Sorry that this is delayed----- but we are back safe!!!! Thanks for all who prayed with us and for us while we were in South Africa doing the Lord's work!!
Hopefully, I will be able to finish my blogs from the last 3 weeks because God did some pretty LEGIT stuff!! :)
I will be presenting tomorrow at my church's womens group. I will soon be speaking at my church and I will be speaking for my co-workers as well.
I can't wait to tell you all about our adventures in person!!!! If you want to know about my trip, and you can't come to one of the big group events I would LOVE to tell you about it individually! Just let me know, and we can schedule something!!
Thanks again for all the prayers!!!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
More pics from Week 2 and New Ones from Week 3!!! :)
Week 3 Summary
Sorry that things are so delayed, since we've been here for almost 6 weeks, and yet I'm only up to posting about the 3rd week! We never really know when or how much time we will have on the internet, so we post when we can!
Monday (7/5)
Not a very eventful day for us. We returned home from Theresa's house and spent the day in Somerset West waiting for a ride back to Grabouw.
Tuesday (7/6)
Today was Rachel and Nicole's last day to spend with the kids as they left the next day. They spent the day at Asiphe` while Alissa and I spent time at the house with the kids and cleaning up our house. We made special streamers to send them off properly! After the girls came back, Gerrit, Milani, and John took us out into the community to walk among and inside the houses. I've done this before, but the girls hadn't and neither had the British volunteers. Even though I've seen it before and we've been surrounded by it, seeing it so up close and having your eyes open to the reality of it is really hard. As we were walking, Rachel and Nicole were looking for a family to bless with their bedding and to buy some food for. Even though we would love to give to everyone, we were warned that you have to be careful of who you give to, because many of the people will take the gifts and then sell them for drugs. And if they don't sell it, they may be targeted and their house may be broken into to take the gifts. So we sought wise council from the leaders of Agape so we gave to those that will use it appropriately. When we returned from our walk, the power was out, which made it more of a "township" experience. We cooked pancakes on a kerosene burner- in the dark- which provided to be quite an interesting and challenging experience. It gave us a greater appreciation for the electricity when we woke up!
Wednesday (7/7)
After Rachel and Nicole finished packing, we went out with Ami (one of the founders of Agape) and gave out bedding and food items to families. I was blessed to watch it happen, and I know they were blessed as well.
Gideon then drove us to the airport and we ate at our favorite restaurant here in SA called Mugg & Bean. We said our goodbyes and Alissa, Gideon and I returned to Grabouw. It was hard to say goodbye. It hadn't felt like 3 weeks had passed yet. It seemed like we had only arrived! :( They will be missed!!!
Thursday (7/7)
Alissa and I spent the day @ Asiphe`- what a great day!!!! We LOVE being there with the kids, and my Catie Belle is there all day because school is still out for Winter Break. She will go back to school on Monday, which she is happy about, but I'm a little sad that I won't get as much time with her!
Friday (7/8)
We had planned to go to Asiphe`, but our plans were changed, once again! ;) We were asked to help take all the Agape kids to World of Birds in Hout Bay. (Except for the Asiphe` kids). It was fun and interesting, but a little crazy at times. It wasn't near as scary as taking the 91 preschoolers to MonkeyTown! :) We then took the kids to the beach, took off our shoes and walked around in the water collecting shells. We ended our day with ice cream!
Saturday (7/9)
Yesterday, they told us that we were moving from the "cabin" at Agape 4, to the flat attached to the Asiphe` house at Agape 2. So we spent our day repacking and figuring out how to get all of our things and food moved. Moving was stressful, but we had beautiful weather and now we are right next door to Catherine!!! :)
Sunday (7/10)
We went to township church again today. It's always a great experience, but it is hard because they speak Afrikaans for the service and most of the songs. Sometimes things are just lost in translation! We normally have someone sitting next to us translating, which we are grateful for, and we LOVE when they sing a song in English! :)
The weather again today was GORGEOUS!!!! Alissa and I sat outside in t-shirts and shorts and wrote in our journals. It's winter here people!!! That's crazy!!! :)
Monday (7/5)
Not a very eventful day for us. We returned home from Theresa's house and spent the day in Somerset West waiting for a ride back to Grabouw.
Tuesday (7/6)
Today was Rachel and Nicole's last day to spend with the kids as they left the next day. They spent the day at Asiphe` while Alissa and I spent time at the house with the kids and cleaning up our house. We made special streamers to send them off properly! After the girls came back, Gerrit, Milani, and John took us out into the community to walk among and inside the houses. I've done this before, but the girls hadn't and neither had the British volunteers. Even though I've seen it before and we've been surrounded by it, seeing it so up close and having your eyes open to the reality of it is really hard. As we were walking, Rachel and Nicole were looking for a family to bless with their bedding and to buy some food for. Even though we would love to give to everyone, we were warned that you have to be careful of who you give to, because many of the people will take the gifts and then sell them for drugs. And if they don't sell it, they may be targeted and their house may be broken into to take the gifts. So we sought wise council from the leaders of Agape so we gave to those that will use it appropriately. When we returned from our walk, the power was out, which made it more of a "township" experience. We cooked pancakes on a kerosene burner- in the dark- which provided to be quite an interesting and challenging experience. It gave us a greater appreciation for the electricity when we woke up!
Wednesday (7/7)
After Rachel and Nicole finished packing, we went out with Ami (one of the founders of Agape) and gave out bedding and food items to families. I was blessed to watch it happen, and I know they were blessed as well.
Gideon then drove us to the airport and we ate at our favorite restaurant here in SA called Mugg & Bean. We said our goodbyes and Alissa, Gideon and I returned to Grabouw. It was hard to say goodbye. It hadn't felt like 3 weeks had passed yet. It seemed like we had only arrived! :( They will be missed!!!
Thursday (7/7)
Alissa and I spent the day @ Asiphe`- what a great day!!!! We LOVE being there with the kids, and my Catie Belle is there all day because school is still out for Winter Break. She will go back to school on Monday, which she is happy about, but I'm a little sad that I won't get as much time with her!
Friday (7/8)
We had planned to go to Asiphe`, but our plans were changed, once again! ;) We were asked to help take all the Agape kids to World of Birds in Hout Bay. (Except for the Asiphe` kids). It was fun and interesting, but a little crazy at times. It wasn't near as scary as taking the 91 preschoolers to MonkeyTown! :) We then took the kids to the beach, took off our shoes and walked around in the water collecting shells. We ended our day with ice cream!
Saturday (7/9)
Yesterday, they told us that we were moving from the "cabin" at Agape 4, to the flat attached to the Asiphe` house at Agape 2. So we spent our day repacking and figuring out how to get all of our things and food moved. Moving was stressful, but we had beautiful weather and now we are right next door to Catherine!!! :)
Sunday (7/10)
We went to township church again today. It's always a great experience, but it is hard because they speak Afrikaans for the service and most of the songs. Sometimes things are just lost in translation! We normally have someone sitting next to us translating, which we are grateful for, and we LOVE when they sing a song in English! :)
The weather again today was GORGEOUS!!!! Alissa and I sat outside in t-shirts and shorts and wrote in our journals. It's winter here people!!! That's crazy!!! :)
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Some Pics from Week 2 :)
Ok folks, I AM SOOOO SORRY!! I forgot my cord for my "big" camera in my rush to catch the bus to the mall @ 7:30 this morning, so I can only post pics from my small camera for now. Please forgive me! :(
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The team at Hout Bay! :)
My Catie Belle and I making crafts outside! :)
Kaylinn- She lives at Asiphe` and her story is so sad, but she always has smile! Love her!
Enjoying some carmel ice cream @ Hungry Lion!
Seeing my dearest friend Theresa!! :)
Joshua Generation Church- Sermon notes from July 3, 2011
"Will you listen for my heartbeat?" - God
"Detours of God"----- Genesis 45:5-8
* Joseph was in jail for 13 years because of what Potipher's wife accused him of- BUT it says in scripture that God's hand was on it, and that he was BLESSED.
*We tend to think that on the tops of mountains God is with us, and that He is gone in the valleys, or hard times. BUT we KNOW that this isn't true. God was there for Joseph in all of his darkest moments.
*God is going to bring "situations" to your path, but He loves you too much to hurt you.
*Psalm 37= God guides our steps. When we have troubles they are consequences of our mistakes. God is by our side throughout when we repent and depend on Him.
*OUR TIMING IS NOT GOD'S TIMING.
*James 1:4= God wants to teach us patience. There are so many Bible stories of impatience: Abraham and Moses for example.
*God's delays are NOT denials.
* God wants to build character through patience and detours.
*God makes everything beautiful in His timing. With Him, the best is yet to come.
*God leads us from what is good, to what is better, to what is best.
Four Main Points:
1.) Detours are when we have uncooperative circumstances. With God's help, we can make it through these.
2.) You can do the "right" thing and it turns out bad, examples Joseph and Job.
*Instead of shoving our troubles and tangles at God, we need to lay them at the foot of the Cross.
*We need to trust God enough to maintain our composure through the hard times.
3.) We have to remain faithful throughout the hard times. We must keep doing good for the Lord. {Galatians 6:9}
4.) You need to resist the temptation of bitterness in your hard time. It can be like a cancer. Joseph could have been bitter about his brothers and Potipher's wife, but he wasn't.
