A Year In Mada - Bullet Point Style

Greetings one and all! I am currently working on a blog post that delves a little deeper into my year in Mada, but in the meantime I thought I would do a quick recap of some of the many adventures and experiences I have had this year. We will take a brief look at my; travels, illnesses, experiences, ministries and friendships. 

"Why tarry...let us off to the castle!" - Court Jester ....if you haven't seen it..go watch it! If you have...watch it again! :)

Travel

Madagascar is a truly beautiful and unique country! So blessed to have been able to see God's artistry on full display here, even if getting to these beautiful places was often torturous! In the case of traveling in Mada it is def the destination that makes it worthwhile...the journey is BRUTAL! (Sorry for that mini rant...taxi brouses have not been my friend.)

• I spent well over 100 hours in crowded taxi brouse's
• One taxi brouse trip that was supposed to be 12 hours turned out to be 24 hours due to multiple breakdowns, smoking tires, breaks falling off etc.
• I had the opportunity to travel to the east and west coast of Mada (west is best!)
• I hiked through several rainforests
• I swam in a secluded waterfall paradise in the rainforest in Ranomafana (which means hot water) (oh and btw this place is perfectly safe to swim in [I think] and was not where I contracted schistosomiasis)
• I spent two weeks sleeping on a cement floor, and eating rice morning noon and night in Foul(pronounced fool) Point (east coast of Mada) on the ECA annual trip.
• Swam in the Indian ocean
• Stood in the center-most part of the island. (very cool)
• Paid 1000 Ar (50 cents) to take a small boat to a beautiful secluded island (in Foul Point)
• Went on a 20 mile bike ride..all uphill dirt,rocky roads (huge deal for me!) to visit lake Tritriva near Antsirabe
• Hiked 8 miles through rice fields into the countryside with a teacher at ECA (and a good friend).

Illness/Accidents

Oh man! I have always prided myself on being a very healthy person. This year made me relinquish that title. From minor cuts and bruises to some severe bouts with sickness this year has had it all.

• Bit by chickens on several occasions while riding the bus. (never serious at all though)
• Hand slammed shut in a bus door
• Foot run over by a passing (very heavy cart) just bruised
• Woke up one morning with one eye swollen shut..fine by the evening
• Got a deep puncture wound (from a knife) on my index finger, couldn't bend it for a very long time
• Burns to numerous to list. I blame my new-found interest in cooking, and to be fair...my fascination with matches and candles may have accounted for quite a few.
• Several bouts of food poisoning, but nothing serious
• Flu
• Got an amoeba
• Had round or hook worms twice
• I got severe salmonella poisoning (one of the worst weeks of my life! So miserable) Word to the wise...do not consume copious amounts of raw cake batter (with eggs) in a developing country.
• I got schistosomiasis..twice. Which for those of you who aren’t familiar with this lovely disease. It is basically a parasitical worm that sets up shop in your body and lays thousands of eggs a day wreaking havoc on your body. Was really sick for two months before finally going to the doctor. Still working on completely eradicating the little buggers!

New Experiences

This year has been full of new and exciting experiences and adventures! To numerous to list them all but here are some highlights.

• I ate zebu tongue
• I ate chicken liver (thanks Nina)
• Ate a fried fish that still had on it's tail, fins, head, eyeballs etc... Crazy part...I actually enjoyed it!
• I decapitated, plucked, cleaned, cooked, and ate a chicken
• I rode in countless pouse-pouse
• I learned to barter
• Became an expert at killing cockroaches, (huge) spiders and other critters!
• I bludgeoned a mouse to death with a can of tomatoes
• Received numerous marriage proposals (so if I am still single after several years..I know where to go!) :)
• I learned how to cook! Craziness! (I can make awesome homemade tortillas!)
• Learned how to do without a washer and dryer, dishwasher, microwave, tv, and car
• I was peed on by a lemur in a rainforest, and by a boy while waiting in a line
• I learned (some) Malagasy

Ministry and Friendships!! =)

I saved the best for last! I have been so blessed by all the different ministries I was able to be a part of this year! This wont be a comprehensive list, but covers the main ones.

