The first afternoon there was pretty uneventful. We had alot of time to get settled and meet people and shower and stuff.
Mostly, I tried to get settled.
I didn't want to meet people while I was so mopey and upset about my luggage. I wasn't myself. And I wanted them to meet the happy Gracie. So I sat in my bedroom, wrote in my prayer journal, and cried.
I felt pretty sorry for myself.
And Mandie, who hadn't slept since who knows when sat there and endured all of my tears. Not only that, but she was sweet and loving and encouraging despite the condition that she was in. She even tried to help me call my mom with her phone, but it wasn't working right.
In other words, Mandie is awesome.
I was writing in my prayer journal and telling God just exactly how miserably upset I was. I was complaining about missing luggage, a headache, the cold weather, the fact that Mandie's phone wouldn't call Mom, and how I couldn't find my joy anywhere.
But as I was writing all this to God, I realized something. I realized how ridiculously selfish I was being. And how foolish. I was telling Him how I didn't want them to take me to get clothes and stuff that I needed. I said I wanted my own things. Stubborn, foolish, selfish, sinful Gracie. How pitiful is it that I am so very attached to my earthly belongings that I became this upset when I was without them!?
Finally, we got up to go meet people. There were a bunch of people standing outside the dining area. So, we went and started talking to people. I started to learn this stomp and clap dance thing, which was pretty fun and definitely harder than it looked! I still don't quite have it right...
Next, we had our first supper in Africa. I was kinda nervous. I didn't know what to expect. I had never had African food before. And I didn't know what they ate in Africa.
We ended up eating some noodles with meatballs and peppers. With a weird kind of sweet sauce. I didn't really eat too very much of it. I'm a rather picky eater. It's a shame, really. But, I'm doing much better than I was a few years ago. I tried everything even though it looked weird. Alot of other people liked it, though!
It was soooo cold in the dining room. And I was still wearing my dress that I'd traveled in the past few days with only my thin black cardigan. I was shivering and bouncing because I was trying to stay warm! It wasn't working, so Heath let me borrow his jacket. It was awfully thoughtful of him. Otherwise, I might have frozen.
We had our first worship service, heard a little more about what we'd be doing there, and watched a video about Nelson Mandella and things that happened with the Apartheid so we would know more about South Africa's history and culture. I feel awful, but the truth is, I don't remember that video at all. It's because I kinda fell asleep. I promise, I tried my very very hardest to stay awake, but it was impossible. And for the record, I wasn't the only one. I don't think there was a single person in there who didn't fall asleep! Remember, we'd been traveling since 6:00 Sunday morning! And it was Tuesday night. It was way past time for rest!
After the video, I finally got to take a shower!! Ahhh, it felt amazing. People gave me the things I needed. Mandie had shampoo and a towel. Chelsi had pajamas.
I was ok.
I was fine. I realized that I just needed to trust God. I had absolutely no reason not to. I had started this journey last fall. When I first decided to come. And God provided $4000. I can trust Him. He provided wonderful people to get to know before and on the way to Africa. I can trust Him. He got me and the other IWC team there safely. I can trust Him. He was providing for my needs, the things I didn't have. I can trust Him.
There was a reason for me losing my luggage. I needed to find joy in things that were not, well...things!
After I was all warm and clean I snuggled into my very own sleeping bag and my soft polka dot blanket (the only personal belongings that had made the flight!) and passed out. I slept so, so good.
When morning came, I woke up and thought, "Oh yeah, I'm here." It was a good "oh yeah" and a bad "oh yeah" at the same time. Because I also remembered that I didn't have anything here with me.
We packed sandwiches for lunch. But by the time I got to make mine, there was no meat left. It just wasn't my day.
But I tried to be positive, and I made a "Salad Sandwich"!
We went to the Apartheid museum that day. We learned alot about Nelson Mandella and everything that happened leading up to him. And also about the things he did to change what was wrong.
After the museum, we went back to Florida Baptist Church. A few of us played soccer together! It was very very fun! I was, for sure, one of the worst players, but I had a blast anyway.
It was the first time since I'd gotten there that I forgot everything else and was just happy! And having fun! It was great!
Then Scott came up to the game and called me over. He said, "You having fun?"
I smiled really big and said, "Yes!"
Then he said very quietly that he had just heard that they found my luggage!!!!
I was so, so excited! My smile grew and my eyes got big, "When will I get it!?"
