Monday, December 04, 2006
three minutes!
I am in London! It is hard to believe that I will be home in a few days. Today has been an interesting day. I can tell I am tired because I keep forgetting where I put stuff. =0) Like my hostel key... So I had it in my hand when I entered the building and rushed up the 4 flights of steep steps to use the restroom and then to my room. But where was my key????? It was no where to be found!!! After searching high and low and running up and down and up the stairs again....I figure it out...I must have accidently flushed them in the toilet!!!!Aggghh!!!!!!! HOW embarssing. Well my time is almost up on the computer. Thankfully the keys were found. It's been a getting lost...walking literally miles and carrying heavy luggage type of day!

Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Il n'y a vraiment personne comme Jésus
A circle around the sun...almost as if it has a halo. In awe of God's creation, I comment to the girl walking beside me “What is it????". She stares at the sky in puzzlement for a moment and then looks at me confidently stating that it's a god showing her I have good luck. Leaning down, I turn toward her and sadly look the small frame girl in the eye. "No....that design in the sky is a gift from God to everyone...from the one God who created the universe...it's not a sign for me..." as I speak her eyes seem to glaze over and soon she begins talking of other things. If only she would hear and understand the TRUTH."Il n'y a vraiment personne comme Jésus....Il n'y a vraiment personne comme Jésus...Il n'y a vraiment personne comme Jésus...Il n'y a vraiment personne comme Lui!" Singing and skipping, we danced down the pathway. I felt like I was in a musical as twenty kids or more joined into the song….first in Bariba and then in French and then back to Bariba...skipping and dancing down the dirt path with me. As we passed onlookers, I prayed that these people would not only see us, but hear the words we sang...the words we sang in their native tongue and that their ears would be opened to God's truth.

Each Sunday after church, I play with the kids. It started out small and grew as the weeks passed. What joy…playing in the dirt with church kids and village kids…no props just our minds and knowledge of games. Swinging the small kids in my arms until they dissolved into laughter or playing a hand clapping game with the older girls...teaching games such as duck, duck, goose and learning this jump clap game that I still don't quite have a handle on. Tomorrow is Sunday again...I only have a few more weeks here and must tell the children this. I know I will get the same response. When are you coming back? As if I was just leaving for a few weeks. How do you describe to people who haven't been outside of walking distance from their home, that I live across the sea? I am only one small person, but there is ONE who is always there for them (Joshua 1:5). I pray that they come to realize and embrace this. When talking to his son, David states in 1 Chronicles 28:9 "Know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever."Pray that these children will continue to learn who Jesus is (He gives such hope and peace!) and that they will have a desire to truly live for him and understand what that entails. Saturday,

November 11, 2006
Glimpses
"What is that noise?" I turn around and peak over the sheet that is statically placed between two boards giving semi privacy for dressing changes. Three men are carrying a women into the dispensary...she is limp. "Sara! Do you know about this lady they just brought in?" I interrupt as I grab a BP cuff and stethoscope. Already in respiratory distress and grasping for air...it doesn't look good. Quickly I try to locate a blood pressure while Sara starts asking questions. Thready pulse, cool extremities with a systolic blood pressure of 70, this lady was discharged from the hospital this morning. What!? Brought on a motorcycle to the clinic in hopes that we could help, they had left the hospital. Legs placed in the air. Abdomen is large and extended...but it doesn't move like there is fluid inside. Sara gives a milliliter of medicine in hopes to bring up her pressure. Heart tones full with no mummers or extra beats heard. The man tells us it started with a head ache 5 days ago. What does that mean? So many times they lie or don't tell everything that has happened until later...after the person starts to get better. A headache? The lady starts to come around...systolic blood pressure is now 72. She is mumbling something and tries to put her feet down. Her blood pressure still needs to be stabilized, but what do we do? There aren't drips like back home…just 500ml glass bottles of normal saline...as she slips back into unconsciousness, a bottle is hung...but her breathing stops...and then she is gone.

