Reflections on Africa - Part 3

Thank you for following my journey to Africa with me, as I recap some of my journal entries through this blog. I continue to do so again now, but we're going to change locales a bit. We've just completed the first two workshops at the Love Center, and we're now moving to a new location a bit further out - Faith Works Ministries.

Journal Entry - June 10
Today has been an emotionally charged day on many levels. The day began with what else? RAIN! And...lots of it. It delayed us leaving for Brewerville, about an hour away, for the next workshop. But, it finally slacked off enough for us to begin the trek over there. We saw more of the country today than we have all week so far. However, most of the sites weren't very pleasant to look at. Extreme poverty. It makes me sick to think that anyone has to live this way. When we got to the church - we were pleasantly surprised to see that it was inside an orphanage compound. There were nearly 100 women waiting for us when we arrived. This was a MUCH different crowd than the last two days. The women were less educated, less attentive, and generally noisier. However, they still knew how to dance and praise the Lord. The hand massages were very popular - like at Love Center. I think we ended up doing around 30 each. The message that I gave on being God's princesses took on a completely different meaning here. Not only did the women hear that they were "royalty", but God really impressed upon some of them to also wisely choose the name of their children. Maria shared on the ride back to the compound that many of these women name their children by what is taking place in their life at the time. For example, they might literally name their child "Poor Me" or "Hard Times" or "Struggle". It's amazing to see how God took that message and allowed the women to hear something completely different than I intended. But, it was obviously something God wanted them to hear.

The rooms in our compound continue to fall apart. We've had things break right in front of us. Tonight, it was my shower - the floor of it literally caved in. Ginger and I decided that we need to find a way for a group of US men to come here and work on this facility before it completely falls apart.







Journal Entry - June 11
I don't even know where to begin writing today. I'm emotionally spent! Today's workshop was amazing! It was a smaller crowd than yesterday, but many of the same women returned. God gave me a gift today in a woman by the name of Teresa. I was able to see her transfrom into something spiritually beautiful between yesterday and today - right before my eyes. Ginger and I were both very drawn to her! She had her beautiful son with her today as well. God makes such beautiful people! At the end of each of the workshops this week, Maria has invited the women to come forward and share how our messages have touched them and how God is working in their lives. These particular women have a hard time communicating their emotions (Maria explained to us later), so they expressed themselves with a song. We had so many beautiful songs shared with us this afternoon. However, those that chose to also speak with words did so in such touching ways. My life will literally never be the same again! They flocked to us afterwards begging for our address and phone number. They treat us like celebrities, and I don't like that attention. I'm a woman just like they are - I just happen to be very blessed to live in the USA.

(BTW...I was so happy to be able to talk to Chris a little while ago - I needed to hear his voice desperately.)

The ride back to the compound today was very interesting. Traffic was horrible, and we even had to drive with the van door open part of the time - just to be able to tolerate the heat! Apparently, a drunk man "allowed" himself to be hit by our van (barely). He started shouting obscenities and ended up spitting on our driver and front seat passenger. What a crazy, messed up place this is - desperately needing the Hope found in Christ alone! We saw more and more poverty, as we made our way back to the compound. The stench of it won't leave my nostrils. I'm starting to long for home, but I'll return home a changed woman!

Reflections on Africa - Part 2

I'm quickly getting acclimated back to my American life after having spent some time in Africa earlier this month. I will say that I'm extremely blessed to live in this country, and I appreciate it now more than ever. To continue my "reflections" on my trip to Liberia...I'll share more excerpts from my journal entries:

Journal Entry - June 8
Today brought Workshop #1 (of 5) at the Love Center, a church about 5-10 minutes down the road from the place where we are staying. The actual church structure was much nicer than I anticipated. We had around 50 women in attendance. But...before going any further, I have to say that Satan tried hard to prevent us from getting there. The van broke down that was to take us there. So, they sent another vehicle after us that completely lost a wheel en route (not a tire - but a wheel). Vehicle #3 finally arrived and off we went! We were greeted by the most beautiful, praise-filled owrship I've ever seen - African style. We quickly fell into rhythm and joined in. The message God gave me for these women went over very well, I felt. The workshop started later and finished earlier than expected, but that's okay. "Go with the flow" is our mantra in Africa! We gave lotioned hand massages to each of the women present, and they were an absolute hit! Probably the best thing we did. The women felt very loved and appreciated and thanked us profusely.