He said that it was on its way and would arrive any minute now!
Now, I was really ready. Bring on those Soccer clinics in Dobsonville!!
Coming up next: Soccor Clinics and Loving on Kids: Dobsonville.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Mission Trip To Johannesburg, South Africa Part 1-Preparation and Traveling
Okay. Here we go. I have no idea how to write about this without it being the longest blog entry ever. Actually, it probably will be anyway. Following God to South Africa was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It was very difficult before. When I decided to go last October or November (I don't even remember exactly when it was), it seemed so crazy and so far away. I couldn't believe that I was going to go on a mission trip. To Africa. That's totally a Nony thing. Not part of my plan for my life at all. But, isn't it funny how sometimes God's plan for our lives is completely different from ours?
I think the thing that I got to learn about the most on this whole trip was about trust. Trust in my Father, God. Over and over again, I had to trust and over and over again He proved Himself to be unswervingly faithful.
After months of preparing, I finally had all $4000, all my shots, my passport, a giant suitcase borrowed from the Sibille's, Ashley's camera that she let me borrow (oh, and by the way...I didn't mention, but in May, Ashley and Wiley got married!! :-D), my "deluxe money belt", and lots of other little details all ready.
The day before I left, Natalie and Natalie both came over for supper and helped me finish up my packing. I checked and re-checked my list SO many times. I was very very stressed out about forgetting something. After checking it so many times, I found this paper that said that it was wise to bring an extra change of clothes and a few pairs of underwear in your carry-on just in case. So I thought "whatever..it can't hurt..."
We arrived in the early morning of June 6th at the BCM to head out to the New Orleans airport. I couldn't believe it was actually June 6th. The day that had been in my head for months and months. It was here! We were actually going.
I. was. terrified.
Sure, I was excited. But this was the farthest and longest I'd ever been away from home! The group leaving from Lafayette that I had been meeting with and kind of getting to know were Mandie, Chelsi, Heath, Jeramy, Daniel, and Andrew. Plus, there were 2 people that I didn't know. Travis, from LSU Shreveport. And Megan and Josh who were coming from the LSU Eunice BCM. There were other teams that we'd meet up with. But not until later. I said my goodbyes to my mom and dad and hugged them very tight. Then we all climbed on the bus to head for New Orleans.
Travis, the guy that we didn't know ended up sitting right next to me. And I have never grown to love a person so quickly! We all did. He just fit right into our group. It was like we'd known him for all those months that we'd been meeting. Just on the way to New Orleans, he was completely made part of the group.
We got to the airport with plenty of time to get our boarding passes and go through security and everything (which I went through first! Brave Gracie!...actually I was not brave at all. I didn't want to go first, but it just kind of ended up that way, unfortunately.) We also met up with more people going on the trip with us. Some people from LSU. Mandy, Shelli, Preston, Lindsey, Jenny, Catherine, and Courtney.
That first flight was my only window seat out of 8 flights total (that's including coming home). We flew to Washington DC and it was not a smooth flight at all. It was very turbulence-y and we hit some thunder storms that made it kinda scary. Plus the landing was really rough. I could actually feel one wheel hit the runway and then the other. I was thankful to be back on solid ground when we got off that plane. But, I still had an awfully long way to go. That was the shortest flight of all. And only the first of many more to follow.
After a 5 hour layover (and after learning that my deposit didn't go through, so I couldn't use my debit card for a few days...ahhh!!), we boarded our DC-London flight. I was so, SO nervous about this flight. It was my first ever flight over the ocean, my first ever overnight flight, and my first ever time leaving my country! And, everything overwhelmed me because I knew that my seat was not next to anybody I knew. Soon, my emotions got the best of me and I was standing next to seat 23E hopelessly looking back at Mandie with tears in my eyes, hoping that the person that was supposed to sit beside her would trade with me. After awhile, nobody showed up next to her, so the flight attendant just let me sit there next to Mandie, Heath, and Megan.
The flight went very well. I slept pretty good. It was a little weird and awkward for awhile, but I finally kinda figured out how to be comfortable.
We arrived in the London Heathrow airport on the morning of June 7. And guess what? Our flight to Nairobi did not take off until late that night. Sooooo, we had an 11 hour layover in the city of London, England!! How exciting is that!? We decided to make good use of our time and explore the city!