My breath quickens as the blood drains from my face. All I can do is breathe a "thank you" to God and stare down at what could have been a handicapping accident. I had been cutting away layers of dead skin, when I had come close to cutting the tendon. It looked dead...just like the rest of it...white with yellow puss surrounding it. With the dead tissue gone, , I look at the raw flesh of this man…tendons visible...veins sticking out like ground hog tunnels in the earth. I felt like I was working on a cadaver staring at the anatomy of the hand. It had only been a small cut he claimed...on the knuckle of his right hand. Now the festering wound looked more like a third degree burn with the pain and inflammation running up his right arm. I tried cleaning the wound, but this man was worse than a child...pulling away before I even came close to touching the skin. This is unusual. Most adults are still without making a sound as you dig into their skin. They do not budge with even execrating pain but you can hear their soft gasp and see the sweat of pain on their forehead. In retrospect, I am grateful for the overly sensitive attitude of this man. Pain means something is alive so I didn't cut, but went to another area and bit by bit discovered the tendon as well as the veins.

''DISPOSE OF AFTER USE” the words were clearly written on the outside of the feeding tube syringe. My arms shook as I poured all of my energy into pushing the food out of the syringe and into the stomach; I understood why those words were written. The plunger becomes much more difficult to move after the first use and we had been using it for over 2 weeks on this man. This young man that belongs on the neurological floor back home...slowly fading away. His right side is without movement...pupils are equal and reactive, but struggles to close his left eye and he can't swallow...can't talk. He just lays there...prednisone didn't help shirk whatever is in there...really there isn't anything else we can do. If only there was a CT scan around...but there is nothing...and even if there was...no doctor in Benin does brain surgery...so there he lays...wasting away and slowly losing movement.

Sweat streaming down my forehead, I try to dry it off with my top...I can't have my sweat contaminate a wound. "Oh God please help me..." I whisper under my breath as another charred child is brought to me. I just don't know if I can withstand the wailing and knowing that I am causing the pain. The child looks at me....her left cheek raw and pink with the skin already rubbed away...her left arm and chest both with sloughing skin. The rotting flesh must come off. This part shouldn't be too painful, but the child begins to wail anyways. She is scared. Using a soothing voice, I use the little bit of comfort words I know in Bariba. Working quickly and shielding the child, I pull off the dead brown skin in clumps and dispose of it in the trash. Why had the mother waited almost 24 hours before bring the poor child in?

Thursday, November 02, 2006
BUGS
Do you ever get that feeling that there is a bug crawling on you? You know...something tickling or itching on your left arm but when you look, it's just the wind or an itch or sweat dripping down your skin? I have those days too...and then I have days like a couple Sundays ago. Nine baby chicks hatched that Friday night and a tenth on Saturday!!! The last was a little wobbly...cold, shaking and chirping on his back...his mother had abandoned him...so I picked him up...Grubo...that's the name for chick here...tiny, mostly yellow with a stripe of gray on his head and back. Warming him up, I suddenly became aware of THAT sensation...you know...the one where bugs are crawling on you???? Looking down at my chick...there was nothing...strange...wait...that speck of dirt on the feathers is moving....and so is that one!!! Inspecting both the chick and my hand closer, I saw several little bugs...like miniature ticks. Yikes! (I do not routinely kill bugs, but there is an exception to almost every rule). Squashing the bugs, first on me and then on Grubo…a faint smear of red was left behind. Agh! What kind of bugs are these??? The warmer the chick got...more bugs came out from their hiding spot near the chick’s skin...most were so tiny it was hard to feel them as they started traveling up my arm. Ready to abandon my chick and scrub my arm with disinfectant, I tried to remain calm. Setting her on the ground and blowing helped release more of them, so I wrapped her in a cloth and held on to her...all while trying to defend my arm and repeating to myself..."I don't know what it is, but it probably isn't dangerous.” Bugs! My awareness for that tickling feeling soon turned into high alert after a hard-shell bug flew up my nose, a large cockroach decided to pop out of the toilet paper, tiny worms invaded my shower, an 8 inch long, 1 inch wide millipede took a stroll through the house and tiny black bugs some how manage to appear in a freshly purified bowl of water. It's no wonder I looked under my bed twice that evening and shook out my top sheet before covering my bed with mosquito netting. And the little bugs from the chick...the Africans say they are harmless, although I was mashing them all day...neck, right arm, left arm, stomach...ewwww! I was thankful the rains were still here, and I could wash up twice!

Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Jogging African Style
"Suzanne!!!!" a voice calls out behind me...followed by an echo of three more. I can't help but grin as I slow down my jog and see four kids racing to catch up with me. Finally!! Kids are starting to know my name and who I am as an individual. Turning, I run toward them. They want to play...so I explain that I am exercising and will pass through their village again on the way home to play. One girl states "OOooo" (yes in her language)...the others just look at me...so I repeat myself and then continue on my way. Pitter patter…even through the noise of music I can hear the pounding of feet from behind. Repeating myself for a third time, I want to stop…these are small children…two who are not old enough to be in school and they all work...I don’t want them to spend their energy on running when they have a long day of selling items and walking the streets ahead of them! But I know I have to stick with what I said, so I keep running…and so do they…running…jogging…three finally understand I am not stopping…but one continues. A small boy no more than 6 years of age attempts hard to keep my pace as the others dissolve into the background. My heart breaks...slowing down, I meet his pace and cringe as I look down at his bare feet pounding into the gravel road. Trying to run where he would hit more dirt than rocks...we continue on...each step a little slower...how can he run bare footed? Sharing an ear phone with him, we run side by side...skinny little black boy with only a pair of ragged shorts...and big white girl in green skirt, black shirt and tennis shoes…listening to "Saturate" by Jeff Deyo. I want to halt...this poor boy!!! But he seems okay at the pace and even speeds up when people pass as if to say he isn’t tired. On we traveled together. Dripping with sweat and feeling sunburned, we turn and head back to his village. Within a few minutes, two small children are walking toward us in the distance…two had continued! Greeting them with amazement, we all headed back at a much slower pace in a parallel line covering almost the entire road…and of course taking turns listening to the music. And yes...as we entered the village there was shouting and laughter...I guess it's not everyday you see a white person running along the road with three kids...sharing a pair of head phones between four people. And this is a "Thank you God" story too...not only for blessing me with the opportunity to spend time with these kids but also it opened yet one more door for me to share about Jesus. These kids spoke French and I was able to translate the songs for them and share about Jesus and the Gospel. =0)

Thursday, October 19, 2006
A Furry Friend I can't believe I caught it!!! The fast moving creature made one wrong move when it tried to jump from the shelf and landed in my bag. It was a cute little thing...BIG black eyes, a gray bushy tail and about the size of a mouse. If it hadn't been eating my stuff...maybe it could have stayed, but nope...it needed to find a new home out in the cornfields. I took my friend for a walk past the dispensary...where of course I stopped and talked with the people there. (This week there are two sick children using the room for a hospital. Both with seizures and one in renal failure as well as mentally confused. It's hard to know how to exactly treat patients when you don't have access to labs and tests.). The Bantu men laughed at me...but not before closely inspecting the prize I had caught. I continued down the path and on to the road...Sara said the creature could find it's way back easily so although it was dark I was determined to take it at least a couple kilometers down the road. Reflective diamond eyes in the weeds caught my eye...I hurried...hoping that it wasn't a snake and soon I was past the danger. Seeing nothing, but hearing a noise from behind, my heart started to beat a little quicker...what was coming down the road??? Soon my suspense ended as a biker rider past...no light...just peddling away on the dark road. "How can he see????" I thought and turned off my light to see how dark it truly was. DARK...like I was inside a cave. No wonder people always come to the "ER" at night with bike and motorcycle accidence! Coming to a friend's home, I stopped to show them my new pet...they laughed too. All standing outside, sitting and talking. Thank you God for the French I know. Minutes go by and finally there is a HUGE field on my right...I let my furry friend out and she quickly scampers away. (Too bad when I returned I found out she is a tree mouse...not a field mouse.) =0)

