Think About Such Things...

Our time left here in Africa is coming to a close and ever moment seems even more vital to ministry than when we first got here. This past week was a full one, and tough. I was sick last weekend and decided to go out to our village Monday morning even though I wasn't feeling 100%. If we didn't only have 2 full weeks out at that time I would have stayed in to rest, but our time is short so I went out for a full week. Monday we got out in the afternoon and spent some time with our African Family. Tuseday morning I was not feeling any better, but I knew that I needed to make the most of our time in our village so we set out anyway. Our fill in supervisor came out with us and it was refreshing to be in his prescence. He's been a missionary in Africa for over 15 years but he still has this go get 'em excitement about where the Lord has placed him! We storied with a couple of ladies, came back to our hut and I crashed on my cot. Wednesday morning Lauren and I set out alone and went back to a ladies home that we had been to on Tuesday. She was working the first time we had gone to see her the day beore. Wednesday we did the story of the woman at the well with her and she asked how she could follow Jesus! We were so caught off gaurd we didn't hardly know how to respond! What a sweet surprise. We talked to her about prayer but didn't really have enough language to show her how to follow. This week we are going back to her place better prepared and our supervisor will go out with us to help. On Thursday we had planned on going out to another comound that we hadn't storied in yet, but the Lord changed our plans. We ended up staying with our African family and serving them. My little boy, they call me his mom now, was sick and his mom wouldn't take care of him. I had him asleep and she said he should wake up and stand up. I said no because he's only 3 and he was sick! So he slept with me in my hut instead. I got to love him all day Thursday. Friday we were in for the weekend. We celebrated Thanksgiving with a few other missionary families on Saturday and had a really nice time with them! On Saturday the people here were celebrating their own holiday called Tabaski. They celebrate Ishmeal almost being sacrificed by his father Abraham. (In the Islamic tradition the story says Ishmeal, but in the bible it's Isaac) The head of the village or family sacrifices a sheep for the sins of his family or village. We get to tell them that Jesus was the once for all sacrifice for our sins!

Throughout the week my thoughts are what kept me. If I had been thinking about my body and the dirt and bugs and a million other things the week would have been misserable, but the Lord was clear with me that I had to keep my mind set on Him and things that are worthy of praise and He would gaurd my heart and mind with His peace! See Philippians 4:4-9. It says to rejoice always! Think about things that are lovely and worthy of praise and the God of peace will be with you! (Thank Mrs. Cato for sending the Philippians bible study!) So even though my stomach did not want to be out in the village, when we went out if I kept my mind set on things of Him, He gaurded my heart and my mind. I'm feel much much better this Monday and looking forward to out last full week out in our village! The following week we'll be out in the village Monday and Tuesday and come in Wednesday morning to pack and head into the capitol to debrief and catch our flight! Looking forward to seeing you all!!