• Worked at the CFCA for almost ten months helping them with their English and getting to know some of the sponsored members. This is also where I made a wonderful friend in Odile, one of the CFCA staff.
• Taught an ADV 1 ESL class and conversation class at the English Cultural Center of Antsirabe.
• Taught 2 INT ESL classes at the ML school.
• Spent several months working at a local orphanage. Playing with the younger children and (attempting) to teach the older kids English!
• Joined the a small team consisting of Malagasy doctors and a med team from the States in a week long medical clinic to surrounding villages (this is one of the biggest highlights of my trip.)
• Became a member of the NorMal Gospel choir and participated in a Christmas concert with them! So fun worshiping God in Malagasy/Norwegian and English!
• Recorded a song in Malagasy with my good friend Odile for her album and made a corresponding music video
• Became an “honorary” founding member of the English Chapel of Antsirabe, got to record a radio ad for the chapel and was a part of the worship team.
• Sang Amazing Grace in front of over 2000 men women and children at the CFCA birthday celebration and was able to share my testimony (with translation)
• Made a music video with NorMal Gospel choir
• Joined the Antsirabe Youth For Christ team, specifically their prison ministry and was able to share my testimony as well as several devotionals over the course of many weeks.
• Had the opportunity to share my testimony and sing at a Youth For Christ conference.
• Led a small weekly Bible study with three young Malagasy women.
• I made friends with people from all over! England, Scotland (woohoo!!), Australia, Madagascar (obvs), Brazil, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and France.
• I made a dear and lifelong friend in Nina! Nina filled so many roles in my life this year. My landlady, my sister, a mother figure, my tour guide, my chef (and what chef she is!!), my friend. Thank you so much Nina! I will always treasure your friendship. You have taught me so much! I love you friend! And am sincerely going to miss you!

So this was a pretty cursory overview of my year. I am hoping in the next week or so post in depth on what God has taught me this year, what I have learned, and what the future holds. Stay tuned :)  

Nearing The End

In two months I will be boarding a plane back home to the US of A. Wow, that almost doesn't feel real. I approach the end of my time here with very mixed feelings. On one hand I am absolutely ecstatic to see my family and friends again, have practically (literally, actually) been drooling at the thought of Fast Food, and the realization that I will be in a city where everyone speaks English and that I will understand and be understood by everyone is truly exciting... like really, really exciting!

 However on the other hand there is so much that I am going to miss about Madagascar. I am going to miss the fun of winning a barter battle...which happens less and less as I have gotten quite lazy. :) I am going to miss my pouse-pouse adventures, and running and jumping onto moving busses. I am not however going to miss taxi-brouse trips (brutal!)! I am going to miss buying nem and sambos from little street vendors. I am going to miss the little boy who lives by my flat and shouts hello at me as loudly as possible whenever I walk past (naturally I always respond in kind). I am going to miss the fun Malagasy/English attempted convos between myself and my butcher. I am going to miss volunteering at the CFCA. I am going to miss teaching (there I said it). Is God amazing or what? Who would have thought that He could change this stubborn heart! I have really come appreciate and love my students and found joy in watching them grow in their English skills.

 I am really going to miss speaking at the prison and partnering in ministry with YFC team as they share the truth of the Gospel with these inmates. I am going to miss my Friday Bible study with Heretina, Feno, and Cerillia! I am going to miss all the wonderful friends I have made here; Bailey (i am really gonna miss our hand & foot dates)!! Eleo, Mamia, Julie, Sitrika, Preska, Odile, Power, so many others, and especially my dear dear friend Nina. Oh how I am going to miss her friendship! She has been an incredible source of joy and support to me. God really blessed me so much through her! I love you dear friend! I am sure I missed a ton of thigs, but these are the things that come to mind at the moment!

This year has been amazing! I learned to cook (against all odds), sadly I am still a slob (maybe that change will happen in this next year). I learned how to teach and to be taught. I learned a (little) Malagasy. :) I have made cherished friendships. I learned to understand and appreciate a culture so very different from my own. I have grown in independance (which may or may not be a good thing...Nina would say not) =)! I have grown in boldness and confidence, and in my ability to share my faith with others.  I have been brought low by illness, loneliness and my own sin, and found comfort in family, godly friends and most of all, Jesus. I have drawn closer to God even as I have made (many) mistakes and stumbled (often), only to be lovingly picked up by my gracious heavenly Father.

