hey all! the last week has been nothing less than epic. man...to recap. thursday--a few of us on the team went to crescent island in navaisha, kenya. unreal. we packed lunches and took a boat to the island. from the island...we hiked around for 4 hrs, chased wildabeests, walked and had lunch with giraffes, ect. im telling you-i felt like i was in national geographic. the great part of the island is-there are NO predators other than hippos. you have to watch out for those. they kill more people in africa than any other animal. very territorial and quite violent. anywho-ill post my pics on facebook soon. Friday--masai mara. everyone should go there. hands down. it is just another way of seeing--God showing off. this place is FULL of animals. if you have heard of the african serengeti...well that is in Tanzania (a neighbor to kenya)...and the serengeti becomes the masai mara once you cross into kenya. the greatest part of this time of year: the wildabeest migration. Millions of wildabeest and zebras begin their annual migration in july which lasts until sept. i was able to see the 1st groups come into kenya. so surreal. highlights of the trip--FINALLY SEEING ELEPHANTS IN THE WILD!!!!! im telling you--im obsessed. i can not get enough of them. the 1st herd i spotted--i yelped and said STOPPPP. they were off in the distance...little did i know i would see hundreds and they would walk infront of my car. magical. we also saw lions (quite a few--even caught 2 different couples mating--really felt like natl geographic), cheetahs (wait for those pics!), monkeys, tons of birds, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, tons of deer like things, hippos and crocs. nothing makes you feel alive...like pulling up to a few lions basking in the sun.
so now...i write to you from good ole katy texas. got home yesterday afternoon after 24 hrs of travel. praise the Lord we were upgraded to business class from kenya to london...makes such a difference on an overnight flight. yesterday was NOT my day of traveling though. i was "randomly" searched 3 times yesterday. yes, 3. then...they took my carry on and checked it because i had 2 wooden letter openers. whoops. so yeah, i was worn out and ready to be home. 1st stop off the plane--DIET DR PEPPER. hmm hmm good. i am home for 5 days--then off to new zealand and australia for vacation. no work. all play. amen. hope to see many of you in the next few days.
many more adventures to come,
megs
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
baboons and broken internet...
both so common in africa :) i was taking breakfast yesterday morning on the back porch which overlooks the rift valley...when a good sized baboon decided to perch 10 ft from me. after i caught my breath, i slowly made my way indoors. they are known for attacking humans....and if you want to remain disease free....you keep clear of them. an experience nonetheless.
to recap--our flights were great from london to tanzania to kenya. didnt get much sleep on the flight which i feel like i am still trying to catch up with time zones and night flights..but im feeling pretty good. the greatest part of my flights--passing over the french alps at sunset. unreal. then...drumroll....MT KILIMANJARO. oh my goodness, no words can express how awesome it is to fly directly over her. she must be climbed....someday.
kenya has been awesome. it feels like i was here just yesterday..though it was a year ago. i was warmly greeted by the hospital workers...who are all the same as last year. kenyans are the warmest and most genuine welcoming committee you could ever want. i love it. i taught yesterday and was given great reviews. apparently, i am a gifted speaker--who knew??? i can barely remember what i said through the profuse sweating and constant thought of...am i making any sense here?? good thing, the Lord takes over and makes all things work. wheeew, thank you Lord.
work is done for me...now just play. tomorrow will entail of a volcano hike and then Friday---4 of us are off to the masai mara for the safari of a lifetime. im not kidding when i say this--i have never been so excited to go see BIG STINKIN animals. elephants and lions here i come...well, in a car and well protected, of course. oh and check this out--our tents are smack in the middle of a moat--so animals can not eat us in the middle of the night. um....AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!
the technology transfer workshop for the LEGS knee went really well. its so interesting to see how different cultures embrace technology. we were told that the minister of health in senegal was so impressed that he wants to invite all the neighboring west african countries next year. unbelievable that a small, christian engineering school in east texas--can develop a knee and take it to the other side of the world. purely, the Lords favor.
thats it for me--i will try to post after the safari. i am unable to get online with my computer so no pics until i get home on the 14th. sorry for that.
please pray for safety as we are traveling 4 hrs from nairobi for the safari...the roads and driving here are an adventure in itself. asante (thank you in swahili).
