Today, the rest of the Beloit crew (4 other girls) arrived, as well as a group from Franklin College. The FC people are only here for 2 weeks, and it's already clear we have different preparations and expectations. For example, none of them speak French, while for us, proficiency was a requirement to go on the program.
It's amazing the rate at which people can move between French and Wolof, and even the occasional English words. We all discussed how fascinating it is. People will even ask a question in one language and the response will be in another! I found myself doing the same in my journal, writing mostly in French, switching to English, throwing in the Wolof phrases. It's just a part of life here.
We went on a bit of a tour of downtown Dakar, leaving us anxious to start our "real" lives here. We're moving to host families tomorrow night, and I'm a little nervous, but mostly excited.
And the accompanying verses:
Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice:
“ Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom,
And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:
“ Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
Revelation 5:11-13
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Bed Nets and Jet Lag
I'm very spoiled right now with constant internet. This may change once I move in with my host family.
A friend of mine who travels overseas a lot said that if I could stay awake until nighttime, jet lag would be a non-issue. Easier said than done. I was given a lot of time to rest yesterday, and though I wouldn't feel tired, the more I laid down the less I wanted to get up. I was also fed a lot of really good food. And yes, somehow I did make it until about 9pm. That's very early, especially here, but I really hadn't slept and I wanted to be functional when the other students got here.
Getting the mosquito net situated was interesting. For some reason I had difficulty spreading it out in way that would be comfortable to lay under...not as simple as you might think. I found it a little challenging to fall asleep, even though I was so tired, because of the net and the noise outside my window. The mosque is not far from my building and there was a lot of singing/chanting last night. Early this morning, I heard the call to prayer. I wrote a lot in my journal yesterday about wanting to meet other Christians and hear their stories.
I got this verse this morning:
Behold, I have made your face strong against their faces, and your forehead strong against their foreheads. Ezekiel 3:8
A friend of mine who travels overseas a lot said that if I could stay awake until nighttime, jet lag would be a non-issue. Easier said than done. I was given a lot of time to rest yesterday, and though I wouldn't feel tired, the more I laid down the less I wanted to get up. I was also fed a lot of really good food. And yes, somehow I did make it until about 9pm. That's very early, especially here, but I really hadn't slept and I wanted to be functional when the other students got here.
Getting the mosquito net situated was interesting. For some reason I had difficulty spreading it out in way that would be comfortable to lay under...not as simple as you might think. I found it a little challenging to fall asleep, even though I was so tired, because of the net and the noise outside my window. The mosque is not far from my building and there was a lot of singing/chanting last night. Early this morning, I heard the call to prayer. I wrote a lot in my journal yesterday about wanting to meet other Christians and hear their stories.
I got this verse this morning:
Behold, I have made your face strong against their faces, and your forehead strong against their foreheads. Ezekiel 3:8
Man Dama Toubab (I'm a foreigner)
I still haven't slept since...well I don't really know when, so bear with me here.
Stepping off the plane was incredible. It honestly took my breath away, realizing how faithful God has been every step of the way. I could smell the ocean, and wow was that perfect. I made it through immigration/baggage/money changing/customs/finding my ride in a blend of English, French, and Wolof. I was given some time to rest, and I discovered that I could get on the internet. I sent messages to friends, and then just went to God in prayer.
I read things in the Bible like Let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven (Lamentations 3:41) and in my French Bible, I read from Psalm 139, You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways.You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me (verses 2-3, 5). The verses from Psalm 139 are some of my favorite traveling verses. Some translations even say "You know my travels and my rest"
And when we took a taxi carrying water "home", and children pointed me out, calling me toubab, I started thinking. Without Jesus, we do not belong in God's kingdom. We are the outsiders, the foreigners, the ones who do not deserve to be there and don't even speak the language. But what Christ did was unite the world. No more are we strangers; we are friends, even family.
In my head, this all fits together somehow.
Anyway, I haven't really taken pictures yet, but I took one of the room I'm staying in right now. That door is to a private bathroom. There's also a t.v. (which I haven't turned on), a small refrigerator (which people keep giving me liters of water to put in it). I laughed because the mosquito net looks just like the princess canopy I always wanted :) Just 15 years too late.
