i've arrvied safe and sound in london, and it's been a fabulous couple of days! I fly to Tanzania on Monday evening, and then am there for the next 6 weeks. we have had some great staff team building time here, and have been blessed by a teammates aunt, where we are staying. it's been relaxing to get away from the books and have some time to relax! I'm excited for africa though and really want to just get there. continue to pray that i would be focused and continue to focus on the vision of the project. i eagerly await the students arrival on friday and can't wait to see laura!
This mornign we attended the Hillsongs UK church and it was amazing and refreshing! greg and andrea, it made me think of you guys!
this is a short update i will try to update more once i arrive in Africa!!
Continue to be in prayer that God would change lives in Africa!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Bon Voyage!
And just a few hours before I hit the road on my adventure! It's going to be an amazing time of faith stretching, faith building and life changing experience!
Continue to be in prayer..
Pray for safe travels, both for the staff leaving today and the students leaving on Wed.
For overall health, that we would remain healthy in the next 6 weeks (and to remember to take our meds!)
For the hearts of the African students we are going to minister to, that they would be open and ready for the Canadian students
For spiritual refreshing of the Canadians, that we would get our strength from God and rely on His Holy Spirit
I can't wait to see all of you when I return in June!
Until then, BON VOYAGE!
Continue to be in prayer..
Pray for safe travels, both for the staff leaving today and the students leaving on Wed.
For overall health, that we would remain healthy in the next 6 weeks (and to remember to take our meds!)
For the hearts of the African students we are going to minister to, that they would be open and ready for the Canadian students
For spiritual refreshing of the Canadians, that we would get our strength from God and rely on His Holy Spirit
I can't wait to see all of you when I return in June!
Until then, BON VOYAGE!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
In less the 24 hours...
In less then 24 hours I will be on the plane on my way to London, England, and then off to Africa. WOW! I can't believe that the time is here already to leave -- it's been a whirlwind the past couple of days.
I know am just getting the last preparations for my trip together. I always find that I can not sleep on the night before I have to go somewhere. My mind is going in a million different directions as I think of a bunch of little things that I want to get done before leaving...eventually I just need to tell myself to stop, and just let things be the way they are!
My excitment and anticipation are increasing as the time draws closer to leave. I have experienced moments of doubt, as to why I am going again, but God has worked through those moments with me. I know that they have been more emotional then rational. I have had to come to understand that this year will not be the same as last year. There won't be the same people, the same jokes, but that doens't mean that it's not going to be as much fun! My mom and I had a great conversation about how my role is changing this year. Last year I had the time of my life in Africa, and created some of my most treasured memories and met some of my closest friends there. And now this year, I have the opportunity to create that same experience for the students who are going for the first time. They will be looking to me for leadership and guidance, and I want to make this experience as a great of one, as it was for me last year. And when I let that sink in, my excitment began to grow! I am excited for the leadership oppurtunity. I know that I will learn valuable skills that will benefit me in the future.
Tomorrow when I leave, I am meeting a bunch of people that I don't know. And frankly, that scares me! But at the same time, I know that God put this team together perfectly, and that we will all mesh together and build eachother up. But please be in prayer for that, that I would guard myself against loneliness and just let myself be open to new people and new friendships!
I hope that when I am gone, I will get the chance to update you. I will try and do that as often as I can...but I can't promise that it will be often!
May you all be blessed each day, and look for the little things in life that make you smile and be thankful for those!
I know am just getting the last preparations for my trip together. I always find that I can not sleep on the night before I have to go somewhere. My mind is going in a million different directions as I think of a bunch of little things that I want to get done before leaving...eventually I just need to tell myself to stop, and just let things be the way they are!
My excitment and anticipation are increasing as the time draws closer to leave. I have experienced moments of doubt, as to why I am going again, but God has worked through those moments with me. I know that they have been more emotional then rational. I have had to come to understand that this year will not be the same as last year. There won't be the same people, the same jokes, but that doens't mean that it's not going to be as much fun! My mom and I had a great conversation about how my role is changing this year. Last year I had the time of my life in Africa, and created some of my most treasured memories and met some of my closest friends there. And now this year, I have the opportunity to create that same experience for the students who are going for the first time. They will be looking to me for leadership and guidance, and I want to make this experience as a great of one, as it was for me last year. And when I let that sink in, my excitment began to grow! I am excited for the leadership oppurtunity. I know that I will learn valuable skills that will benefit me in the future.
