You Know You're in Africa When...

This list started the week I got here and has continued to grow some. Enjoy…

1) You take a bucket bath and it feels like it’s the best thing that’s ever happened
2) You see a live chicken running through the isle at church
3) The sound of the generator is what lulls you to sleep
4) Children yell “hello” wherever you go and calling you “whiteman” or “Apato” (whiteman in Temmne)
5) See little boys wearing pantyhose as pants
6) You have to pour water into the toilet so that it will flush
7) You drive around town and off to the side of the road…there’s always a man peeing
8) Some of the children are terrified of you because you are white
9) Sit in church for 2 ½ hours and that’s a short service
10) All the children want to hold your hand or touch you

Joy in the small things

SO...I was at the Fistula clinic today. It's my Thursday job where I usually just help out with crafts and such. It hit me today as I was rolling my 10th ball of yarn that God calls us to rejoice in all things...even the small, seemingly menial tasks. The women at this clinic are young and almost all have experienced the loss of a child. Getting more "thread" as they call is may be the best thing that happens to them all day. As I was running around trying to get everyone what they needed/wanted...God just reminded me how much He loves these women. These women come from all over Sierra Leone and the people they meet at the clinic may be the only Jesus they ever see. And so, in giving out thread, helping sew, or even coloring sometimes...I need to be a light for Him. To give with a smile and a touch...to let them know that they are seen and loved. It is a blessing to serve them, no matter what job I'm doing or how little it seems. Pray for these women - that the would come to know Him.

One Month

Welcome to my Sierra Leone blogspot. I think this will be a good way to sort out thoughts and you can check my pictures too. This past month has been absolutely amazing! I can hardly believe it's already been a month and in other ways it feels like I've already been here 6 months. A lot has happened and God has done so much already.

I am finally settling in to my routine (I think!) and beginning to figure stuff out. Still so much to learn. God is teaching me a lot about faith and continually believing Him. That He is who He says He is and that He can do what He says He can do. I truly believe that, but sometimes it's easy to forget that in the midst of circumstances. He is and has been so good. The transition to a different culture is still hard at times but I'm trusting Him to lead me through. I'm praying for His wisdom, insight, and discernment as I work with the staff and patients. I know that He has brought me here at this time, for a purpose. I will trust Him to do His will.

Thank you for continuing to be apart of this time with me. I'm looking forward to continually sharing with you all that the Lord is doing here in Sierra Leone. Enjoy the pictures :) Love you guys!