Stepping off the plane was incredible. It honestly took my breath away, realizing how faithful God has been every step of the way. I could smell the ocean, and wow was that perfect. I made it through immigration/baggage/money changing/customs/finding my ride in a blend of English, French, and Wolof. I was given some time to rest, and I discovered that I could get on the internet. I sent messages to friends, and then just went to God in prayer.
I read things in the Bible like Let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven (Lamentations 3:41) and in my French Bible, I read from Psalm 139, You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways.You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me (verses 2-3, 5). The verses from Psalm 139 are some of my favorite traveling verses. Some translations even say "You know my travels and my rest"
And when we took a taxi carrying water "home", and children pointed me out, calling me toubab, I started thinking. Without Jesus, we do not belong in God's kingdom. We are the outsiders, the foreigners, the ones who do not deserve to be there and don't even speak the language. But what Christ did was unite the world. No more are we strangers; we are friends, even family.
In my head, this all fits together somehow.
Anyway, I haven't really taken pictures yet, but I took one of the room I'm staying in right now. That door is to a private bathroom. There's also a t.v. (which I haven't turned on), a small refrigerator (which people keep giving me liters of water to put in it). I laughed because the mosquito net looks just like the princess canopy I always wanted :) Just 15 years too late.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
In His Hands
On Friday morning, around 8am, I'll be heading to the airport to embark on an incredible journey. A part of me is still in awe. The other is surprised and my own wonder. I've been planning this for over a year, when I started filling out my application for the program. Yes, despite the fact that I've been talking about Senegal for this long, it didn't feel real until recently. There were bursts of excitement at getting approved and buying plane tickets and learning Wolof, sure.
It was last week, though, when I picked up my anti-malaria pills that it all started to sink in. And all week I've woken up in the morning thinking, "I am going to be on the other side of the world in 6...5...4... days" And although this has bred some tremendous excitement, it's also fostered nerves.
So when a friend called to see if it would be a good time to have the gov team pray for me, I eagerly accepted. It reassured my comfort not only in the Lord's presence and provision, but in His plan. It just makes me so excited to be a part of it.
Just wanted to share this verse that I read that I think goes along with all my feelings quite well:
"For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but your life shall be as a prize to you, because you have put your trust in Me,” says the LORD. Jeremiah 39:18
I will trust Him
It was last week, though, when I picked up my anti-malaria pills that it all started to sink in. And all week I've woken up in the morning thinking, "I am going to be on the other side of the world in 6...5...4... days" And although this has bred some tremendous excitement, it's also fostered nerves.
So when a friend called to see if it would be a good time to have the gov team pray for me, I eagerly accepted. It reassured my comfort not only in the Lord's presence and provision, but in His plan. It just makes me so excited to be a part of it.
Just wanted to share this verse that I read that I think goes along with all my feelings quite well:
"For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but your life shall be as a prize to you, because you have put your trust in Me,” says the LORD. Jeremiah 39:18
I will trust Him
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Love Came Down
Everyone probably knows by now how I feel about Kari Jobe. She worships. It just drips from her voice. People tell me about hearing her for the first time and they say, wow you really can hear the worship. Being the fan that I am, I follow her on facebook. Recently, she recommended Bethel Live's album "Be Lifted Up", saying that it brought the presence of God so strongly that it moved her to tears within seconds of having it on. Of course, I had to check it out. I can't resist His presence!
Breathtaking doesn't even cover it. Honestly swept off my feet by the very real presence of my Savior. I was crying before I even realized what the lyrics were. So, so beautiful.
I remind myself of all that You’ve done
And the life I have because Your Son
Love came down and rescued me
Love came down and set me free
I am Yours I am forever Yours
Mountain high or valley low
I sing out remind my soul
I am Yours I am forever Yours
Love came down in Jesus to show us what He really feels for us, and to give us the gift of His eternal presence!
Honor and majesty are [found] in His presence; strength and joy are [found] in His sanctuary. 1 Chronicles 16: 27
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16: 11
Be silent in the presence of the Lord GOD; For the day of the LORD is at hand, for the LORD has prepared a sacrifice; He has invited His guests. Zephaniah 1: 7
Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:21-24
Breathtaking doesn't even cover it. Honestly swept off my feet by the very real presence of my Savior. I was crying before I even realized what the lyrics were. So, so beautiful.
