weeks I moved downstairs into Christanna's room and stuck it out even with the spider, beetle, and mouse. The day she left for the states I moved back upstairs into my first room because somebody else had "called" that room for a week. So, back in the first room despite the bat. I set it up with lots of pictures from home and Africa and that made it really nice.
Last week I heard that some volunteers who are here for a year bought a house and were welcoming other volunteers to come live with them. They are super nice and it would be a lot cheaper so I decided to jump on board. Now my room is all packed up once again and I am getting ready to head out tonight! This past week we had tried setting up a time for me to be able to go look at the house before I decided for sure if I wanted to move in or not but that never happened. Here's to, "going with the flow!"
Hakuna Matata
Here are some pictures since it's been awhile since I've posted some...
P.S. The new house does not have internet. I am going to try to get out to an internet cafe at least once a week to update but we'll see how well that goes.
Last week I heard that some volunteers who are here for a year bought a house and were welcoming other volunteers to come live with them. They are super nice and it would be a lot cheaper so I decided to jump on board. Now my room is all packed up once again and I am getting ready to head out tonight! This past week we had tried setting up a time for me to be able to go look at the house before I decided for sure if I wanted to move in or not but that never happened. Here's to, "going with the flow!"
Hakuna Matata
Here are some pictures since it's been awhile since I've posted some...
Thankful 30 Four Times In A Row
Day 11: I am thankful for coffee shops. Today I left Smyerna (this is where the aftercare takes place) a little early and headed down town to a little coffee shop for some R&R. It was much needed and I enjoyed it so. I was happy when I walked in to see my favorite Barista worker, and caught off guard to see 4 other whiteys. I think it's safe to say I'm a "regular" now. Our conversation went like this,
"Hi Sir!" (big smiles)
"Hello Madam." (again, big smiles)
"How are you?"
"Yes, fine, fine. How are you?"
"I'm great, thank you. Okay, I would like one cafe latte, please."
"Are you sure you don't mean a cafe duette?"
*I pause and think for a second*
"Yes. Yes, that is exactly what I mean."
*laughter and more smiles*
I sure am glad he knows me better than I do. =) I sat in Barista for 2 hours writing in my journal and listening to the girl who sings "Barbie Girl," and then some good ol' fashion Christmas music. I am pretty sure they replayed "Jingle Bells" a good 3 or 4 times in a row.
Day 12: I am thankful for fellowship. Thursday we had a card and jewelry party at the guest house. There were cards and jewelry in one room on display, and coffee, tea, and cakes in the other room. Of course I started off in the room with food and coffee and oh my, everything was so delish. After some time I figured I should head over to the sales room and while I spent time in there it was just over taken by good fellowship (with the volunteers that were here, some staff, the community, and the Freedom Firm girls). When the party was over we had dinner with those who were at the party (minus the community) and a time of saying how thankful we were for the volunteers.
Day 13: I am thankful for Heaven. I honestly could probably go on for quite a long time on my reasons that I am thankful for Heaven. But right now I want to focus on one reason. I have met so many people throughout my life and I most likely will continue to do so. One thing that always makes the goodbyes even more sad is when we say, "Hmm, we might not ever see each other again." I was thinking about this a lot when I came back from Kenya and then a friend reminded me that for at least those who are believers, I will see again someday in Heaven. It totally changes things and I love that thought. I was thinking about this yesterday (day 13) as the volunteers were leaving. Some I may see again, or maybe I won't ever see any of them again, but one thing I can count on and look forward to is the day we will be reunited again in Heaven.
Day 14: I am thankful for lazy days. I have been going almost non-stop this past week and today I mark as my lazy day! Only two more weeks and I will finally have a day off other than Sunday!! Woo-hoo! =) *Just keep swimmin', just keep swimmin'* Seriously though, last night I was packing up my room (because I am moving today...more on that next post) and at the end even my toes were aching. This is not a lie, they really were! It was redic. All this to say, today is my lazy day and I am soakin' it up! =)
Hakuna Matata
"Hi Sir!" (big smiles)
"Hello Madam." (again, big smiles)
"How are you?"