In an effort to hit the highlights of the day, I'll move ahead a little. The evening brought much relaxation and lots of rain! As a matter of fact, we are now on our second day with no water, and we still desperately needed to wash our hair. So - guess what? Yep - you guessed it! We stood out in the rain and lathered up and had a literal rain shower! God is teaching me lots here in Africa!





Journal Entry - June 9
WOW! What a day this has been so far. Today's workshop was incredible. The women were very receptive. The message that Ginger gave on Esther was "spot on". The praise and worship was incredible as always. We have been treated with such love and respect while we've been here. I can't get over God's goodness in allowing me to do this. There have been some bumps in the road along the way, but it's all for God's glory. I remember Lorie praying before I left that I would have a special connection with a Liberian woman. Today - that woman was Mary. I actually met her at yesterday's workshop, and she came back again today. God is really growing me and changing me in ways that I don't even understand yet.

Today brought issues with the phone service - we don't seem to have any. I'm desperately feeling the need to talk to my husband right now (especially since I was unable to yesterday). I'm praying that issue changes - for the better - very soon!

Even though we're working very hard at the workshops, I'm finding that I'm getting more rest down here than I've had in months! I've also needed that very desperately.







Stay tuned for more updates!

Reflections on Africa - Part 1

Hello blog friends!

I'm baaaack...from Africa, that is! The much anticipated mission trip to Liberia has started...and ended already. It was an unbelievable trip, and I have so much to share with you. I've had tons of calls and emails asking for updates (and, thank you for your patience as it's taking me some time to get back with you), and there's simply *so* much to tell, that I felt it best to share some of that in a blog format. I'm still recovering a bit from jetlag and start back at work today, so it's taking me a little while to get back into the swing of things. So...bear with me, as I plan to break this down into segments. If I wrote it all into one blog post, it would turn into a mini novel. I journaled while I was in Liberia in hopes that I wouldn't forget some of those emotions and events as they were happening. I plan to share some parts of those journal entries with you in these blog posts, along with pictures!

Journal Entry - June 5
It's here. The day I've been preparing for for months. Today, I begin my first of 3 flights that will eventually bring me to Africa. I'm a literal fruit basket of emotions right now. I'm full of excitement, wonder, anxiety, a hint of fear, humility, doubt (just a little), and amazement. I'm utterly amazed that God has given me this opportunity to teach His precious Liberian women. I feel so incapable of doing this, and I am. But God - God is *totally* capable of achieving His plans and simply useing me as a vessel. I love Him so!

I now sit at the Charlotte, NC airport waiting for my flight to take me to Newark, NJ where I'll meet (for the first time) Ginger and Frankie - the other 2 team members traveling with me. Lorie - our sweet sister - that put this group together can no longer go with us, because God opened her womb again after 7 years. She's expecting a precious baby right around Christmas. While I don't understand God's timing, I trust His sovereignty.

I said goodbye to my precious husband and daughter just a little over an hour ago. It was hard, but I'm trusting God with them too. He adores them!

Journal Entry - June 6
Now I can truly say that overseas travel is tough, and I'm not finished yet. I'm sitting in the Brussels, Belgium airport having my first experience with jetlag. It's 10:20 am Brussels time and 4:30 am back home. I was unable to sleep at all on the flight here. I was simply too uncomfortable. I'm trying not to complain - it's just going to take some getting used to.

Sitting at the gate, I'm surrounded by Africans - such beautiful, ebony-skinned people. We met a precious Liberian woman right after we got into the aiport. I was drawn to her, as she was singing humns of praise to God while walking through the airport. I commented on her voice, and as we began speaking with her further, we learned she's a doctor - resident of the US but Liberian born. She may try to come to one of our workshops!

Journal Entry - June 7
We made it to Liberia yesterday evening after another long flight from Brussels - via a stop in Abijan in the Ivory Coast. My lack of sleep finally got the best of me, and I was very sick on the plane. I prayed that God would deliver me from that mess, and He did by allowing me to finally sleep on the plane. I felt like a new person after even a little bit of sleep!