megs
to recap--our flights were great from london to tanzania to kenya. didnt get much sleep on the flight which i feel like i am still trying to catch up with time zones and night flights..but im feeling pretty good. the greatest part of my flights--passing over the french alps at sunset. unreal. then...drumroll....MT KILIMANJARO. oh my goodness, no words can express how awesome it is to fly directly over her. she must be climbed....someday.
kenya has been awesome. it feels like i was here just yesterday..though it was a year ago. i was warmly greeted by the hospital workers...who are all the same as last year. kenyans are the warmest and most genuine welcoming committee you could ever want. i love it. i taught yesterday and was given great reviews. apparently, i am a gifted speaker--who knew??? i can barely remember what i said through the profuse sweating and constant thought of...am i making any sense here?? good thing, the Lord takes over and makes all things work. wheeew, thank you Lord.
work is done for me...now just play. tomorrow will entail of a volcano hike and then Friday---4 of us are off to the masai mara for the safari of a lifetime. im not kidding when i say this--i have never been so excited to go see BIG STINKIN animals. elephants and lions here i come...well, in a car and well protected, of course. oh and check this out--our tents are smack in the middle of a moat--so animals can not eat us in the middle of the night. um....AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!
the technology transfer workshop for the LEGS knee went really well. its so interesting to see how different cultures embrace technology. we were told that the minister of health in senegal was so impressed that he wants to invite all the neighboring west african countries next year. unbelievable that a small, christian engineering school in east texas--can develop a knee and take it to the other side of the world. purely, the Lords favor.
thats it for me--i will try to post after the safari. i am unable to get online with my computer so no pics until i get home on the 14th. sorry for that.
please pray for safety as we are traveling 4 hrs from nairobi for the safari...the roads and driving here are an adventure in itself. asante (thank you in swahili).
megs
Saturday, July 4, 2009
I can be bought....
for 700 USD. yes sirry, we were bumped off our kenya flight only to be financially reimbursed. initially, we were going to fly to Johannesburg, south africa (11 hrs) then to kenya (7+ hrs) BUT....they re-routed us through Tanzania (a neighboring country to Kenya)...so it turns out to be only an additional 3 hrs in the air....but another night flight. im not sure if you have slept overnight on a plane...but you might as well pull an all nighter. its pretty uncomfortable...but like i said....for 780 USD...ill miss a night of sleep. that takes me to now...im sitting in the BA business lounge on FREE internet eating FREE yummy food on comfy couches for another 7 hrs until the flight. suffering for Jesus :) josh (a LEGS engineering student) and i are trying to act casual up here....but we keep giggling. life is good. and mom--i now arrive to Kenya July 5th at 11 am.
now to recap the week in senegal. lets go back to sunday where i wore my traditional african clothing and we went to church. it was such a neat experience...although we could barely understand the service. the church is primarily made up of west african believers...so many different countries represented. it always amazes me....how a person can be redeemed. just one. then i look at the globe....and i am speechless. the Lord is moving--He is coming to people in dreams, markets, churches, you name it. A great reminder---that He does not need me. I need Him. I want to be a part of this rushing river of salvation.
after church, we went to Ile de Gorree--where the "point of no return" is-- which is the last stop before the slaves were shipped to the americas and europe. unreal. i stood in the doorway and watched the waves crash in...and could carely breath. i can not imagine being torn away from my family and shipped to an unknown land to be a slave to an unknown man. such a dark spot in history.
monday-thursday was spent working at the handicap center. by work, i mean...the LEGS workshop. the engineers went with the prosthetists...and taught them how to make the knee. its so neat to see how hungry the senagalese are for independence and for technology. the Nevius's (host family) shared with us that because Senegal was colonized by the French--and while it is free now---many of the large corporations are owned by French who will not relinquish control and knowledge. thus--by us coming to senegal to TEACH them technology so they are no longer dependent on others--gives them dignity. what is better than diginity? they were so thankful and joyful to learn. i worked with 2 local PTs who were european trained--thus--were extremely savvy. the teaching aspect quickly turned to discussion. i love an exchange of knowledge and experience. i found myself really wishing i could speak french but very thankful for my translators who were both believers. the week ended with a closing ceremony that was on national TV and attended by the head administrator to all Senegalese hospitals. this is huge as we want to find favor with the government. God is strategic...