Tomorrow when I leave, I am meeting a bunch of people that I don't know. And frankly, that scares me! But at the same time, I know that God put this team together perfectly, and that we will all mesh together and build eachother up. But please be in prayer for that, that I would guard myself against loneliness and just let myself be open to new people and new friendships!
I hope that when I am gone, I will get the chance to update you. I will try and do that as often as I can...but I can't promise that it will be often!
May you all be blessed each day, and look for the little things in life that make you smile and be thankful for those!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
time flies
I'm writing to you today, as a recent graduate of the University of Western Ontario! As of Monday afternoon, I am officially graduated from university!! hard to believe! I am super thrilled to have my exams over with, the last round of exams ever! That is one aspect of university that I am not sad to leave!
I moved home yesterday, which is a big transition. I already miss my roommates! It's strange to be living out of suitcases and boxes, which will be the case most likely, until I return from Africa! But being home with my family has been great so far. I am really looking forward to spending a few quality days with them, before taking off.
My to-do list for Africa just keeps getting bigger and I just keep adding things to it, but they are all important things to get done! I've been working on the training seminar that I am doing for the students during orientation and am really looking forward to that oppurtunity to step out in leadership. It puts me in a somewhat uncomfortable spot, but that is where God is strongest -- in my weakness! But I have such an encouraging team that surrounds me, so I am so thankful for that!
I am still working on my support raising. I have $1500 to raise, to reach my goal. So please continue to be in prayer for that, that God would provide the last $1500. I know that He can, and I know that God is teaching me lessons through support raising, so I am thankful. I just need to have bigger faith, to not doubt. That was my mindset, when I commited this summer to God, that I would not doubt His ability to fund this trip. And now, with 2 days to go, I find myself having seeds of doubt planted. But I didn't come this far, to let that happen! So join with me in asking God...
When i think back to last summer and how God united our team, I look to the next coming months with great anticipation, as God forms new teams, and unites them as family. To be on the outside looking in this year, I am excited to watch students form friendships, and watch them stand in awe of how great God is. I am looking forward to meeting each student, when they arrive in Tanzania on the 4th. The look of shock on their faces, as they face the African heat for the first time, and the look of sheer excitment of what lies ahead.
may God be honoured --> this is what I want for the summer
I moved home yesterday, which is a big transition. I already miss my roommates! It's strange to be living out of suitcases and boxes, which will be the case most likely, until I return from Africa! But being home with my family has been great so far. I am really looking forward to spending a few quality days with them, before taking off.
My to-do list for Africa just keeps getting bigger and I just keep adding things to it, but they are all important things to get done! I've been working on the training seminar that I am doing for the students during orientation and am really looking forward to that oppurtunity to step out in leadership. It puts me in a somewhat uncomfortable spot, but that is where God is strongest -- in my weakness! But I have such an encouraging team that surrounds me, so I am so thankful for that!
I am still working on my support raising. I have $1500 to raise, to reach my goal. So please continue to be in prayer for that, that God would provide the last $1500. I know that He can, and I know that God is teaching me lessons through support raising, so I am thankful. I just need to have bigger faith, to not doubt. That was my mindset, when I commited this summer to God, that I would not doubt His ability to fund this trip. And now, with 2 days to go, I find myself having seeds of doubt planted. But I didn't come this far, to let that happen! So join with me in asking God...
When i think back to last summer and how God united our team, I look to the next coming months with great anticipation, as God forms new teams, and unites them as family. To be on the outside looking in this year, I am excited to watch students form friendships, and watch them stand in awe of how great God is. I am looking forward to meeting each student, when they arrive in Tanzania on the 4th. The look of shock on their faces, as they face the African heat for the first time, and the look of sheer excitment of what lies ahead.
may God be honoured --> this is what I want for the summer
Sunday, April 22, 2007
counting down...
Wow, just a few more days before the plane takes off! I'm getting excited to be used by God this summer. It's a crazy time of the year right now, with trying to finish off exams and pack, but I know that the end result will be amazing!
I've been working on the training seminar that I will be leading for the students in their orientation, and trying to get that finished. I will be talking on the Spirit Filled Life -- which is such an important topic!
I've been in contact with some of the guys and gals that I met last summer, and they are anticipated my arrival as well. I am so pumped to see them again and talk with them and do ministry alongside them.
I'm also able to bring a second suitcase full of items to give away (ie Bibles, clothes, medical supplies) so if this is something that interests you, let me know!