 In short (or rather long) I wouldn't trade or change this year for anything. I think it will have huge impacts on the rest of my life, practically and most importantly spiritually. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported me financially and those who supported through your prayers this year. They have been invaluable to me! I can't say thank you enough! I had intended for this post to be about all the new ministries God has brought to me in last few months, but this came out instead. :) Perhaps next time!

Blessing to you all! All glory to God!

A day in the life...

Look at this!! Two blog posts in the same month! I am on fire!....don't get used to it! =) 

Had a lovely day and thought I would share it with you. :) 

I slept in a bit..been having insomnia again so was up pretty late the night before. Then I spent a couple of hours finishing preparations on my teaching for the prison. Then much to my chagrin (love that word) I had to make a trip to the bank...which doesn't sound too bad, but it's not quite like going to the bank at home. Going to the bank entails; being hounded by pouse-pouse (and when it is rainy [like today] they push even harder), being hasseled by men on the streets, trying to keep a lookout for my bus whilst being surrounded by street vendors and beggars. But I finally made it on to my bus and what should happen?? My trusty purse that has served me so well these past 8 months...bit the dust. Here's what happened...the bus, I guess, was in some what of a hurry and so did not stop to let me on but merely slowed down. As I was jumping onto the bus one side of my purse snagged on a piece of metal that was jutting out...which yanked me back (almost off the bus) and then it gave way. As nonchalantly as possible I picked up my dismembered satchel and made my way to my seat to assess the damage. Sadly it was a fatal blow. Rest in peace my trusty compadre. On the bright side however, I was just saying to my friend Bailey that I had never gone this long without buying a new purse, and now I have the perfect excuse! =) 

Man Down!! =(

I finally made it to the bank, got theneeded funds and had an uneventful boarding of bus #11 heading home. I did however slam my head quite hard into the doorframe of the bus as I was dismounting. Not my day bus wise I guess.

I then had a very fun encounter. I turned down the alley leading to my home and three adorable little children, dirty from head to toe, dressed in rags came bounding up to me. They naturally asked me for money, I appolgized and said I couldn't give them anything. But they were so darn cute! One of them gave me a playful tap on the rear and soon the others followed suit. Then they wrapped their arms around me as we walked gigggling and chatting with each-other. I didn't want to send them away empty handed, so I told them I couldn't give them money, but would they like some candy? They squealed in delight part at the prospect of candy and in amusment of the fact that I spoke to them in Malagasy. So they walked the rest of the way back to my place. I went in and brought out some starbursts for them, and they ran off with smiles on their beautiful faces. 

And then to my great joy I received a skype call from my baby bro Isaac A.K.A Pookey! Was such a joy to talk with him and hear how things are going for him! Love you so much bro!

Finally it was time to head to the prison! I geared up against the rain and headed out the door!

This is the best raincoat ever! 

After a little bartering I found a acceptable pouse-pouse and was on my way. I got to the prison a little early, so I just sat outside thinking and praying about what I was going to say. I must say I drew quite a bit of attention. I guess not a lot of 'vazahs' spend there afternoons sitting outside the prison. Finally the other lady from the team showed up and we went into the prison. 

Love this book!

First we sang a few songs, then my partner (whose name I can not remember!) prayed for us and invited me to share. I found myself to be much less nervous this time and really excited to be there! Been reading(and greatly enjoying) the book 'Jesus with Dirty Feet' and felt like it would be helpful for the women at the prison if we spent some time studying verses that talk about who Jesus is (i.e. the bread, the good shepherd etc). So  I took about 20 mintues talking about the character of Jesus, and how it influences our relationship with Him. I think it went well and the translation was very smooth. The women seemed blessed by it, and excitedly asked me if I would be coming back next week. So blessed by this incredible opportunity to minister to these women. Thanks to everyone who was praying,

On my way home from the prison.