as for me, i am doing well. i have been sick the last 3 days with the oh so fun "intestinal travelers tummy". im pretty sick of just eating bread and water....but there are worse things. i tell you what...you dont complain about food in africa. starvation and poverty is so tangible. thankfulness abounds. senegal was incredible--i connected with so many people and some--i will stay in contact for life. His favor was evident...and i think i realized one of my gifts. I am not so hot at all out evangelism....but I am gifted at encouraging those on the ground that are evangelizing. i come alive when given the chance to pour into others.
the schedule in senegal was exhausting b/c we had to be together 100% of the time due to traveling across the capital town to the hospitals. we left the house daily at 7:30 am and didnt return until 6 pm. long days in heat without AC. im not complaining though--there is something great about working hard, sweating, and being exhausted at the end of the day.
so yeah, all is well. we will arrive in kenya tom and i will update you all. off to enjoy the business lounge couches...by taking a nap :)
megs
now to recap the week in senegal. lets go back to sunday where i wore my traditional african clothing and we went to church. it was such a neat experience...although we could barely understand the service. the church is primarily made up of west african believers...so many different countries represented. it always amazes me....how a person can be redeemed. just one. then i look at the globe....and i am speechless. the Lord is moving--He is coming to people in dreams, markets, churches, you name it. A great reminder---that He does not need me. I need Him. I want to be a part of this rushing river of salvation.
after church, we went to Ile de Gorree--where the "point of no return" is-- which is the last stop before the slaves were shipped to the americas and europe. unreal. i stood in the doorway and watched the waves crash in...and could carely breath. i can not imagine being torn away from my family and shipped to an unknown land to be a slave to an unknown man. such a dark spot in history.
monday-thursday was spent working at the handicap center. by work, i mean...the LEGS workshop. the engineers went with the prosthetists...and taught them how to make the knee. its so neat to see how hungry the senagalese are for independence and for technology. the Nevius's (host family) shared with us that because Senegal was colonized by the French--and while it is free now---many of the large corporations are owned by French who will not relinquish control and knowledge. thus--by us coming to senegal to TEACH them technology so they are no longer dependent on others--gives them dignity. what is better than diginity? they were so thankful and joyful to learn. i worked with 2 local PTs who were european trained--thus--were extremely savvy. the teaching aspect quickly turned to discussion. i love an exchange of knowledge and experience. i found myself really wishing i could speak french but very thankful for my translators who were both believers. the week ended with a closing ceremony that was on national TV and attended by the head administrator to all Senegalese hospitals. this is huge as we want to find favor with the government. God is strategic...
as for me, i am doing well. i have been sick the last 3 days with the oh so fun "intestinal travelers tummy". im pretty sick of just eating bread and water....but there are worse things. i tell you what...you dont complain about food in africa. starvation and poverty is so tangible. thankfulness abounds. senegal was incredible--i connected with so many people and some--i will stay in contact for life. His favor was evident...and i think i realized one of my gifts. I am not so hot at all out evangelism....but I am gifted at encouraging those on the ground that are evangelizing. i come alive when given the chance to pour into others.
the schedule in senegal was exhausting b/c we had to be together 100% of the time due to traveling across the capital town to the hospitals. we left the house daily at 7:30 am and didnt return until 6 pm. long days in heat without AC. im not complaining though--there is something great about working hard, sweating, and being exhausted at the end of the day.
so yeah, all is well. we will arrive in kenya tom and i will update you all. off to enjoy the business lounge couches...by taking a nap :)
megs
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Neighborhood kids and chebya
hey all..the last few days have been a whirlwind. we, as a team, went out into the bush to see some agriculture sites and landed in a city named st louis. obvisouly, i know nothing about ag..but some of the other engineers are looking for projects to partner with from the US. really neat. anywho--i posted pics on my facebook account from the last few days. ok back to saint louis--it was the former capital of senegal until the 1900s. it is a run down version of new orleans. pretty interesting history that i will not bore you with. onto the highlights---hmmm, let me see. we stayed in a rustic hotel--no AC and complimentary room bombing for bugs and mosquito nets. needless to say, i might have slept 4 hrs. a good experience, nonetheless.