Saturday, September 30, 2006
Kids' Camp
With the gentle hum of the generator in the background, I turn to my next patient in the near darkness...another pale pink yellow leg ulcer. "Please...I have a small sore" the small owner of the leg says above a whisper. Her eyes hopeful...yet there's not much I can do here with only a rugged cardboard box half full of malaria medicines and equipment for fresh wounds. This is a camp...not a clinic...so once again I explain the importance of keeping the wound clean at all times and how to clean it. I turn to the boy beside me. Sweat perforates his face even though evening has brought a cooler breeze...malaria...and on the last night of camp, so the treatment of medicine begins and I can only hope that he will follow my instructions when he heads for home tomorrow. My knowledge of malaria the treatment for children has rapidly increased two fold plus over the last week as I, a novice, quickly became an expert camp nurse (thanks to Sara who was just a 15 minute run down the red dirt road if I had a question or concern). And now camp was nearly over...tonight the celebration...and tomorrow the departure...that's why there was a generator...there was a microphone so that people could sing!!!! All gathered into a large tight circle and sitting on wooden benches we began to eat rice...a special treat...and even had Ping-Pong size of muscle meat...not intestines or liver...but the muscle! Indeed it was a feast. Smiling children...the first song began...an lone singer booming out with the help of the microphone...the drums begin to echo the beat simultaneously and then the crowd follows. You would think Africans would dance...and some did a little...but tragically in the past couple of years dancing has become looked down upon in the Christian circle. A small frame girl, Anne,...wearing an orange and bright green outfit didn't seem to care and as she clapped...her body gave way to following the beat. Two quarter beats and then a half note...this is always the clapping rhythm and it's easy to get thrown off at times. Time disappears as the wave of songs continues into the night.

Children sleeping on mats in the shelter of the cement school room...satisfied to be near their friends...some are lucky enough to have mosquito nets. There are three outhouses near by with cement holes in the ground...but still the boys make fountains in the grass...and occasionally there is a river to avoid on the path. Thankfully the well is only a 5 minute walk down the road and the church too!! This makes it easy to carry the wooden benches back and forth between the school and church. Happy to play with a blown up bag for a soccer ball, these creative kids had a good week (despite that fact that adults don't really play with the kids here. Yes they love them...but age is power and each seems to take advantage of the younger). Cheers rang out when a small gift was given before their departure...each child received two sweet crackers and the ones who had the most points for verses and stories memorized received 3 pieces of candy...each about the size of a tootsie roll. Then it was time to leave...so packing up their mats, bowls and extra set of clothes...and placing on their heads...most of these children started walking towards their homes.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Observations
The streets here are crowded with brightly colored African outfits...mostly in yellows, greens and blues...and I can only stare as I watch the women balance enormous baskets on their heads with no hands. (I am hoping to perform the feat one day too...with a smaller amount of weight of course).

Every traffic light means being forced into a ''drive-in market'' as men crowd around the four wheeler selling everything from phone cards to sun glasses to dress shirts and strange looking meat. Saying ''no''...really doesn't mean ''no''...does it?? To these enterprisers even rolled up windows and looking straight ahead doesn't phase them... the only escape is a green light. Traffic zooming all around...in chaos...I wonder if this is what it was like for my sister in China. The kind of traffic where you look to make sure there at least isn’t a car a foot away from you and then cross the street hoping the vehicles near by stop or at least divert around you. Gasoline, nuts and juice sold in beer bottles...This is the form of recycling here. (I wonder how people who actually want beer know when they've actually bought some). People begging for you to buy this or that...being white to them means being rich.

Walking around the neighborhood...rich mansions next to poverty stricken areas...the kind where trash makes up the walls with some wood and it looks as if any gush of wind will knock it over. Saying hello and trying to make conversation...the little kids looking at me like I am an alien...but I don't care...I smile and keep asking if I can touch the malnourished little kitten...and asking what the word is for pet in French...one head pops out from beneath the frail wooden door and another follows...Can't smile at the men...not really supposed to look at them...that's hard for someone who loves to smile...so that just makes me smile extra large at the women I meet...and it feel so good just to say a few words to them...their faces brighten up...''A Bientot" is the normal response...see you later...not goodbye...when we are done...will I see them again??? I don’t know, but it sure is a nice way to end a conversation...it's like making a friend.

The ocean waves....large and rolling...beating on the beach...a nearly full moon illuminates the sky as the sun dissolves into the ocean...maybe there is trash on the beach...but the beauty and calmness and peace out weigh it...there are a few people around and I just cant help but smile at them...I think they see the joy I feel and the Father's love.