So, we had to go through customs there. It made me sort of nervous. Scott had told us that we shouldn't mention to them that we were going to Johannesburg for a mission trip. If we did, there's a good chance that they would send us right home from London. All we needed to say was that we were going to Johannesburg, South Africa for the World Cup. Which was completely true. But the whole idea made me a good bit scared.
When it was my turn, I was the first from our group to go to this particular lady's desk. She asked me a million questions: Where was I from? Where was I going? What for? What would I do there? What did I want to do in London? Why? Who was I with? How did I know them?
Finally, she let me through. And lucky for everybody else, they all went through after Josh Johnson (the LSUE BCM director), so that desk knew what was going on and it was nice and easy for them!
By the time we got done freshening up from our long day/night of traveling, exchanging money, figuring out what to do with carry-ons, and everything else, we had lost some time. Then we had trouble getting tickets for the Underground.
But finally we made it to the Picadilly line to head to Green Park. Every time the doors opened, a recording would announce what stop we were at, then say, "Please mind the gap..." And it was all in a British accent!
We walked through Green Park and when we came out the other end, we stumbled across a little place called Buckingham Palace. Maybe you've heard of it? It was very pretty. And there really were guards standing there with their fuzzy hats! But, I totally saw one of them move his head to look around...oh well. Hahaha
We also saw Westminster Abbey and Big Ben! And the Thames River.
Then we met a guy who was kinda crazy and chasing Shelli all around. Apparently he was some sort of performer for a live horror show. Turns out, when he stopped being crazy, he was quite normal and very fun to talk to.
Then we went to ride the London Eye. The largest ferris wheel in the whole world! By the way, I am kind of a little scared of ferris wheels. Actually, the last time I was on one, I hid my face and held on very tight the whole time. Nevertheless, I climbed onto the huge thing. And, I was very very quiet (this is kind of a big deal, since I usually am sort of talkative...), especially as it started getting higher. But I will admit, it was an amazing view! We could see the whole city! And further! And the river below us. I am glad I went!
After running through the city seeing all the famous sights, we found a little fish and chips place to grab some food. It was pretty yummy and definitely a good way to close out the experience, but to be completely honest, I'd prefer my Dad's fried fish any day!
After about 6 hours of non-stop running around, we had to head back to the Picadilly line and 30 minutes later arrived back at the London Heathrow airport. After getting our boarding passes and getting a big scare about our flight time (we thought we might have missed it! But we ended up realizing that we had plenty of time...) we wen through security and everything again. Then found our gate. I saw two girls standing together and one of them had a shirt that looked very familiar. It was an IWC Love Like Crazy shirt. Identical to the ones that Scott Belmore had given to all of us for the trip! She was standing right in front of me when we were waiting in line to board the plane. I tapped her on the shoulder and said "Hey! I have a shirt just like that! Are you going to South Africa for the mission trip!?" And guess what!? She said yes! Her name was Polly and she was from Mississippi. The girl with her was named Brittany! Two new friends!!
We got on the plane and this time we were all seated close to each other. But we still ended up switching seats around a little within our groups. I sat on a row with Mandie and Chelsi. We ate supper and tried to play some Travel Scrabble, but I kept falling asleep when it wasn't my turn. Finally, I guess they just decided to quit waking me up for my turns and I slept as hard as a rock. No Benadryl. No ear plugs. I was out. One of my best nights of sleep ever. I didn't move for hours.
We got to Nairobi, Kenya the morning of June 8. There were 6 of us who had to recheck our luggage here, because it didn't go all the way through to Jo'burg. Of course, I was one of those 6.
After a huge ordeal, waiting forever, Heath and the Kenya Airways man found the luggage, took our old luggage tags and went down a long hallway to check the luggage. But it was done! We barely made it to our flight (I mean, with seconds to spare).
This flight went pretty smoothly I sat next to Shelli and Andrew. Well, until Shelli discovered that the plane was pretty empty and there were a bunch of rows of seats behind us that were completely empty, so she went and stretched out for a nap. Me and Andrew looked over our papers about the Soccor Clinics/Holiday Bible Club that we'd be doing with the children once we got there.
We landed in Johannesburg and headed to customs, then went on to grab our luggage. But the luggage just took forever to come. We just waited and waited. Finally one of my pieces came around. Then we waited and waited and waited some more. I started getting a really bad feeling in my stomach. What if my luggage didn't come? That had happened to Nony before. As the minutes passed by, the feeling grew. Eventually the conveyer belt thing stopped. That was it. By the way, the suitcase that did come only had my sleeping bag in it. Oh, and some chocolate chips and syrup and chex mix to give to the missionaries. And that was it. EVERYTHING else was in that other bigger bag.