the best part of the trip was yesterday. Pastor Malik and his wife Feliune--who are the only known people trying to minister to the most unreached people group in senegal--the Wolof. these 2 individuals blew me away. they set up a womens center a few years ago and the Lord has given them favor. within the center--is a school where women from 14+ can be trained in sewing, embroidere, cooking,ect so they have a valuable trade. most importantly, they share the gospel with them daily. the women know when they attend this school--they will hear about Jesus. they are meeting such a practical need to change the lives of so many women--as well as meeting a spirital need. imagine how this opportunity will change generations to come.
this brings me to the highlight of yesterday--KIDDOS! it is really hard to take pics of people as a whole here b/c they believe you are going to later cast a spell on them or take the pic to a Maribou who will. Maribou are prestigious men in the muslim faith who dabble in the occult. their shrouded veil images are ALL over here. you havent seen creepy until you have seen this. the most mind blowing aspect is--people give, yes give, their children to these men. one maribou may have 50-200 kids that he takes loving care of...NOT exactly. he makes them panhandle all day and if they do not come back with 500 CFA (~1 USD), they are mistreated. because giving alms is one of the 5 pillars of islam, money is frequently given to kids. ok so--feloiune and her husband contacted a maribou (which is rather unheard of) and with Gods favor--they provide a free meal and heathcare for the boys once a month. a nurse is on staff who checks them out, takes a pic for documentation, and basic meds that are donated from the US are given. well...news is traveling and now 3 maribou have allowed their boys to come. i was able to witness 53 boys being taken care. some of my pics are the young ones--who are still longing for attention. they were in my face, holding my hand, singing to me and so excited to just be kids for a day. the older boys--are so hardened. they have this certain glaze over their eyes...breaks my heart.
also in the pics---are the neighborhood kiddos that heard we had balloons. they LOVED them. we played for hours though i can not speak wolof. they sang song to me...i tried to sing along...they laughed. it was awesome. little girls just wanting to be held, doing my hair, and scratching my arms to see if there was black underneath. so sweet.
a great day...needless to say. today--i was able to be alone for the 1st time since arriving. it has been wonderful. we are going to the market again today and tommorow is church where...drumroll....i will be wearing my african outfit. a beautiful top and skirt. i cant wait!!! pics to come with that on. my host family says they can find a groom for me--esp with that outfit on. im sure my dad would love that.
everytime i sit down to write just a bit---i write a novel. sorry for that. love you all....
megs
the best part of the trip was yesterday. Pastor Malik and his wife Feliune--who are the only known people trying to minister to the most unreached people group in senegal--the Wolof. these 2 individuals blew me away. they set up a womens center a few years ago and the Lord has given them favor. within the center--is a school where women from 14+ can be trained in sewing, embroidere, cooking,ect so they have a valuable trade. most importantly, they share the gospel with them daily. the women know when they attend this school--they will hear about Jesus. they are meeting such a practical need to change the lives of so many women--as well as meeting a spirital need. imagine how this opportunity will change generations to come.
this brings me to the highlight of yesterday--KIDDOS! it is really hard to take pics of people as a whole here b/c they believe you are going to later cast a spell on them or take the pic to a Maribou who will. Maribou are prestigious men in the muslim faith who dabble in the occult. their shrouded veil images are ALL over here. you havent seen creepy until you have seen this. the most mind blowing aspect is--people give, yes give, their children to these men. one maribou may have 50-200 kids that he takes loving care of...NOT exactly. he makes them panhandle all day and if they do not come back with 500 CFA (~1 USD), they are mistreated. because giving alms is one of the 5 pillars of islam, money is frequently given to kids. ok so--feloiune and her husband contacted a maribou (which is rather unheard of) and with Gods favor--they provide a free meal and heathcare for the boys once a month. a nurse is on staff who checks them out, takes a pic for documentation, and basic meds that are donated from the US are given. well...news is traveling and now 3 maribou have allowed their boys to come. i was able to witness 53 boys being taken care. some of my pics are the young ones--who are still longing for attention. they were in my face, holding my hand, singing to me and so excited to just be kids for a day. the older boys--are so hardened. they have this certain glaze over their eyes...breaks my heart.
also in the pics---are the neighborhood kiddos that heard we had balloons. they LOVED them. we played for hours though i can not speak wolof. they sang song to me...i tried to sing along...they laughed. it was awesome. little girls just wanting to be held, doing my hair, and scratching my arms to see if there was black underneath. so sweet.