I remind myself of all that You’ve done
And the life I have because Your Son
Love came down and rescued me
Love came down and set me free
I am Yours I am forever Yours
Mountain high or valley low
I sing out remind my soul
I am Yours I am forever Yours
Love came down in Jesus to show us what He really feels for us, and to give us the gift of His eternal presence!
Honor and majesty are [found] in His presence; strength and joy are [found] in His sanctuary. 1 Chronicles 16: 27
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16: 11
Be silent in the presence of the Lord GOD; For the day of the LORD is at hand, for the LORD has prepared a sacrifice; He has invited His guests. Zephaniah 1: 7
Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:21-24
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Anger to Peace
Pour out your heart like water before the Lord
This phrase from Lamentations 2:19 caught my eye as I was going through old journals. There's something so simple and so pure about it, something so intimate and precious.
Today as I did that, I realized I was angry. It takes a lot to evoke this feeling from me. I was trying to thank God in all circumstances, even (especially) the unpleasant ones, and do you know what, I just didn't feel like it. I threw my Bible back onto my bed, and said, "Lord, I don't know what's going on right now. And I know I'm supposed to thank You in this situation, but I really don't feel like it"
I've been reading through Isaiah, and the Lord gently reminded me of some of what I've been learning.
One of my very favorite verses says:
"For the mountains shall depart
And the hills be removed,
But My kindness shall not depart from you,
Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,”
Says the LORD, who has mercy on you. Isaiah 54:10
And just this morning I read,
In all their affliction He was afflicted,
And the Angel of His Presence saved them;
In His love and in His pity He redeemed them;
And He bore them and carried them
All the days of old. Isaiah 63:9
There's so much wealth in these verses. It brings a new spirit to my heart. His covenant of peace shall not be removed from me; He carries me. So even though there's too much going on for me to handle, I can't be angry. His promises are just too wonderful.
Therefore now you have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. John 16:22
And I will wait on the Lord, who hides His face from the house of Jacob; and I will hope in Him. Isaiah 8:17
This phrase from Lamentations 2:19 caught my eye as I was going through old journals. There's something so simple and so pure about it, something so intimate and precious.
Today as I did that, I realized I was angry. It takes a lot to evoke this feeling from me. I was trying to thank God in all circumstances, even (especially) the unpleasant ones, and do you know what, I just didn't feel like it. I threw my Bible back onto my bed, and said, "Lord, I don't know what's going on right now. And I know I'm supposed to thank You in this situation, but I really don't feel like it"
I've been reading through Isaiah, and the Lord gently reminded me of some of what I've been learning.
One of my very favorite verses says:
"For the mountains shall depart
And the hills be removed,
But My kindness shall not depart from you,
Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,”
Says the LORD, who has mercy on you. Isaiah 54:10
And just this morning I read,
In all their affliction He was afflicted,
And the Angel of His Presence saved them;
In His love and in His pity He redeemed them;
And He bore them and carried them
All the days of old. Isaiah 63:9
There's so much wealth in these verses. It brings a new spirit to my heart. His covenant of peace shall not be removed from me; He carries me. So even though there's too much going on for me to handle, I can't be angry. His promises are just too wonderful.
Therefore now you have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. John 16:22
And I will wait on the Lord, who hides His face from the house of Jacob; and I will hope in Him. Isaiah 8:17
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Joy To The World
Well it's Christmas, kids. And although my home life is in shambles, I have to believe that God has a plan in all of this. If nothing else, it's pulled me so much closer into His arms. Because right now, I literally have no joy but that which I have in Christ. Today is truly a test to see if God is enough for me.
And while I wish that things were different, though I pray for reconciliation and healing, and knowledge of Jesus as Savior, I'm going to be ok. Jesus doesn't make things easy, He makes things possible.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying “ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:13-14
And while I wish that things were different, though I pray for reconciliation and healing, and knowledge of Jesus as Savior, I'm going to be ok. Jesus doesn't make things easy, He makes things possible.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying “ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:13-14
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