*Hebrews 12
**Be grateful. God will accompany you through it and is wise enough to not harm you through it.
~~~~~ LEGITIMATE SERVICE!!!!!!!!!!!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~
End of Week 2
Sorry if this gets confusing with all the jumping around, but if I do it what I think is order of when it happened then I hopefully won't leave anything out!
Week 2:
___________Friday
On this day we hosted a Craft and Game day for all the kids that live in the Agape houses- so about 20 kids total, ranging in age from 3 to 15- quite the gap! It was a messy day, but the kids loved using some of the supplies that we brought along- especially the glitter glue! :) They loved learning how to make paper kites and flowers along with learning how to fold a great paper airplane- thanks to Nicole's paper airplane skills!
_______Saturday:
We left for my friends Theresa and Derick's house in Durbanville for the weekend. On our way we dropped Tannie June (Auntie June) off at the airport. She had been working with Agape for the past 3 months. We hope that she returned safely back to Jersey, which is in the UK, not the states- in case you didn't know.
We spent the evening hearing Derick and Theresa's crazy amazing love story about how God brought them together. Derick challenged us by asking why we were really at their house. Was it because we wanted to visit friends, or was it because God planned that we were their listening to their story? He challenged us to think about God's sovereignity. They have such a great testimony of how great our God is and what living your life for Him really looks like. They are both so wise and encouraging and I strive to be like them! I love them both very much!
We enjoyed a South African dinner- boerewors, which are like sausages. They are quite yummy! We also had some Kudu biltong (Kudu jerky). Kudu is like a deer, but bigger.
____________ Sunday:
I know I've already talked about how impacting this Sunday was, but I'm going to give a little more detail, and I'm going to give the sermon notes their own space on my blog because I don't want to leave any of it out!
At the beginning of the service, the pastor invited me up on stage to tell what we are doing as missionaries here in SA. Honestly, I don't know what I said because I was so nervous that I "blacked out". Alissa reassured me that it was great though! Again the service was about "detours" of God. It was so crazy how much I needed to hear this sermon. This is why I was there. This was God's sovereignity. I cried, renewed my trust that God has great plans for my life, although I might not know them right now, and renewed my joy in the mighty God that I serve. What a blessed time!
The pastor challenged the Joshua Generation congregation to get to know us and invite us for lunch. Talk about feeling the love! :) The young adult group invited us over for lunch and it provided to be more of a blessing than they probably realize! We met some really great people and had a blast! They fed us and taught us how to play their "German" version of Uno {Janessa, Kyler, and Gwen- get ready to learn a new game!}.
*Spending time with other young adults was so wonderful and encouraging, but also opened my eyes to what I'm really missing out at home. There really aren't too many young adults at my home church, so having a group like that won't happen. It made me realize that I need to get out and find my own group- I need that encouragement and group of people my own age to relate with. I can't wait to find a group when I get home! ** Don't worry lady friends- this doesn't mean you are being replaced or forgotten- I still love all of you very much and our friendships will continue to bloom! *
Later that evening we attended "The Gathering". JoshGen has congregations throughout the Capetown area, and once a month they get together to meet and give the glory to Jesus. What a blessing! The worship was FANTABULOUS and the sermon was inspiring!!! They are starting new movement called 4:12 Movement, based on Eph. 4:12, calling Christians to live radically for Jesus and to let go of the lazy Christian life and attitude. It was so encouraging, and interesting because they were talking about sending missionaries to the US!
God is awesome and gave us not only the opportunity to spend some quality time with Him, checking our hearts, but also allowed us the opportunity to meet some great brothers and sisters in Christ! :)
Week 2:
___________Friday
On this day we hosted a Craft and Game day for all the kids that live in the Agape houses- so about 20 kids total, ranging in age from 3 to 15- quite the gap! It was a messy day, but the kids loved using some of the supplies that we brought along- especially the glitter glue! :) They loved learning how to make paper kites and flowers along with learning how to fold a great paper airplane- thanks to Nicole's paper airplane skills!
_______Saturday:
We left for my friends Theresa and Derick's house in Durbanville for the weekend. On our way we dropped Tannie June (Auntie June) off at the airport. She had been working with Agape for the past 3 months. We hope that she returned safely back to Jersey, which is in the UK, not the states- in case you didn't know.
We spent the evening hearing Derick and Theresa's crazy amazing love story about how God brought them together. Derick challenged us by asking why we were really at their house. Was it because we wanted to visit friends, or was it because God planned that we were their listening to their story? He challenged us to think about God's sovereignity. They have such a great testimony of how great our God is and what living your life for Him really looks like. They are both so wise and encouraging and I strive to be like them! I love them both very much!
We enjoyed a South African dinner- boerewors, which are like sausages. They are quite yummy! We also had some Kudu biltong (Kudu jerky). Kudu is like a deer, but bigger.
____________ Sunday:
I know I've already talked about how impacting this Sunday was, but I'm going to give a little more detail, and I'm going to give the sermon notes their own space on my blog because I don't want to leave any of it out!
At the beginning of the service, the pastor invited me up on stage to tell what we are doing as missionaries here in SA. Honestly, I don't know what I said because I was so nervous that I "blacked out". Alissa reassured me that it was great though! Again the service was about "detours" of God. It was so crazy how much I needed to hear this sermon. This is why I was there. This was God's sovereignity. I cried, renewed my trust that God has great plans for my life, although I might not know them right now, and renewed my joy in the mighty God that I serve. What a blessed time!
The pastor challenged the Joshua Generation congregation to get to know us and invite us for lunch. Talk about feeling the love! :) The young adult group invited us over for lunch and it provided to be more of a blessing than they probably realize! We met some really great people and had a blast! They fed us and taught us how to play their "German" version of Uno {Janessa, Kyler, and Gwen- get ready to learn a new game!}.
*Spending time with other young adults was so wonderful and encouraging, but also opened my eyes to what I'm really missing out at home. There really aren't too many young adults at my home church, so having a group like that won't happen. It made me realize that I need to get out and find my own group- I need that encouragement and group of people my own age to relate with. I can't wait to find a group when I get home! ** Don't worry lady friends- this doesn't mean you are being replaced or forgotten- I still love all of you very much and our friendships will continue to bloom! *
Later that evening we attended "The Gathering". JoshGen has congregations throughout the Capetown area, and once a month they get together to meet and give the glory to Jesus. What a blessing! The worship was FANTABULOUS and the sermon was inspiring!!! They are starting new movement called 4:12 Movement, based on Eph. 4:12, calling Christians to live radically for Jesus and to let go of the lazy Christian life and attitude. It was so encouraging, and interesting because they were talking about sending missionaries to the US!
God is awesome and gave us not only the opportunity to spend some quality time with Him, checking our hearts, but also allowed us the opportunity to meet some great brothers and sisters in Christ! :)
Thursday, July 14, 2011
A few pics from week 1....
Here are a few pictures to capture a few moments of our first week here. Be looking for more soon as we will be at the internet cafe Saturday- I have big plans to blog ALOT!!
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The "cabin" we stayed in for the first 3 weeks of our trip. Don't be deceived- it's not as warm as it looks in this winter weather, but it's better than those that literally are right on the other side of our gates.
Getting to visit my babies at Village of Hope- my how they've grown since last summer!! :)
We helped take a group of 91 preschoolers to Monkey Town- we'll just it was CRAZY!!
Little Faith who lives @ Asiphe` Home for children with special needs- a sweet little babe!
My heart is pounding here!!
Love always!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Week 2
We are still at the mall waiting for our ride, so I might as well continue catching you all up!!!
WEEK 2:
On Monday, we had a touristy kind of day. Ami and Gerrit told us they were going to take us to Table Mountain and Cape of Good Hope (where Cape Point and Dias beach are). We weren't allowed to climb the mountain, because fo all the rain- thank goodness!! I didn't know if I could do that again! We rode the trolley to the top, explored, took lots of pictures, and headed back down. We then drove around False Bay stopping for fish for lunch, and a treat- ice cream! { We don't have a freezer, so we can only get it when we go out}
We finally ended up at Cape Point, but didn't have too much time before the park closed. It was neat to go back to see where the Indian and Atlantic come together. I spent some time alone just praying- which was much needed. This was my 3rd time there, so I didn't need to wander around quite as much. At the park, we finally saw some baboons and what we think is a kudu or ibex- not sure which one it is. We also saw the famous rock hyraxes, or rock pirates on this day. We did a lot of walking and traveling so by the time we got home we were wiped out!
Tuesday was wonderful- I got to spend most of the late morning and all of the afternoon with Catherine!!! I went to Asiphe` to help feed the kids, then to help put them down for their naps, then for the rest of the afternoon Catherine and I played, made crafts, with the supplies I brought along with and even went for a walk down to Thembacare, another organization that I worked with last year. It was great to get Catherine out and about, and my friends at Thembacare loved seeing her. It was great to see Joyce and Christa again! The more time I spend with Catherine the more I love her and wish that I could do more for her, like bring her home with me! She is sooooo very smart and has so much potential, but it won't happen where she is at now. We laughed together alot- which I absolutely adored!