a great day...needless to say. today--i was able to be alone for the 1st time since arriving. it has been wonderful. we are going to the market again today and tommorow is church where...drumroll....i will be wearing my african outfit. a beautiful top and skirt. i cant wait!!! pics to come with that on. my host family says they can find a groom for me--esp with that outfit on. im sure my dad would love that.
everytime i sit down to write just a bit---i write a novel. sorry for that. love you all....
megs
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Bonjour from Senegal
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
back in the groove of writing...
so here goes nothing. oh and i am not capitalizing or using proper english...b/c its my blog :) lets recap the last few days. i flew to london on thurs evening, BA stole my brand new nikon camera( i think), and i spent 3 great days in england. had a great time with my friend nicola and reunited with an elementary school friend that is marrying a brit. i love how paths twist and turn in life--and if you are lucly enough--you get to re-meet some people. anywho--after 3 days in england, i met the LEGS team and we took the "chunnel" to paris then a flight to senegal. yes, that means i was in 3 countries in 1 day. i felt like i was on the amazing race...minus the glam. landing in senegal was surreal...looking out the window onto a flat, dry, dusty and unknown country sent a rush to my heart--with a tad of fear, if i am honest. after making it through customs, i always take deeper breaths and thank the Lord for his provision. all of our bags arrived and we were off to the missionary home. oh--key thing--we were greeted by missionaries that have been in west africa for 20 years--and they speak wolof and french. my french is improving by the hour--as i am trying to communicate. as far as wolof--well, im in trouble :)
today was our 1st day on the ground and it was incredible. we met with 2 handicap centers--to discuss our role, goals, and i offered up my services. they were excited to have me--so i will spend tom with a group of 15 physiotherapists (some of which were trained in europe). should be interesting. here is where i wish i could rattle off french and didnt need a translator. unfortunately, bonjour doesnt get too far.
my translator today was awesome--her name is Ndeye and she shared her testimony with me when we had an alone moment in the taxi. keep in mind that 95% of this country is muslim as i tell you this. she distinctly remembers thinking Jesus Christ was truth at 5 yrs old. how amazing...as she had not been taught about him in her muslim home. at 20, she prayed for the Lord to confirm that He was the hope for her future and eternity. She asked that He would confirm that mohammad was not the true savior. in that very moment, she felt a flood of peace. she knew Jesus was her Lord and saviour. this made my eyes well up with the tears. the cost of becoming a beliver for ndeye: her husband left her with 2 small boys. she was a single parent in a 3rd world country with few opportunities. the reward--her father saw her strength amongst the pain and accepted the Lord as his saviour. this is what life is about. the pain and refinement--so that the Lord is given glory. Her story makes me want to get up in the morning. I love that we serve a God who redeems and restores. He is indeed good.
another highlight of the day--i had a meeting with a group of PTs which was a tad unnerving. i walked into a room with 5 women and 2 men--and my lovely translator. they wanted to hear from me. about what i asked??? i hate feeling unprepared. its not as if i knew id meet them...but still, its like showing up to a test without studying. i took a deep breath and prayed that the Lord would bridge our cultural gaps. He did. He gave me peace, words, and we became friends. how you might ask?? fashion. these woman are decked out in the most beautiful african clothing, gold jewerly galore and head coverings that would make your jaw drop. after discussing business, i commented on their clothing and how i admire that they do rehab in this. they laughed...and walls fell down. its amazing how laughter does that. i commented on one woman's bracelets--and she quickly removed one and put in on my wrist. she insisted i keep it. i said all i know to say--merci beaucoup--thank you very much. so i sported a beautiful gold bracelet with my boring scrubs today. its always humbling how giving people are.
alright--your eyes must be tired from this novel. thank you for taking time to read my thoughts and life. please pray that the Lord would make use of me tom in the handicap center. pray that i would be salt and light in a muslim country.
bonsior,
megs
ps--i stood on the western most tip of the african continent today. thus--i was the closest i could ever be to you guys while in africa :)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Last one from across the pond...
well guys, this is my last post regarding this journey. im typing from a tiny guesthouse room in london. we had a day layover here (oh darn) and im exhausted from walking around all day. today we went on a boat ride down the thames river then toured westminster abbey. the highlight though--karen had this great idea--to stay and attend the daily service in westminster. it was incredible. to sit in westminster abbey...and worship. to hear the choir and know that i am surrounded by all different nationalities...it was moving. im adding that to my bucket list--and crossing it off :) after the service, my sweet friend nicola took us to a nice italian dinner and bought me a new outfit. why did i need a new outfit you might ask? well that is a good question...