As it turns out, after sorting through all the luggage tag receipt things (which had all been labeled with Andrew Bozeman's name on them), there weren't even any tags for my bag or Andrew's bag, which had also not come.
So, basically we went to the desk and had to just tell them what our bags looked like and hope that somebody could spot them. Remember those emotions that I talked about ovewhelming me back in DC? Well all those emotions were building up in my again. Only they were much, much more intense this time. The entire time we were filling out the papers about our luggage, I was holding in all my tears.
I was halfway across the world, I hadn't gotten a full night of sleep in days, I hadn't showered in days, I only had about $200 in cash with me since my card was currently not working, I only had one change of clothes that I had THANKFULLY packed in my carry-on, and it was cold!
Finally we went to join everybody else. I saw Dana Belmore and just hugged her and didn't say anything. She said "It's okay. Once you shower and get some rest, everything will be alot better. It's okay." Then I spotted Scott and I just went and hugged him and the tears were just coming and coming. I didn't want to be there at all. All I could think was that this was only the very first day! I still had 2 more weeks before I would get to leave!
A guy from Capetown, South Africa named Sam came and Scott told me to follow him. He would get me on a bus to ride to the church we were staying at, which was about an hour away. In a part of Johannesburg called Florida. Sam was so nice. He showed me where to go and helped me onto a huge blue bus thing. You had to climb up a ladder to get inside! And then on every single seat was a Vuvuzela. All of the people on the other bus/truck thing were blowing them and I really didn't have the patience for all that at that moment. Do you know what a vuvuzela is? It's this big loud horn that South Africans blow at their soccor games. I did not like them that day.
The bus (...or truck..whatever...) ride was very peaceful and relaxing. I met a few of the people that would be part of our team.
Finally, we made it to Florida Baptist Church. We found our bedrooms that were set up with mats on the floor. Let the South African Adventure begin!!
Coming up next: What God taught me the first 2 days I was there.
I think the thing that I got to learn about the most on this whole trip was about trust. Trust in my Father, God. Over and over again, I had to trust and over and over again He proved Himself to be unswervingly faithful.
After months of preparing, I finally had all $4000, all my shots, my passport, a giant suitcase borrowed from the Sibille's, Ashley's camera that she let me borrow (oh, and by the way...I didn't mention, but in May, Ashley and Wiley got married!! :-D), my "deluxe money belt", and lots of other little details all ready.
The day before I left, Natalie and Natalie both came over for supper and helped me finish up my packing. I checked and re-checked my list SO many times. I was very very stressed out about forgetting something. After checking it so many times, I found this paper that said that it was wise to bring an extra change of clothes and a few pairs of underwear in your carry-on just in case. So I thought "whatever..it can't hurt..."
We arrived in the early morning of June 6th at the BCM to head out to the New Orleans airport. I couldn't believe it was actually June 6th. The day that had been in my head for months and months. It was here! We were actually going.
I. was. terrified.
Sure, I was excited. But this was the farthest and longest I'd ever been away from home! The group leaving from Lafayette that I had been meeting with and kind of getting to know were Mandie, Chelsi, Heath, Jeramy, Daniel, and Andrew. Plus, there were 2 people that I didn't know. Travis, from LSU Shreveport. And Megan and Josh who were coming from the LSU Eunice BCM. There were other teams that we'd meet up with. But not until later. I said my goodbyes to my mom and dad and hugged them very tight. Then we all climbed on the bus to head for New Orleans.
Travis, the guy that we didn't know ended up sitting right next to me. And I have never grown to love a person so quickly! We all did. He just fit right into our group. It was like we'd known him for all those months that we'd been meeting. Just on the way to New Orleans, he was completely made part of the group.
We got to the airport with plenty of time to get our boarding passes and go through security and everything (which I went through first! Brave Gracie!...actually I was not brave at all. I didn't want to go first, but it just kind of ended up that way, unfortunately.) We also met up with more people going on the trip with us. Some people from LSU. Mandy, Shelli, Preston, Lindsey, Jenny, Catherine, and Courtney.