On Wednesday we spent the day at Asiphe`- YEAH!- and just helped with out with the kids again- feeding, stretching, and changing. Again I love being here....it is such a blessing!! That night we went to the young adult group, but they took us to Elgin Timbers where we held a service to learn about Lees and Daz's new project. We then prayed over people in the community- and I forgot to mention that 50 some people showed up from a church in Somerset West came to be a part of the service as well. It was a great night and the tiny building was packed full of people!!
On Thursday, we had another "touristy" kind of day. We went into Capetown and went to the Jewish Museum and Holocaust Museum. I know you are probably thinking to yourself "Why?" but I think it is so important to understand other religions so that you can better defend yours. It was interesting and I learned alot, but it also made me so sad. There religion is all about rules and holidays that you must celebrate and not at all about relationship. The Holocaust museum was great, but sad. It was laid out well and was full of lots information. We then ventured to the "Green Market" where we bartered for our goods. It is hectic, but in a way fun. It's not my favorite thing to do, but I'm getting a little better at it. We rode the train home, which was a little scary, but a great experience.
I must get off, but I can't tell you about how God worked this past weekend when we went to visit my friends Theresa and Derick. They are incredible people with an incredible story on how God brought them together. We got to go to their church called "Joshua Generation" in the morning and evening services. They are radical Christians and I LOVE IT!!!! Oh how the words and worship spoken has lit a new fire in me!!!! In the morning service the pastor talked about the "detours" of God. I NEEDED TO HEAR THIS MESSAGE. It spoke directly to my heart and the way I've been feeling. I'm going to dedicate an entire blog just to this sermon later.
Here are some of the powerful worship lyrics from the worship at the evening service:
" Take my heart and give me yours
Take my will, I want it no more
Have my thoughts, they're yours completely
Take my selfish motives away
Fill up every valley in me
Come displace me so that just you pours out."
My heart is POUNDING in South Africa !!!
WEEK 2:
On Monday, we had a touristy kind of day. Ami and Gerrit told us they were going to take us to Table Mountain and Cape of Good Hope (where Cape Point and Dias beach are). We weren't allowed to climb the mountain, because fo all the rain- thank goodness!! I didn't know if I could do that again! We rode the trolley to the top, explored, took lots of pictures, and headed back down. We then drove around False Bay stopping for fish for lunch, and a treat- ice cream! { We don't have a freezer, so we can only get it when we go out}
We finally ended up at Cape Point, but didn't have too much time before the park closed. It was neat to go back to see where the Indian and Atlantic come together. I spent some time alone just praying- which was much needed. This was my 3rd time there, so I didn't need to wander around quite as much. At the park, we finally saw some baboons and what we think is a kudu or ibex- not sure which one it is. We also saw the famous rock hyraxes, or rock pirates on this day. We did a lot of walking and traveling so by the time we got home we were wiped out!
Tuesday was wonderful- I got to spend most of the late morning and all of the afternoon with Catherine!!! I went to Asiphe` to help feed the kids, then to help put them down for their naps, then for the rest of the afternoon Catherine and I played, made crafts, with the supplies I brought along with and even went for a walk down to Thembacare, another organization that I worked with last year. It was great to get Catherine out and about, and my friends at Thembacare loved seeing her. It was great to see Joyce and Christa again! The more time I spend with Catherine the more I love her and wish that I could do more for her, like bring her home with me! She is sooooo very smart and has so much potential, but it won't happen where she is at now. We laughed together alot- which I absolutely adored!
On Wednesday we spent the day at Asiphe`- YEAH!- and just helped with out with the kids again- feeding, stretching, and changing. Again I love being here....it is such a blessing!! That night we went to the young adult group, but they took us to Elgin Timbers where we held a service to learn about Lees and Daz's new project. We then prayed over people in the community- and I forgot to mention that 50 some people showed up from a church in Somerset West came to be a part of the service as well. It was a great night and the tiny building was packed full of people!!
On Thursday, we had another "touristy" kind of day. We went into Capetown and went to the Jewish Museum and Holocaust Museum. I know you are probably thinking to yourself "Why?" but I think it is so important to understand other religions so that you can better defend yours. It was interesting and I learned alot, but it also made me so sad. There religion is all about rules and holidays that you must celebrate and not at all about relationship. The Holocaust museum was great, but sad. It was laid out well and was full of lots information. We then ventured to the "Green Market" where we bartered for our goods. It is hectic, but in a way fun. It's not my favorite thing to do, but I'm getting a little better at it. We rode the train home, which was a little scary, but a great experience.
I must get off, but I can't tell you about how God worked this past weekend when we went to visit my friends Theresa and Derick. They are incredible people with an incredible story on how God brought them together. We got to go to their church called "Joshua Generation" in the morning and evening services. They are radical Christians and I LOVE IT!!!! Oh how the words and worship spoken has lit a new fire in me!!!! In the morning service the pastor talked about the "detours" of God. I NEEDED TO HEAR THIS MESSAGE. It spoke directly to my heart and the way I've been feeling. I'm going to dedicate an entire blog just to this sermon later.
Here are some of the powerful worship lyrics from the worship at the evening service:
" Take my heart and give me yours
Take my will, I want it no more
Have my thoughts, they're yours completely
Take my selfish motives away
Fill up every valley in me
Come displace me so that just you pours out."
My heart is POUNDING in South Africa !!!
Week 1
So I'm able to update you sooner than I thought I would! We were supposed to be picked up from shopping @ 1:30 but now they aren't coming until 5, so we have lots of time to blog!!! It will probably be a long post so I hope you enjoy!!There will not be any pictures this time because I don't have my cords here at the mall but hopefully more pics will be coming soon! :)
WEEK ONE:
So the first week that we were here we were divided amongst the schools- since there are four schools and four of us! Each day we got to spend time in a different school so we could get the full experience. Some of our days were cut short because we had to go with Ami and Gerrit to do something, but we enjoyed spending the day with the kids at each place. I was sad because the day that I was at the school for children with special needs I had to leave early. We only had one week to work with the kids before they went on "Winter break", but it was still worth it! Most evenings we spend with Ami and Gerrit's adopted children at Agape 4 (right next door to our little "cottage"). We teach them fun games, like "Signs" and "Spoons" and they've taught us a few games as well. We have lots of fun!
On Tuesday of the first week I took the girls up to Village of Hope (where I worked last summer). It was so great to see all of the "mommies" and the kids, and to meet up with Maz, one of the women that runs VOH. What a blessing to be able to go back to see my kiddos, well some of them, after a year has passed! Zanu, one of the babies I fell in love with last summer, is now walking and talking! It's amazing how much changes in a year!!
On Wednesday we were told that we were going to Monkeytown for an outing or field trip. We were all excited to go with the kids- but it was quite hectic because there were 91 three to seven year olds- who don't speak English- and maybe 20 of us. Let's just say it was a long day making sure the kids didn't get the fingers bit off by the monkeys. And Uncle Larry- I saw a real meerkat, and they don't look anything like an otter! ;)
That night we went to a young adult Bible study that my friends Lees and Daz lead at their home. I met them last year through VOH, but since they have left VOH to start their own ministry to a small group/ part of Grabouw called Elgin Timbers. This people group is some of the most destitute in the area. None of them have electricity or running water- so on the nights where we complain of being cold with our 2 blankets each, I feel pretty guilty. They all cook their food over a fire. We met some cool young people, most of them linked with missionary organizations in Grabouw. We talked about giving, not just with our money, but our time as well. It was a great lesson, but it was hard to meet the others because the power went out right before we arrived because of the major storm happening. They have invited us to come for the whole time that we are here- so I can't wait to see how God is going to work through the study! Oh, and by the way we fit 9 adults into a 5 passenger car- let's just say it was TIGHT!!! :)
On Thursday our plans were changed up again, but since Alissa and I will be here when the kids return to school, we let Rachel and Nicole pick which schools they wanted to go to. Alissa and I went to Asiphe`== which I was MORE than happy to do! :) I love being there! It is exhausting and I always leave with food or snot on me, but I just love being their will my beautiful babes! We helped feed the kids, change them, and get them out of their wheelchairs for their stretches. It is so sad to see them just sitting, since there is little stimulation.
But once the kids went down for their afternoon naps Catherine and I got to spend 2 hours alone together--- and it was FANTABULOUS!!! We used some of the craft supplies that I had brought along with me to make bracelets out of pipe cleaners- and she loved it!! That little girl has SUCH a BIG spot in my heart. Saying goodbye to her is going to be the hardest thing I think I do this entire trip.
On Friday we had the morning off since the kids didn't have school. After our weekly run to the grocery store, we went to help at Kid's Club- a weekly church gathering for kids anywhere from 3 to 12- all mixed together. They introduced us, sang some worship songs and danced, had a mini- lesson, played "Freeze Tag" with us, then had a hot meal to fill their bellies before we sent them home. It was so much fun, but I really wish that I knew Afrikaans-- it would make life SOOOOOO much easier!!! :) One of the little girls that was there, named Jeanie, was one of the children I met while helping at the school on Monday. She was such a different little girl than she was on Monday. On Monday she was crazy and would stop poking me and running away full of giggles, but at Kid's Club she wouldn't participate or smile about anything. It was so sad, and made me feel really guilty that I had become frustrated when she was putting clumps of dirt in my pockets on Monday.