BECAUSE THEY LOST MY BAG SOMEWHERE BETWEEN BANGLADESH, BANGKOK AND LONDON.
oh well, better now than at the beginning of the trip. and to be honest, im too tired to even care right now. im just thankful to be healthy and alive. if a lost bag is the worst thing that happens...oh well. we are hoping it will arrive on tommorows 6 am bangkok flight...but who knows. my fingers are crossed.
i have so much i want to say but so little energy to convey it. i might just have to recap the last few days...in a few days. know that i am doing well...and looking forward to coming home. i can not wait to see my mom tom and then have dinner with natalie in dallas...then to my sweet home. i fully expect to be all sorts of jet-lagged as i was most literally on the other side of the world yesterday. ive been in 3 countries within the last 24 hrs. im tired. i can not keep straight where i am, the date or time. its kinda funny.
all in all, im thankful to be heading home. leaving bangladesh was easy in the sense that i was ready to get out of the traditional clothes YET hard because the people were endearing and wonderful. truly a joy to be around. i was showered with gifts and compliments upon leaving. humbling. i hope to go back...and serve alongside them again. for now, im coming home and going to be 100 % there...appreciating being known by my sweet friends and the genuine fellowship i am blessed to have.
g'night from across the pond,
megs <><
BECAUSE THEY LOST MY BAG SOMEWHERE BETWEEN BANGLADESH, BANGKOK AND LONDON.
oh well, better now than at the beginning of the trip. and to be honest, im too tired to even care right now. im just thankful to be healthy and alive. if a lost bag is the worst thing that happens...oh well. we are hoping it will arrive on tommorows 6 am bangkok flight...but who knows. my fingers are crossed.
i have so much i want to say but so little energy to convey it. i might just have to recap the last few days...in a few days. know that i am doing well...and looking forward to coming home. i can not wait to see my mom tom and then have dinner with natalie in dallas...then to my sweet home. i fully expect to be all sorts of jet-lagged as i was most literally on the other side of the world yesterday. ive been in 3 countries within the last 24 hrs. im tired. i can not keep straight where i am, the date or time. its kinda funny.
all in all, im thankful to be heading home. leaving bangladesh was easy in the sense that i was ready to get out of the traditional clothes YET hard because the people were endearing and wonderful. truly a joy to be around. i was showered with gifts and compliments upon leaving. humbling. i hope to go back...and serve alongside them again. for now, im coming home and going to be 100 % there...appreciating being known by my sweet friends and the genuine fellowship i am blessed to have.
g'night from across the pond,
megs <><
Monday, June 23, 2008
the good stuff...
doesnt always come in a shiny package. thats for sure. for example--the safari park we went to. def not nice. if you drove by it in the states...you would most definitely thought it was closed. you would NEVER think of letting your kids go inside...i even thought twice about entering :) but hey, where else can you ride an elephant for 25 cents. safe-no. fun-heck yes. it was awesome. there were water buffalo and elephants wandering through the park...FREE. i kept looking for fences and restraining devices...none. such a different world. i watched the children who would never know a "zoo" nicer than this one. a man approached us...began to give us "tour" advice around the park then asked for taka (money) later on. you do not need a tour guide...you simply follow a path that takes you through and by each run down exhibit. i huffed under my breath knowing it was a scheme to get money from the rich americans. the Lord humbled me. over and over He is so faithful to do this. the man had been in a motorcycle accident and it is rather hard to work here without fingers. think about it: most jobs such as assembly, farming, ect require hand dexterity. the Lord reminded me that I am quick to judge and slow to mercy. He is right. even amongst such poverty...there is some part of me that "adapts or gets used to" seeing it. it doesnt make sense and seems just plain wrong...but i think i do it as a defense mechanism. its hard to see poverty on a daily basis. to know that i am coming home to so much--and this is all they will ever know. again, the Lord is faithful. i do not pretend to understand it...but i stand on that solid ground.
life is wrapping up around here. since the seminar, i have spent more time in the clinic assisting Tuheen, the PT, with patient care. there is so much i wish i could send here--books, supplies, ect. they ask me 10 x day--do you like it here? will you come back? i tell them the same thing--i love the people and if the Lord leads me back--i will gladly come (hopefully, He calls me in the winter). kidding.
tonight we are having a cook-out if you will...of goat....for the rehab and prosthetic workers who have assisted us with all the amputee patients. i can smell the poor goat cooking as i type. i think ill be a vegetarian for tonight :) nah, i have a motto--ill try it once and if i dont get sick--ill try it again :) the Lord has been so faithful to protect my stomach here...and i have really enjoyed the food.