That first flight was my only window seat out of 8 flights total (that's including coming home). We flew to Washington DC and it was not a smooth flight at all. It was very turbulence-y and we hit some thunder storms that made it kinda scary. Plus the landing was really rough. I could actually feel one wheel hit the runway and then the other. I was thankful to be back on solid ground when we got off that plane. But, I still had an awfully long way to go. That was the shortest flight of all. And only the first of many more to follow.
After a 5 hour layover (and after learning that my deposit didn't go through, so I couldn't use my debit card for a few days...ahhh!!), we boarded our DC-London flight. I was so, SO nervous about this flight. It was my first ever flight over the ocean, my first ever overnight flight, and my first ever time leaving my country! And, everything overwhelmed me because I knew that my seat was not next to anybody I knew. Soon, my emotions got the best of me and I was standing next to seat 23E hopelessly looking back at Mandie with tears in my eyes, hoping that the person that was supposed to sit beside her would trade with me. After awhile, nobody showed up next to her, so the flight attendant just let me sit there next to Mandie, Heath, and Megan.
The flight went very well. I slept pretty good. It was a little weird and awkward for awhile, but I finally kinda figured out how to be comfortable.
We arrived in the London Heathrow airport on the morning of June 7. And guess what? Our flight to Nairobi did not take off until late that night. Sooooo, we had an 11 hour layover in the city of London, England!! How exciting is that!? We decided to make good use of our time and explore the city!
So, we had to go through customs there. It made me sort of nervous. Scott had told us that we shouldn't mention to them that we were going to Johannesburg for a mission trip. If we did, there's a good chance that they would send us right home from London. All we needed to say was that we were going to Johannesburg, South Africa for the World Cup. Which was completely true. But the whole idea made me a good bit scared.
When it was my turn, I was the first from our group to go to this particular lady's desk. She asked me a million questions: Where was I from? Where was I going? What for? What would I do there? What did I want to do in London? Why? Who was I with? How did I know them?
Finally, she let me through. And lucky for everybody else, they all went through after Josh Johnson (the LSUE BCM director), so that desk knew what was going on and it was nice and easy for them!
By the time we got done freshening up from our long day/night of traveling, exchanging money, figuring out what to do with carry-ons, and everything else, we had lost some time. Then we had trouble getting tickets for the Underground.
But finally we made it to the Picadilly line to head to Green Park. Every time the doors opened, a recording would announce what stop we were at, then say, "Please mind the gap..." And it was all in a British accent!
We walked through Green Park and when we came out the other end, we stumbled across a little place called Buckingham Palace. Maybe you've heard of it? It was very pretty. And there really were guards standing there with their fuzzy hats! But, I totally saw one of them move his head to look around...oh well. Hahaha
We also saw Westminster Abbey and Big Ben! And the Thames River.
Then we met a guy who was kinda crazy and chasing Shelli all around. Apparently he was some sort of performer for a live horror show. Turns out, when he stopped being crazy, he was quite normal and very fun to talk to.
Then we went to ride the London Eye. The largest ferris wheel in the whole world! By the way, I am kind of a little scared of ferris wheels. Actually, the last time I was on one, I hid my face and held on very tight the whole time. Nevertheless, I climbed onto the huge thing. And, I was very very quiet (this is kind of a big deal, since I usually am sort of talkative...), especially as it started getting higher. But I will admit, it was an amazing view! We could see the whole city! And further! And the river below us. I am glad I went!
After running through the city seeing all the famous sights, we found a little fish and chips place to grab some food. It was pretty yummy and definitely a good way to close out the experience, but to be completely honest, I'd prefer my Dad's fried fish any day!
After about 6 hours of non-stop running around, we had to head back to the Picadilly line and 30 minutes later arrived back at the London Heathrow airport. After getting our boarding passes and getting a big scare about our flight time (we thought we might have missed it! But we ended up realizing that we had plenty of time...) we wen through security and everything again. Then found our gate. I saw two girls standing together and one of them had a shirt that looked very familiar. It was an IWC Love Like Crazy shirt. Identical to the ones that Scott Belmore had given to all of us for the trip! She was standing right in front of me when we were waiting in line to board the plane. I tapped her on the shoulder and said "Hey! I have a shirt just like that! Are you going to South Africa for the mission trip!?" And guess what!? She said yes! Her name was Polly and she was from Mississippi. The girl with her was named Brittany! Two new friends!!
