I'M HERE! But I'm sure not many of you are surprised at that. I hacen't been able to get on this specific website this whole time, and I've been here for a little over a month. So when the long term missionaries here said they had Internet, they were kind of kidding. The Internet is so slow that sometimes you have to spend an half an hour just to see one page load, so sending emails and posting blogs is nearly impossible. This may be about the only time I'll be able to get on, so if anything else is posted it might be by my boyfriend or family.
Right now I'm at a Resort for the weekend-before-Christmas family vacation since the father of my host family (Mr. Lohr, aka Jason) has his parents visiting for a few weeks. The Lohrs have been here two and a half years, and have another three and a half left to go. They treat me well, making sure I'm comfortable and not too homesick. The truth of it is, it's impossible to avoid missing home. I definitely miss Richard, my family, flavored ice cream and the climate, even though it is nice to be here. I think at this point in time I'm getting past what they call the "honeymoon" stage where I just love everything here and am now starting to not have so much fun with it. But since you haven't heard about all my rants and raves about this place so far, I'll try to update you throughout time.
One thing's for sure: It's hot. So I got sunburned once already wearing sunblock at all the appropriate times and places, reminding me that we are a lot closer to the sun here. So I used the Lohr's sunblock which is supposed to be impenatrable, as they claim, because they apparently have not got burned once since they've been here. I put this stuff on twice, when they said I only needed it once, and I still got burned. It's never gotten too bad though, so I am still in good health!
Anyway, I don't have much time to be on here, so hopefully I'll get some updates through family and friends to everyone. Just wanted to let you know I'm here and doing alright, though a bit homesick and thank you for your prayers and support as always!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
OFFICIAL PLANS!
I now have official plans to go to Nigeria and am leaving *drumroll*.... next Monday! (5 days away.) My stress level is now back on the charts to normalcy and am doing quite well with the whole situation at the moment, especially considering that now I can start thinking about actually leaving my family, friends and boyfriend behind for a solid 7+ months. Quite sad, but for now, I'm so relieved to have some solid plans underway!!!!
The tickets are bought and arrangements made so that I'll be leaving from Portland late Monday afternoon with a long trip ahead of me filled with anxiousness and anxiety toward what is to come. It's funny how I thought I had learned patience earlier on this summer, because I wasn't quite done with that lesson yet. This has definitely been a great learning experience as far as hard decisions come and now all I have to do is hope and pray that this is the one God has led me to.
As usual, your prayers are soo soooooo welcome, I appreciate all that the power of prayer has done for me in my life, especially all the times that I don't know about it! Of course you can still donate funds if you wish (instructions are farther down in this blog) especially because there were a few unexpected things I am possibly paying for, and my goal never was really reached. Thank you so much to everyone who has helped out already, and I will continue to keep you all updated!
"Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has saved you from your enemies." Psalm 107:2
The tickets are bought and arrangements made so that I'll be leaving from Portland late Monday afternoon with a long trip ahead of me filled with anxiousness and anxiety toward what is to come. It's funny how I thought I had learned patience earlier on this summer, because I wasn't quite done with that lesson yet. This has definitely been a great learning experience as far as hard decisions come and now all I have to do is hope and pray that this is the one God has led me to.
As usual, your prayers are soo soooooo welcome, I appreciate all that the power of prayer has done for me in my life, especially all the times that I don't know about it! Of course you can still donate funds if you wish (instructions are farther down in this blog) especially because there were a few unexpected things I am possibly paying for, and my goal never was really reached. Thank you so much to everyone who has helped out already, and I will continue to keep you all updated!
"Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has saved you from your enemies." Psalm 107:2
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Still in America
Since it's been a while since I've posted an update, I'm here to let you know what's going on. I am still in America. I am waiting for my visa to come back to me in the mail, along with my passport which will come together, and then I'll buy some tickets to fly out in the next week. This makes me feel so much better because the whole not knowing when I'm going to leave is about to make me internally combust. I have discovered about myself that I do want to know when exactly important things are going to happen, but I can be spontaneous about the small stuff. I feel better knowing that about myself, especially after knowing that I will know at least a week before I leave that I'm actually going to leave. (well that wasn't confusing)
So that's the update on me, as far as funds, I'm having communication issues with the Student Missions office at Walla Walla so therefore I don't know the latest info. The school is changing the email system there, and I am left in the dark about what to do about it, so I will be able to check my fundraising status as soon as I can call the wonderful Tech help there. :) Oh joy.
God is so good. Sometimes I just need to say that to other people to remember what it means to me. I have been waiting and waiting for this thing to go through and getting impatient and stressed out and ignoring my feelings to make it easier sometimes, but I woke up this morning thinking that there is a reason I did not go early. Whatever it is that is better because I've waited a little longer to go is because God wanted the best thing for me. I know that there is one relationship for sure that has been started in the time that I've supposed to be gone in, that probably would have NEVER been started otherwise. I wouldn't trade almost anything for this relationship, and therefore I know that God is good. I am SO thankful that he wants the best for me. What a great God we serve. I hope God continues to bless all of you as he is blessing me day by day! :)
So that's the update on me, as far as funds, I'm having communication issues with the Student Missions office at Walla Walla so therefore I don't know the latest info. The school is changing the email system there, and I am left in the dark about what to do about it, so I will be able to check my fundraising status as soon as I can call the wonderful Tech help there. :) Oh joy.