"Yes, fine, fine. How are you?"
"I'm great, thank you. Okay, I would like one cafe latte, please."
"Are you sure you don't mean a cafe duette?"
*I pause and think for a second*
"Yes. Yes, that is exactly what I mean."
*laughter and more smiles*
I sure am glad he knows me better than I do. =) I sat in Barista for 2 hours writing in my journal and listening to the girl who sings "Barbie Girl," and then some good ol' fashion Christmas music. I am pretty sure they replayed "Jingle Bells" a good 3 or 4 times in a row.
Day 12: I am thankful for fellowship. Thursday we had a card and jewelry party at the guest house. There were cards and jewelry in one room on display, and coffee, tea, and cakes in the other room. Of course I started off in the room with food and coffee and oh my, everything was so delish. After some time I figured I should head over to the sales room and while I spent time in there it was just over taken by good fellowship (with the volunteers that were here, some staff, the community, and the Freedom Firm girls). When the party was over we had dinner with those who were at the party (minus the community) and a time of saying how thankful we were for the volunteers.
Day 13: I am thankful for Heaven. I honestly could probably go on for quite a long time on my reasons that I am thankful for Heaven. But right now I want to focus on one reason. I have met so many people throughout my life and I most likely will continue to do so. One thing that always makes the goodbyes even more sad is when we say, "Hmm, we might not ever see each other again." I was thinking about this a lot when I came back from Kenya and then a friend reminded me that for at least those who are believers, I will see again someday in Heaven. It totally changes things and I love that thought. I was thinking about this yesterday (day 13) as the volunteers were leaving. Some I may see again, or maybe I won't ever see any of them again, but one thing I can count on and look forward to is the day we will be reunited again in Heaven.
Day 14: I am thankful for lazy days. I have been going almost non-stop this past week and today I mark as my lazy day! Only two more weeks and I will finally have a day off other than Sunday!! Woo-hoo! =) *Just keep swimmin', just keep swimmin'* Seriously though, last night I was packing up my room (because I am moving today...more on that next post) and at the end even my toes were aching. This is not a lie, they really were! It was redic. All this to say, today is my lazy day and I am soakin' it up! =)
Hakuna Matata
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
I Am Tired
Things have been hard lately, I'll be honest. I am not sure I ever mentioned that this month (all of November) the main teacher is taking her holiday leave and I am stepping up as the teacher. At first I was like, "What the heck are you doing?" Then I was a little more okay with it, thankful that I had taken a teacher training course my senior year of high school and taught at numerous schools in Kenya. Then the night before I felt physically sick and cried as I feel asleep. Did I forget to mention that I am not the biggest fan of teaching? Well then, let that be noted. =)
The first week actually went pretty well other than the fact that I was spread real thin...trying to run a school, business, and baby sit at the same time is quite the challenge. But I made it only because Jesus was being the strength I needed.
I thought for sure that while the volunteers were here this second week it would give me a break and I could relax a little...but I was wrong. The team is great, helping out so so much, I am just loving it. But for some reason I am feeling more stressed and crying more tears with each passing day. I have felt cut down, belittled, and have been told I don't seem to relate well with the girls (all from someone I have only seen a handful of times). I keep telling Jesus I can't do it, and then I thank Him for not expecting me to, but for doing it through me.
I don't want this to be a complainy post, but I want to share my heart a little and not just pretend everything is 100% great all the time here. Also, I know that great things can happen through prayer and it's always great to know what to pray for more specifically.
I remember talking to another missionary a little while ago about blogging. We both said how it's kind of funny/annoying when we post stuff about the real life being upsetting or whatever because it's not 100% of the time that we feel that way, but the people reading it tend to think that's the case. I want you to know that it is not the case here. Jesus has blessed me in many many ways here. Although I have felt put down this week, the volunteers have been more than wonderful at lifting me up and encouraging me onward, as well as some of the staff and some other long term volunteers. And I have had such a blast hanging out with the volunteers this week! It has been some great, "get away," time. So again, I may be having a rough night and hit some tough times today, but that hasn't been the case all day so no need to get your panties all in a bunch on my behalf. =)
All this to say, I am thankful (day 10) for the promises given by Jesus. Promises stating that He has overcome the world (John 16:33), He is with me always (Matthew 28:20), He looks at my heart (1 Samuel 16:7), and so much more. Thank you, Jesus. Continue to remind me!
