Beyond what we ask or think!

          Recently the Lord has been showing me more and more that it is HIS power that works in me. And when it is HIS power, and not mine, HE does far more than I could begin to imagine. See Ephesians 3: 20 & 21- "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,  to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Just a quick story to give one example of this process in my life. Yesterday, as usual on Sunday, I woke up early to review my Sunday school lesson for the day. We were starting the life of Abraham, who is one of my favorite people in the Old Testament. He is such an example of a life lived with true faith, which acts on that faith and doesn't just sit around talking about it. The story for yesterday was his call from God; God asked him to leave his country, family, and friends to go to a country he didn't know anything about. The promises for obedience would be phenomenal; children and grandchildren who would be as numerous as the stars, a name that would be famous forever, and that he would bless all the nations of the world in the future. While these promises are great, I'm sure Abraham had to think a little before he decided to leave everything familiar and natural, to go to a place unfamiliar and unnatural. I can relate to this process, having recently been going through it. Yet, he was obedient, and went because of his faith and trust in his God. Hebrews 11: 8 says: "By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going." As I was reviewing his story to tell the kids, the Lord impressed on me, that I might be giving this message to the whole church. I was a little confused, because the pastor had not called me to tell me he wouldn't be there. I thought I was imagining things. But the feeling kept coming, so I adapted the story to a more adult theme, and a challenge for adults. When I went to pick up the pastor and his wife, they were not at the usual meeting place. My helper, Grace, went to knock on their door, and low and behold, they were sick, and had forgotten to call me. If the Lord hadn't impressed on my heart that this would happen, I probably would have just gone home and not driven out to Moukoundo. But since He had already told me this would happen, I was ready. This would be the first time I would share a message from the Bible with adults. I had lots of doubts if I could pull this off in French. So Grace and I prayed as I drove out to the village. Thankfully, the Lord had sent her to help me, because I couldn't have done it without her. I told the Lord that my "tongue" was not adequate to do this. He told me- My grace was sufficient for you. I told him I was scared. He said -Do not fear, I am with you.

       So the end of the story is that I got through it, the people actually understood me. Grace helped with any words I wasn't sure of, and she also interpreted in Yinzebi (their native tongue). As I was telling the story of what Abraham had to give up to go, I mentioned the things that God had promised him for obedience. He hadn't seen them yet, but he believed that God would come through on his promises. I decided to share a little of my story. I remember having "discussions" with God before coming because of "giving up" certain things, most importantly family and friends, but also comfort, familiarity, easy communication, just to mention a few. He reassured me that if I was obedient He would supply those needs for me. I can happily say that I see Him supplying them above and beyond what I thought or asked for. I wouldn't have imagined after just 6 months that I could get up in front of a church full of people and share a message in French. I couldn't have imagined all the "children" He would give me to love and help (my 30 Sunday school kids). I couldn't have imagined feeling comfortable in a very different culture, but that is beginning, and growing every day. My heart is full as I see HIS power working in me to serve Him here in Gabon. What a privilege to be part of His story here at Bongolo. To Him be all the glory! Until next time, Sandie

