I am finally at a computer where I can blog!!! It's been quite a while since I've gotten to check my email and was overwhelmed by how many comments I got to read. I just started crying, thinking how grateful I am to have so many friends praying for me and thinking of me. This past week has been incredible...the Lord has been doing so much and teaching me so much. The bandwidth on computers here is very limited, so I will need to load pictures after I get home. That's just fine...I'll get to do post-Africa updates!
Well, too many wonderful experiences to describe them all, so I'll just write a few:
Highs:
- The game reserve on Tuesday was awesome! (Brad, I don't remember the name...sorry!) We saw rhinos, zebra, lions, cheetahs...and we even got to walk around with giraffe! (Jen, we actually did have the same experience that we had at the zoo and I have pictures! :)
- We have been working with a local community center in one of the poorer neighborhoods, playing games with the kids and teaching Bible studies. We took some of the older kids up to camp this weekend and had a wonderful time. I rode on the bus with them to camp and spent the whole time talking with some teen girls (again, big surprise!). We did a low ropes course for some team-building exercises and had small group discussions with them. I feel so thankful that I got to connect with some of the girls.
- Yesterday, we had a day off and our team went to a market for some awesome shopping! We went down to the Waterfront, which reminded me so much of San Francisco. I fell in love with the area and could definitely see myself here some day (don't worry Mom...I still want to come home!!) Then we went to an authentic African restaurant called Moyo. They painted our faces in traditional African design, we had an amazing buffet and they performed live music and dance.
Low:
- There hasn't been one ultimate low, but a few days of God really challenging me and my views of serving Him. I think the one main thing I have learned through all of this is, when God calls you, just show up. You don't have to be anything or do anything; simply obey and wait for what He wants to do. I learned this through a lot of frustration and difficulties, but I definitely know it now!
Thank you:
- Safety! We are all healthy and safe.
- Connections with the community...the kids LOVE all of us being there. They will literally chase our vans as we drive away.
- Amazing, life-changing experiences.
- Confirmation that Africa is my heart and one of my great loves
Prayer:
- Continued health and safety.
- We are showing the Jesus film on Wednesday, so pray for a good turnout and open hearts.
I miss you all and love you so much! And Rock-n-Water people...have an awesome time and fall out of the boat for me!
much love... alair
3 comments:
Hey Alair!
Its kristine. WOW!! i am so happy you've been having such an amazing time. It was so awesome to read about how you are connecting with the teens girls there.i know they are loving their time spent with you. i can't wait to hear all about it! It was really cool reading about how you have learned how when God calls you just show up because in my art class i had this phrase all last week in my mind-"Come as you are" and it wouldnt leave. so it was way cool reading what you said about how we dont have to be anything or do anything. I was so amped when i was reading what you wrote because then i was like ooh mann come as you are!! Wow how awsome is God that he put that in my mind!! well i just wanted to share that with you and i just hope you have an amazing day tomorrow and i can't wait to hear all of your stories! Love you,
Kristine
Hi Alair..oh, thanks for updating us and sending such a thankful and uplifting blog..you sound great..and thank you for still wanting to come home..I like that alot..May your day today be so filled with the Lord's power and His presence..He is so faithful and good to you..and I believe you are abiding in HIM and He has shown you great and mighty things..from your favorite book it is written in Isaiah 48:17, " This is what the Lord says--your Redeemer, Alair, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go."..May you go with Him each day, Sissy..
I love you a whole bunch,
Mom
Alair...Talk about intense! I've been checking your blog daily just hoping for an update...and you mom just let me know you posted this most recent one. I can actually "see you" thru your descriptions. You are experiencing Africa in a different way than you expected...cuz we "expect" way too little. You are getting an experience that is "exceedingly, abundantly, immeasureably more than anything you could have thought, asked for, or imagined. Knowing God and how huge He is when we "just show up", all I can say to you is "I told you so!" When we met before you left, I remember telling you not to go with an agenda..and you'de be blown away. God works like that...and is held back in power when we have an agenda. So way to go! Spend the rest of this time having what I call "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride"...it is a life lived in the power and movement of the Holy Spirit. It is such an exciting way to live. Love you, sweetie!
mama sue
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