The first week actually went pretty well other than the fact that I was spread real thin...trying to run a school, business, and baby sit at the same time is quite the challenge. But I made it only because Jesus was being the strength I needed.
I thought for sure that while the volunteers were here this second week it would give me a break and I could relax a little...but I was wrong. The team is great, helping out so so much, I am just loving it. But for some reason I am feeling more stressed and crying more tears with each passing day. I have felt cut down, belittled, and have been told I don't seem to relate well with the girls (all from someone I have only seen a handful of times). I keep telling Jesus I can't do it, and then I thank Him for not expecting me to, but for doing it through me.
I don't want this to be a complainy post, but I want to share my heart a little and not just pretend everything is 100% great all the time here. Also, I know that great things can happen through prayer and it's always great to know what to pray for more specifically.
I remember talking to another missionary a little while ago about blogging. We both said how it's kind of funny/annoying when we post stuff about the real life being upsetting or whatever because it's not 100% of the time that we feel that way, but the people reading it tend to think that's the case. I want you to know that it is not the case here. Jesus has blessed me in many many ways here. Although I have felt put down this week, the volunteers have been more than wonderful at lifting me up and encouraging me onward, as well as some of the staff and some other long term volunteers. And I have had such a blast hanging out with the volunteers this week! It has been some great, "get away," time. So again, I may be having a rough night and hit some tough times today, but that hasn't been the case all day so no need to get your panties all in a bunch on my behalf. =)
All this to say, I am thankful (day 10) for the promises given by Jesus. Promises stating that He has overcome the world (John 16:33), He is with me always (Matthew 28:20), He looks at my heart (1 Samuel 16:7), and so much more. Thank you, Jesus. Continue to remind me!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
SOUR PATCH KIDS?!
Day 8: I have been reeally wanting some sour patch kids for a few weeks now. I was skyping with my sister one day and saw my niece in the background eating some and boy, was my mouth a waterin'! Anyways, I said there was some new volunteers here for a week and we have been spending a lot of time together. Last night after dinner while we were just hanging around the restaurant still chatting Monique pulled out the last little bit of her sour patch kids. I really wasn't implying that I wanted her to give them to me (not all of them at least...of course I was going to ask for at least one!), but I made a comment something like, "SOUR PATCH KIDS?! I've been craving those for weeks!" Yeah, that definitely sounds like, "Give me your sour patch kids," in code. Well she surely understood the "code" language and kindly gave me the rest of them. I was sooo thankful and immediately knew this was my thankful 30 for the day! Go Monique and your kindness! Also, go sour patch kids and my secret "not so code" language.
Day 9: This was actually going to be my thankful 30 for yesterday but the sour patch kids kind of took over. Nonetheless I am still super thankful for God's beautiful creativity displayed through His mountains. Where I'm from in MI we don't have mountains. Sand dunes, yes. Mountains, no. I remember when I was in Kenya and saw so many mountains that when I closed my eyes to pray or go to bed I would just see mountains after mountains after mountains. It's like when you've been doing something all day like working on a puzzle or picking berries...at night when you close your eyes all you see is that image over and over again. It was truly wonderful. Well I praise my Father once again because He is kind enough to bless me with more mountains. We went for a drive down the mountain yesterday and Saturday and although it made me feel really sick with all the quick turns and fast driving, it was totally worth it because it was not only close up awesome, gorgeous mountains and cliffs, but the clouds were really low too which made for such an amazing picture God didn't have to give me, but wanted to. I decided to just try capturing the photo in my mind instead of on my camera (I knew the camera wouldn't do it justice anyways), so here is a picture from a while ago (father away than I was from the mountains) with the same idea.