Saturday and Sundays are our days "off"- we don't have anything set in stone but might end up working if they need us. We ended up taking a bus, with our British friends, who are also volunteers at Agape, to the Somerset West mall to spend the day there. We went to see Kung Fu Panda 2 and had a nice meal, but walked around the rest of the day.
On Sunday, we went to Agape church in the Grabouw. The congregation isn't very big, but they are powerful! Worship is ALWAYS amazing, even if we can't always understand the songs because they are in Afrikaans. Gerrit gave a sermon about miracles, not being proud, and sin, and how they relate to each other. It was a great sermon, but it is hard to really soak it all in because the sermons are in Afrikaans. We have someone that translates for us, but they are often quite and you just lose a little something during translation, but one thing that he said that I really liked was this: "God usually gives healing out of sores that you don't like." Powerful and relevant stuff.
WEEK ONE:
So the first week that we were here we were divided amongst the schools- since there are four schools and four of us! Each day we got to spend time in a different school so we could get the full experience. Some of our days were cut short because we had to go with Ami and Gerrit to do something, but we enjoyed spending the day with the kids at each place. I was sad because the day that I was at the school for children with special needs I had to leave early. We only had one week to work with the kids before they went on "Winter break", but it was still worth it! Most evenings we spend with Ami and Gerrit's adopted children at Agape 4 (right next door to our little "cottage"). We teach them fun games, like "Signs" and "Spoons" and they've taught us a few games as well. We have lots of fun!
On Tuesday of the first week I took the girls up to Village of Hope (where I worked last summer). It was so great to see all of the "mommies" and the kids, and to meet up with Maz, one of the women that runs VOH. What a blessing to be able to go back to see my kiddos, well some of them, after a year has passed! Zanu, one of the babies I fell in love with last summer, is now walking and talking! It's amazing how much changes in a year!!
On Wednesday we were told that we were going to Monkeytown for an outing or field trip. We were all excited to go with the kids- but it was quite hectic because there were 91 three to seven year olds- who don't speak English- and maybe 20 of us. Let's just say it was a long day making sure the kids didn't get the fingers bit off by the monkeys. And Uncle Larry- I saw a real meerkat, and they don't look anything like an otter! ;)
That night we went to a young adult Bible study that my friends Lees and Daz lead at their home. I met them last year through VOH, but since they have left VOH to start their own ministry to a small group/ part of Grabouw called Elgin Timbers. This people group is some of the most destitute in the area. None of them have electricity or running water- so on the nights where we complain of being cold with our 2 blankets each, I feel pretty guilty. They all cook their food over a fire. We met some cool young people, most of them linked with missionary organizations in Grabouw. We talked about giving, not just with our money, but our time as well. It was a great lesson, but it was hard to meet the others because the power went out right before we arrived because of the major storm happening. They have invited us to come for the whole time that we are here- so I can't wait to see how God is going to work through the study! Oh, and by the way we fit 9 adults into a 5 passenger car- let's just say it was TIGHT!!! :)
On Thursday our plans were changed up again, but since Alissa and I will be here when the kids return to school, we let Rachel and Nicole pick which schools they wanted to go to. Alissa and I went to Asiphe`== which I was MORE than happy to do! :) I love being there! It is exhausting and I always leave with food or snot on me, but I just love being their will my beautiful babes! We helped feed the kids, change them, and get them out of their wheelchairs for their stretches. It is so sad to see them just sitting, since there is little stimulation.
But once the kids went down for their afternoon naps Catherine and I got to spend 2 hours alone together--- and it was FANTABULOUS!!! We used some of the craft supplies that I had brought along with me to make bracelets out of pipe cleaners- and she loved it!! That little girl has SUCH a BIG spot in my heart. Saying goodbye to her is going to be the hardest thing I think I do this entire trip.
On Friday we had the morning off since the kids didn't have school. After our weekly run to the grocery store, we went to help at Kid's Club- a weekly church gathering for kids anywhere from 3 to 12- all mixed together. They introduced us, sang some worship songs and danced, had a mini- lesson, played "Freeze Tag" with us, then had a hot meal to fill their bellies before we sent them home. It was so much fun, but I really wish that I knew Afrikaans-- it would make life SOOOOOO much easier!!! :) One of the little girls that was there, named Jeanie, was one of the children I met while helping at the school on Monday. She was such a different little girl than she was on Monday. On Monday she was crazy and would stop poking me and running away full of giggles, but at Kid's Club she wouldn't participate or smile about anything. It was so sad, and made me feel really guilty that I had become frustrated when she was putting clumps of dirt in my pockets on Monday.
Saturday and Sundays are our days "off"- we don't have anything set in stone but might end up working if they need us. We ended up taking a bus, with our British friends, who are also volunteers at Agape, to the Somerset West mall to spend the day there. We went to see Kung Fu Panda 2 and had a nice meal, but walked around the rest of the day.
On Sunday, we went to Agape church in the Grabouw. The congregation isn't very big, but they are powerful! Worship is ALWAYS amazing, even if we can't always understand the songs because they are in Afrikaans. Gerrit gave a sermon about miracles, not being proud, and sin, and how they relate to each other. It was a great sermon, but it is hard to really soak it all in because the sermons are in Afrikaans. We have someone that translates for us, but they are often quite and you just lose a little something during translation, but one thing that he said that I really liked was this: "God usually gives healing out of sores that you don't like." Powerful and relevant stuff.
Brief Update
This will be short- but I'm promising very soon that I will have more time to blog!!
We have to go buy more internet- TOTALLY different from how we do it in the states!!
I just wanted to let you know that the God I serve is awesome and has spoke in mighty ways this weekend. I've learned more about how much we serve a God that is sovereign and mighty. I love that He desires a relationship with us and doesn't want us to follow rules and special holidays. I LOVE GOD!!!
So much to tell- not enough time. Keep your eye to the blog! :)
We have to go buy more internet- TOTALLY different from how we do it in the states!!
I just wanted to let you know that the God I serve is awesome and has spoke in mighty ways this weekend. I've learned more about how much we serve a God that is sovereign and mighty. I love that He desires a relationship with us and doesn't want us to follow rules and special holidays. I LOVE GOD!!!
So much to tell- not enough time. Keep your eye to the blog! :)
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Bags of Goods :)
So here we are with all 17 bags-- each of us with only one personal checked bag and the second bag full of school supplies and other donations. We ended up only having to pay for 1 of our checked bags- which was a prayer answered!!!
Here is ALL of the supplies that we brought in those bags in our lovely, leaky kitchen!!! We got everything out and sorted it out. We will be using some of it at the Kid's Club on Fridays (like a youth group sort of thing) and we will be distributing the rest out to the homes and schools.
Here is a picture of my beloved Catherine. She lives at the Asiphe' House for children with physical and mental disabilities. She has spina bifida, so she is unable to walk, but she is SOOOOO smart. We made bracelets together out of some of the supplies I brought along. I will be bringing more crafts for her to do as she is now on "holiday" or winter break from school. She is the highest functioning child there and it makes me so sad to see that she isn't getting the proper brain stimulation through activities and conversation because none of the other children communicate verbally.
I love her so much and REALLY want to bring her home with me.
More to come soon,
Love always
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
WE ARE HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eckkkkkk!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Alas we are here!!! :) :) :)
We hit a few bumps along our travels through the airport, like not knowing that in Jo-berg we had to get our bags off the conveyor to put onto the next plane, so we had to go through the back passages with a worker, waited for a long while and we were afraid that we would miss our flight, but we didn't! I also thought that I had forgotten my meds at home and kinda freaked out at O'Hare. But good news: Rachel found it for me! ;)
Our second flight, that was supposed to be from DC to Jo-Berg, was actually from DC, to Dakar, Senegal, then down to Jo-Berg, so it was a little longer, but I don't really remember much of it because I took those Tylenol PM and slept almost the entire time-- so like 17 hours or so. I woke up to eat, but that was about it. Thanks Kyra for the travel packs of Tylenol PM and thanks to James for the magazines- that I read while I was awake!!!!!
After 21 hours on a plane and 36 hours travel time total, we arrived in Capetown, exhausted, but stoked to finally be here!! We arrived in the night so the girls didn't get a great view, but they are already seeing why I'm in love with this place! :) Sorry Mom, I think Rachy may have caught the Africa fever! :)
Coming back to Grabouw feels like going back home. I know where many of the places are, not all of course, and getting to see familiar faces, especially of my babies, has been absolutely wonderful. We have met a bunch of great people and kids that just melt your heart. We've heard some sad stories. It's so interesting to hear and see how the girls on my team react to seeing the slums for the very first time. It is such a hard thing, but at the same time a great reminder of all we have to be thankful for. Even though our house is freezing and there is a draft through the bathroom (yeah we DO have running water!), we are always reminding each other that it could be worse. We could be outdoors, with only a tin roof or tarp walls. We were blessed that another team left their bedding so we have double while most have none.
We are each taking a turn going to each of the schools this week, as their are 4 schools, and 4 of us. The next three weeks, however, the kids go on winter break. Wish I would have known that in the planning, but their are all kinds of things to do outside of the classes- like spending our days at Asiphe` House- the home for children with special needs. :) We already visited and my little Katherine clung to me---- I can hardly wait to go back!!! I want to bring her back with me soooo badly!!! I will post pictures when I figure out the internet in our house.
