I haven't really wanted to blog. There are so many thoughts, feelings, and things that I just didn't want to write about it for fear of diminishing any of them. Despite the torture of traveling on a bus for 3 days across Africa, I actually think it was good because it was a slow progression back into the Western world. Rwanda to Uganda to Kenya to London to Los Angeles. The journey has only begun.
Ha. I remember when I first got here. I thought everything was NOT Western, even in Nairobi. I thought they were wanna-be's. Now, I think they are very Western.
Let's go back...Goma. Oh man, I miss Goma. All those rocks, all that dust, all those colorful patterns that the men and women wear. I miss saying Jambo, Jambo sana, Habari, Mzuri. (In Kenya, Jambo is only used for white people, but in Congo, everyone says it.) I miss the team. I miss the pastor and his family. I even miss the kids following us down every street for miles asking for a bisqui. I miss the grimy fingers holding my hands at the IDP camps. I miss the big eyes looking up at me and then the hand coming up to cover the smile. I miss the songs being sung as we arrive. I miss laughing at the massive miscommunication that would happen on a daily basis, even among team members. I miss coming home after the dirtiest, longest day ever to find that the water is not on and we must sit in our grim. I miss our houseboy, Aserma yelling, "Apana!" (No!) at us for pluging in the hot water heater, even though we are the ones who pay for the fuel for basically the whole block. I miss even those long days when we couldn't eat lunch because we were with people who had no food. I miss not being allowed of the house at night because everyone was convinced it was too dangerous. I miss it all.
I know that God is working and doing amazing things in Congo. I want to go back and share in the harvest. It is a rich time to work in Congo. The people are about to rise up and bring the change that their country needs; they just need the encouragement to believe that the Kingdom is at hand and that God wants to use them. Not because they are special, but because He is amazing.
He is amazing, isn't He? That's exactly what I've been learning this trip. Crazy that I would learn about his goodness admist starvation, injustice, malnutrition, maleducation, dirt, poverty, and religiosity.
But He has been giving revelation about His love in incredible amounts. I am so thankful for His love, for it enables us to love and know Him more, it enables us to be honest about who we are, about who He is, and about what reality is. It is because of Him that we can even desire more of Him. It is because of Him that we can truly love each other, which in turn will make Him more known among the nations. It is His love that will solve the problems of the nations. It is Him. He is the Savior for Goma, for Congo, for Africa, for the world. I guess that perhaps sounds a little cheesy, but it's true.
So, I don't know to what to say. I am more in love with Jesus because of this whole experience. I am more rooted in his love and more aware of my own identity. I can't wait to come again to Africa. I can't wait to bring change to their education system. I can't wait to love.
I am thankful for his enduring goodness, faithfulness, and love.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
The home stretch
I finally figured out how to post again! There were several days when I was unable to figure out how to get a new post on here, but here we go.
This is my last week, as I leave Goma on Saturday. I will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, then go to Kampala, Uganda, and finally, I will take the long busride from Kampala to Nairobi. Once my bus travels are over, I will board the plane and fly to London, then home to Los Angeles. What a experience that will be! I have mixed emotions. On one hand I am excited to go home and have the life I'm used to, but on the other hand I am sad because there is still so much to do here in Congo.
We will do a youth conference starting today. Excitement and anticipation are our main emotions. Please keep praying for us. Pray that God comes in this conference. We will be teachign about identity in Christ, Father heart, accessing kingdom, and them being the revival and change that Congo needs by letting God use them.
I have been processing the IDP camp thing and haven't been able to write much about it, but will write more as time goes on. Life is getting to be normal here though. We are getting better about planning our meals to make sure we have the necessary food. We are able to venture out more without the pastor, but not too far. The girls even started the fire for dinner yesterday - it did take us an hour just to get it lit, but we did it!
Some of the plans and thoughts: we want to buy a huge bag of charcoal for the widows to sell. This is something they asked for, and it will bring mercy and justice to their lives. They will sell the charcoal (which is something everyone uses because that is how they cook), then with the extra they will be able to buy another bag and will be able to buy food and pay school fees for their children. We are just making the initial investment for them. We also want to do something for the women and children who are suffering from malnutrition at the IDP camp, but we are still praying to figure out what they might look like.
Lots of love.