God is so good. Sometimes I just need to say that to other people to remember what it means to me. I have been waiting and waiting for this thing to go through and getting impatient and stressed out and ignoring my feelings to make it easier sometimes, but I woke up this morning thinking that there is a reason I did not go early. Whatever it is that is better because I've waited a little longer to go is because God wanted the best thing for me. I know that there is one relationship for sure that has been started in the time that I've supposed to be gone in, that probably would have NEVER been started otherwise. I wouldn't trade almost anything for this relationship, and therefore I know that God is good. I am SO thankful that he wants the best for me. What a great God we serve. I hope God continues to bless all of you as he is blessing me day by day! :)
Friday, September 14, 2007
Links to pay attention to
Hey, while I'm at it, I might as well post another... post. I wanted to let everyone know that the links I've added to this page are really special for a reason. Sarah's blog is a link to my close friend, Sarah obviously, who has taken a Student Missionary position in neighboring Chad, Africa as a nurse; you can read about her experience there.
My myspace is a link to well, my myspace page. The only reason I included this link is because I have other blog posts there and pictures that paint a much bigger person of who I am, so just because.
The other link, which I am really excited about, is this awesome site that is dedicated to various non-profit organizations that are dedicated to being good samaritans. It is a Christian's proudest dream site that includes stopping hunger, deprivation of rainforests, illiteracy, and furthering breast cancer research, rescuing of stray animals, and children's health. HERE'S WHAT YOU DO: click on my link, bookmark the page (because I want you to do this everyday), then click on the big button that says "click here." You have just donated a cup of food for those who previously did not have any. To continue in your good will mission, click on the various tabs at the top of the page and click on the big buttons for each of those. Talk about free charity, this is the one of the best things ever! Please make a difference and click on each of these donating sites each day (since you can only do this once a day). This means be faithful. EVERYDAY. Make a difference, click everyday. I don't have to tell you thanks for this.
My myspace is a link to well, my myspace page. The only reason I included this link is because I have other blog posts there and pictures that paint a much bigger person of who I am, so just because.
The other link, which I am really excited about, is this awesome site that is dedicated to various non-profit organizations that are dedicated to being good samaritans. It is a Christian's proudest dream site that includes stopping hunger, deprivation of rainforests, illiteracy, and furthering breast cancer research, rescuing of stray animals, and children's health. HERE'S WHAT YOU DO: click on my link, bookmark the page (because I want you to do this everyday), then click on the big button that says "click here." You have just donated a cup of food for those who previously did not have any. To continue in your good will mission, click on the various tabs at the top of the page and click on the big buttons for each of those. Talk about free charity, this is the one of the best things ever! Please make a difference and click on each of these donating sites each day (since you can only do this once a day). This means be faithful. EVERYDAY. Make a difference, click everyday. I don't have to tell you thanks for this.
Not too long now...
By next Wednesday I can finally start mentally preparing myself for this amazing journey I'm about to take. All that's left for me to go is that my call needs to be approved by the General Conference, which will happen Wednesday, in turn giving me way to purchase my visa, insurance and plane tickets. I can't wait until I have an actual date set though I suppose I have learned valuable patience this summer in not knowing so far.
I know what my position is going to be over there, but I'm a little sketchy on the details, so there will be more info to come on that. My finances have risen a bit - thanks to all who helped! - but it doesn't change the rounding much, so I'm still at about the same place as last time. I have however received many well wishes and prayers which I am so grateful for, for as the time comes closer and closer, I am realizing just how much prayer I reallyl do need. Seriously, as you read this, please just stop for a second and pray for my safety and my journey in expanding my Christian heart as well as living a witness' life.
Thank you so much.
I am quite excited about giving some of the things I have collected over to the children over there. Working at Toys R Us gave me lots of opportunity to take advantage of the sales and get school supplies at their cheapest when normally I wouldn't have been able to afford such commodities. Also my sister and brother-in-law are collecting the crayons their kids use at restaurants when they go out to eat, and I am using this opportunity to get rid of the crayons I've had stashed away since who knows when because "they're still good." (Yes!) :) Anyway, this hasn't been much more than an update and I am tired of talking about myself so I'll end on this get-off-your-seat-and-do-something note:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
I know what my position is going to be over there, but I'm a little sketchy on the details, so there will be more info to come on that. My finances have risen a bit - thanks to all who helped! - but it doesn't change the rounding much, so I'm still at about the same place as last time. I have however received many well wishes and prayers which I am so grateful for, for as the time comes closer and closer, I am realizing just how much prayer I reallyl do need. Seriously, as you read this, please just stop for a second and pray for my safety and my journey in expanding my Christian heart as well as living a witness' life.
Thank you so much.
I am quite excited about giving some of the things I have collected over to the children over there. Working at Toys R Us gave me lots of opportunity to take advantage of the sales and get school supplies at their cheapest when normally I wouldn't have been able to afford such commodities. Also my sister and brother-in-law are collecting the crayons their kids use at restaurants when they go out to eat, and I am using this opportunity to get rid of the crayons I've had stashed away since who knows when because "they're still good." (Yes!) :) Anyway, this hasn't been much more than an update and I am tired of talking about myself so I'll end on this get-off-your-seat-and-do-something note:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
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