I realized earlier today that this blog was created for my YWAM trip, but I haven't written anything about it on here yet. My apologies fellow blog readers! Here goes!
It's seriously only 5 weeks until I depart for America. That concept comes with a range of emotions: happiness, excitement, fear, nervousness etc. It will be such an adventure being back in the States and getting to know all the students and staff at the base in Madison. I just can't wait to learn more about God and grow in my faith, deal with my insecurities and share Jesus! Really looking forward to the outreach that we will be doing in the city of Madison before we do our main outreach in another country.
I've been trying to prepare for the trip by reading the Bible a lot, listening to uplifting music, and reading this book by KP Yohannan called "World Revolutions". In the book he speaks about being a missionary in Asia and how those in privileged countries don't grasp the concept of being a Christian and living that sort of life like Christians in third world countries do. I have to say, as much as I didn't want to think I wasn't living as I should have been, I agree with KP. He has some good points and I urge every Christian to read his book.
During my reading of the Bible, this section in 1 Chronicles 16 stood out to me "Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name, make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His Holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always." That's verses 8-11.
That is truly the mission!
I'm seeking God & fully believe that He will be with me through the entire course and will guide me. I know He has promised He will provide and as I'm reminded of the fact I still need half the course funds, I keep thinking of what He said to me. He has this all figured out.
More later! ♥
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Turning Point
I'm home from Tanzania and woke after sleeping for 12 hours of much needed sleep. Being in East Africa was such an amazing and challenging experience. It was the first time I had ever been to that continent and traveled there alone. The first few days I was there tested my coping skills and my faith in God. I've always battled with anxiety and this would be the prime situation to induce a panic attack. To make sure this didn't happen, I tried to remain positive and read my Bible a lot and prayed a ton. It all turned out well and I really enjoyed my time in Africa.
I worked with ten children at a small school on the outskirts of Arusha, Tanzania where I taught them Math, English, Phonics and Art. The kids loved having me there, even though I couldn't speak Swahili and they didn't speak much English (aside from the kids in my class).
The other days I volunteered I spent at Cradle of Love Baby Home. There were 41 babies ranging from 3 weeks to 3 years. I spent time playing with them, and bottle feeding the little ones in the nursery, feeding lunch to the older babies and taking the babies outside for play time. I miss them already! The memories and the bonding time I had with them. Even though I was spit up on multiple times, I'd love to see them again. I got to rock baby Justin to sleep and just the feeling of absolute trust from him was amazing. It was such an incredible experience being in Tanzania. I traveled every day to the volunteer locations by myself and navigated Arusha by speaking broken Swahili to people who knew little to no English. I rode on a motorbike taxi across town and randomly took a taxi into town to buy ice cream one evening with a fellow volunteer, passed armed guards next to all the banks and crossed streets in town where multiple volunteers got mugged. Thanks to the Lord I was safe the entire time I was there and lived with incredibly nice volunteers.
I worked with ten children at a small school on the outskirts of Arusha, Tanzania where I taught them Math, English, Phonics and Art. The kids loved having me there, even though I couldn't speak Swahili and they didn't speak much English (aside from the kids in my class).
The other days I volunteered I spent at Cradle of Love Baby Home. There were 41 babies ranging from 3 weeks to 3 years. I spent time playing with them, and bottle feeding the little ones in the nursery, feeding lunch to the older babies and taking the babies outside for play time. I miss them already! The memories and the bonding time I had with them. Even though I was spit up on multiple times, I'd love to see them again. I got to rock baby Justin to sleep and just the feeling of absolute trust from him was amazing. It was such an incredible experience being in Tanzania. I traveled every day to the volunteer locations by myself and navigated Arusha by speaking broken Swahili to people who knew little to no English. I rode on a motorbike taxi across town and randomly took a taxi into town to buy ice cream one evening with a fellow volunteer, passed armed guards next to all the banks and crossed streets in town where multiple volunteers got mugged. Thanks to the Lord I was safe the entire time I was there and lived with incredibly nice volunteers.
Tanzania pics!
Where I stayed with the other volunteers in the area. We had two guard dogs plus a locking gate, and glass shards embedded in concrete with protective wire above it.
One of the kids from Meru View School where I taught English, Math, Phonics and Art to 10 six year olds
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| Precious baby hand from a little one at Cradle of Love Baby Home |
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| Took a break from volunteering to go on safari to Lake Manyara |
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| He loved me! and he was such a happy little guy. Always laughing |
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| Cutest little smile! |
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| Speaking of loving cuddles! He would not let me put him down ever! |
Spent some time in the nursery as well where all the babies from 3 weeks to 6 months stayed. Had to gown up to reduce the risk of germs to the babies and spit up to my clothes :P
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