I am still in the capital with Sara...we were planning on leaving today to head north but were delayed. Anticipation fills me as I wait to head north and start working in the clinic. They see an average of 100 to 150 people a day and they are missing Sarah desperately. I will begin with doing mostly dressing changes and other responsibilities as needed. There is the possibility of also helping out with an African Kids Vacation Bible School next week! Please pray for....-Safety as we travel and for health-Wisdom when dealing with the Musl*ims-Clinic...as there are several needs-Clear communication both with Sara and with the people I meet. (My French accent is hard to understand at times and I still don't always have the right words to say and have to work around my vocabulary to get a point across).
-That God will move through me and I can be an encouragement to the people around me-Wisdom and discernment as I learn what is acceptable in this culture and how to still be myself and reach out to those around me-That God my be glorified in my life and also in yours as we serve him together...where ever we are

Sunday, September 03, 2006
Benin!
I couldn't help the smile and tears as I stared out the window at African soil. Turning to my neighbor, a man from Benin, I exclaimed...."Ca c'est incroyable!" All the prayers and planning and waiting and I am here. Hot air greeted me as I exited the plane, but there was hope as a cool breeze also said her hello. People pushing and crowding into a bus which lead to a room to wait for the luggage....and wait....and wait...people pushing in front and men in uniforms trying to help get the luggage as it came (they get paid 1000 francs for each bag....later I’ll tell you how much that is as I’m still not sure). Bags of all sizes came through ...some quite interesting with multicolored tape...even a few dogs in crates were there and I continued to search for my bags as the room filled with smoke and people pushed. Blue book bag...blue suitcase with a red tie!!! I grabbed my luggage and held it tightly as men rushed to help...nope not me, I didn’t have any money to give them and I headed for the exit. Sara by the door...we left. Kind smile...friendly voice...easy conversation. There's so much to learn! Yes there are beggars and they quickly approached us...sad but necessary to keep on walking....even though only dim lamps filled the streets with light, people were attempting to sell everything from cell phone cards to food...lock the doors...you don't want someone to open the door. The atmosphere is different...I am the minority...the French melody has changed but I comprehend it...the buildings...a bit run down but I have heard this is quality... Bright clothes...mostly in blues, greens and yellows...joyful. I am at peace here and just..... thankful and happy. Sarah treated me to my first African meal of rice and beans and spinach!!!!! Yum! Excitement fills me...I am being given the gift to learn about this culture and the people. I pray that I will not only impact the people around me with Jesus's love and truth, but will also learn from them as well.
S
aturday, August 19, 2006
Waiting is great opportunity for meeting people
Entering Gatwick and hanging around for 24 hours doesn't exactly sound like the most ideal way to spend a day, especially when you know the next night will be spent in the Dublin airport...but it was a blessing to me. Finding a seat on a beach was challenging since I arrived late and all the good places for sleeping were already filled with people snoozing. It had taken much longer to get baggage than normal since everything had to be checked in excepted paper items. Those you could take in a little green bag they supplied. Locking my backpack to my chair and embracing it with my arm, I fell asleep...for a bit. Cold and awaking a few hours later, I was surprised at how awake and refreshed I felt. People coming in and out...many frustrated with the delays and strict rules with hand luggage...but I guess it is all in how a person decides to see the picture. I choose to enjoy my time and make it an opportunity to meet people in the airport of wherever I am.
-An English family going to Disneyland with two small girls for the first time
-A Jewish man who desires all Jews to come and know Jesus
-Two South African girls teaching in London, one of whom is searching for a better understand of Jesus
-A young girl who might be swimming in the 2012 (I think) Olympics
-A elderly gentleman who just lost his wife of 60+ years, but is making it each day with Jesus by his side
-An Australian who doesn’t understand the concept of not getting "plastered" with alcohol each night.
These are just some of the people that I have been blessed to meet this week. Each one has a story and each was created by God. Some choose to ignore their Savior while others embrace Him. It's strange how similar yet different people are in each culture.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Coming to an end
So the other night I dreamed in French!!!! The only problem was all the people in my dream were speaking French, but whenever I tried to open my mouth to speak only English would come out. OH dear! (So I guess I am half way there.) =0)I feel so blessed that I have been able to be part of L'Eau Vive these past several weeks and it's a bummer that I can not share all my stories with you right now. But finally...here are a few pictures! Two are of the staff at L'Eau Vive. The first is a picture of a night off we had and the second was taken when we were playing a great game called Signs. The other is a picture with some of the precious kids.