Hmm...I just realized that I think I am over doing the thankful 30 journal, and am content with just an explanation and a picture =)
Hakuna Matata
Day 9: This was actually going to be my thankful 30 for yesterday but the sour patch kids kind of took over. Nonetheless I am still super thankful for God's beautiful creativity displayed through His mountains. Where I'm from in MI we don't have mountains. Sand dunes, yes. Mountains, no. I remember when I was in Kenya and saw so many mountains that when I closed my eyes to pray or go to bed I would just see mountains after mountains after mountains. It's like when you've been doing something all day like working on a puzzle or picking berries...at night when you close your eyes all you see is that image over and over again. It was truly wonderful. Well I praise my Father once again because He is kind enough to bless me with more mountains. We went for a drive down the mountain yesterday and Saturday and although it made me feel really sick with all the quick turns and fast driving, it was totally worth it because it was not only close up awesome, gorgeous mountains and cliffs, but the clouds were really low too which made for such an amazing picture God didn't have to give me, but wanted to. I decided to just try capturing the photo in my mind instead of on my camera (I knew the camera wouldn't do it justice anyways), so here is a picture from a while ago (father away than I was from the mountains) with the same idea.
Hmm...I just realized that I think I am over doing the thankful 30 journal, and am content with just an explanation and a picture =)
Hakuna Matata
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Days 6&7
Day six: I am thankful for a hot shower...did I already say that? Well I am reeeeally thankful for one of those! Okay okay, I'll choose something else. I am thankful for the new volunteers that came in yesterday from North Carolina. I wish I had a pic. of them to post, but really all you have to do is close your eyes and picture 6 beautiful daughter's of the Lord. Got it?! YAY! They really are so great. They are here for a week helping with the aftercare part of Freedom Firm called, Ruhama. I am super excited because unlike me, they are actually good at making jewelry. I would say I'm a rather artsy person, but not when it comes to jewelry making. Almost all of my designs I have come up with have been rejected...oh well, I tried, that counts for something right? Anyways, I have been blessed with being the person to show them around Ooty and all that jazz. It's been great, I've been getting some really good food and coffee and shopping out of this weekend thanks to them =) Not to mention super fellowship and new friendships. They really have a lot to offer and I truly thank God for sending them. Organization skills, jewelry making, card making, teaching skills, among many other small but important details they have brought to share. Phew, I got a feelin', woo-hoo, that this week's gonna be a good week!
Day 7: I think what I am thankful for right now kind of goes along with the team coming...a little. Since being here in Ooty I have been going to bed pretty early...like some nights 7:30, but usually around 10. Lately though sleep is one thing that has been lacking as I have been picking up some extra responsibilities. It's great and I am feeling useful and I would rather be doing more than less, but dang am I TIRED!!! So my day number 7 thankful 30 is simply the fact that sleep/rest is not my main source of energy, refueling, and refilling, but Jesus Christ is. Of course I need sleep and all and I don't think I should be foolish about it by staying up lolly-gaggin' (is that how you'd spell it?) around, but if I am serving Him and tired because I have poured out my energy in service and in time spent with Him, He is going to be my source of energy, refueling, and refilling, and for that I am so very thankful!
Day 7: I think what I am thankful for right now kind of goes along with the team coming...a little. Since being here in Ooty I have been going to bed pretty early...like some nights 7:30, but usually around 10. Lately though sleep is one thing that has been lacking as I have been picking up some extra responsibilities. It's great and I am feeling useful and I would rather be doing more than less, but dang am I TIRED!!! So my day number 7 thankful 30 is simply the fact that sleep/rest is not my main source of energy, refueling, and refilling, but Jesus Christ is. Of course I need sleep and all and I don't think I should be foolish about it by staying up lolly-gaggin' (is that how you'd spell it?) around, but if I am serving Him and tired because I have poured out my energy in service and in time spent with Him, He is going to be my source of energy, refueling, and refilling, and for that I am so very thankful!
Friday, November 5, 2010
I Can't Wait To See Them!