This is my last week, as I leave Goma on Saturday. I will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, then go to Kampala, Uganda, and finally, I will take the long busride from Kampala to Nairobi. Once my bus travels are over, I will board the plane and fly to London, then home to Los Angeles. What a experience that will be! I have mixed emotions. On one hand I am excited to go home and have the life I'm used to, but on the other hand I am sad because there is still so much to do here in Congo.
We will do a youth conference starting today. Excitement and anticipation are our main emotions. Please keep praying for us. Pray that God comes in this conference. We will be teachign about identity in Christ, Father heart, accessing kingdom, and them being the revival and change that Congo needs by letting God use them.
I have been processing the IDP camp thing and haven't been able to write much about it, but will write more as time goes on. Life is getting to be normal here though. We are getting better about planning our meals to make sure we have the necessary food. We are able to venture out more without the pastor, but not too far. The girls even started the fire for dinner yesterday - it did take us an hour just to get it lit, but we did it!
Some of the plans and thoughts: we want to buy a huge bag of charcoal for the widows to sell. This is something they asked for, and it will bring mercy and justice to their lives. They will sell the charcoal (which is something everyone uses because that is how they cook), then with the extra they will be able to buy another bag and will be able to buy food and pay school fees for their children. We are just making the initial investment for them. We also want to do something for the women and children who are suffering from malnutrition at the IDP camp, but we are still praying to figure out what they might look like.
Lots of love.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
I only have 14 minutes and 0 seconds left to use the internet, so I better type quickly.
Guess what?! Two days ago we went to the IDP, Internally displaced persons, camp (aka refugee camp) and walked around talking with the refugees. They told us to come back on Tuesday to meet with the malnurtion center and patients. A few horrors of the camp: tents made of sticks so close together that you can hardly fit between them, people cook on their charoal stoves inside a space that is smaller than most bathrooms in America! (I don't know who lets them cook inside a stick tent, but that is clearly a bad idea and they often catch fire.) The women told us they only get rice and beans, and are constantly hungry. Basically, these people have been sitting in this camp for about three years doing absolutely nothing. Can you imagine? We can't even sit still in our homes without a television on for two hours! Well, we did go back on Tuesday, and that was the time and place or Hillary Clinton's arrival. Some UN guy made us leave though, even in a crowd of thousands, he thought that we would be a security problem. What? A bunch of punks? I guess we pose a threat, eh? Keep the prayers coming because we need them as we are bringing serious light into a dark land.
8 minutes and 5 seconds left now.
We are still meeting with several women's groups, and in fact that's where we are headed after this. The other day when meeting with the widows, God did heal several of them from back pain and neck pain. That was amazing, and we are still praising Jesus. Keep that in your prayers too, please.
Waiting for an opening in our schedule, we are eager to go to the child soldier rehabiliation camps. We need strategy though for how to proceed with all the projects. We don't want to just be some white faces that come for a short while, then leave them with nothing. Many Congolese are angry with white people because they come, exploit, and do nothing to actually help or solve the many issues of hunger, poverty, violence, or hopelessness.
Overall, we are blessed, we even had free electricity (meaning we didn't have to run the generator) last night. Oh, we also found a restuarant were we had chicken and french fries. Oh, how He loves us! How He loves us so.
By the way, Josh posted a video on facebook. It's fun. You should watch it.
Guess what?! Two days ago we went to the IDP, Internally displaced persons, camp (aka refugee camp) and walked around talking with the refugees. They told us to come back on Tuesday to meet with the malnurtion center and patients. A few horrors of the camp: tents made of sticks so close together that you can hardly fit between them, people cook on their charoal stoves inside a space that is smaller than most bathrooms in America! (I don't know who lets them cook inside a stick tent, but that is clearly a bad idea and they often catch fire.) The women told us they only get rice and beans, and are constantly hungry. Basically, these people have been sitting in this camp for about three years doing absolutely nothing. Can you imagine? We can't even sit still in our homes without a television on for two hours! Well, we did go back on Tuesday, and that was the time and place or Hillary Clinton's arrival. Some UN guy made us leave though, even in a crowd of thousands, he thought that we would be a security problem. What? A bunch of punks? I guess we pose a threat, eh? Keep the prayers coming because we need them as we are bringing serious light into a dark land.
8 minutes and 5 seconds left now.