Thursday, July 13, 2006
L'Eau Vive
"We live by faith; not by sight...So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it" 2 Corinthians 5:7,9"Commit to the Lord whatever you do..." Proverbs 16:3"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!" Psalm 47:1-2

L'Eau Vive!
The hills here make me wonder sometimes if I am in Mexico instead of France and so does l'architecture. Several countries are represented here and learning about other cultures is the norm. I think my favorite is hearing the English boys when the slip in a comment in their mother tongue or finding out it is quite common to eat a rice, tomato sandwich. I wish that I could leave a picture, but I am unable to at the moment. My time here online is also much less so the stories will have to wait until later...probably in person. Except for a quick one at the end of this entry. I just want to share my "Thank you God!"blessings with you...*The staff at L'Eau Vive are working well together*During the past 2 weeks there have been good conversations with some French who are interested in knowing more about a personal relationship with Jesus*My back is feeling better*God IS stretching me*One camp group cancelled giving me extra time to prepare the entire kids curriculum for July 19th-29th!*Although I miss people at home I am not homesick...France is interesting. Yesterday was the National Holiday to celebrate France! So we went to see the fireworks. (YES!) Funny thing is..no one really knew when they were going to be set off or exactly where from and people didn't seem to mind. Finally we found a place...with a small crowd and we waited and waited...there they were!!!! In the distance I could make out the fireworks. Some people gathered to watch while others continued to set off their own. Suddenly it was over. Very different from the US and people lingered...no one was in a rush...celebrate the moment and be with the people. So this is probably it for a bit. I will write again the first or second week of August. I hope that you are also allowing God to continue to work in your life!=0)

Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Why won't you open?
So there I stood pushing the button that said "open" in French...mais il ne marche pas! I was so close...the only thing the stood between me and my destination was a thin piece of glass and metal and the door would not open! I could feel the vibration under my feet and I felt defeated. People staring...I sat down on a seat, my book bag pulling me down with the weight. So when was the next train stop? Thankfully not too far away mais (but), by the time I got there it was too late. Trying to keep a good attitude was a bit difficult...I was nervous already about going to the camp and now I was going to be over 4 hours late...yuck...but God is faithful. Not only was I able to get a ticket that day to Aix en Provence, a generous elderly French man, Pierre, allowed me to use his phone and also bought me a drink at a near by café as I waited for the next train. This was just the encouragement I needed as he shared about his life (in French). The story goes on but I am out of time! All I can say is "Thank you to my God"...I am so thankful that he watches over me...and all people who trust in Him. Mountain Climbing This past weekend I was able to go mountain hiking! This flower was just above the tree line. Walking amongst the rocks and seeing God's creation around me was refreshing. Turning on worship music and dancing before God on the mountain...just me and my Savior...there's just something about being in nature. I only have 3 days left of class before I head down to Aix en Provence. I am both excited and also a bit nervous. I love teaching kids about Jesus and looking forward to that. I just am nervous about my ability to communicate with them. Also, my back is better, but I still have to be careful with it. It will be a little sad to leave the friends that I have made here. Reiko, Awo, Taka and more...and hope to stay in touch.

Sort of funny language story: Last night at dinner...we were discussing prayer. My host family is going to a prayer meeting tonight. I started talking and figured out something was wrong when my host mother gave me that confused look. They understood that I was asking if the prayer meeting was for the French soccer game (that is occurring at the same time) and if the purpose of the prayer meeting is to pray that God will help France win. Michael...my host father...just laughed and laughed.

Friday, June 23, 2006
Photos
So this first picture was taken in town...on June 21st!!! It is the second time I have been in France on this holiday and both were nights to remember. Bands and music found on almost every corner...as you walked down the street sometimes you would hear the music of two bands blending together!!! This holiday needs to become worldwide! The types of music were endless...and for people (like myself) who love almost every type of music...and also adore innovative and original...it was tremendous. And below...it's me saying "hi!!! to you" in the computer lab at school...listening to French music (thanks Peter!) Tuesday, June 20, 2006Reiko Having a Bible of my own...to read from at any time is such an amazing gift that I take for granted. The TRUTH...right here in front of me. Right now I am reading through the gospels and it is really hitting me how often Jesus talks about that he IS the only way to heaven. It makes me reflect back to reading I did from C.S. Lewis...and how he talks about Jesus is either a lunatic, liar or Lord. The Bible clearly displays that Jesus IS Lord...yet so many choose not to believe. I have met a three wonderful Japanese friends here and yesterday I was able to have a conversation with one of them, Reiko, about Jesus...however since our only common language was French...and she knows less than I...it was difficult to share. She has become a dear friend and my heart goes out to her. Above are pictures that I took while riding my bike to class.