I had a different "Thankful 30" planned since yesterday. But as I was starting to write down what I was thankful for, I saw a picture of my sweet baby nephew, Levi, and then another picture of my other nephew, Kai, and felt a huge amount of thankfulness and love for them. Therefore, today, day 5, I am thankful for my nieces and nephews! =)
Kai: He is the oldest and an only child to my sissy, Alissa. He is one of a kind in the sweetest way possible (sweet as in "awww"). God definitely blessed us with a little boy full of heart and love for others. His awareness of others and giving spirit seems to come naturally (most of the time). He is so much fun and loves sports. He would always love coming to watch me play basketball in high school and after the game he would throw down a pretty nice game of (invisible) basketball himself. Love it!
Alaina: I don't think I could ever express the love I have for this little girl. Of course I love all of my nieces and nephews but Alaina's jolly, goofy spirit just gets me every time. Definitely the most cheerful person I know. I think the fact that she has cerebral palsy makes me even more amazed at her view on life. I love it! The fact that I cannot cuddle her sweet self right now brings tears to my eyes.
Addie: Oh.My.Man. Where to start with this little one? Maybe with the word, adorable! She just has that sweet little girl, "I am a princess" role. One of my favorites things is the fact that she loves art. I think almost every day she colors/draws at least one picture. I am excited to see her artistic ability grow. Although at times she chooses to be hurtful with her words, I have found that often she loves to make people feel special (with words, pictures, etc.). I love her face when you can tell she's trying not to smile (and of course I love it when she's smiling big too!).
Levi: I have no words. I love him so much. I never knew it was possible to love a baby who does pretty much nothing so much! I can't explain it but I would carry him around all day if I could. He is such a great baby too. Hardly ever cries unless he's hungry or dirty. Gotta love it. I am super sad that I'm missing these "baby months," but I am glad I have a wonderful sister who is kind enough to hold him in camera view each time we skype. =) (thanks Trish!)
I love them all so much! Thank you Jesus for your wonderful blessings you have given me...all four of them.
Hakuna Matata
Kai: He is the oldest and an only child to my sissy, Alissa. He is one of a kind in the sweetest way possible (sweet as in "awww"). God definitely blessed us with a little boy full of heart and love for others. His awareness of others and giving spirit seems to come naturally (most of the time). He is so much fun and loves sports. He would always love coming to watch me play basketball in high school and after the game he would throw down a pretty nice game of (invisible) basketball himself. Love it!
Alaina: I don't think I could ever express the love I have for this little girl. Of course I love all of my nieces and nephews but Alaina's jolly, goofy spirit just gets me every time. Definitely the most cheerful person I know. I think the fact that she has cerebral palsy makes me even more amazed at her view on life. I love it! The fact that I cannot cuddle her sweet self right now brings tears to my eyes.
Addie: Oh.My.Man. Where to start with this little one? Maybe with the word, adorable! She just has that sweet little girl, "I am a princess" role. One of my favorites things is the fact that she loves art. I think almost every day she colors/draws at least one picture. I am excited to see her artistic ability grow. Although at times she chooses to be hurtful with her words, I have found that often she loves to make people feel special (with words, pictures, etc.). I love her face when you can tell she's trying not to smile (and of course I love it when she's smiling big too!).
Levi: I have no words. I love him so much. I never knew it was possible to love a baby who does pretty much nothing so much! I can't explain it but I would carry him around all day if I could. He is such a great baby too. Hardly ever cries unless he's hungry or dirty. Gotta love it. I am super sad that I'm missing these "baby months," but I am glad I have a wonderful sister who is kind enough to hold him in camera view each time we skype. =) (thanks Trish!)
I love them all so much! Thank you Jesus for your wonderful blessings you have given me...all four of them.
Hakuna Matata
Thursday, November 4, 2010
We're Pretty Much Friends
Every morning I am faced with a decision. And almost every morning I make the same choice. The question I have to answer is simply this, "Do I leave 10-15 minutes early and walk all the way to the bus stop, or do I leave 10-15 minutes later and catch a rickshaw?"