Blooming in Africa

        A few posts ago I wrote about the process of being uprooted and replanted in a new culture. At the time I wrote that post I was definitely a little "droopy" and struggling in the transplanting process. I realized today that I am starting to bloom again. Praise God! I still have a ways to go, but language and cultural adjustments have really improved over the last few months. For the past 8 weeks I have been teaching full-time in our nurse's aide course. This has really pushed my language development and ability to speak. I am learning so much medical terminology and feel more at home with my new "tongue". Still having problems with the "r's", but overall pronunciation is so much better. I started teaching Sunday school 5 weeks ago and am teaching through the old testament. These children have never heard the stories in the old testament, so it's been such a joy to expose them to Adam and Eve, Cain and Able, Enoch, and Noah. Next week- the tower of Babel, which should be interesting. Last week after hearing the story of Noah, 8 children raised their hands to receive Christ. The old testament is so rich, and there are so many images of Christ (like the ark), that children can't help but respond to it's teachings. I am also doing story time, craft time in the Pediatrics ward almost every Thursdays, unless I am teaching. I love being involved with these kids and getting to know the families that are there for  a long time. Today I gave a new testament to a mom who has been there with her child for about 3 months. She is exhausted, discouraged, and needed some encouragement. Her eyes filled with tears as she held that small bible in her hands. Also today one of my students shared her testimony with a young man after taking his vital signs. It's amazing to work alongside and teach such dedicated young men and women. Tomorrow is our last day in clinical with them, and they graduate next Wednesday. I have to admit that I will miss them so much, and have gotten to know each one with them.
         So thank you for all your prayers and encouragement through posts and e-mails. God is hearing your prayers and I am so thankful for your support. A few things that I would appreciate continued prayer about:
1) my right knee- last year I had a stress fractured that occurred on the top of my tibia, and I think it has reoccurred. I have had two steroid injections which have only helped for a little while. I am waiting to get an appointment in Libreville for an MRI.
2) the bugs- I ran out of my good bug repellant, and so they are eating me alive! As of today I have 30 bites in different parts of my body, and often wake up at night with different parts itching terribly! Not life threatening, but VERY annoying!
3) For all the missionaries here- they has been a lot of spiritual attack in the form of injuries and physical illness. Satan would love to stop us, but we're not willing to give in to him. I know that Christ will have the victory, but in the meantime, it's stressful and tiring.
4) I still have a long way to go in understanding the Gabonese. It's getting better, but so often I don't understand the things they say to me.


I think that's all for now. Love you all. I think of you and pray for you often!

Remembering Bob

         5 years ago today my life changed in a dramatic way. My husband of 36 years went to be with the Lord after a long battle with cancer. Today, I would like to honor him with some wonderful memories that I have, and also talk about my journey during the last 5 years. First of all, I still think of him and miss him every day. But thankfully the heavy grief has passed, and now I only cry once in a while. The Lord has replaced the sadness with memories and gratefulness for a life with Bob. I'll start with saying that life with Bob was sometimes complicated! He was a complex guy and our journey together had many ups and downs. Thankfully God kept us glued together and we stayed faithful to each other and loved each other to the end. If I had never met and lived with Bob Freeman I would be a very different person today. I tend to be shy, quiet and very serious. Bob was relaxed, fun loving and very outgoing. God used him in my life to teach me to not take everything so seriously and to enjoy life. He had a great love for people and life, and he helped me in breaking out of my shyness. He could meet a person, and within 10 minutes, you felt like his lifelong friend! Oh, how he loved to talk to people. I would usually have to drag him out of church or gatherings, because he was enjoying himself so much with all the lively conversation! He was artistic and creative, two qualities that elude me. I loved watching him draw and create things that would just pop into his mind. I, on the other hand, am lucky to be able to draw stick-figures! He loved our boys so fiercely, and his grandkids too. I think the hardest thing for him at the end was knowing that he would not see the grandkids grow-up, go to college, get married, and all the other life events.
        What do I miss most about our marriage? Someone to talk to at the end of the day, someone to pray with and confide in (knowing he knew me completely and utterly), someone to walk with and hold hands, enjoying and talking about our family, traveling with him (we both loved to travel so much!), hearing him talk and laugh. What I would give to talk to him one more time! Well, someday in heaven, we will have a long talk. Bob Freeman, you were a one-of-a-kind person, and I thankful to have shared so much of my life with you!
       So, the journey during the last 5 years has also had it's ups and downs. Grief is so hard to work through. I know that some of my dear friends are walking that hard road right now, and I am praying for you. God is faithful, lean on Him, and he will see you through. This process has brought me so close to my Lord. I depend on Him more and more each day. He truly is my husband now, and I rely on Him for everything. He has brought me to a great place, serving Him in Africa. I could have never, in a million years imagined this is what I would be doing at the age of 60. But life with God is exciting and fresh, and full of surprises!
      A few updates before I leave you; I have been teaching classes for the past 4 weeks in French to nurse's aides. It has really pushed my language learning, my medical terminology, and my understanding of the spoken French here in Gabon. I still have a long way to go, but am so pleased with the progress God is giving me, and the hope of what is still to come. I have found a home church, in the village of Moukoundo. I will be teaching Sunday school every other week (working with a national here- one of our former RN students), and driving the new pastor and his wife there (they are replacing Terry and Barry, who have gone on home assignment for a year). I have taken on some of the other responsibilities that Terry performed at the hospital, and also go to Pediatrics most Thursdays to share the gospel, teach bible stories, play with, and do crafts with the kids and their parents. So my days are full, and I am feeling such a purpose and fulfillment here!
      So the moral of this story is, there can be goodness and fulfillment even after experiencing a huge loss. Don't give up on life or God. He has turned my morning into dancing (see Psalm 30:11). In honor of Bob, I will leave with one of his favorite sayings, "Catch you later, bye"!