Continue to be in prayer for myself, the entire team and Africa!
I've been working on the training seminar that I will be leading for the students in their orientation, and trying to get that finished. I will be talking on the Spirit Filled Life -- which is such an important topic!
I've been in contact with some of the guys and gals that I met last summer, and they are anticipated my arrival as well. I am so pumped to see them again and talk with them and do ministry alongside them.
I'm also able to bring a second suitcase full of items to give away (ie Bibles, clothes, medical supplies) so if this is something that interests you, let me know!
Continue to be in prayer for myself, the entire team and Africa!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Support
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" Phil 4:19.
I take the words of Paul and bury them deep -- I know that God will supply all my needs for the summer. I still need to raise 46% of my support ($3000) before I leave. God raised my support last year, and has already raised over half this year, and I know He will raise the remainder, too. So I'm asking you to pray with me, that God would supply all my needs!
Thanks for your prayers -- I couldn't do this without you...yes, you!
I take the words of Paul and bury them deep -- I know that God will supply all my needs for the summer. I still need to raise 46% of my support ($3000) before I leave. God raised my support last year, and has already raised over half this year, and I know He will raise the remainder, too. So I'm asking you to pray with me, that God would supply all my needs!
Thanks for your prayers -- I couldn't do this without you...yes, you!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
12 days til departure
12 days til the plane takes off -- in my letter, I wrote that I was leaving on May 1, but the date has been changed and now it's April 27. That's really soon, and sometimes that scares me! There are still a lot of things to do before then (ie exams, pack and move!) and lots of prep for the trip, but atleast the plane ride is long and will give me some time to process and "relax".
Something that I have been thinking about lately, is what my expectations are for this summer. I am afraid of going, and having the mindset that it is going to be the same as last year, and then being disappointed. It's not going to be the same -- yes, same location and seeing some of the same people, but my team has changed, my role has changed, and holding onto to last year could be dangerous. Last year we had a fabulous team that bonded extremely well -- we were a family. And I truly desire that this year as well. That we would all be unified and get along, and become a family. I think that I am scared of loneliness as well. With not knowing very many people that I will feel alone - so please pray for that. That I would be open with people and develop some great friendships, just like last year.
It also kind of frightens me, that people will be looking to me for help. I am the only person that has been to Malawi before, so I have an understanding of what to expect and what worked what didn't, etc. I don't want to lead people on the wrong direction - or give them the wrong information. But as much as I have fears about these things, I also have excitment. For I know that God is strong where I am weak, and that through these fears, He will be glorified and will mold me more into His daughter -- and that is pretty darn cool!
A visual reminder of why I want to go back....
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Relieved Accomplishment
And thus ends my undergrad -- well atleast the class part of it! I officially am done school today! What a crazy feeling! It's really anti-climatic though. But that's why God blessed me with great roomies who celebrated in my joy! It's been a strong push to end though. I just finished my last paper that I hand in, in a few hours. It ended up being 21 pages, that longest I have written. But I totally saw God's favor as I wrote it -- He kept me up late last night, til I couldn't stay up any longer! But it's crazy to realize that it's over. 4 years has gone by so quickly, and I almost don't want it to end. I have made the greatest friends in the world here at school, and this has become 'home'. Yet I know that what lies ahead of me is going to a fantastic time in my life as well. Saying goodbye to people at school is such a strange thing - I may never see some of these people again. They have been in my life for a time and a season and now it's time to move on. But the girls in my classes, that I won't see again, yet spent every Wendesday night with. Or my new friends I made in another class by doing a group project with them. Or just the familiar faces that I see on campus -- I don't really know who they are, but even amongst 30000 people, you still recognize a few in the crowd. These are the moments I am going to miss. These moments of familiarity and comfort.
I remember people telling me when I started university that these would be the best and fastest years of my life. I didn't believe them then, but I sure do now. These have honestly been the best years -- there have been many tears shed, yet just as much (if not more!) laughter! I feel truly blessed to walk away from school with the best friends, a great education, and most importantly, a deeper walk with God.
I know that this post didn't really have alot to do with Africa, but I just wanted to share with you, what I am walking through in this moment! I will post more about Africa and my thoughts, feelings, etc once I get some sleep (it's nap time)!!
I remember people telling me when I started university that these would be the best and fastest years of my life. I didn't believe them then, but I sure do now. These have honestly been the best years -- there have been many tears shed, yet just as much (if not more!) laughter! I feel truly blessed to walk away from school with the best friends, a great education, and most importantly, a deeper walk with God.