Got home around 4:30 and realized I hadnt eaten all day, so I went to work and whipped a delicous meal!! Thanks so much for the recipe Nina!

Delicous pancakes with home-made syrup, scrambled eggs with
bacon crumble on top and crisp apple slices! Yummy!

Sorry that was such a long post, hopefully it wasn't too boring! =) 

Blessings to you all and thank you for yorur continued prayers!

Prison Ministry Update =)

Okay...before I get into the meat of this post I think something needs to be said. It my intention to never again make a proclamation regarding the regularity of my posts. Such as "going to try and post 3 times a month" or "how about song fest Friday." I think it's time we all aknowledged that at this point in my life I am simply not consistnet enough to keep up my end of the bargain. Although in my defense I think Facebook is partially to blame. I mean, I frequently post short little updates. prayer requests etc so I don't always feel the need to blog. But enough about that on to bigger and better things! =)


Today I had the awesome privelege of joing a small team that ministers to the prisoners in the women's prison here in Antsirabe every Sunday. I was really excited/nervous! Especially about speaking with an interpreter. I spent all Sunday morning praying for God's assistance, listening to worship music, listening to Matt Chandler, John Piper, and Francis Chan in sermon jams, and going over what I would share with the women.

I decided to share my testimony and through that, clearly (to the best of my ability) lay out the Gospel and how it has changed me and continues to change me. I decided to also share how, about two years ago I really became distracted by the world. Trying to find satisfaction and joy in things other than God and coming up empty. I felt compelled to share how God has created us to be in relationship with Him. And only He can satisfy our souls. And how once He graciously called me back into His presence my joy was restored. There is no greater pleasure than being in the prsence of the Lord and enjoying his fellowship! When I actually shared at the prison I went into more detail and shared some verses but this is the gist of it.


I decided not to bring any notes as I felt it would feel awkward as I would just be standing in a courtyard with no podium or anything to set them on. However once I got to the prison I became incredibly nervous that I was going to forget everything I had planned on saying and I was going to speed talk making it impossible for my translator. So I quickly bowed my head and asked God to use my words to speak to these women regardless of my 'performance'. And he graciously answered that prayer. I was able to remember everything I wanted to share with great clarity, and to my surprise, found speaking with a translator easy as can be. I actually really enjoyed that aspect! I felt confident and excited about the message I had to share and Power my translator did a wonderful job communicating it in Malagasy and the women were all so receptive and grateful to me for coming. All in all a fabulous afternonon. And then Power asked the women if they would like me to come again, and they all responded very positively that they would.

So once outside Power asked me when I could come and teach again and how often I could come. I asked him how often he would like me to come and he grinned sheepishly and said...every week?? I enthusiastically agreed. What an awesome opportunity. And it was so exciting to finally be able to share my faith in a real and tangible way. It is slightly daunting to think that I will need come up with a short message to share every week with these women but a task well worth my time and effort.

So thank you so much to everyone who was praying for me and for the ladies in this prison. All praise goes to God! He was (and always is) faithful! I am excited to see how He will use me in these women's lives over the next four months. Please continue to keep me and these women in your prayers!

Update // Song Fest Friday =)

Greetings one and all!!  I just want to give a brief update before sharing a few songs for SFF (you didn't think I would remember didja?Oh ya, I'm full of surprises!) =) 

Things are going very well here in Mada. I had my last ESL class for this term on Thursday. But the next several days will be very busy. I am grading student papers this weekend and preparing their exam for next week. As well as proofreading speeches for Adv 2 students. Sun, Mon, Tues, and Wed night I have choir rehearsal from 6-10pm, in preparation for our concert! =) As well as volunteering at CFCA, and then the concert on Friday night! As well as just the things of daily life, going to the market, (sometimes) cleaning the house, chasing my mouse, etc. =) 

Today, as many of you know, we filmed a music videoesque clip. Thank you all for your prayers. It went very well. Took 6 hours! Which perhaps is not all that long but it felt long (although very fun)! Great time of bonding with the group! It turns out we will have a guest singer at our concert Delan (sp) who is very famous in Madagascar. So for the clip they had him sing the solo (which I usually do) as it is better publicity for our concert. I was more than okay with it! Took all the pressure off and was able to fully enjoy the day with the choir! I should have asked prayer for my rhythm instead of my throat! As we had to do alot of swaying/impromptu dancing. =) I felt totally out of my element being put in front of a camera, lip syncing to our choir's recording and swancing (sway/dancing). But apparently they really liked my stuff. :) All in all a great (exhausting day!) 