We got on the plane and this time we were all seated close to each other. But we still ended up switching seats around a little within our groups. I sat on a row with Mandie and Chelsi. We ate supper and tried to play some Travel Scrabble, but I kept falling asleep when it wasn't my turn. Finally, I guess they just decided to quit waking me up for my turns and I slept as hard as a rock. No Benadryl. No ear plugs. I was out. One of my best nights of sleep ever. I didn't move for hours.
We got to Nairobi, Kenya the morning of June 8. There were 6 of us who had to recheck our luggage here, because it didn't go all the way through to Jo'burg. Of course, I was one of those 6.
After a huge ordeal, waiting forever, Heath and the Kenya Airways man found the luggage, took our old luggage tags and went down a long hallway to check the luggage. But it was done! We barely made it to our flight (I mean, with seconds to spare).
This flight went pretty smoothly I sat next to Shelli and Andrew. Well, until Shelli discovered that the plane was pretty empty and there were a bunch of rows of seats behind us that were completely empty, so she went and stretched out for a nap. Me and Andrew looked over our papers about the Soccor Clinics/Holiday Bible Club that we'd be doing with the children once we got there.
We landed in Johannesburg and headed to customs, then went on to grab our luggage. But the luggage just took forever to come. We just waited and waited. Finally one of my pieces came around. Then we waited and waited and waited some more. I started getting a really bad feeling in my stomach. What if my luggage didn't come? That had happened to Nony before. As the minutes passed by, the feeling grew. Eventually the conveyer belt thing stopped. That was it. By the way, the suitcase that did come only had my sleeping bag in it. Oh, and some chocolate chips and syrup and chex mix to give to the missionaries. And that was it. EVERYTHING else was in that other bigger bag.
As it turns out, after sorting through all the luggage tag receipt things (which had all been labeled with Andrew Bozeman's name on them), there weren't even any tags for my bag or Andrew's bag, which had also not come.
So, basically we went to the desk and had to just tell them what our bags looked like and hope that somebody could spot them. Remember those emotions that I talked about ovewhelming me back in DC? Well all those emotions were building up in my again. Only they were much, much more intense this time. The entire time we were filling out the papers about our luggage, I was holding in all my tears.
I was halfway across the world, I hadn't gotten a full night of sleep in days, I hadn't showered in days, I only had about $200 in cash with me since my card was currently not working, I only had one change of clothes that I had THANKFULLY packed in my carry-on, and it was cold!
Finally we went to join everybody else. I saw Dana Belmore and just hugged her and didn't say anything. She said "It's okay. Once you shower and get some rest, everything will be alot better. It's okay." Then I spotted Scott and I just went and hugged him and the tears were just coming and coming. I didn't want to be there at all. All I could think was that this was only the very first day! I still had 2 more weeks before I would get to leave!
A guy from Capetown, South Africa named Sam came and Scott told me to follow him. He would get me on a bus to ride to the church we were staying at, which was about an hour away. In a part of Johannesburg called Florida. Sam was so nice. He showed me where to go and helped me onto a huge blue bus thing. You had to climb up a ladder to get inside! And then on every single seat was a Vuvuzela. All of the people on the other bus/truck thing were blowing them and I really didn't have the patience for all that at that moment. Do you know what a vuvuzela is? It's this big loud horn that South Africans blow at their soccor games. I did not like them that day.
The bus (...or truck..whatever...) ride was very peaceful and relaxing. I met a few of the people that would be part of our team.
Finally, we made it to Florida Baptist Church. We found our bedrooms that were set up with mats on the floor. Let the South African Adventure begin!!
Coming up next: What God taught me the first 2 days I was there.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
AMAZING SUMMER
Well, this has been an incredible summer for me! I wish I had time right now to tell absolutely everything about it. But I don't. So, little by little, I'm going to have to update this blog about all the things that have happened. But between South Africa, "Into the Woods", the Grand Canyon, and Glorieta, I've been a pretty busy girl. Plus, God's been showing and teaching me alot! I can't wait to tell you all about it!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Almost There!