It is even harder to see how different things are for kids with special needs here compared to the US. One little boy, named Clayton, ( I met him last time I was here :) ) who lives at Asiphe`, is blind, except for a little bit of light that passes through. He is always clinging to someone, and climbs on you like a monkey. Some of them said he was annoying them and to just put him down and run away. At first it was frustrating that he wanted all of your attention, but then I realized that he probably doesn't get that much attention, because his needs are so small compared to many of the other kiddies. The staff also doesn't have the knowledge or training to understand why he does some of the things he does. He needs some serious oral stimulation- and we need to stimulate his other senses - and I plan to help this little man out. There are also some cognitive issues, but I'm up for the challenge to help this little man out. When I picked him up he stopped squirming and melted in my arms. He just wanted to be held. I also got him to laugh- which one of the other volunteers had never seen happened. He normally walks around with a scowl.
I'm so glad that we are serving a Father that loves us and doesn't put us down and run away when we are needy. I'm sooooo thankful that instead our God picks us up, loves us, and gives us joy.
Look for more postings, more often. I have an internet stick, called a "dungalow" here, so hopefully we will be able to blog more.
All my love <3
We hit a few bumps along our travels through the airport, like not knowing that in Jo-berg we had to get our bags off the conveyor to put onto the next plane, so we had to go through the back passages with a worker, waited for a long while and we were afraid that we would miss our flight, but we didn't! I also thought that I had forgotten my meds at home and kinda freaked out at O'Hare. But good news: Rachel found it for me! ;)
Our second flight, that was supposed to be from DC to Jo-Berg, was actually from DC, to Dakar, Senegal, then down to Jo-Berg, so it was a little longer, but I don't really remember much of it because I took those Tylenol PM and slept almost the entire time-- so like 17 hours or so. I woke up to eat, but that was about it. Thanks Kyra for the travel packs of Tylenol PM and thanks to James for the magazines- that I read while I was awake!!!!!
After 21 hours on a plane and 36 hours travel time total, we arrived in Capetown, exhausted, but stoked to finally be here!! We arrived in the night so the girls didn't get a great view, but they are already seeing why I'm in love with this place! :) Sorry Mom, I think Rachy may have caught the Africa fever! :)
Coming back to Grabouw feels like going back home. I know where many of the places are, not all of course, and getting to see familiar faces, especially of my babies, has been absolutely wonderful. We have met a bunch of great people and kids that just melt your heart. We've heard some sad stories. It's so interesting to hear and see how the girls on my team react to seeing the slums for the very first time. It is such a hard thing, but at the same time a great reminder of all we have to be thankful for. Even though our house is freezing and there is a draft through the bathroom (yeah we DO have running water!), we are always reminding each other that it could be worse. We could be outdoors, with only a tin roof or tarp walls. We were blessed that another team left their bedding so we have double while most have none.
We are each taking a turn going to each of the schools this week, as their are 4 schools, and 4 of us. The next three weeks, however, the kids go on winter break. Wish I would have known that in the planning, but their are all kinds of things to do outside of the classes- like spending our days at Asiphe` House- the home for children with special needs. :) We already visited and my little Katherine clung to me---- I can hardly wait to go back!!! I want to bring her back with me soooo badly!!! I will post pictures when I figure out the internet in our house.
It is even harder to see how different things are for kids with special needs here compared to the US. One little boy, named Clayton, ( I met him last time I was here :) ) who lives at Asiphe`, is blind, except for a little bit of light that passes through. He is always clinging to someone, and climbs on you like a monkey. Some of them said he was annoying them and to just put him down and run away. At first it was frustrating that he wanted all of your attention, but then I realized that he probably doesn't get that much attention, because his needs are so small compared to many of the other kiddies. The staff also doesn't have the knowledge or training to understand why he does some of the things he does. He needs some serious oral stimulation- and we need to stimulate his other senses - and I plan to help this little man out. There are also some cognitive issues, but I'm up for the challenge to help this little man out. When I picked him up he stopped squirming and melted in my arms. He just wanted to be held. I also got him to laugh- which one of the other volunteers had never seen happened. He normally walks around with a scowl.
I'm so glad that we are serving a Father that loves us and doesn't put us down and run away when we are needy. I'm sooooo thankful that instead our God picks us up, loves us, and gives us joy.
Look for more postings, more often. I have an internet stick, called a "dungalow" here, so hopefully we will be able to blog more.
All my love <3
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
RAW
The past 2 weeks have been filled with many emotions as I prepared to return to my babies. Some days have been filled with tears. Other days have been filled with joy (and joyness ;) ) . Someone yesterday described the way I'm feeling as "raw"- and at first I was grossed out, but as I reflected I realized that I am raw, emotionally and spiritually, and that I am ready for God to do some mighty things and to work in some crazy ways. I thank you for all that have helped me through the trials, tears, and joys. You are all such blessings to me!!
WE LEAVE IN 4 HOURS!!!! I know, I know, I should be sleeping, but I'm just too wound!!! I'm going to lay down for 3 1/2 hours, but I have invested in some Tylenol PM for the second leg of our flight- for those of you that were worried about the little amounts of sleep that I have been getting. :)
We fly out of Chicago, to DC then have about a 16 hour flight to Jo-Berg (South Africa) then down to our final destination- Capetown, South Africa!! :)
** Please pray for smooth check-ins, luggage issues/ fees, and connecting flights. Please pray for smooth happy sailing and no grouches in a few hours when Chastity and Nick get here to take us to the airport!
I will post when I can while I am there! All love (comments) are greatly appreciated!!!! :)
Love and miss you all!!!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
8 days....well almost 7!!!!! :)
Well folks- time is quickly flying by and departure day is soon upon us!!!! Here's a brief low-down :
~~We are going to meet up as a team the night before, Tuesday, to repack bags and mix in school supplies for the kiddies!!! :) I will post a total number of bags later! :)
~~ We will be meeting at the Chenoa McDonald's to catch our ride to O'Hare, from some very dear friends, at 4am. If you are feeling crazy, and want to come send us off, feel free!! :) If not, I totally understand!! If I wasn't going to Africa, then I wouldn't be up that early either!!!
~~ We are flying from Chicago to DC, then straight to Johannesburg, South Africa, then taking a short connecting flight to Capetown, where someone from Agape will pick us up and drive us to our location!!!
EEEEKKKKKKKK!!!!!!! : D
**** Thanks to all of you who have helped by praying, encouraging, giving supplies, and giving financial support!!!!
*Please pray for us in the final days. Final details with SpreadTruth were set today- which was a big relief!
* Specifically please pray that we can find an automatic car to rent while we are there. I'm stressing about having to drive a stick-shift AND remembering to drive on the other side of the road!!!
Please comment often- the encouragement from dear friends in the States- and all over the world- puts a smile on my face!!!
Love always!!
~~We are going to meet up as a team the night before, Tuesday, to repack bags and mix in school supplies for the kiddies!!! :) I will post a total number of bags later! :)
~~ We will be meeting at the Chenoa McDonald's to catch our ride to O'Hare, from some very dear friends, at 4am. If you are feeling crazy, and want to come send us off, feel free!! :) If not, I totally understand!! If I wasn't going to Africa, then I wouldn't be up that early either!!!
~~ We are flying from Chicago to DC, then straight to Johannesburg, South Africa, then taking a short connecting flight to Capetown, where someone from Agape will pick us up and drive us to our location!!!
EEEEKKKKKKKK!!!!!!! : D
**** Thanks to all of you who have helped by praying, encouraging, giving supplies, and giving financial support!!!!
*Please pray for us in the final days. Final details with SpreadTruth were set today- which was a big relief!
* Specifically please pray that we can find an automatic car to rent while we are there. I'm stressing about having to drive a stick-shift AND remembering to drive on the other side of the road!!!
Please comment often- the encouragement from dear friends in the States- and all over the world- puts a smile on my face!!!
Love always!!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
15 days!!!!! :)
Time is flying and satan is attacking!!!!! Please continue to pray for our team in these ways as our trip rapidly approaches us:
* We are still looking for a ride to O'Hare on the 15th, early in the morning. If you don't have anything to do that day, and want to take some cool girls to the airport, just let me know!! :)
* We met as a team to discuss final details. Pray that all of us can stay focused on the mission at hand and not worry about details, trusting God's hand in all of it.
* That as I finish out the school year I can get everything done that I need to without stressin'.
*The doctor's are still working with Rachel to figure out the thyroid/heart situation.
* Rachel is moving to an apartment right now, before we leave, and Alissa is in the process of moving back home- both very stressful situations.
*Pray as I meet with Spreadtruth next week to discuss final details. :)
I'M SOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can I just get on the plane now??????? :)
* We are still looking for a ride to O'Hare on the 15th, early in the morning. If you don't have anything to do that day, and want to take some cool girls to the airport, just let me know!! :)
* We met as a team to discuss final details. Pray that all of us can stay focused on the mission at hand and not worry about details, trusting God's hand in all of it.
* That as I finish out the school year I can get everything done that I need to without stressin'.