Prayer Requests:

*For our concert on Friday. We will be performing at a place where apparently you are not allowed to evangelize, but it is okay if your songs are Christian (which all of ours are) So hopefully it will be a good witness! 

*Amy and Ryan Dupuis the short-term couple who have been serving here in Antsirabe (and been good friends to me) for the last 9 months are returning to Canada. Pray for safe travels and smooth transition back to life in North America for them. 

*Bailey Benson is a short-term missionary who will be joining us (Karin and I) in Antsirabe in January. If you think of be praying that God will be preparing her for what he wants to do through her and to or for her. 

*Pray for health. I haven't had anything terrible, just lots of different symptoms (some weird), Yesterday during class all of the sudden I heard like a whooshing in my ears as if I was holding a shell to my ear. And then later I heard a piercing whistle but inside my head. Been very tired, sore throat etc. So ya, just pray that I would be healthy, energetic etc. 

*Pray for consistent meaningful times in the Word. 

*Praise God for His wonderful mercies to me. Especially in bringing me friends my age to be with (in the choir) I have really missed that fellowship. 

*Praise God for sending me to Mada. It has not always been easy to be here or clear why. But I can now say with absolute assurance this is where he wanted me. And now that I am resting in His plan  I have found so much joy! 

Thank you for you prayers and support! Here are some songs! No captions because I can't type anymore right now (headache!!)

OK just one quick caption, this song is from the album Music Inspired By The Story. I really recommend this album! I love it! Incidentally the song from two weeks ago "How Love Wins" is also from this album. Enjoy!

~Your Heart~

Chris Tomlin

~Whom Shall I Fear~

Chris Tomlin

~To Live Is Christ~

Trip Lee

Song Fest Friday!

So after listening to a lot of great worship music today, I decided to begin a new tradition on my blog... Song Fest Friday :) Didn't see that coming did ya....? Oh... did the post title give it away...oh well. Anyways every Friday I am gonna post 3 songs that have impacted me during the week...perhaps there will be small accompanying captions...but who are we kidding most likely not. :) So enjoy and go worship God! He's awesome!

I love this song. Especially one line near the end. Make me tear up every time. "For all my sorrows and regret nothing could compare to just this one. That in the presence of my king I cannot fall upon my knees, I cannot carry You up to your throne; You instead, will carry me back home." I just how it illustrates our total dependence and need for Christ...we are completely unable to save ourselves. Only He can save us.

As some of you know "Be still and know that I am God" is one of my favorite Scriptures, and this song is so beautiful and I love how he repeats over and over "be still and know....be still and know....." I listened to it on repeat today like 10 times. Really helps focus your mind on God and his glory!

one last song... :) I love this song! It is a song of praising and extolling God and acknowledging His presence. I especially like to sing it on those days where I'm not feeling His love or when I feel distant. Such a good reminder that now matter what my circumstances or feelings may be the truth is that God is always there and always worthy of praise!

Hope you enjoy these and they speak to you somehow! See ya soon :)

Livin' The Good Life In Mada =)

Hello one and all! Just wanted to give you an update on things here in Madagascar! Since my last post things have gotten better and better. I am really starting to get into a rhythm here. =) My classes (against all odds) have actually been going very well! Shocking I know. It's weird because I have always said I am not a good teacher etc...but I am finding that actually when I have a good lesson plan I am really thriving. I love interacting with my students etc. So that has been a huge blessing. All praise to God for pulling off this minor miracle of turning me (slowly but surely into a teacher).