We are still meeting with several women's groups, and in fact that's where we are headed after this. The other day when meeting with the widows, God did heal several of them from back pain and neck pain. That was amazing, and we are still praising Jesus. Keep that in your prayers too, please.
Waiting for an opening in our schedule, we are eager to go to the child soldier rehabiliation camps. We need strategy though for how to proceed with all the projects. We don't want to just be some white faces that come for a short while, then leave them with nothing. Many Congolese are angry with white people because they come, exploit, and do nothing to actually help or solve the many issues of hunger, poverty, violence, or hopelessness.
Overall, we are blessed, we even had free electricity (meaning we didn't have to run the generator) last night. Oh, we also found a restuarant were we had chicken and french fries. Oh, how He loves us! How He loves us so.
By the way, Josh posted a video on facebook. It's fun. You should watch it.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Jambo from Congo
Setting the stage: dust and ash everywhere, including in the air. people balancing everything on their heads. so many motorbikes i keep thinking there is a motorbike parade. children galore. people wearing brilliant patterned clothing. The house uses a generator to give us electricity after 7pm. The water goes on and off. Today no water yet, but I'm sure we will have water at some point today.
As you know, I was unsure what to expect exactly, but so far, I think Congo is safe enough and wonderful. The people are fun, loving, and seem easy going. We have met with some pastors, some doctors, widows, and youth. The widows have been my favorite for a few reasons: one, they sang to us as we entered the room; two, as soon as we were there I had to restrain my tears because the love of our Father was so strong. They are obviously his favorites too! (Next to me, of course!) =) Three, they looked at our hands and the first question they asked was if we ever worked in the field. Their hands were mangled and calloused, but their hearts were open and hungry. I enjoyed the youth too. However, visiting the malnutrition center was difficult for apparent reasons of seeing people suffering and quite sick. The hospital is able to feed and heal the babies, but the mothers who bring their children don't get fed, nor do they have money to pay for food. The injustice is sickening. Pray for strategy and justice please!
The thing about Congo is that there feels like no rest because of the warfare. At pretty much every moment we are interceding. There are so many hungry, so many sick, so many hurt, so much trauma. Jesus is enough, and He is always good; we just want to bring that into their hearts, minds, and bodies. Please keep praying every moment you can for this land and these people. I can tell the Jesus has so much for the Congolese; we need breakthrough. Also, any messages you send whether via responding to comments or posting on facebook or emailing really help to encourage us and lift our spirits. Keep in mind that you cannot over love us while we are here! =)
Next week we will try to visit the child soldier rehabilitation centers and the IDP, internally displaced persons, camps. I'm certain these will be draining and difficult to see, but we have a heart to love these people specifically.
I'm not sure what else to tell you. What questions do you have? What would you like to hear about or know? Oh, I did want to mention that the pastor who is caring for us, Danny Mboto, has told us many horrific stories about the Interhamwe and how war has affected people. He has heard and seen people killed, but rest easy because that occurred a few years ago. Therefore, while we are safe now, these images continue to haunt the people and instill fear. We want to bring the perfect love of God here, as we know that perfect love casts out all fear.
Please continue to also pray for our health. =)
Remember, every time you respond to the post, it makes five people smile. yeah for sending love!
As you know, I was unsure what to expect exactly, but so far, I think Congo is safe enough and wonderful. The people are fun, loving, and seem easy going. We have met with some pastors, some doctors, widows, and youth. The widows have been my favorite for a few reasons: one, they sang to us as we entered the room; two, as soon as we were there I had to restrain my tears because the love of our Father was so strong. They are obviously his favorites too! (Next to me, of course!) =) Three, they looked at our hands and the first question they asked was if we ever worked in the field. Their hands were mangled and calloused, but their hearts were open and hungry. I enjoyed the youth too. However, visiting the malnutrition center was difficult for apparent reasons of seeing people suffering and quite sick. The hospital is able to feed and heal the babies, but the mothers who bring their children don't get fed, nor do they have money to pay for food. The injustice is sickening. Pray for strategy and justice please!
