Silver Lining to EVERY Cloud?

     So, as most of you know- I'm still in England. But before we get to that fiasco, let me tell you about my last week at the Lodge. As a team, we met a lot to discuss possible feelings when we get home, how to describe our experience to people we come in contact with, and just what to expect when we get back to the "real world". To be honest, I was more than ready to be over and done with everything. But I knew/know without a doubt that I will miss the people on this team more than anything. These 21 other students and 4 leaders have been my family, friends, teammates, confidants, shoulders to cry on, and support for the past 6 months. It is impossible to spend every day for 6 months with the same group of people, and not come out affected when we suddenly aren't together. I knew all about that, and I thought I was prepared.

     But on Friday night at our Graduation- I was suprised by how emotional I was. It's amazing to look back at where we all were (collectively and individually) 6 months ago, and how much we've grown. We know SO much more about God and our relationship with him. We know a heck of a lot more about living in another culture, and how to minister and love the people in that culture. And we know each other. Our likes and dislikes. Our strengths and weaknesses. Our joys and our sorrows. Everything. Not long after graduation finished, 4 of the English members of our team said their "goodbyes"- I was so shocked by how sad I felt. No one else in the world can fully understand what we've experienced these past 6 months. And we will certainly never all be in the same place again. The realization hit us all.

     I woke up yesterday morning- at 4:30 in the am- to prepare for my flight. The entire team was up and ready to say their goodbyes. It was SO hard, and as I rode away from the Lodge I was crying more than I'd ever expected. Got to the airport at 6:30, walked up to an Airport worker to ask him where Continental was located only to have him tell me my flight had been cancelled. So I went to the line, and I waited. Throughout the time we were waiting, people continually gave us updates. Newark was snowed out. We might not be able to fly out til the 25th. Had to expect the worst. While I waited in line, I struck up conversations with the people in front and behind me. Even told them about YWAM and some of my experiences in Africa. It's amazing how God can use the strangest circumstances to spread His good news. Anyway, after waiting in line 6 hours, I found out that the earliest I could leave would be Wednesday. And that's when the tears started again. I'd miss Reid's Dedication. Miss my friends and family's reunion. Go back to the Lodge for 3-4 more days. Luckily, today I was able to change my flight to Tuesday. One more full day in England, and then (hopefully) finally home!

    So that's the update. I've been back at the Lodge. Luckily, when I got here- 6 of my team members were still here. So we've said goodbye to a few more, but my dear friend Steve has changed his plans to stay here until I leave. And I also have some other friends here at the Lodge who have been quite welcoming/comforting. So I've been staying in one of the single rooms with a fridge and TV, which has been extra nice:) I've repacked. Went to a Pub for St. Patty's last night. Tomorrow I'll be walking to town for some last minute English shopping, and in the afternoon I plan on spending a good amount of time reading my Bible and praying. Just preparing myself more for the huge change happening in my life. Looking SOOoooOOO forward to going home...

    Hope this letter finds you all well. This will most likely be my last letter from this Website. Hope you've enjoyed hearing about my travels and experiences over the past 6 months. God has done amazing things in my life, and all the glory belongs to Him. Love and miss you all, and hope to see you soon...

Almost 11 Days Left...

Hello again!! I cannot tell you how good it feels to be back from our last Camp-Out. We had a good time. On Saturday, I went hut-to-hut with Erin and Matt from my team (and an interpreter). Anyway, both Erin and I lead someone to the Lord. Pretty exciting times. Today was our last day off. So I did laundry- by hand for the last time! Then we went to town and ate out. And of course, we went to the Masai Market one last time to get a few last-minute gifts. Tomorrow we are having a Mini-Debrief Day, and tomorrow night the base is hosting a Love-Feast/Send-Off for us. On Wednesday we will be packing and cleaning all day. Thursday we leave for Nairobi, and on Friday morning we leave for England. I'm already excited about the movies on the plane. Not to mention- DIET COKE and a CANDY BAR for the first time in 2 months:)

God is continually working in my life, but I am becoming more and more focused on coming home and being reunited with   you all. Don't have a lot to say...continue to keep us in your prayers- especially on Friday when we will be flying. I'll most likely write once more from England. Like always- miss and love you all!

Back at the Base...

Hello friends and family! Sorry it has been a while- these computers are touchy, and Xanga hasn't wanted to cooperate. Things are going great here in Tanzania! Two weeks ago, we spent 4-5 days camping outside of a church. During the week we spent time doing Prayer walks, Hut-to-Hut evangelism, an afternoon Seminar, and we showed movies (like "Pilgrim's Progress" and "Passion of the Christ") at night. Funny highlights of the week include: 4 of our team members finding out they have lice, mice invading some of our tents, and a couple people having to get worm's egg-sacks pulled out of their feet. Fun times. But my favorite part of the week was on Saturday, when about 10 of us decided to go on, what we called- an "Extreme Prayer Walk";) We woke up at 4:30 am and walked a little over 10 miles throughout the day. We walked up to a local Prayer "Hill" (but what seemed to me to be much more like a "mountain") and prayed for the community/area. We saw the sunrise, and had a beautiful view of Mt. Maru from the top. God is amazing.

This past week we've spent on the base. The base is hosting a seminar this weekend, so they needed help preparing. We've done a lot of practical work. Yesterday we visited an Orphange, and today we went to a School and did some programs. On Sunday we kind of have the day off:) We will be able to just go to a church service, and not do any programs!! And on Sunday afternoon, the team is paying for a Team Lunch outing. That excites me:) Next Thursday, we will be leaving for our last Camp-Out, and 2 weeks from today we will be getting to England! SO hard to believe. I already have an extensive list of things I'd like to eat upon my return.

What God's been teaching me lately...is to watch what I say. Our mouth and the words that come out of it are so important- they tell so much about us as individuals. And it's not just gossip- I just need to be altogether more positive in my speech. More encouraging. Less complaints. A more positive attitude. God has definitely been helping me with this, but I still have a long way to go.

Oh! And this past week I spent 5 hours getting my hair done:) I'm quite the African. Ha. Guess you'll have to wait and see.

Thanks for all your prayers. I can definitely feel them on the days during which I'm tired/stressed/"over it" and just want to give up. Thanks again. Miss and love you all...3 weeks from tomorrow!!!

GOOD NEWS...

     So, as most of you know- in committing to this DTS, I had to leave my job behind. The closer and closer I got to coming home, the more worried I was about getting a job when I arrive. I didn't want my interpreting skills to be awful, and I didn't want to be jobless for months. I knew/know that God wants me here- so I kept believing that He'd provide.

     Well, I got an e-mail from my former boss who told me they'll have a job waiting for me when I get home- I can start right away! Such a HUGE answer to prayer and a huge weight off my shoulders as well. God is good...

     Tomorrow I am preaching at a local church! We all have to take turns doing sermons, and tomorrow is my turn. I'll be preaching on "Perseverance". If you think about it- pray for me. And on Wednesday we leave the base for another 5 day Camp-Out. Looking forward to getting out there again...

     5 weeks from today I'll be home:) I can't tell you how excited I am...Love and miss you.