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!