2 night ago we were invited for dinner at Tuheens house--his wife made us feast. the food included: rice (never a meal without it), chicken, shrimp, vegetables with hidden chili peppers, and dal (lentils). if you read my previous post..you will notice a common thread in the foods cooked here. anyways, i wish you could have all seen my face when i mistaken a green chili for a green bean. oh...never again. i turned bright red and water began pouring out of my eyes. people...this was unlike anything i have ever experienced. my ears were burning...and ringing. unreal. they laughed hysterically....at the white girl with a weak tongue. i quickly removed anything green from my plate.
he has 2 little girls--cota--age 7 and lecka--age 2. just wait until you see pics of these beauties. they have stunning brown eyes. its so amazing how playing...is a universal language. nathan (a LEGS member) and i played for 2.5 hours with them...and then i realized we barely spoke english. just played. laughed. built lego houses. jumped. did summersaults. and laughed some more. priceless.
1.5 more days here. so much of me is ready to come home and share what i have seen. other parts of me wonder if i will ever see these sweet people again. i wonder if i have given enough. shared enough. done enough. i pray that i have encouraged them and that they do not remember me...per say....but the man i serve. this trip has been so much more about encouraging and serving fellow believers...than witnessing and sharing the gospel. then again, the gospel is shared with service. so yeah...i have really enjoyed serving alongside the natives as well as missionaries at both locations. the lessons learned will last a lifetime.
im looking forward to bouncing thoughts off each of you--and just sharing life again.
blessed,
megs<><
life is wrapping up around here. since the seminar, i have spent more time in the clinic assisting Tuheen, the PT, with patient care. there is so much i wish i could send here--books, supplies, ect. they ask me 10 x day--do you like it here? will you come back? i tell them the same thing--i love the people and if the Lord leads me back--i will gladly come (hopefully, He calls me in the winter). kidding.
tonight we are having a cook-out if you will...of goat....for the rehab and prosthetic workers who have assisted us with all the amputee patients. i can smell the poor goat cooking as i type. i think ill be a vegetarian for tonight :) nah, i have a motto--ill try it once and if i dont get sick--ill try it again :) the Lord has been so faithful to protect my stomach here...and i have really enjoyed the food.
2 night ago we were invited for dinner at Tuheens house--his wife made us feast. the food included: rice (never a meal without it), chicken, shrimp, vegetables with hidden chili peppers, and dal (lentils). if you read my previous post..you will notice a common thread in the foods cooked here. anyways, i wish you could have all seen my face when i mistaken a green chili for a green bean. oh...never again. i turned bright red and water began pouring out of my eyes. people...this was unlike anything i have ever experienced. my ears were burning...and ringing. unreal. they laughed hysterically....at the white girl with a weak tongue. i quickly removed anything green from my plate.
he has 2 little girls--cota--age 7 and lecka--age 2. just wait until you see pics of these beauties. they have stunning brown eyes. its so amazing how playing...is a universal language. nathan (a LEGS member) and i played for 2.5 hours with them...and then i realized we barely spoke english. just played. laughed. built lego houses. jumped. did summersaults. and laughed some more. priceless.
1.5 more days here. so much of me is ready to come home and share what i have seen. other parts of me wonder if i will ever see these sweet people again. i wonder if i have given enough. shared enough. done enough. i pray that i have encouraged them and that they do not remember me...per say....but the man i serve. this trip has been so much more about encouraging and serving fellow believers...than witnessing and sharing the gospel. then again, the gospel is shared with service. so yeah...i have really enjoyed serving alongside the natives as well as missionaries at both locations. the lessons learned will last a lifetime.
im looking forward to bouncing thoughts off each of you--and just sharing life again.
blessed,
megs<><
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