I know that this post didn't really have alot to do with Africa, but I just wanted to share with you, what I am walking through in this moment! I will post more about Africa and my thoughts, feelings, etc once I get some sleep (it's nap time)!!
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Excitment!!!
Ok, BIG NEWS!!!!!! I got accepted to teachers college!! WOOHOO!!! I am so excited and thrilled! This has always been my dream, to teach, so to have the first step in place to make it come true is inbelievable! :):):):) I am really really really happy! Oh, and I officially accepted Laurier's offer, so I will be moving to Waterloo. God is so good!
But God also taught me alot through the process of waiting to find out about school. The acceptances were suppose to come out on Monday, but the website did not inform us that they would be not be updating until Wednesday. Therefore on monday when I checked, I thought that I had been rejected by all schools. Let's just say that there was quite the waterworks show -- I didn't know i had that many tears in me! I just couldn't understand why God would take that away from me too.But God really spoke to me about my attitude and the reasons as to why I wanted teachers college. I realized that I had a very selfish attitude, wanting to know why God would take it away from me. How teachers college is what I really wanted. I realized that I was not letting God control the academic part of my life. That I was comfortable making my own plans and doing what I could to fulfill those plans. God gave my a big wake up call, when I thought I wasn't accepted and I realized how dependence I had become on myself and how I had pushed God to the back. Wow, I needed that wake up call and I am thankful that God taught me those lessons. Because I turned back to God and confessed my selfishness, and then God provided the acceptence letter for me. I am so thankful for God's provision, and for leading my future.
God is so faithful to His children and I am learning that over and over and over and over again. As my undergrad comes to an end in a few short weeks, there are so many thoughts that run through my head. As I reflect on all that God has taught me, shown me and brought me through, I am humbled and brought to my knees. There is no way that I could have survived without His hand guiding me and protecting me. I am so thankful. It does make me sad to leave and to leave behind friends and move on, but there is also an excitment that flows within, when I think of the new adventures that God has waiting for me.
I am also getting more and more excited about Africa!! I leave in 22 days...wow, that's not that far away!! But I know that God has great things planned, both for the Canadians and the Africans! So please continue to be in prayer still -- I need it! As exams approach and time fels a little short, I know that I will need your prayers to keep focused. Please keep praying for my support as well. I know that God is my great provider, and I trust in Him that He will provide, but I ask for your prayers, that before I leave, I will see all my funds come in!
I am heading home for Easter in about an hour...I can't wait to see some of you at home!
But God also taught me alot through the process of waiting to find out about school. The acceptances were suppose to come out on Monday, but the website did not inform us that they would be not be updating until Wednesday. Therefore on monday when I checked, I thought that I had been rejected by all schools. Let's just say that there was quite the waterworks show -- I didn't know i had that many tears in me! I just couldn't understand why God would take that away from me too.But God really spoke to me about my attitude and the reasons as to why I wanted teachers college. I realized that I had a very selfish attitude, wanting to know why God would take it away from me. How teachers college is what I really wanted. I realized that I was not letting God control the academic part of my life. That I was comfortable making my own plans and doing what I could to fulfill those plans. God gave my a big wake up call, when I thought I wasn't accepted and I realized how dependence I had become on myself and how I had pushed God to the back. Wow, I needed that wake up call and I am thankful that God taught me those lessons. Because I turned back to God and confessed my selfishness, and then God provided the acceptence letter for me. I am so thankful for God's provision, and for leading my future.
God is so faithful to His children and I am learning that over and over and over and over again. As my undergrad comes to an end in a few short weeks, there are so many thoughts that run through my head. As I reflect on all that God has taught me, shown me and brought me through, I am humbled and brought to my knees. There is no way that I could have survived without His hand guiding me and protecting me. I am so thankful. It does make me sad to leave and to leave behind friends and move on, but there is also an excitment that flows within, when I think of the new adventures that God has waiting for me.
I am also getting more and more excited about Africa!! I leave in 22 days...wow, that's not that far away!! But I know that God has great things planned, both for the Canadians and the Africans! So please continue to be in prayer still -- I need it! As exams approach and time fels a little short, I know that I will need your prayers to keep focused. Please keep praying for my support as well. I know that God is my great provider, and I trust in Him that He will provide, but I ask for your prayers, that before I leave, I will see all my funds come in!
I am heading home for Easter in about an hour...I can't wait to see some of you at home!
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