Lately I have been thoroughly enjoying my mornings and so you can understand when I tell you that I have been taking an auto (rickshaw) so I can have 10 more minutes with God either reading, or worshiping. Valid right?...time spent with God. I think, yes! =)
When I ride in an auto to the bus stop I still have to walk about 10 or so minutes to the auto stand (unless an empty one passes me on the way there which I pray for EVERY morning). The autos are then lined up across the round-about and instead of walking over there myself, I have become quite fond of making eye contact with one of the drivers with a smile and a head nod.
This morning, however, there was no need for eye contact, or even a smile and head nod (but I smiled anyways). In fact, there was no need to even tell the driver my final destination, I only said a confident, "Thirty rupees?" and got in the auto. I could not help but laugh inside about the fact that I am now a "regular" in the auto world...we're pretty much friends. =)
And this, my friends, is what your typical auto rickshaw looks like...
Now onto me being thankful...
Day 4: I am thankful for the places I have been. God has blessed me so much already in the places He has allowed me to travel...most of them being specified for His glory (which I guess every place should be for His glory, right?). Kenya, India, Holland (don't be fooled, it's Holland, Michigan), Canada, inner city Philadelphia, West Virginia...oh how I love going to new places. Thank you Jesus and I can't wait to see where you will be taking me next. =)
Hakuna Matata
Lately I have been thoroughly enjoying my mornings and so you can understand when I tell you that I have been taking an auto (rickshaw) so I can have 10 more minutes with God either reading, or worshiping. Valid right?...time spent with God. I think, yes! =)
When I ride in an auto to the bus stop I still have to walk about 10 or so minutes to the auto stand (unless an empty one passes me on the way there which I pray for EVERY morning). The autos are then lined up across the round-about and instead of walking over there myself, I have become quite fond of making eye contact with one of the drivers with a smile and a head nod.
This morning, however, there was no need for eye contact, or even a smile and head nod (but I smiled anyways). In fact, there was no need to even tell the driver my final destination, I only said a confident, "Thirty rupees?" and got in the auto. I could not help but laugh inside about the fact that I am now a "regular" in the auto world...we're pretty much friends. =)
And this, my friends, is what your typical auto rickshaw looks like...
Now onto me being thankful...
Hakuna Matata
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Catching Up
I am a couple days late but am excited to join the "Thankful 30" from Janel's blog. =) I found out about this through Amber's blog and I just love this idea.
Day one: I am thankful for friends. On this day I was blessed enough to skype with a dear friend of mine. We chatted for over 3 hours but it felt like less. I love talking with her. A lot of our conversations are always about Jesus and either what He is doing is our lives, how we want to be more like Him and serve Him, or lifting each other up spiritually. It was great because we also just got to "hang out" it felt like. Kind of talking about nothing but not feeling like our convo. was lacking. I love it. I am super blessed with friends and I praise my Father for that!
Day 2: I am thankful for JESUS! =) Self-explanatory? I think yes. But I will go on to say that this past week has been hard and draining in ministry. I love how good Jesus is though. He is so strong and takes great delight in filling me back up after a day of pouring myself out. He is wonderful. I have found massive comfort in Him many times and especially the past few days. I love that fact that He has already seen this month and all that it will hold for me. That brings me comfort a Father brings to His little girl. =) And that is exactly what has happened/is happening. Thank you Jesus for being all that I need and more. Help me when I think you are not enough for me...because you are more than enough for me and I don't deserve you.
Day 3: I am thankful for hot showers! Yes indeed I am. I have realized this more and more over the past weeks due to the fact that not all my showers here are hot...actually, not all my showers here are even warm or withstandable (yet somehow I withstand them)! I had the wonderful priviledge tonight of taking a shower that I actually had to add cold water to because it was burning me! =) Ahhh it was soooo nice. Yes, I am thankful for hot showers, very thankful.Hakuna Matata!
A Day Worth Documenting
Twas indeed. A little over a week ago I just had the bomb day.
It was my off day (starting off great already) and I had an unexpected skype convo. with my dear friend, Katie.
