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

What I will miss about France

In French you don't say "I miss you", you say "You I miss" (Tu me manque). It seems backwards at first, but it puts the emphasis on "the thing" or "person" that has left a whole in your being. There are so many people and things that have made an everlasting impression on my being and will be missing from me. What a blessing it was to be in Albertville France this past year. It will be a time remembered for the difficulty and struggle, but also the joy and friendship. So, here are the things that will be missing from me when I leave:
1) the people of France- while some say that the French are rude or snooty, I have not found this to be true. Every French person that I have been able to get to know has been kind, warm and has freely given of themselves. The evangelical Christians here are few in number compared to the states, but they have strong convictions and strong faiths!
2) the people at the language school- the professors here care so deeply for their students. At times they seem strict, but underneath is a strong desire for us to learn French well so that we can communicate and minister to those where we are headed. Many of them consider this their ministry. The students here have been such a blessing to me. Each one has such a unique story and are completely sold out for Jesus. It's like being in church every day with constant spiritual support and communion. I have made friends here that I am sure I will keep in contact with. I know I will see them all in heaven some day, but hoping we will have some earthly meetings too!
3) the mountains- What an amazing experience to get up every day, look out your window and see the French alps! My favorite activity here in France has been going for walks or long bike rides and just looking at the amazing scenery. Every season has it's own special beauty. I am sure the jungles of Africa will have their own special beauty, but the mountains are going to be missing from my soul!
4) the food- anyone who know me, knows I love to eat! So what have been some of my favorites here; first- the bread! Boy, do the French know how to do bread! Every day, at many locations in town, you can walk in and get fresh baked, absolutely delicious bread. second- the cheese. I have toured many of the cheese factories while here, and have found my most favorite- Beaufort! third- the fresh fruits and veggies. They are very seasonal and you are buying mostly things grown here. I've never seen heads of lettuce like they have here. They are humongous (is that a word?). Anyway, this is something that will definitely be missing from me in Africa where lettuce is not grown. :(  4th- the pastries- Oh my, words can't describe the yummies here!
5) the country- I have been able to do some traveling while here in France, and it is probably one of the most beautiful countries I have every visited. Pictures, of course, never do justice to the real thing. I have those "real" pictures in my head and will treasure them forever.


Just a quick not of what I will not miss:
1) sitting in French class 6 hours/day, and then studying most of the evening, and most of the weekends.
2) my tiny 300 square foot apartment, with my hot plate and toaster oven to cook in. Can't wait to bake and really cook again.
3) the laundry room here (enough said!)


Well, that's all for now. I get my test results on Thursday, and graduate on Friday, and fly home for a quick vacation on Saturday. Then it's off to Africa on the 31st. Hard to believe it is finally becoming a reality!

Funnies in French

          Part of learning a new language and living in a new culture is making mistakes. Sometimes they are embarrassing, sometimes just plain funny. I recently made a mistake that I am still embarrassed about, but also laughing at myself about! It helps to have a good sense of humor when learning a new language! Our class was divided into two groups. Each one given the task of coming up with a dialogue that fit the situation on our paper. Our group was to debate as a family, which vacation we would prefer to take, the mountains or the beach. I was designated the role of mom, another older male student, the dad, and the other three students were our kids. I voted to go to the mountains, and one of the main reasons was because I didn't want to be seen in public in a bathing suit. Well, here's where it gets funny; the name for bathing suit in French is "maillot de bain", but when my turn came to speak, I said I didn't want to be seen in public in a "salle de bains". My teacher looked at me with a confused look and said, "Je ne comprends pas, Sandie" (I don't understand). Then, the realization came to me that I had just said that I didn't want to wear a bathroom to the beach. Oh my, the whole class had a good laugh about that one! My teacher later assured me that she had made plenty of funny mistakes when she was learning a new language. If nothing else, learning a new language keeps you humble!