The thing about Congo is that there feels like no rest because of the warfare. At pretty much every moment we are interceding. There are so many hungry, so many sick, so many hurt, so much trauma. Jesus is enough, and He is always good; we just want to bring that into their hearts, minds, and bodies. Please keep praying every moment you can for this land and these people. I can tell the Jesus has so much for the Congolese; we need breakthrough. Also, any messages you send whether via responding to comments or posting on facebook or emailing really help to encourage us and lift our spirits. Keep in mind that you cannot over love us while we are here! =)
Next week we will try to visit the child soldier rehabilitation centers and the IDP, internally displaced persons, camps. I'm certain these will be draining and difficult to see, but we have a heart to love these people specifically.
I'm not sure what else to tell you. What questions do you have? What would you like to hear about or know? Oh, I did want to mention that the pastor who is caring for us, Danny Mboto, has told us many horrific stories about the Interhamwe and how war has affected people. He has heard and seen people killed, but rest easy because that occurred a few years ago. Therefore, while we are safe now, these images continue to haunt the people and instill fear. We want to bring the perfect love of God here, as we know that perfect love casts out all fear.
Please continue to also pray for our health. =)
Remember, every time you respond to the post, it makes five people smile. yeah for sending love!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Almost there
Apparently we have internet today and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to update you all.
We crossed the border yesterday from Uganda to Rwanda. We thought the bus ride would only be 7 hours total, but at about hour 5 we weren't even at the border yet. This bus ride was completely full and we were in the very last seat. My stomach was feeling bubbly, so I was looking forward to the border. When we reached it, I ran to the bathroom. After standing in a line for an hour and using the bathroom again, we finally were cleared to enter. However, my stomach was still stirring. Back on the bus, I realized I needed to sit at a window seat. Quickly the seat behind me closed their window and I barfed! Nasty! To make matters worse, some of the throw up got in Josh's eye! OMG! How embarrassing!
That's the only update. Thanks for reading. Haha.
Okay, I'll leave you with a positive thought: Rwanda is beautiful.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
From Team Awesome to Team Sexy Anointed People
1 month done. 1 month to go.
Team Awesome was the name of our foursome to Mombasa. I think it's pretty obvious why we were named that. =)
Aren't the pictures amazing that I posted? A few from the beaches and one from a street view in Mombasa. I think we put some more pictures on facebook, but Cassandra Basnett has them posted, if you want to become her friend. =)
Team Sexy Anointed People is the name of our fivesome headed to Congo. Again, obvious.
We are currently in Kampala, Uganda. I can sense a huge difference already between Kenya and Uganda. Kenya is quite religious feeling and everyone stares at you when you are white; however, here no one stares and everyone seems laid back and quite friendly. Tomorrow we head on another all day bus ride to Kigali, Rwanda. Then Monday we take our final bus to Goma, Congo.
I don't think we will have the internet very much, so keep praying.
What I know to expect: no restaurants, no banks, no goodies, expensive everything (cause it's a war zone), electricity is questionable, water on a daily basis is questionable. Also, I should expect friendly, passionate, fashionable people, hard, horrible stories.
What I would love you to pray against: hopelessness and traumatic experiences of the Congolese.
What I would love for you to pray for: open hearts and doors, radical revival, creative miracles, ability to process the things we hear and see in a healthy way, team chemistry, outpouring of love and creative ideas, strategies of the best ways to minister to people, and anything else God lays on your heart.
I miss everyone and will write again when I can. Love you.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Never go to African church, but do pray in the bars.
Jesus is amazing; He loves us. The favor and open hearts we saw while in Mombasa (actually in Mtawmu) was incredible. And now in Watamu, the beauty we are experiencing and the love we are encountering is refreshing and life giving.
In Mtawmu, our contact, Pastor Chris has such love for the people and for God that we were encouraged to press in more and bring even more kingdom to the bars. First, we listened to several stories of salvation from former commercial sex workers (prostitutes). While rejoicing in their salvation, we were crying because of the hideous things they have experienced while selling themselves. For example, one girl was being held captive and had to escape out of a second story window while naked. She ran for help after punching him, even though he was holding a gun to her, and eventually she found help, then went back to where he was. There are more stories that I can share later, but I'm still processing and asking what we can do to bring justice.
