I know that today only marks 6 days since I left home, but I woke up this morning really wanting to be home. I'm not sure what the driving force behind the feeling was other than maybe because it is Father's Day and Sunday and with those two biggies I was hurting. This marks the second Father's Day to be away from home with the family, and I don't like it. I know I am where I am supposed to be, but it can still be hard. All that to say, Happy Father's Day, Dad! I love you.
I knew that I would probably struggle today with going to a different church, so a few days ago I asked Lisa if we could go to the most Americanized church this week. I know that may sound bad, but I figured singing songs that I was more familiar with would make a huge difference. And it did. It was cool to sing "Great is Thy Faithfulness," "How Great is Our God," "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord" with the African church. It was so loud! I loved it. I tried to sing louder and louder but still could not sing louder than them. I can't wait to sing songs with the little kids blaring them at the top of their lungs. It will be hard to wipe the smile off my face then. Today was a good reminder of the church around the world worshiping the same God! It doesn't matter where we are, God is the same. I can't tell you what a comfort that was for me this morning.
It was quite the culture experience for me to step out of the building after service and see ice cream and other treats being sold. Just another reminder that I am not home! Ice cream did sound like a good idea although I passed it by because as they would say here, "It is hot-o!" I think today has been the hottest so far.
With that being the case, it was definitely time to take a plunge in the ocean. It still amazes me how beautiful the ocean view is. It is a different feeling sitting on the porch, looking out at the ocean, and it not being commercialized. It is nice.
We had to send our clothes bag up to Bopolu today in preparation for the drop off in the bush. Sure hope we packed all we needed. This is going to be fun! I've decided to turn it into my very own version of Survivor! I figure if I keep thinking of it that way, I will be fine! :)
In all seriousness though, please pray. Pray we don't get sick. Pray we get good sleep. And pray God changes so many lives!
I am praying for both of you and I hope your father's day went well. I've been getting updates from Jen and look forward to getting some more good news from the field :)
ReplyDeleteAl, I am so proud of you. We missed you at Josh's, but we know you are in the place God has for you today. I'm sorry we couldn't get a better skype connection. I know you will be a great survivor! As you awake each morning, be reminded of the great God you serve and that He is smiling at you because you are His daughter. I'm smiling, too, because you are my daughter! You are all a dad could ask for. I love you!
ReplyDeleteHi dear daughter! Wow, I hope you get this before you leave. We did miss you today, but you were in our hearts and prayers. The brothers thought it was so funny that when I tried to talk with you on skype that we would lose connection.:) I love you so much and know that you and the Lord are going to make a great team in the first village you go to. My how those children will fall in love with your smile, your beautiful outer beauty, but more importantly, your inner beauty and strength. I praise the Lord for you and how you are seeking to please Him in all you do. He is with you, Al.
ReplyDeleteHe will provide for you and He loves you so much.
Thank you so much for the card you gave to dad at the airport to give to me. How it touched my heart. I am with you in prayer, in my heart, and in my love for you. I look forward to hearing from you this weekend. Many are praying for you. Remember Ps. 16:8,9 "I have set the Lord continually before me, because He is at my right hand, I will not be shakened. Therefore, my heart and flesh will dwell securely." I love you.
Ah sweet girl!
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful your sweet mama sent me your "blog"! Now I can keep up with you while you are there. I have a sweet friend who lived in Liberia at least a year. She just came back last summer I think. If I can find it- I will send you her blog as it might be very helpful to you.
Know you are being prayed for and lifted up to our Abba who loves you dearly!
Hugs,
Miss Donna (Ed and Donna Lewis in Charlottesville, VA)
Hi Al,
ReplyDeleteSure do miss you. I can't wait to hear from you when you get back on Friday. I am praying for you. I love you so much. It is wonderful to know that God is using you and working in and through you. He is an awesome God and loves you so much.
Day by day, and with each passing moment, Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment, I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure, Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Every day the Lord Himself is near me, With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure," This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then, in every tribulation, So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation, Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting, E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting, Till I reach the promised land.
Hope the words of this song minister to you greatly.
MOM