Monday, June 19, 2006
Mon Dos!!!
So last Friday, there I was...looking for a building that seemed to be no where in sight. Maybe it didn't exist or was torn down? Good, cause then I won't have to go!!! But after asking for directions I found myself at the bottom of a yellow building which looked like it was on stilts. As I crept up the stairs...it became darker and darker...without the sunlight from the windows downstairs, I soon felt like I was in a cave. And I was going up to the third floor! I tried to search the wall for a light switch (over here they only stay on so long...I'd forgotten), but alas...I couldn't differentiate between the doorbell to the offices or the light switch...so up the stairs I crept. Yes! The third floor!!! But which door was it? I couldn't see the names of the professionals because it was TOO dark. From one door came male voices...sounding serious. That had to be it...because loud spontaneously chirping of birds was coming from the other choice. Definitely not. Now to find the doorbell...BLINK....ah...the light switch!!!!What? I was wrong? The door with the chirping birds...that is where I am going????? Deep breath. Okay. "Ding-dong" An oriental petite lady answers the door and uttering French she ushers me to the waiting room. Why was I here? And by myself??? Oh yeah...mon dos...my back...il est mal....et it hurts! Sure enough there were two large cages filled with birds...over ten in just one. I think they were supposed to be relaxing...some of the were cute...but they were more funny than calming...although if I closed my eyes I would almost believe I was in the jungle...or maybe just at the zoo near the bird exhibit. Interesting to say the least...the actual appointment was beneficial and I must say...better than in the US...back rub, cracking the back plus...I tried acupuncture for the first time! Acupuncture...I remember seeing it before and thinking...nope...not me...not ever...but there I was with needles in my back!!!! It's a strange feeling...at first I felt fine...but then suddenly I got the urge to stand up and just run away...(although that would have been impossible with my back in its condition).Thankfully my back is slowly healing.

Monday, June 12, 2006
Courses?
What should I say? What should I write? How about of time when I asked to lift the dinning room table off the ground. I didn't mean to say that...I meant to ask if I could wash the table off...oops. The expression on my host's face was probably as priceless as the words which had come from my mouth. Another one....The other day I came home as usual and found my host...who loves sports...excitedly talking on the phone. I can only make out words and well...before I knew it he was hurriedly exclaiming that he needed to leave the house and did I want to come? I heard something about "course" which I had learned earlier describes race or contest. And we had to leave NOW if I wanted to come...I grabbed my dictionary and notebook and out the door we went. I wondered what kind of sporting event we were running late to. Had he just now gotten tickets? Hmmm....as he sped around the curves, I noticed we were going away from Annecy and where the action usually is. Curving this way and that we entered the industrial side of town. It was 6:55pm as we pulled into a parking lot. Yep...into a Hardware Store parking lot!! We weren't going to a game...we were going shopping!!! faire des courses.... "Est-ce que tu veux faire des courses avec moi?"So afterwards it all came together for me. There was an excellent sale on an item for that day only and the store closed at 7pm! =0) LOL! Thanks for all your encouraging comments. =0)

Wednesday, June 07, 2006
My Bike
I really don't plan to update this often, but today I have the time....so...J'ai loyé un vélo hier! (I rented a bike yesterday!) It is a beautiful thing and had been trying to get one since I got here. Excited...I mounted the bike and started for home. WAIT...where do I ride??? Sometimes the sidewalks are so narrow with people on them...occasionally there is a space for the bike on the road and other times...none...sometimes you ride in the bus lane...at least I think so.... Glup. So with courage I took off on the road hoping I was on the right side in the right place. So many cars! Rush hour is not the ideal time to ride a bike in a strange city where you don't know the rules for the first time! Thankful I came across a calm elderly man flowing along on his bike and followed him like a target. He stared at me a couple times, but I didn't care. I needed bike lessons and he was providing them! It is a distance home and after a bit I was off on my own and wow...I didn't realize how out of shape I was! My thighs were aching as I traveled into Seynod (a village near Annecy where I live). It wasn't until this morning as I rode back down to school that I realized why. It's up hill all the way home!!!! Today, I used my brakes more than my pedals to get down into the city. Down hill all the way...no flat ground...my bike could have had a motor on it. I'm living on a mountain and didn't even realize it. =0)Please pray for patience with my host family. At times I think it is frustrating for all of us because of the language barrier.