Later that night we ventured into the clubs, which are mostly open air with music bumping and people dancing. The former commercial sex workers found some girls to come sit with us. We bought them a soda and just began conversation. The hunger for love and for healing is overwhelming. Holy Spirit has been working there, and we were so blessed to be apart of what He is doing. What I mean is that in the few nights we spent at the bars, three girls were saved. They were practically begging for us to pray with them and to tell them more about Jesus. We met with them the following morning at our hotel to continue building into their lives, but we are longing to show them more kingdom answers with money, jobs, and food. Jesus is alive and will provide for them to support their families in ways that aren't harmful and hurtful. Please continue to pray into this situation for answers, for jobs, and for true favor to fall on their lives.
Another place where the music blares is in the African church; however, it is painfully loud and excessively long. I had my first taste of African church where they yell their sermons, they cast Satan out of most of the congregation, and sing at the top of their lungs out of key. While I did not enjoy it and was praying for it to end, I am glad I got to experience it - now I am so thankful for the fact that we only have one sermon to listen to per service and that we focus on Jesus, instead of kicking Satan out.
Finally, the last couple of days we have been recovering and processing all the prostitute stuff and pressing in for our next step into Congo while at the beach. At this site there are so many Italians that the Kenyans speak Italian to us, we had some authentic gelato, and in fact, it feels like a sort of "Little Italy". In addition to those favors, we have enjoyed being with Jesus in the beautiful ocean scenery that surrounds us. This rest was really needed to help sort through the heartbreak of talking to girls who literally have no money and will go days without eating or feeding their children. This rest has also been working to fill us up again so that we can go hard into one of the hardest places on earth right now. Every time you think of me, please pray for our trip.
We need more Jesus. We want more provision and love to pour out wherever we tread. Pray that we walk with such authority of His kingdom that people will encounter Him and his extravagance in a tangible way as they talk to us. We want His kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. We want to love Him more. We want freedom to reign, for love and honor to lavish the people we meet.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Let the little children come
A week in Kitale consists of babies, begging children, piki-pikis and boda-bodas, and smores!
Let me explain:
First, the begging children. That's simple. We are white, we stand out. The children come up to us, say "mzyungo" which means white person, "give me money." We say, "No, sorry." Then keep walking. Actually, one time a kid literally tired to grap my ice cream cone out of my hand! (We were having a special treat. ) Ha. I guess he was hungry.
We visited a few baby houses; one had about 12 babies and the other, which we stayed at for a few days, had 62! I'll let you imagine the poop smell coming from behind me as we did a dump run from the larger baby house. =) Apparently they use over 200 diapers a day. No, I didn't personally change a single one, but I did get peed on.
At the larger baby house, we had a wonderful time. We played with children, painted a room for the missionaries there, and were actually spoiled with popcorn and snickers. Cass and I had to ride a "piki-piki" or motorcycle while holding two babies in our arms and someone else drove us to a medical clinic. We did this so the kids could get their immunizations, not just to scare those safety freaks in the U.S. =) Therefore, the kids were in pain the next few days and just need to cuddle; we really could have used some extra laps and arms.
Besides staying at the baby house, we have lived a hostel type setting called "LoveMercy" and been able to walk to town regularly. However, when it starts we rain, we opt for a boda-boda, which is a bicycle and someone else pedals us around. I think it's slightly scarier than the piki-piki actually because we are mostly on dirt roads with huge rocks and potholes. So far, no accidents.
In addition to the work we have also played: sardines, mafia, we made smores, we baked banana bread (about 7 loaves by now).
Kitale has been a good experience. It is an easy transition into Africa.
What's next you ask. Well, tomorrow we will take the bus back to Nairobi, then we will take another bus the following day to Mombasa. In Mombasa we do hope to see the beaches and beauty of the coastal, tourist town, but mostly we will be working in the bars and the streets with prostitutes and pimps. We need some prayer for safety, strategy, favor, and for love to overflow from us. As we walk into the bars, we want God to encounter people just from us being there, we want drastic transformation, and radical love to change their lives. Nothing is too big for our God. Don't forget we also do want to see miracles happen. Keep pressing in for us please.
If you get any words for us, please post them. We are so excited about this next part of the trip.
Let me explain:
First, the begging children. That's simple. We are white, we stand out. The children come up to us, say "mzyungo" which means white person, "give me money." We say, "No, sorry." Then keep walking. Actually, one time a kid literally tired to grap my ice cream cone out of my hand! (We were having a special treat. ) Ha. I guess he was hungry.