During that skype call, Martin (a man who works here at the guest house) came inside with a nice big package with my name on it...literally. =) It was from my Momma and it only took one short week to arrive. Wow, two thumbs way up for India's air mail (this time at least)! Inside was complete with many goodies, including, but not limited to...skittles, a note from my sissy, a picture of a childhood friend, a stubby bottle of Sprite (America has stubby bottles, did you know?), and Cheetos. Dang girl!
Later in the day I made a nice little trip to the market to pick up some veggies and let me tell you...the market's a steal! I bought 8 bananas, 3 green peppers, 4 cucumbers, and 2 pineapples for a grand total of around $2.40. I likey. I also am going to feel totally ripped off when I go back to the states and buy one pineapple for $2.40! Sheesh! If only I could pack the market in my suitcase...
I probably am also going to feel so unimportant when I come back as well. When walking through the market I constantly hear, "Yes Madam?" "Yes Madam?" "Yes Madam?" And reply with, "Hi Sir." "No thank you, Sir." "So nice, Sir." It's great.
Last but not least, let me introduce to you my sweet dinosaur that travels the world with me like a faithful dinosaur does. It represents my friend, Katie (same friend I skyped with on this particular day). I bought two dinosaur key chains before I left for Kenya last year...one representing Katie (the one on my backpack), and the other representing me (that one is on her backpack!). When wearing my backpack and finding myself in a troublesome situation I like to remind myself, "Katie's got my back!" =) Anyways, Jurassic Park must be a popular film here in India because everywhere I go I hear, "Jurassic Park." At first I was unsure what people were talking about but it wasn't long until I caught on. The kind man selling me pineapple made that comment when I was at the market last. In fact, I have bought pineapple from him twice now and I do believe he said it both times. Maybe I'll go back to him soon and flash my dazzling dinosaur, seeing if he says it again. A little experiment.
What a packed day with so much fun stuff. I wouldn't mind another "day worth documenting" sometime soon (did ya hear that God?=)
Hakuna Matata
p.s. I also made banana bread this day!
It was my off day (starting off great already) and I had an unexpected skype convo. with my dear friend, Katie.
During that skype call, Martin (a man who works here at the guest house) came inside with a nice big package with my name on it...literally. =) It was from my Momma and it only took one short week to arrive. Wow, two thumbs way up for India's air mail (this time at least)! Inside was complete with many goodies, including, but not limited to...skittles, a note from my sissy, a picture of a childhood friend, a stubby bottle of Sprite (America has stubby bottles, did you know?), and Cheetos. Dang girl!
Later in the day I made a nice little trip to the market to pick up some veggies and let me tell you...the market's a steal! I bought 8 bananas, 3 green peppers, 4 cucumbers, and 2 pineapples for a grand total of around $2.40. I likey. I also am going to feel totally ripped off when I go back to the states and buy one pineapple for $2.40! Sheesh! If only I could pack the market in my suitcase...
I probably am also going to feel so unimportant when I come back as well. When walking through the market I constantly hear, "Yes Madam?" "Yes Madam?" "Yes Madam?" And reply with, "Hi Sir." "No thank you, Sir." "So nice, Sir." It's great.
Last but not least, let me introduce to you my sweet dinosaur that travels the world with me like a faithful dinosaur does. It represents my friend, Katie (same friend I skyped with on this particular day). I bought two dinosaur key chains before I left for Kenya last year...one representing Katie (the one on my backpack), and the other representing me (that one is on her backpack!). When wearing my backpack and finding myself in a troublesome situation I like to remind myself, "Katie's got my back!" =) Anyways, Jurassic Park must be a popular film here in India because everywhere I go I hear, "Jurassic Park." At first I was unsure what people were talking about but it wasn't long until I caught on. The kind man selling me pineapple made that comment when I was at the market last. In fact, I have bought pineapple from him twice now and I do believe he said it both times. Maybe I'll go back to him soon and flash my dazzling dinosaur, seeing if he says it again. A little experiment.
What a packed day with so much fun stuff. I wouldn't mind another "day worth documenting" sometime soon (did ya hear that God?=)
Hakuna Matata
p.s. I also made banana bread this day!
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