*The doctor's are still working with Rachel to figure out the thyroid/heart situation.
* Rachel is moving to an apartment right now, before we leave, and Alissa is in the process of moving back home- both very stressful situations.
*Pray as I meet with Spreadtruth next week to discuss final details. :)
I'M SOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can I just get on the plane now??????? :)
Sunday, May 22, 2011
24 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are soooooo excited that we are leaving for Africa in 24 days!!!!!! There are sooooo many things that have to happen and come together, but I trust that God will help us to get everything accomplished and put together in His timing. PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS!!!!! We love the encouragement of knowing those that are following us and lifting us up!!!!
Praises:
~ We are so blessed to have families, friends, co-workers, and church families that have been so involved in helping us fulfill the dream of following God's calling to South Africa. It is soooo overwhelming!!! Thank you to all of you who have made this possible!!!!
~Praise for co-workers who are working with me to collect school supplies for us to take with us to bless the kids at Agape with. :) I <3 the UE!!!!
~ Friends that have come alongside me in my stresses about final details of this trip. I am sooooo blessed to be surrounded by amazing Christian women that are great encouragers!!!!! Thank you!!!!
Prayers:
~ We have just found out that Rachel has a major thyroid issue. Please pray for her as this week she has several doctors visits and tests. Please also pray that the doctors are able to figure out all of the medications she will need in such a short time.
~ Pray as I work with Spreadtruth and Agape to finalize details for our trip. Satan is working to stress me out. Pray for protection against my heart and mind.
~ Pray for our families as they are getting ready to say goodbye to us. Pray that they are able to be at peace and trust that we are under God's protection. Pray that Satan won't be able to use them against us, but for us.
~ Pray for me as I end the school year in 9 days. Pray that I am able to finish strong and well. Pray as I have little time to pack up my entire classroom to get ready to move it into a new room in the fall.
~ Pray that we are able smoothly move through the airports. We have a couple of transfers, in airports I've never been in. Please pray that we are able to bring all of our bags full of goodies for Agape!!!
I CAN'T WAIT TO BE WITH MY BABIES AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :] <3
Praises:
~ We are so blessed to have families, friends, co-workers, and church families that have been so involved in helping us fulfill the dream of following God's calling to South Africa. It is soooo overwhelming!!! Thank you to all of you who have made this possible!!!!
~Praise for co-workers who are working with me to collect school supplies for us to take with us to bless the kids at Agape with. :) I <3 the UE!!!!
~ Friends that have come alongside me in my stresses about final details of this trip. I am sooooo blessed to be surrounded by amazing Christian women that are great encouragers!!!!! Thank you!!!!
Prayers:
~ We have just found out that Rachel has a major thyroid issue. Please pray for her as this week she has several doctors visits and tests. Please also pray that the doctors are able to figure out all of the medications she will need in such a short time.
~ Pray as I work with Spreadtruth and Agape to finalize details for our trip. Satan is working to stress me out. Pray for protection against my heart and mind.
~ Pray for our families as they are getting ready to say goodbye to us. Pray that they are able to be at peace and trust that we are under God's protection. Pray that Satan won't be able to use them against us, but for us.
~ Pray for me as I end the school year in 9 days. Pray that I am able to finish strong and well. Pray as I have little time to pack up my entire classroom to get ready to move it into a new room in the fall.
~ Pray that we are able smoothly move through the airports. We have a couple of transfers, in airports I've never been in. Please pray that we are able to bring all of our bags full of goodies for Agape!!!
I CAN'T WAIT TO BE WITH MY BABIES AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :] <3
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Openings and closings
Just for the record: This is going to be a LONG post....so I hope you are ready for some crazy-awesome God stories!!!! :) PTL!!!!!
The Story: (I'm about to be really real here, so please be loving and understanding)
So God has been working on my heart for a while about doing something big. Something huge. Something scary. Something so exhilarating that I can hardly stand it!!!! God called me to stay long term in my beloved South Africa way back when in October, Halloween to be exact. Well I told Him then I would go as long as He wanted, and I thought that meant going this summer, leading my team, and then sending them back to the states and staying in Africa for the school year. So I have been mentally preparing myself that everything I do with my extended family and friends I don't see often, may be last time I get to spend with them for awhile. God moved in some mighty ways and opened some serious doors for me to stay long term, and at the beginning of April, I was confident that I was going to for sure, no doubts that this was what I was supposed to be doing. I was keeping it "under the radar" because I was afraid of rumors that may have circulated, and I was missing a few components, but I was trusting the Lord's provision of my needs. I was willing to give up my job, I sold my car, and I moved back home, all for the purpose and glory of my God's work with the orphans of South Africa.
Well, sadly, two weeks ago, after several attempts to set up phone appointments with organizations to support me on a long term basis, all failed to happen, I realized that God was closing the door for now. While this brought me a great deal of heartbreak, I trust that God has a great plan, much greater than any plan that I can put together on my own. I trust that I need to focus my energies on my team this summer, and that when I return I will begin my campaign for a long term missionary opportunity. Thank you to all of you who have helped me talk through and pray through my options and loving me in my joyful moments and my moments full of tears.
PRAISES:::::::::: :)
My cousin Alissa, has raised ALL OF HER SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I HAVE RAISED ALL OF MY SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My sister, Rachel, is super close to raising all of her support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
** I praise my God for His abundant love and grace and for the INCREDIBLE support that has poured out from our family, our church family, and from my co-workers. It is so overwhelming to soak it all in. God has provided for us when we have come to Him on our knees lost for words and not sure where the funding would come from. He has blessed us so much. I want to thank you for being obedient and helping us to fulfill our heart's desires to love His children.
** We are getting REALLY CRAZY EXCITED AS OUR TIME APPROACHES!!!!!! We leave in 46 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) I can hardly contain my excitement, and I know that the other girls feel the same!!!!!!!
Prayers:
** Please pray for Nicole. As a new Christian, and even as an old Christian, it is hard to put that huge amount of trust that God will provide financially for you. As of Monday, Nicole was still in dire need of some huge financial support. But our God is so good and has placed some incredible people in my life and Alissa's lives that are willing to be a "sender"!!! She is not fully supported yet, but in a few days she went from being thousands of dollars away, to just a few hundreds of dollars away!!! What a mighty God we serve!!!
** Final details are coming together. We needed to buy plane tickets this week, but it didn't happen, so Spreadtruth is going to buy them Monday. Pray that the purchase goes smoothly, and that we can find a really good deal on tickets so we can use the money to bless the babies, rather than "waste" it on airline fees.
** We are trying to piece together details like rides to the airport, transportation while there, internet access to keep our families and "followers" informed on God's workings while we are there, along with several other things. Pray for clarity and trust, as I know that all of these are minor details.
** Luggage: We are planning on collecting things to take with us to bless the babes. We don't have a set list of supplies yet, as I am waiting to hear back from Agape on what they may specifically need, but as soon as we know what they need we are going to work hard to try and bring it with us. This will add money to our trip though, because we have to pay for checked luggage, but I trust that God will make it happen. After all, last year our team of 6 took 19 bags, and God moved in the heart of the lady at the luggage counter so that we didn't have to pay FOR A SINGLE BAG!!!!!!!!
Once again, thank you for your support. And I'm not talking just financial. The prayers that are being sent upwards for us are most definitley being felt and heard by a God that loves and nutures us.
Please comment. It is sooooooo encouraging to "hear" your words, even though we are still here in the states.
"Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Into the darkness you shine
Out of the ashes we Rise
There’s no One like You
None like You.........
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?"
"Our God" by Chris Tomlin
The Story: (I'm about to be really real here, so please be loving and understanding)
So God has been working on my heart for a while about doing something big. Something huge. Something scary. Something so exhilarating that I can hardly stand it!!!! God called me to stay long term in my beloved South Africa way back when in October, Halloween to be exact. Well I told Him then I would go as long as He wanted, and I thought that meant going this summer, leading my team, and then sending them back to the states and staying in Africa for the school year. So I have been mentally preparing myself that everything I do with my extended family and friends I don't see often, may be last time I get to spend with them for awhile. God moved in some mighty ways and opened some serious doors for me to stay long term, and at the beginning of April, I was confident that I was going to for sure, no doubts that this was what I was supposed to be doing. I was keeping it "under the radar" because I was afraid of rumors that may have circulated, and I was missing a few components, but I was trusting the Lord's provision of my needs. I was willing to give up my job, I sold my car, and I moved back home, all for the purpose and glory of my God's work with the orphans of South Africa.
Well, sadly, two weeks ago, after several attempts to set up phone appointments with organizations to support me on a long term basis, all failed to happen, I realized that God was closing the door for now. While this brought me a great deal of heartbreak, I trust that God has a great plan, much greater than any plan that I can put together on my own. I trust that I need to focus my energies on my team this summer, and that when I return I will begin my campaign for a long term missionary opportunity. Thank you to all of you who have helped me talk through and pray through my options and loving me in my joyful moments and my moments full of tears.
PRAISES:::::::::: :)
My cousin Alissa, has raised ALL OF HER SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I HAVE RAISED ALL OF MY SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My sister, Rachel, is super close to raising all of her support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
** I praise my God for His abundant love and grace and for the INCREDIBLE support that has poured out from our family, our church family, and from my co-workers. It is so overwhelming to soak it all in. God has provided for us when we have come to Him on our knees lost for words and not sure where the funding would come from. He has blessed us so much. I want to thank you for being obedient and helping us to fulfill our heart's desires to love His children.