We visited a few baby houses; one had about 12 babies and the other, which we stayed at for a few days, had 62! I'll let you imagine the poop smell coming from behind me as we did a dump run from the larger baby house. =) Apparently they use over 200 diapers a day. No, I didn't personally change a single one, but I did get peed on.
At the larger baby house, we had a wonderful time. We played with children, painted a room for the missionaries there, and were actually spoiled with popcorn and snickers. Cass and I had to ride a "piki-piki" or motorcycle while holding two babies in our arms and someone else drove us to a medical clinic. We did this so the kids could get their immunizations, not just to scare those safety freaks in the U.S. =) Therefore, the kids were in pain the next few days and just need to cuddle; we really could have used some extra laps and arms.
Besides staying at the baby house, we have lived a hostel type setting called "LoveMercy" and been able to walk to town regularly. However, when it starts we rain, we opt for a boda-boda, which is a bicycle and someone else pedals us around. I think it's slightly scarier than the piki-piki actually because we are mostly on dirt roads with huge rocks and potholes. So far, no accidents.
In addition to the work we have also played: sardines, mafia, we made smores, we baked banana bread (about 7 loaves by now).
Kitale has been a good experience. It is an easy transition into Africa.
What's next you ask. Well, tomorrow we will take the bus back to Nairobi, then we will take another bus the following day to Mombasa. In Mombasa we do hope to see the beaches and beauty of the coastal, tourist town, but mostly we will be working in the bars and the streets with prostitutes and pimps. We need some prayer for safety, strategy, favor, and for love to overflow from us. As we walk into the bars, we want God to encounter people just from us being there, we want drastic transformation, and radical love to change their lives. Nothing is too big for our God. Don't forget we also do want to see miracles happen. Keep pressing in for us please.
If you get any words for us, please post them. We are so excited about this next part of the trip.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Kitale
Traveling by bus across Kenya from Nairobit to Kitale was interesting. Pot holes, narrow roads, zebras, baboons, only 1 stop in 7-8 hour bus ride, and small towns along the way kept me looking around the whole time. It actually wasn't that bad, and my friend Cassandra says that these are some of the best roads in Africa.
I only have a few more minutes on the internet, but need to explain how Jesus is giving favor. While in Nairobi we had to get our visas to Congo. The embassy was up 13 flights of stairs and the elevator was broken! Once to the top, we thought we were golden; however, they gave a checklist of things we needed, but didn't have on us, like passport pictures and a copy of our passport, and we only had an hour to do it all! We prayed, ran downstairs, found the shops we needed next to the embassy and next to each other - amazing! Somehow, we got all the stuff and ran back up the 13 flights within the hour. Once there, they said, you need to fix this letter, etc, etc. Aw man! Our calves were starting to hurt.
We ended up having a little more time, went back, fixed the error, and went up a third time. After talking to the man in charge, who was big and scary, he told us he wasn't sure if we would get the visa, but to come back in a few hours.
Prayer and lunch provided for a good distraction. The end of the story is that when we got back to the embassy we got the visas! Thank you, Jesus!
I hope you are all well. Things are great here still.
I only have a few more minutes on the internet, but need to explain how Jesus is giving favor. While in Nairobi we had to get our visas to Congo. The embassy was up 13 flights of stairs and the elevator was broken! Once to the top, we thought we were golden; however, they gave a checklist of things we needed, but didn't have on us, like passport pictures and a copy of our passport, and we only had an hour to do it all! We prayed, ran downstairs, found the shops we needed next to the embassy and next to each other - amazing! Somehow, we got all the stuff and ran back up the 13 flights within the hour. Once there, they said, you need to fix this letter, etc, etc. Aw man! Our calves were starting to hurt.
We ended up having a little more time, went back, fixed the error, and went up a third time. After talking to the man in charge, who was big and scary, he told us he wasn't sure if we would get the visa, but to come back in a few hours.
Prayer and lunch provided for a good distraction. The end of the story is that when we got back to the embassy we got the visas! Thank you, Jesus!
I hope you are all well. Things are great here still.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Blimely London
July 5, 16:20pm London Heathrow Airport
Why am I here still? Why I am able to post?