Jungle churches

      Last Sunday I accompanied another nurse (Wendy) and a Gabonese couple (Papa Paul & Mama Mado) to visit 6 churches in the jungle southeast of Bongolo hospital. The nurse and the couple minister at one of these churches almost every Sunday, and often stop at the others to encourage the people as they can. Our mission on this particular Sunday was to share about an upcoming course that Wendy and I will be teaching starting the end of March: an 8 week nurse's aide course. Wendy also gave a short message at two of the churches, which Mama Mado interpreted into Yinzebi. This is the local language that is spoken in the home. Everyone learns French, and with the exception of some of the older Papa's and Mama's, can understand it well. But Yinzebi is their heart language, so it's wonderful that they can hear a message from God's word in both languages.
      These are some of my thoughts about our day. First; Gabon is just one big jungle! We drove almost two hours to get to the farthest village, and there is not much between here and there but jungle, a few small villages, a river, and a dirt road. The jungle is all encompassing, everywhere you look, nothing but a million different types of trees and plants, all fighting for space. I was transfixed by the scenery, and was in awe of God's wondrous variety! Second observation; the people are so hungry for God's word! When we arrived in the village, the people were already gathered in the church and the sounds of their voices and drums could be heard from a long way off. They sang with great abandonment and joy, clapping their hands, or holding them high. When we walked in, they clapped with great excitement, because they knew we would be sharing God's precious word. Many of these villages don't have bibles, or if they do, only a few of the people can read them. So to be able to sit and listen to a story or teaching from God's word is very exciting for them. It made me realize how often I take God's word for granted even though I have instant access to it whenever I want! Third observation; the people are very hospitable, even though they have little. After church, we were taken to the home of the "chef" of the church. This is the person who is in charge (not the pastor, because they don't preach). We received a full meal of Maniac root, maniac leaves, bananas, and some other kind of root (can't remember the name). None of the villagers ate, they just sat and watched us eat. It was rather strange, but I'm assuming it was a way to express respect and thanks. So we left, and went to the next church, and did the same thing all over again, including another meal. This one included antelope meat and porcupine, along with the usual fixings of maniac and bananas. Oh my, I was full, but it would be rude not to eat, so we ate. The antelope was really good, but I wasn't too crazy about the porcupine. I guess it's an acquired taste! And so went most of the rest of the day, except thankfully we didn't receive anymore meals, because Papa Paul explained that we still had many villages to visit, and we didn't have time. Thank goodness!
      Overall, this day was amazing, and opened my eyes to the spiritual need in the jungles here in Gabon. There are still "witchdoctors" in every village, and they hold an amazing hold over many of the people. Even the Christians will often go to them for advise. Demon possession is common, and we saw visual evidence of it that day (that's a story for another blog). But the Lord is hitting my heart hard with the truth of the spiritual darkness that is very real here in the jungles. I am praying about where he wants me to serve. The church that Wendy serves in has about 30 kids, but there is no sunday school teacher. So pray with me, as to whether this is where God wants me to serve on sundays. This week, I will visit another jungle church with one of the couples here. I want to visit as many churches as possible, pray, and let God direct my footsteps.
Prayer needs:
1) Language! I am beginning to be able to understand the Gabonese, but still have a long way to go. I am developing lectures in French for the upcoming nurse's aide course. It's very time consuming, and hard.
2) Wisdom for where I should serve on Sundays
3) Continued orientation to the hospital- I am starting to work with the nurses to see what their day consists of. Nurses here actually have a much greater responsibility that they do in the states. They are not many doctors to go around for all the patients. Each nurse can care for up to 30 patients every day. In the clinics, they act as nurse practitioners, and order labs, x-rays and medicines. The doctors often only see the really sick patients at the clinics, and then the patients in the hospital (but not every day). So, I am trying to get my way of thinking to wrap around some of this. Everything is very different.
4) Friendships with both the missionaries and the Gabonese. I am starting to form some friendships here with the missionaries, but not too many with the Gabonese yet (due to communication issues).
Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts. Good-bye for now from the jungles (English), Au revoir (French), Me- yendi (Yinzebi).