** We are getting REALLY CRAZY EXCITED AS OUR TIME APPROACHES!!!!!! We leave in 46 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) I can hardly contain my excitement, and I know that the other girls feel the same!!!!!!!
Prayers:
** Please pray for Nicole. As a new Christian, and even as an old Christian, it is hard to put that huge amount of trust that God will provide financially for you. As of Monday, Nicole was still in dire need of some huge financial support. But our God is so good and has placed some incredible people in my life and Alissa's lives that are willing to be a "sender"!!! She is not fully supported yet, but in a few days she went from being thousands of dollars away, to just a few hundreds of dollars away!!! What a mighty God we serve!!!
** Final details are coming together. We needed to buy plane tickets this week, but it didn't happen, so Spreadtruth is going to buy them Monday. Pray that the purchase goes smoothly, and that we can find a really good deal on tickets so we can use the money to bless the babies, rather than "waste" it on airline fees.
** We are trying to piece together details like rides to the airport, transportation while there, internet access to keep our families and "followers" informed on God's workings while we are there, along with several other things. Pray for clarity and trust, as I know that all of these are minor details.
** Luggage: We are planning on collecting things to take with us to bless the babes. We don't have a set list of supplies yet, as I am waiting to hear back from Agape on what they may specifically need, but as soon as we know what they need we are going to work hard to try and bring it with us. This will add money to our trip though, because we have to pay for checked luggage, but I trust that God will make it happen. After all, last year our team of 6 took 19 bags, and God moved in the heart of the lady at the luggage counter so that we didn't have to pay FOR A SINGLE BAG!!!!!!!!
Once again, thank you for your support. And I'm not talking just financial. The prayers that are being sent upwards for us are most definitley being felt and heard by a God that loves and nutures us.
Please comment. It is sooooooo encouraging to "hear" your words, even though we are still here in the states.
"Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Into the darkness you shine
Out of the ashes we Rise
There’s no One like You
None like You.........
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?"
"Our God" by Chris Tomlin
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Musical Updates....
So the last few weeks have been full of joys, stresses, and lots of tears, but God is good and has placed so many "lady friends" in my life that have guided me with godly advice and lots and lots of love...thank you to all that have stepped up to the plate!!! :) You are loved!!! Your love and support means the world to me!!
We have had several people already support us financially, and a couple of us have raised enough to buy plane tickets, but not all of us yet. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!
Please pray that we can raise the rest of our support quickly, or at least enough to get the tickets. Once we have the tickets we will have set dates! :)
If you are still wanting to support us on a financial level, we would love and greatly appreciate your support!!
Most importantly, we covet your prayers. Satan is on the move, attacking each of us individually, in different ways. We are all so excited about what is to come, but satan works in so many ways to take us down at our knees.
Prayers:
* Final details are being set. Nicole and Rachel will be staying for 3 weeks and Alissa and I will be staying for the entire summer. Please pray for easy communication for me, as the leader of this trip, with not only our base here in the states, but also our base, Agape, in South Africa.
* Decisions yet to be made.
Praises:
* The financial and prayer support that we have already received
* God has blessed us with LOTS of excitement to fulfill His calling to go love on His children in South Africa
* God has blessed me with some sweet music to bring peace to my heart and a song to sing. If you are looking for some "legit" music to listen to that will change your world check some of these artists out: Meredith Andrews, Britt Nicole, Francesca Battistelli, and Kari Jobe.
Read James 1:27........
We have had several people already support us financially, and a couple of us have raised enough to buy plane tickets, but not all of us yet. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!
Please pray that we can raise the rest of our support quickly, or at least enough to get the tickets. Once we have the tickets we will have set dates! :)
If you are still wanting to support us on a financial level, we would love and greatly appreciate your support!!
Most importantly, we covet your prayers. Satan is on the move, attacking each of us individually, in different ways. We are all so excited about what is to come, but satan works in so many ways to take us down at our knees.
Prayers:
* Final details are being set. Nicole and Rachel will be staying for 3 weeks and Alissa and I will be staying for the entire summer. Please pray for easy communication for me, as the leader of this trip, with not only our base here in the states, but also our base, Agape, in South Africa.
* Decisions yet to be made.
Praises:
* The financial and prayer support that we have already received
* God has blessed us with LOTS of excitement to fulfill His calling to go love on His children in South Africa
* God has blessed me with some sweet music to bring peace to my heart and a song to sing. If you are looking for some "legit" music to listen to that will change your world check some of these artists out: Meredith Andrews, Britt Nicole, Francesca Battistelli, and Kari Jobe.
Read James 1:27........
Saturday, April 2, 2011
God is Moving!!!!
Hey Bloggers!!!! Check out this blog written by my cousin, Alissa, who is going to Africa with me this summer! http://lightofmine-arh.blogspot.com/ :) Our family is catching the "African Fever!!!"
God is moving in some mighty ways!!!! I plan on having a longer post soon, but here are a few ways you can be praying for our team!!
* We are in the crunch time to raise our funding so that we can purchase the plane tickets to secure our dates. Pray for trust beyond measure, that even though the numbers are huge, that we will not be afraid.
* That all of the details for this trip will fall into place quickly and smoothly. Pray for the organizational heads of Spreadtruth and Agape, as I work with them and that all of our communications will be fruitful.
* Some major decisions are coming my way, specifically. Please pray that God would give me clarity, as I really need to make these decisions over this weekend.
Here is my support letter, for those of you who have not received a paper copy. If you wish to contribute to our trip to love on the best babies ever--- here is how you can get connected!!!! :) Thanks for all the love and prayers!!!! You are the best group of warriors we could ask for!!!
"Dear Friends and Family ,
God is doing some amazing things in and through my life! He has provided me with a unique and wonderful opportunity to go to South Africa to share His goodness with the “least of these”! I will
be leading a small group of four young women to Grabouw, South Africa, the same township I served
in last summer. We will be working with an organization called “Agape Family Ministries”, for most of
the summer, although a few can only stay for 3 weeks. “Agape” is an organization that was started by a
couple who realized how wrongly children with disabilities are treated in South Africa, especially in the
slums. They opened a group home to show love and compassion for these precious children, and since
have opened five preschools throughout the township as well. They have graciously invited us to come
and “love” on children who are abandoned, unwanted, and unloved. God’s hand is orchestrating
bringing us all together, with the same desire to love children, as Christ loves them. “Africa Fever” is
catching quickly in our family and we are so excited not only to be a part of God’s plan for these
children, but to experience this life change together. For more detailed information about our plans and
about Agape, please check out my blog http://mihartman14.blogspot.com.
We will be leaving in early June and returning in early August, but I need your help. We need
prayers to guide us, to direct us, to open the ears of those that will hear the message of love through
Jesus, to protect us, to break us for what breaks His heart, to love those that are cast aside by society
like they are the princes and princesses they are in The King’s eyes, and to allow God to use us in
whatever ways He desires. Will you join and be my prayer warrior? Please write it on the blog or tell me
so I will know who is in our army. I thank you in advance for the prayers that will be lifted for our team.
Will you not also consider supporting me financially? Unfortunately, nothing is free, even if it is all for Jesus. I will need to raise $4,500 for transportation, food, and lodging by April 11, 2011. I am asking that you will allow God to use you in this trip to help my “babies”. Help me to help them. If you are feeling lead to help me, please send the money to Spread Truth Ministries (see information below). Thank you for being a blessing to those that cannot help themselves.
I can’t wait to see how God is going to use us!
Breaking my heart for what breaks His,
Megan Hartman
Make your check payable to Spread Truth Ministries;
On the memo line of your check please put: Member ID# 2974
Your gift is tax deductible
********Please mail your check by April 20, 2011*********
Please mail your tax‐deductible contribution to:
Spread Truth Ministries, Attention: South Africa Trip, P.O. Box 3171, Bloomington, IL 61702‐3171
Donations can also be received by credit card by calling (309) 452‐3213"
South Africa here we come baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God is moving in some mighty ways!!!! I plan on having a longer post soon, but here are a few ways you can be praying for our team!!
* We are in the crunch time to raise our funding so that we can purchase the plane tickets to secure our dates. Pray for trust beyond measure, that even though the numbers are huge, that we will not be afraid.
* That all of the details for this trip will fall into place quickly and smoothly. Pray for the organizational heads of Spreadtruth and Agape, as I work with them and that all of our communications will be fruitful.
* Some major decisions are coming my way, specifically. Please pray that God would give me clarity, as I really need to make these decisions over this weekend.
Here is my support letter, for those of you who have not received a paper copy. If you wish to contribute to our trip to love on the best babies ever--- here is how you can get connected!!!! :) Thanks for all the love and prayers!!!! You are the best group of warriors we could ask for!!!