After finally making it to the Monrovia airport, we felt like like royalty when the staff from our mission partner agency had such good people help us get through the airport craziness. After getting outside, we were happily greeted by Maria, Francis, and Willette.

We journeyed through the dark streets of Monrovia on our way back to the compound, where we were staying. After showing us to our rooms, we enjoyed a nice dinner of pork chops (in a delicous gravy), french fries, salad, and yummy pineapple. I even had mango juice to drink! After a late evening dinner, it was time for bed! I slept so well - even missed the hard rain that came through. (It's the rainy season in Liberia right now.) Monday morning (today) brought delicious bread and bananas for breakfast. We lounged about for several hours, and met some new friends - Konah and Zimah (twin 8-year-old Liberian boys thatr live at the compound awaiting adoption by an American). They are precious! We were walked down to the beach and saw many interesting sites - poverty at its fullest in shacks being used to house families of 5-6, wild hogs, and little "hoglets". The ocean was beautiful as were the rock formations that were jutting out of its waters. We eventually made our way back to the compound and had what Irving (head cook) called a chikcen sandwich. It was actually more like a chicken wrap stuffed also with potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, and a delicious sauce. Yummy! We also had pineapple on the side. The pineapple here is outstanding!

Following lunch, we worked on some items for the workshops - stuffed goody bags to give to the women, etc. The workshops begin tomorrow! God, please prepare my lips. We spent the rest of the afternoon shopping in Monrovia for African souvenirs to take home.

We ended the evening with another of Irving's tasty meals: fish (casava, I think it's called), rice, vegetables, and the African version of okra. It was all very, very good!

Here are some pictures from our first full day in Liberia:

Who...me?

Are you sitting down?" You never know what's going to follow that type of question...usually something shocking, devastating, surprising, or incredibly amazing. Well, today I experienced 3 of those four when my friend Lorie called with an update on our upcoming African mission trip. To explain, I need to back up just a bit. As I wrote about earlier this month, I'm leaving June 5 for a mission trip to Liberia with 3 other women. We are planning to lead day workshops for groups of women in that country to share Christ's love and to disciple them in God's Word. Originally, the plan was to do two workshops for around 50 women or so (in each workshop). We planned our supplies around that number. We planned our sessions/teaching around that number. Well, guess what? Our plans are definitely not God's plans. When Lorie called today and asked if I was sitting down, she was calling to relay that registration for these workshops has exploded, and we're now looking to do FIVE workshops of 120 women each, and the media is planning to be there. What in the world????

"Hello God? It's me here. You know - insignificant gal from Western North Carolina that loves you bunches. That's all. Yes, I want to share you with the world, and let these other women see what I see, but seriously? This isn't quite what I bargained for."

Yes, these are the thoughts that have gone through my mind all day long since hearing this news. The only conclusion that I can come to is this (with the help from a few friends): God doesn't want someone who has it all together to share His Good News. His Word is full of nobodys that He used in extraordinary ways simply because they were faithful to His call. He equipped them to do what He asked them to do. And...He only asked them to trust Him and rely on Him. So, I haven't a clue what He's up to, but I'm going along for the ride, and what a ride it will be!

Waiting...

Struggling a bit these days. This is my theme song right now. Maybe you can relate...



Faithfully, I still worship Him while I wait.

Scripture memory verse 10, Africa, and pretty feet!

Why do I feel so guilty about coming back to my blog "haven" after having not posted in awhile? I honestly think it's because I want it to be so much more than it is right now. It's supposed to be my place to share...dream...teach...laugh...cry...scream...praise...all in words! I've been doing lots of ALL of that lately...just not here. Let me share a bit of what's been going on.

Back in the winter, my sweet friend and spiritual sister, Lorie, invited me to join her on a mission trip to Liberia, Africa to help lead women's retreats for a couple groups of precious Liberian women. Can I just say that no twisting of my arm was required, because this encompassed my calling and my passions: speaking, teaching women, sharing Christ's love, and Africa! Shortly after committing to the trip, Lorie continued to build her mission team while I began the process of raising financial support for me to be able to do this...mission trip funds were simply not in our budget this year. God was faithful! He provided every last dime that I needed! He. Is. So. Good!!! Throughout this spring, Lorie and I have been meeting weekly to prepare for this retreat, and she secured a couple of other dear women to make this journey with us. Excitement surrounding this trip and God's plan for us in this continued to mount! Fast forwarding a bit...