Uprooted

     While I was at MTI (Missionary Training International) the summer of 2013 we learned about the process of being "transplanted" into a new culture. Being a gardener, I loved this analogy and have remembered it well. I can truthfully say that I now understand the nuts and bolts of it! First, in order to transplant a plant to a different location, a new hole must be dug and prepared. I think this correlates to my training process; MTI and language school. Both were so critical to a successful transplant from the U.S. to Africa. The second step is to dig up the plant, being careful not to damage the roots. This correlates to all the goodbyes, packing up my things, selling my car, and basically disengaging myself from my past life. This process was difficult and taxing, but with the Lord's help, I think that most of my important roots (my relationship with the Lord, family, and friends) came out intact. The next step is to put the plant in the new hole and apply fertilizer, mulch and water so that it won't die. Often during this step the plant droops a little, has a risk of dying, or not growing well. I am definitely in the middle of this step right now, and feeling a little "droopy". I feel very out of place in this new culture; still feeling my way around and trying not to make a misstep, still struggling with the language, dealing with heat and BUGS! But a few things in this step are going well; I am getting settled in my new house and all the boxes are unpacked. Unfortunately some things broke in the transport, and somehow a whole box of stuff didn't arrive. I think it went to my storage, instead of getting shipped here (Ugh!) I have obtained my carte de sejour (I'm legal for two years, and will not have to renew until February of 2017). I have bought or obtained some needed items for my home. I am starting to make relationships here. I taught my first class (a review of their OB course), and prepared my first exam in French. During this stage, I am holding onto the Lord tightly, trying to keep that root firmly intact. It is the only thing that will keep me "alive" during this stage. Colossians 2:6&7 have been helpful in reminding me of the importance of this: "Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,  having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude". I am definitely filled with gratitude for what God is doing in my life and I am looking forward to the next step in the process- that of being successfully transplanting and thriving in my new environment. I covet your prayers as I continue through the process.

Bienvenue au Afrique (welcome to Africa)

Sooo, after 2 1/2  years of preparation I am here in Gabon, Africa. What a joy to be where I know God wants me. But along with the joy comes troubles. Thankfully, my joy rests in Him, and not in my circumstances. So what have been some of the troubles; delayed flights, almost missed flights, delayed baggage, a 3 hour wait for my visa at the end of a 36 hour plane trip, and a serious cold. The 2nd day I was here I came down with one of the worse colds I have had in years. I am staying at the home of a couple here at Bongolo, while my house is being painted. The man, Barry, told me he has never gotten colds like he gets here. I think that the cold virus is like bugs and trees here- humongous! But aside from the troubles, they are things that are great. First of all the people. Everyone I have met ie loving, genuine, caring, and sold out for Christ. What a privilege to be among such people. The scenery is breathtaking. So green, I can't describe. Of course, the greenery is attributed to lots of rain. It is hot and humid here, but not as bad as I imagined, and so far I am tolerating the heat just fine. The hospital and school of nursing are centered around sharing Christ with each patient. I am excited to get through my time of orientation and be able to share in this awesome ministry.
I covet your prayers as I start this journey that God has me on.
Prayer needs:
1) improved language skills. I know the basics, but have a long way to go. I have met a nurse here who is willing to tutor and work with me. Awesome!
2) Improved health. To get over this cold and the jet lag and to be able to participate fully in the orientation to hospital and school.
3) Friendships. For deep and abiding friendships that will help replace the absence of family and friends back home.
4) Family. Pray for my family in my absence, especially the grandkids who miss me so much, and I them.
5) Timing of getting settled into my house, and help with the heavy work. All my boxes I shipped last March and the mattress are in my attic waiting to be brought down, and my food order from last summer just arrived in December. Everything needs to be settled and put in it's place. I am very ready to nest and make this place my home. I feel like I have been displaced and living out of suitcases for a long time!
That's all for now, follow me on Facebook for pictures and more updates (for some reason I can't post pictures on this blog any longer). God Bless, Sandie