It's early Tuesday afternoon during the very last week of classes. I am so ready to be finished and free for the summer. This week has been good so far, but I've been having to be patient alot. And the good news is that I think I'm really succeeding!! I sat through two very long and boring conversations yesterday, and I only got up and left them 1 time. (My excuse was that I wanted a drink of water, which I went and got.) I've been learning alot about patience lately. That's one of the many ways to show love for people. I also have learned that being patient doesn't just mean painfully enduring it. I mean, I know that in some versions of the Bible, in the fruit of the Spirit, patience is called "long suffering", but I think that even in pain and suffering we should be able to find joy. And, yes, even in long boring conversations. ;-) We're called to love. And that's one step closer towards loving peope, I think...I've really been working on that. In my relationships with friends and family. I've been trying to love. Those can be difficult, sometimes. But what's really really difficult is when you have to love people who don't love you back! Ahhh...it's exhausting! But God's teaching me alot through it. And I hope I'm growing...
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Finally Decided to Update... :-P
Once again, I did an awful job of keeping up my blog! I haven't posted anything since Christmas cookies!
Well, my second semester of college is about to end. Can you believe that?? I sure can't! It all feels completely normal to me. I feel like I've been in college for forever. But, at the same time, it still feels like I just started!
Some really big things are about to happen in my life, though! First of all, I am going on my first big mission trip! I've gone to New Orleans with my church and also done alot of the Hope For Opelousas ministry, but never a real big mission trip that's far away. And, let me tell you, this one is far. I am going with the BCM to South Africa!! I can't believe it! In less than 2 months I will leave. I'm going to be there for 2 weeks. I can't believe that God has me doing this! But, I'm just gonna have to trust Him. And that's all. I started raising money in November and I had a goal of $4000. That was a very big scary number. But yesterday, I got some incredible news! Out of the $4000, I still had about $1000 left, which was a little stressful, since I have to have all the money by May 1st. (And in case you didn't know, that is less than 2 weeks from now...) So, I was a little concerned, but at the same time I knew that if God truly wanted me there, then He would certainly provide the money. And yesterday, it happened! My church said that they would give me the rest of the money I needed to go!! So, it's official! As official as ever. I am going! I am going to South Africa to serve my Lord! Friday, I am going to get my Yellow Fever vaccination...
Another HUGE thing in my life is that 2 people that I'm very close to are about to have babies. My older sister Nichole, and my older brother Jade's wife, Jennifer! They're both due in August. Nichole/Nony is having a girl and Jade and Jennifer are having a boy...But here's the amazing news. I am going to go live with Nony in New York after the baby is born!!! For about 8-9 months! So, wow...
I am going to have an incredible summer though. I will be performing in "Beauty and the Beast" at the OLT, going to South Africa, and then in August, going to the Grand Canyon and Glorieta with the BCM! I'm ready!! I just have to get through the next week and a half of school first....tests and studying and stuff...bleh...
Well, my second semester of college is about to end. Can you believe that?? I sure can't! It all feels completely normal to me. I feel like I've been in college for forever. But, at the same time, it still feels like I just started!
Some really big things are about to happen in my life, though! First of all, I am going on my first big mission trip! I've gone to New Orleans with my church and also done alot of the Hope For Opelousas ministry, but never a real big mission trip that's far away. And, let me tell you, this one is far. I am going with the BCM to South Africa!! I can't believe it! In less than 2 months I will leave. I'm going to be there for 2 weeks. I can't believe that God has me doing this! But, I'm just gonna have to trust Him. And that's all. I started raising money in November and I had a goal of $4000. That was a very big scary number. But yesterday, I got some incredible news! Out of the $4000, I still had about $1000 left, which was a little stressful, since I have to have all the money by May 1st. (And in case you didn't know, that is less than 2 weeks from now...) So, I was a little concerned, but at the same time I knew that if God truly wanted me there, then He would certainly provide the money. And yesterday, it happened! My church said that they would give me the rest of the money I needed to go!! So, it's official! As official as ever. I am going! I am going to South Africa to serve my Lord! Friday, I am going to get my Yellow Fever vaccination...
Another HUGE thing in my life is that 2 people that I'm very close to are about to have babies. My older sister Nichole, and my older brother Jade's wife, Jennifer! They're both due in August. Nichole/Nony is having a girl and Jade and Jennifer are having a boy...But here's the amazing news. I am going to go live with Nony in New York after the baby is born!!! For about 8-9 months! So, wow...
I am going to have an incredible summer though. I will be performing in "Beauty and the Beast" at the OLT, going to South Africa, and then in August, going to the Grand Canyon and Glorieta with the BCM! I'm ready!! I just have to get through the next week and a half of school first....tests and studying and stuff...bleh...
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