Another praise is a singing opportunity that has come my way! Super excited about this one. One of the young women who works at the CFCA (where I assist with ESL training) has become a very good friend. Her name is Odile. She has a fabulous voice and is currently recording an album. A couple months ago she asked if I would be willing to record a song with her on her album. I of course agreed!! =) This week we learned the words (it's in Malagasy) and the melody. It is great! It is called Fitia Tsy Manam-Petra which means love without limit. It is about God's love for us. Really neat! So that is super exciting. She would like to also, if she gets the necessary funds to do a short music video to the song.

And then this week She and Toki (the musician slash song writer for the album) who are in a Malagasy/Norweigian Choir "NorMal Gospel" invited me to join their group. They sing in many different venues all around. My first time singing with them will be this coming Saturday...so I have to learn six Malagasy songs tomorrow when Odile come to teach me. Please be praying that I can pick it up quick! =)

Another praise would be my growing friendship with Odile. She is such a sweetheart! A huge heart for the Lord and for people. And funny as can be! She is really a blessing to me.

So many great things happening. I am loving life here in Mada. God is faithful!

Oh and this morning we had English Church (meeting at Amy and Ryan's house with Karin and listening to a sermon podcast). The sermon really touched me. It spoke about how God showed how he loves us in the story of Hosea and Gomer. Wow! What an unbelievable image! It really made me want to study the book of Hosea in my quiet times...and so I'm gonna :)
         
God is gracious! God is faithful! God is love! What an Awesome God!

Thank you for your prayers! Please continue them! =)

Please be praying for my friend Nina's young son who was in a very bad accident and injured his leg pretty severely. Be praying against infection, for a speedy recovery and for energy and peace for Nina and her family!

Pray that I will continue to find new ways to serve here.

Pray that my passion for God will intensify!

Praise God for all He has done!

"Don't Waste Your Madagascar"

Lately I have wondered why God chose to send me to Madagascar. I know it was His will and I feel He made my path very clear. But when I am struggling to create a ESL lesson plan, fumbling my way through a class, or sitting on my couch on a days I have nothing planned, I just feel so useless and wonder what difference, if any, my being here is making in these peoples lives.

I read other missionary's blogs and see all the amazing things they are doing and I feel so inadequate. Which is partially why I have not been blogging recently. Feeling as though I had nothing noteworthy to share. I know that is just my pride flaring up and throwing a major pity party. The party usually goes something like this...”I am such a loser missionary ...if there was a prize for worst missionary they'd be pinning the blue ribbon on me” or I offer up excuses “If I was in a country where they spoke more English I would be doing so many great things” or “if only my assignment wasn't teaching then I would be excelling more”. You get the idea. I know that sounds pretty pathetic...but sin is rarely never pretty.

The feeling of 'why am I here' has been intensified this last month or so by all the things that make life here difficult. Missing my family, missing regular fellowship with believers, being harassed constantly on the streets, things that should be simple made unnecessarily complex.

However I was skyping with my dad the other day (who btw is awesome!) telling him about some of my struggles etc and he said (paraphrasing John Piper) “Don't waste your Madagascar”. Wow... I love that. So simple but so good. He went on to say that God is not limited by my situation, lack of fellowship etc, and if I am faithful to seek His face He can and will fill me and uplift me. And on that same train of thought, God is not shocked by my lack of teaching skill, He knew that before sending me here. It is incredibly encouraging and empowering knowing that God, knowing all my flaws, my strengths, my weaknesses, my tendencies etc, decided that Madagascar 2012 was the best place for me to be. He wants me here. He wants to use me. He wants to teach me things. He wants to reveal more of himself to me. And I think these last two months I have been missing out because I have been so focused on ME. How I was doing, what I was doing, what I wanted etc.

So whats the plan going forward? I'm taking my cue from The Avengers. “We need a plan of attack...”

                                                       

                    “I have a plan...attack!!”

So thats the plan. I am going to bury myself in the word. Listen to sermons, podcasts etc.Cry out to God for wisdom and guidance. I am going throw myself at God's feet and see where He takes me. Maybe this year isn't about changing the world. Maybe it's about learning to treasure and trust God above all else. Maybe if I stop concentrating on all the ways I fall short here, God will end up using me in ways I never imagined. 