In ways that only God can do, He shocked all of us (Lorie and her husband included) a few weeks ago when he re-opened her womb after 7 years of unexplained fertility, and have given them the blessing of a new life. Yes! She's pregant! In all of the pregancy excitement, I momentarily forgot that this might mean she can't go to Africa. But, that's exactly what it means. While we still don't know what God is up to, and why He would choose to restore her fertility now right before we are scheduled to leave for this trip...I know that He is Sovereign and in complete control! He has a plan and purpose, and the rest of us on this mission team are still going to fulfill that purpose for Him. He has too much He wants us to share with these women, so we are going to do what we've been called to do in the land where He has called us! (Lorie: get ready for 2011!)

So...with all of that said, I've been a bit overwhelmed (in a VERY good way) preparing for this trip. While I also work outside my home at a summer camp and conference center, you can imagine that leaving to go to Africa the day before summer camp is set to begin brings a little anxiety. I have lots to do to prepare to be gone from work, to be gone from my family, and to prepare for these Liberian retreats. But...just you wait...upon my return, I'll probably have more blog posts than you care to read about over this adventure and journey that God is allowing me to take. I am completely humbled that He would choose me to serve Him in this way.

In preparing for this upcoming trip, I've been praying that God would give me specific scripture verses to cling to and take with me - written down separately - on this trip. So, whenever feelings of inadequacy and fear creep in or doubt or questions of why I'm doing this...I can immediately go to these verses and be reminded of what He promises in His Word. So, in preparing for this 10th memory verse of the year, he showed me something pretty amazing...I have beautiful feet! Bet ya didn't expect to hear that vain remark come out of my mouth did ya? Actually, it's based in scripture (my chosen verse for this second half of the month):

Romans 10:15b (NIV)
How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!

According to this, I have beautiful feet, because I'm on my way to Africa very soon to share this good news with sweet women! Woohoo! I just love God's word! This verse actually comes from Isaiah 52:7 also, but in that context, mountains are also referenced, and since I'll be on the African coast (away from mountains), I thought I'd stick with the Romans wording. Ha! Ha! Any of you clinging to a specific verse right now? I'd love to hear it. What are you working on memorizing?

I pray that the rest of your weekend is most blessed as is your upcoming week. I would love your prayers over our team for this trip and for the women that we will be serving. We leave on June 5 and return June 14. Thanks sweet friends!

Scripture memory verse 9!

It's May 1 - already! It's hard to believe that 1/3 of 2010 is already over. This year is flying by! So...with today being May 1, it's time for another scripture memory verse posting. How does it feel - those of you that are doing this with me - to have 8 verses memorized already? Did you think you'd be able to do it? I knew you could!

For those of you that have "fallen off the wagon" so to speak - GET BACK ON! There's no time to re-commit like the present. God wants you in His word and His words in your heart! So, just start where you are...no need to make up for lost verses. Let's get back at it friends! If you're new to my blog and have no idea what I'm talking about, then simply go back and ready my January 1 post for clarification. It's never too late to join us!

The verse that I'm going to start memorizing today is a very popular verse, and I've heard it and read it many times before, but I've never committed it to memory before. I don't know about you, but my faith has been tested A LOT lately. I find myself continually saying out loud...(1) God - you are who you say you are. (2) You can do what you say you can do. (3) I am who you say I am. (4) I can do all things through Christ. (5) God's Word is alive and active in me. (Thanks Beth Moore!) If I don't constantly remind me of these truths, then doubt tries to creep in. I have no room for doubt in my life - it's full enough as it is. Anyway...right now, I'm praying for some God-sized things. And...I mean some GOD-SIZED things. There is nothing too big for God. And...I am reminded of that with this new verse I'm choosing to memorize:

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..."

See the word immeasurably? It CAN'T be measured! That's huge friends! I stand on this truth.

How about you? What are you working on memorizing? Let's hear it...your name, city & state, verse, and translation!

Be blessed today!