"Dear Friends and Family ,
God is doing some amazing things in and through my life! He has provided me with a unique and wonderful opportunity to go to South Africa to share His goodness with the “least of these”! I will
be leading a small group of four young women to Grabouw, South Africa, the same township I served
in last summer. We will be working with an organization called “Agape Family Ministries”, for most of
the summer, although a few can only stay for 3 weeks. “Agape” is an organization that was started by a
couple who realized how wrongly children with disabilities are treated in South Africa, especially in the
slums. They opened a group home to show love and compassion for these precious children, and since
have opened five preschools throughout the township as well. They have graciously invited us to come
and “love” on children who are abandoned, unwanted, and unloved. God’s hand is orchestrating
bringing us all together, with the same desire to love children, as Christ loves them. “Africa Fever” is
catching quickly in our family and we are so excited not only to be a part of God’s plan for these
children, but to experience this life change together. For more detailed information about our plans and
about Agape, please check out my blog http://mihartman14.blogspot.com.
We will be leaving in early June and returning in early August, but I need your help. We need
prayers to guide us, to direct us, to open the ears of those that will hear the message of love through
Jesus, to protect us, to break us for what breaks His heart, to love those that are cast aside by society
like they are the princes and princesses they are in The King’s eyes, and to allow God to use us in
whatever ways He desires. Will you join and be my prayer warrior? Please write it on the blog or tell me
so I will know who is in our army. I thank you in advance for the prayers that will be lifted for our team.
Will you not also consider supporting me financially? Unfortunately, nothing is free, even if it is all for Jesus. I will need to raise $4,500 for transportation, food, and lodging by April 11, 2011. I am asking that you will allow God to use you in this trip to help my “babies”. Help me to help them. If you are feeling lead to help me, please send the money to Spread Truth Ministries (see information below). Thank you for being a blessing to those that cannot help themselves.
I can’t wait to see how God is going to use us!
Breaking my heart for what breaks His,
Megan Hartman
Make your check payable to Spread Truth Ministries;
On the memo line of your check please put: Member ID# 2974
Your gift is tax deductible
********Please mail your check by April 20, 2011*********
Please mail your tax‐deductible contribution to:
Spread Truth Ministries, Attention: South Africa Trip, P.O. Box 3171, Bloomington, IL 61702‐3171
Donations can also be received by credit card by calling (309) 452‐3213"
South Africa here we come baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Exciting Updates!! :)
God is really moving!!!
It's official- we are going to South Africa this summer!!! :) We will be leaving early in June and returning in early August and we are SOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!
I had a meeting today to set up some of the final details, but we won't know official dates until we are able to raise enough support to buy the plane tickets.
We will be working with the state-side organization Spreadtruth Minisitries (http://www.spreadtruth.com/) and Agape Family Ministries. Look for the video to find out more information about what they are about! :)
Loving on babies HERE WE COME!!!!! :) :) :) :)
Be sure to check in here often as I plan to keep updating this often!
Please let us know if you are praying for us- knowing who are prayer warriors are helps defeat the fears that Satan tries to fill our heads with!
It's official- we are going to South Africa this summer!!! :) We will be leaving early in June and returning in early August and we are SOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!
I had a meeting today to set up some of the final details, but we won't know official dates until we are able to raise enough support to buy the plane tickets.
We will be working with the state-side organization Spreadtruth Minisitries (http://www.spreadtruth.com/) and Agape Family Ministries. Look for the video to find out more information about what they are about! :)
Loving on babies HERE WE COME!!!!! :) :) :) :)
Be sure to check in here often as I plan to keep updating this often!
Please let us know if you are praying for us- knowing who are prayer warriors are helps defeat the fears that Satan tries to fill our heads with!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
New Year, New Adventures!
Happy New Year everyone! First, I apologize for not posting for such a long time, but I have been so SWAMPED with school and all of my activities I haven't had much time to blog :(
So here's a good list of the changes that are happening in my life right now, and maybe even a good reason behind it....but not always! ;)
I'm FOR SURE going BACK to AFRICA this summer. All summer. Ohhhh I wish I could meet with all of my faithful followers and prayer warriors and tell them how God made it so clear to me in 3 ways, and maybe I can, but until then here's a little nibble of HIS INSANELY WONDERFUL LOVE AND PLAN!! :)
~~ On the weekend of Halloween, I went on singles retreat with FUEL, and they were talking about making commitments to God. I made a promise to God when I graduated from ISU that if after two years of teaching that if I wasn't "tied down"- aka married-, that I would go to Africa for longer than 3 weeks.
When I arrived at the retreat I was so consumed by satan's attacks on my heart, and it seemed no matter how much asking my Father to remove the darkness and pain I had felt about being single, I had not been able to find relief. On the second night, after they called us to make a commitment, I realized that I had been "under the radar" trying to dodge my commitment to go back for a longer term. The moment that I totally surrendered to God and said "I will go", I literally felt the weight lifted from my heart, and I was able to feel joy. Real pure joy. It was one of the most powerful experiences I've had.
During the weekend, during a financial meeting, the speaker looked DIRECTLY at ME and said "You can't be a missionary in Africa with car debt". In that moment, I realized I needed to move home and get rid of my nice car so that I can put as much money towards getting rid of my debt so I can be with my "babies" in Africa. It was CRAZY!!
A few weeks later, a friend randomly showed up on my door, and said, "I was just praying for you and God told me to come ask you why you aren't in Africa right now?" UGH! - We had an incredible conversation and that night I totally surrendered the fears and doubts that I have and gave them all up to God.
GOD IS SO GOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!
So- in the new year, I have moved back in with my parents- which has it's ups and downs, but it has had serious benefits. My grandma has moved in with us for awhile and so being here with her and helping out with her has been a total blessing.
People ask how long I'm going. Honestly, I don't know. My heart says "GO for a year", but my mind says "You have debt, so you can't just take off for a year!". All I know is that I'm going to obey, because I don't want to lose the peace I still have from October and I don't want to miss out on an opportunity to be with my babies again.
I miss them everyday. I think about them all the time. I don't think a day has gone by that I haven't thought about them.
I'm in the process of getting details worked out. There are 3 other young girls that want to go with me, but we are trying to work out details. I will be working with a new organization, Agape, the preschools that have classes for kids with special needs.....duh...right up my alley!!! :)
Prayer Requests:
* That every woman that is supposed to go on this journey will be put to peac about whole situation and will have the faith to trust
*Pray that as I'm playing a different role, ,kinda like the leader of the team, that I can really get the ball movie to get everything ready for thing thing.
I have SOOOOO much more to share, but I'm so tired!! I will try to post more so please support us with your prayers!!
Breaking my heart for what breaks His~ Megan
So here's a good list of the changes that are happening in my life right now, and maybe even a good reason behind it....but not always! ;)
I'm FOR SURE going BACK to AFRICA this summer. All summer. Ohhhh I wish I could meet with all of my faithful followers and prayer warriors and tell them how God made it so clear to me in 3 ways, and maybe I can, but until then here's a little nibble of HIS INSANELY WONDERFUL LOVE AND PLAN!! :)
~~ On the weekend of Halloween, I went on singles retreat with FUEL, and they were talking about making commitments to God. I made a promise to God when I graduated from ISU that if after two years of teaching that if I wasn't "tied down"- aka married-, that I would go to Africa for longer than 3 weeks.
When I arrived at the retreat I was so consumed by satan's attacks on my heart, and it seemed no matter how much asking my Father to remove the darkness and pain I had felt about being single, I had not been able to find relief. On the second night, after they called us to make a commitment, I realized that I had been "under the radar" trying to dodge my commitment to go back for a longer term. The moment that I totally surrendered to God and said "I will go", I literally felt the weight lifted from my heart, and I was able to feel joy. Real pure joy. It was one of the most powerful experiences I've had.
During the weekend, during a financial meeting, the speaker looked DIRECTLY at ME and said "You can't be a missionary in Africa with car debt". In that moment, I realized I needed to move home and get rid of my nice car so that I can put as much money towards getting rid of my debt so I can be with my "babies" in Africa. It was CRAZY!!
A few weeks later, a friend randomly showed up on my door, and said, "I was just praying for you and God told me to come ask you why you aren't in Africa right now?" UGH! - We had an incredible conversation and that night I totally surrendered the fears and doubts that I have and gave them all up to God.
GOD IS SO GOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!
So- in the new year, I have moved back in with my parents- which has it's ups and downs, but it has had serious benefits. My grandma has moved in with us for awhile and so being here with her and helping out with her has been a total blessing.
People ask how long I'm going. Honestly, I don't know. My heart says "GO for a year", but my mind says "You have debt, so you can't just take off for a year!". All I know is that I'm going to obey, because I don't want to lose the peace I still have from October and I don't want to miss out on an opportunity to be with my babies again.
I miss them everyday. I think about them all the time. I don't think a day has gone by that I haven't thought about them.
I'm in the process of getting details worked out. There are 3 other young girls that want to go with me, but we are trying to work out details. I will be working with a new organization, Agape, the preschools that have classes for kids with special needs.....duh...right up my alley!!! :)
Prayer Requests:
* That every woman that is supposed to go on this journey will be put to peac about whole situation and will have the faith to trust
*Pray that as I'm playing a different role, ,kinda like the leader of the team, that I can really get the ball movie to get everything ready for thing thing.
I have SOOOOO much more to share, but I'm so tired!! I will try to post more so please support us with your prayers!!
Breaking my heart for what breaks His~ Megan
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