Monday, June 05, 2006
The Bubble
Thank SO MUCH for all of you who left me messages! It made me feel so loved! =0)So today is the second official day of classes, but I already feel like I have learned so much! And yet...not so much at the same time. Learning French comes in waves of confidence and knowledge. The words seem foreign to me...like I am talking underwater and I am shocked when the person actually understands me. "What? You actually understood what I said??? It makes sense???" Of course there is always the times when I hurry or don't think and then the person stares at me like I am slobbering or am speaking alien. It's a good thing I am still fairly ignorant or I think I'd be embarrassed about every 30 minutes or more during the day with what I actually say. Anyways...learning a language is like entering another world, fading out from the English and into the French. The picture above is with my friend Awo on the path that we get to walk on every day!!!

Friday, June 02, 2006
Different
The keyboard I am using reminds of when I first started typing, constantly looking at the letters to see where they are at and still making mistakes. I love it here and all I can do is smile and thank God for being with me and for helping on this trip. There have been so many blessings already. From meeting a girl going to Bethel in the fall who is studying nursing in Chicago to meeting Awo, a student also studying French who lives next door to me and students from Japan! (Makes me miss the kids down the street.) Diversity is all around. Annency is beautiful and I am finding people are patient with my limited French and I am learning and making mistakes and learning more. The family I am staying with is kind and as I observe around me, I remember the differences btwn the US and France....the pink toilet paper and the marble floors...amazing fresh bread with assortment of cheeses...the toilet which is separate from the bathroom...the long social dinners... One thing I was unprepared for is the weather! C'est froid! I will be wearing the same sweatshirt everyday I think. C'est pas grave. =o) Isaiah 41:10

Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Just a few more days!
I leave in less than 48 hours! What? I can hardly believe that all this planning is soon to turn to reality. It fills me with energy. The last few days have been a great combination of fun and laughter with family and friends (see pic)....with that last minute...ahhh!!! I got to get this and this and this done before I leave. But I have God's peace with me. I am thankful for all of the prayers behind me and the support. This is a trip that involves you too! Prayer requests that are the front of my mind include....-The Boyon Family who I will be staying with for the next month as I study French-That God's love will shine through me, and that I will continue to share about Jesus in France even with the language barrier-Health: I have been sick for that last 5 days...but feeling better!-Plans will continue to come together and for safety in traveling-Learning French would come quickly and I would have boldness and strength to do my best! Which can be hard at times...because I struggle with perfectionism. I will continue to learn and draw closer to God. Thanks for being part of my team!!!

Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Preparing
I can't believe that I am leaving in less than 3 weeks! Mixed emotions is what I have. I forgot how stressful it can be preparing for a trip, especially one with so many components to it! Please pray that I can use my time efficiently. I do not want the "busy" to interfere with devotions or the time I spend with my best friend and Savior. As the time grows nearer, I long to have even more time with Him and yet it is difficult to find the extra minutes in the day. I want to continue and prepare for this trip by attaining more scriptures and references for explaining why I believe what I believe and being ready to share. Also, I desire to have quality time with friends and family and form a few more memorable moments. =0) Monday, May 01, 2006Will Update Soon Hi! I don't know if anyone will look at this or not...but if you are reading this. Thanks. Thanks for being interested in what I am doing and also for wanting to pray for me. My goal is to have this site filled with more facts from Benin and France and what I will be doing in about 2 weeks because right now I need to focus on other getting paper work finished and running last minute errands and such. I still have a month before I leave, but I want to be well prepared so I am not stressed at the end. =0) So feel free to check back around Mother's Day! Hope you are doing well. =0)Joshua 1:9


Monday, April 24, 2006
Goal Life.
It is made up of seconds that turn into minutes and hours and days and years. Everyone gets the same amount for each year that they are alive. What do we do with them? It seems so easy to waste them at times. One goal in my life is to use my free time to impact others. To let them know that someone cares and maybe add a smile to their day. I want people to come to know Jesus Christ and to truly understand what that entails. My goal is to surrender my own desires and truly allow God to use me...all of me to shine His love to all I meet...here...in the US as well as where ever God may lead me to.