You may be thinking...hmmmm this sounds familiar...where have I read something like this before...oh yea two blog posts ago. What can I say? I did my best....which was precisely the problem. I tried to fix everything and put my sin to death etc on my on power. So this time I am relying on God to change and mold me. Which is harder than it sounds. Change requires action, but action without changing power from God is futile. The legalist in me so badly wants there to be a way for me to solve it all on my own. But I have proved over and again that that is not happening anytime soon ever.  So I have to activley pursue change, whilst relying totally and fully on Jesus Christ. I don't have it all figured out but one thing I do know is that by God's grace... I am not "going to waste my Madagascar"!

"There once was a woman who killed a spider"

Last night I engaged in a battle to the death with an S.O.U.S. (spider of unusual size). It wasn't pretty....[yes I know Princess Bride references in the last two posts...what can I say).

Allow me to set the scene.

The events described here are accurate and true.

Act 1
Scene 1: A nondescript bedroom in Antsirabe, Madagascar/ A young woman lays sleeping peacefully. Suddenly and without reason she awakens with a start. Fearing she has over slept and missed an important engagement, she lunges at her computer, and anxiously waits for the the display to load. After achingly long seconds, she learns that it is but 3 in the morning and she has been sleeping for a mere 2 and a half hours. Irritated and groggy the young woman decides to utilize the little girls room so as to avoid any further interruptions of her precious slumber. If only she knew what this seemingly little decision would lead to.

Scene 2: But alas not being privy to details of the terrifying events to come, she climbs out of bed, trips over the rug and stumbles into the hall. She then approaches the bathroom without fear or apprehension. If only there had been a sign!

Act 2
Scene 1: An equally nondescript bathroom in Antsirabe, Madagascar/ A young woman washes her delicate long fingers (okay fine...short stubby fingers...just doesn't flow as nicely) in lukewarm soapy water, and as she turns to dry her hands she spots.... "It" on her wall.

S.O.U.S!!
(And no I did not add the creepy red splatter )

Scene 2: Several moments pass, and neither the woman nor the beast move a muscle. Then the woman springs into action! And by springs I mean...carefully, cautiously, and painstakingly-slowly she creeps out of the bathroom. But now what is she to do? As much as she longs to simply deny this creatures existence and return once more to the safety of her bed, she knows this is not an option. The possibilities of what might happen, what "it" might do whilst she is snoozing are too terrifying to consider. This monster has to be dealt with here and now.

Scene 3:Command central (the kitchen table)/ Suddenly a plan of action pops into her head. But she is going to need a few supplies first. Rubber gloves - check. Blunt force object - check. Paper towels - check. And last but not least armor. What to use for armor? She can't risk going in unprotected...this monstrosities skills are unknown. Then her eyes lit upon it from the hall. The floor length blue bath towel. Perfect! She gingerly retrieves it from bathroom desperate to avoid disturbing the spider in its lair. Success! Now she has only to put together her ensemble.

                 

Act 3
Scene 1: The belly of the beast...(the bathroom)/  She once more enters the bathroom, but this time with determination, iron in her heart and a glint in her eye. She spends several moments staring at the creature. Unable to will herself to initiate the conflict. How would "it" react. What would "it" do?? Finally she musters up the courage and deals a powerful blow to the S.O.U.S. with her weapon of choice...a large Tupperware. This blow would have completely obliterated ordinary vermin but to her horror he seems unfazed...and possibly a bit annoyed. She swallows a scream and blindly reaches for a more effectual weapon...a boot. She then attacks "it" wildly. Blow, after blow, after blow, after blow...till finally the beast lies dead. She then retrieves the paper towels from her arsenal and quickly (but carefully) grabs the carcass and tosses it unceremoniously down to its watery grave!

Final Scene:  Dimly lit bedroom/ as the adrenaline quickly leaves her body she finds herself shaky and exhausted from her long ordeal and the lateness of the hour. She lets out a nervous laugh, that she barely recognizes as her own, and collapses into her bed satisfied that order has been restored.

And thus ends my tale. I thank you for your attention.