After the wonderful plane ride from Chicago to London, we had to wait on the plane for the bus to come to our plane (so we could ride the bus to the terminal). Once it arrived, everyone assured me that I would be fine and it would only take 10 minutes to get to my gate. I, however, insisted on telling everyone along the way that my flight was leaving very soon. The people continued to tell me to relax and that I would be fine. Security had to check/examine my bag; I told them I was missing my flight - one girl even said that the time on the ticket was just there so that people would hurry to the gate, but it actually would leave about 20 minutes after the posted time! (I wonder if she has ever been on an airplane.) Finally, I was free to run to my gate, only to find that the plane was gone. It was 10:22am. It departed at 10:20am; the time posted on my ticket. Imagine that. Ha.
So I will travel to South Africa instead, then from there get a connecting flight to Nairobi. Apparently there is only one direct flight a day from London to Nairobi.
On another note, I did watch two cute movies on the way from Chicago to London: 17 Again and He's Just Not that into You.
Feel free to post your response to this outrage. (By outrage I mean the terrible security people and missing my flight, not the movies.)
Keep praying. =)
Why am I here still? Why I am able to post?
After the wonderful plane ride from Chicago to London, we had to wait on the plane for the bus to come to our plane (so we could ride the bus to the terminal). Once it arrived, everyone assured me that I would be fine and it would only take 10 minutes to get to my gate. I, however, insisted on telling everyone along the way that my flight was leaving very soon. The people continued to tell me to relax and that I would be fine. Security had to check/examine my bag; I told them I was missing my flight - one girl even said that the time on the ticket was just there so that people would hurry to the gate, but it actually would leave about 20 minutes after the posted time! (I wonder if she has ever been on an airplane.) Finally, I was free to run to my gate, only to find that the plane was gone. It was 10:22am. It departed at 10:20am; the time posted on my ticket. Imagine that. Ha.
So I will travel to South Africa instead, then from there get a connecting flight to Nairobi. Apparently there is only one direct flight a day from London to Nairobi.
On another note, I did watch two cute movies on the way from Chicago to London: 17 Again and He's Just Not that into You.
Feel free to post your response to this outrage. (By outrage I mean the terrible security people and missing my flight, not the movies.)
Keep praying. =)
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Leaving on Saturday
8:15am departure from LAX on July 4, 2009.
Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya at 8:55pm on July 5, 2009.
I am extremely excited about the trip, even though I still have to pack (and buy a bag in which to pack my belongings!). The Lord has clearly provided and made the way easy. From renewing my passport and getting shots to finding a sub-leaser for my room, each step demonstrates that I am in his arms.
I will post as much as I am able during my trip; although, rumor has it that the internet is slow in Kenya and expensive in Congo.
Even before I leave for the trip, I am so honored and blessed by the love and support that is around me. Thank you for praying for me, for covering me, for contending for me, and for encouraging me. I know that my heart is being prepared for an amazing adventure, and I know that the hearts of those in Africa are also being prepared for an equally amazing adventure. =)
Please pray for safety, health, and ease of travel, of course, but also pray for incredible miracles, guidance of the Holy Spirit, divine appointments, strategic ideas on teaching and ministering, love to abound and grow in immeasurable ways in the team and from the team, and for peace to reign and change the nations. Please feel free to post any words you hear from the Lord for me, and send updates on your lives too! I don't want to be completely out of the loop.
Jesus is good. All the time.
Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya at 8:55pm on July 5, 2009.
I am extremely excited about the trip, even though I still have to pack (and buy a bag in which to pack my belongings!). The Lord has clearly provided and made the way easy. From renewing my passport and getting shots to finding a sub-leaser for my room, each step demonstrates that I am in his arms.
I will post as much as I am able during my trip; although, rumor has it that the internet is slow in Kenya and expensive in Congo.
Even before I leave for the trip, I am so honored and blessed by the love and support that is around me. Thank you for praying for me, for covering me, for contending for me, and for encouraging me. I know that my heart is being prepared for an amazing adventure, and I know that the hearts of those in Africa are also being prepared for an equally amazing adventure. =)
Please pray for safety, health, and ease of travel, of course, but also pray for incredible miracles, guidance of the Holy Spirit, divine appointments, strategic ideas on teaching and ministering, love to abound and grow in immeasurable ways in the team and from the team, and for peace to reign and change the nations. Please feel free to post any words you hear from the Lord for me, and send updates on your lives too! I don't want to be completely out of the loop.
Jesus is good. All the time.
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