Learning Humility

Sometimes it's hard to live in Madagascar. It's hard to see destitute children digging through garbage and not be able to do anything to alleviate their poverty. It's hard not to be able to walk down the street without men constantly hissing at you, staring at you, and calling out to you. It's hard to be away from all of your family and friends, to feel so alone. It's hard when everyone expects you to teach and yet you feel completely inadequate to do so. It's hard to live in a country where so few people speak English. Which makes it hard to share your faith. It's hard when you wonder if you are really making any difference at all.

Right now, life is slow. ECA is on holiday which frees up my schedule quite a bit. Which also gives me quite a bit of time on my own. Not the best thing. I am really struggling to figure out what God wants to do with me in Madagascar. I know He wants me here. I just don't know for what purpose.

I think part of what He is teaching me (or trying...I need to be a better student!) is humility. "Let me 'splain"....."No there is to much let me sum up" (sorry had to)  I always envisioned my first year of missions doing something extraordinary for God. Working with war-torn orphans, or sharing the gospel with an unreached people group, or counselling vulnerable women in a dangerous country...you get the idea. And here I am teaching English. First off just let me say that teaching English is a wonderful ministry and by no means do I want to lesson its value. But it wasn't something I ever pictured myself doing. Sometimes it just feels so meaningless. My students are the only ones I can really share my faith with because of the language barrier and yet most of them are professing Christians.

The people who seem to really need to hear the truth of the Gospel are the little old lady beggar who sits on the side of the road everyday wrapped in a white sheet. Who smiles so brightly (albeit toothlessly) when I greet her in Malagasy and affectionately shake her hand. Does she know Christ? The pouse-pouse men who tirelessly pull people back and forth on their rickshaws to provide for their families. Do they know Christ? The children who relentlessly beg for my spare change day after day...do they know Christ? Sadly my Malagasy is not advanced enough to engage in deep conversation with these people. And that is where I have to realize, that is not my ministry here. I am short-term...and my main ministry area is speaking/teaching English. So I have pray for these people, pray that God would reveal Himself to them. Pray that he would use people like Karin who has been here 11 years and speaks fluent Malagasy to minister to them.

Back to my students, how would God like to use me in their lives. Perhaps just encouraging them in their faith, mentoring them, and showing them new things about our Savior. Which as I mentioned in a previous post, please be praying for my possible Bible-Study that would start hopefully at the end of Sept (beginning of term). Going through the book "Jesus With Dirty Feet". I want to call the study "And who do you say that I am?" Basically a time of learning what the girls know about Christ and what significance He has in their life. And just spend time in the Gospels digging into who Christ is and how that should shape our lives.

 It's not glamorous, or flashy...and I think that may be the point. Perhaps God would like to see me faithful with a little before entrusting me with a lot. Willing to serve regardless of the reward, or acclaim it accords me. Jesus did many amazing miracles, but he also washed his disciples feet. Hmmm...wow I am kinda answering my opening question as I write and think.

I have been feeling discouraged these past few weeks, feeling like a failure as a missionary, as a Christian etc and now I wonder if that all was simply pride. Pride telling me I should be doing something more grand, more inspiring, more difficult etc. Fear of man telling me people expect more from me. Instead of humbly and graciously accepting the tasks God has given me and being faithful and content in that mission.

I know that change in my heart is not going to happen overnight, but I think I might just be heading in the right direction.  Thanks for bearing with me as I work out my sin and confusion by the grace of God. I am not a perfect Christian, and I am not a perfect missionary. I make mistakes, I stand up only to fall, I make plans and fail to follow through, I worry and I fret... and yet in Christ I am perfect, and through Christ I am perfect for this year of ministry he has planned for me.

"God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called!"  (not sure who said that, sorry)

Please pray for continued growth in humility, a vision for what God wants to do 'in' and 'through' me this year.  Pray for comfort during times of loneliness. Pray that God would equip me to be a more effectual teacher. Pray for consistent and deep times in the Word of God and richer fellowship with Him.

Thank you all so much! I am so grateful to have people in my life who lift me up in prayer! Please feel free (hint hint) to send me an email, fb me, or leave a comment with verses or prayers or encouragements! I definitely need them! =)

Mandrapihaona!