Blessed are the Meek

           Hello from France. Hope you are all, right where God wants you to be! I know I am! In my last blog I mentioned that I was beginning to teach a sunday school class at the church here that I attend. I have 10 students, age 6-13. All of them are new to France, as their families just arrived at the language school the end of August. They are all English speakers, so my goal is to feed them spiritually and also to teach them some French along the way. When I leave in December, they will be incorporated into the all French sunday school class. I have really enjoyed getting these kids. They have opened their hearts to me already and I am getting to know each one with their own special personalities. They are going through tremendous changes and stressors. They share weekly that they miss their friends and family back home. They miss their dogs and cats. They are very stressed having to go into new schools, where all the kids speak French. They are the outsiders. Wow, I thought it was hard for me as an adult to adapt to all these changes. But I chose to be here, I know God has called me to this. They are just kids. Kids who need my prayers (and maybe yours' too if you feel lead to do so).
          I have been teaching through the Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 1-14). Each week, we tackle one verse and memorize it and talk about it's meaning. We have had some lively discussions about how you can be happy or blessed to be poor in spirit, to mourn, (and this week), to be meek. As usual, when you teach you get more out of the lesson than your students, because you have to dig in the word, and meditate on the application in your own life. As my pastor always says, he has had to live with the message for months before he delivers it to us, and God always does a work in his heart long before it reaches his congregation. (I count it a great privilege to sit under the teaching of such a good teacher and still listen to his sermons each week by podcasts) Anyway, this week's beatitude was "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth". So what does it mean to be meek? The word can also be translated as gentile. The definition in most bible commentaries is that "gentile" means "power under control". It doesn't mean Christians are wimps or weaklings. On the contrary, they have the power of God on their side. As you look at the "greats" of the bible, each exhibited power under control. Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and the list goes on. But the most important one was Jesus. Isaiah 53 says that as a sheep that is lead to the slaughter is silent, so was he. He never opened his mouth in his defense even though he was falsely accused and sentenced to death. He was the Son of God and could have called a legion of angels down in His defense, but He didn't. My desire is to be more like Jesus, so meditating on "Meekness" was in my thoughts all week.
          God provided lots of opportunities for me to think about meekness. The week started with me having to deliver the "culte" (devotional) in front of the whole school in French. Needless to say, it was a nerve-racking experience and I am glad it is over. While, I was able to get through it, I made a lot of mistakes with pronunciation. The students were gracious, and told me "Bon travail" (good work) and a few even said they understood what I said and received a blessing (a total miracle, if that's true). My teacher, however, was not afraid to point out all my mistakes during my tutoring session. Granted, she did it in a kind way, but I still felt the same way, like a little child being scolded. An opportunity to be meek! I felt like defending myself, but the Holy Spirit held me back. It's hard to be a child again (especially at my age), but that's where God has me right now. Every day, struggling to get the right words out of my mouth, being corrected every other word, homework returned with more red ink than black. Ah yes, it's a humbling experience! Blessed are the meek! Another opportunity to experience meekness was during my laundry time on Friday. We each have a block of time (1 hour) to use the washers and dryer. For some reason, my hour on Fridays at lunchtime seems to be a popular time. I can't count how many times I have gone to put my clothes in and the washers, and or dryer have just been started. I have complained to the director, left notes on the machines, but it continues still. This particular Friday I met the "guilty" person in the laundry room, and I just unloaded on them. I was mad, my "spot" had been taken again! Didn't they know how disruptive to my schedule this was, and on and on. Wow, that afternoon the Holy Spirit just descended on me and I was under severe conviction. I had been mean, nasty and angry, over laundry! Not too much meekness going on that day! (just so you know, I have apologized). If I can't handle the stressors of the laundry room, how will I be able to handle the stressors in Africa? Yeah, still a work in progress, but oh, how I desire to be like Him. Please keep me in your prayers, as you are in mine. Catch you later, Bye!

Back to Reality!

I've had an amazing summer. After finding out that I passed A2 (another miracle of God!), I flew home to the U.S. for 5 weeks and visited with family, friends, church members and neighbors. It was awesome. I took each of the grandkids somewhere special for their birthdays, and was privileged to attend the 1st birthday of my youngest grandchild. It was a little touch and go with Emma at first, but by the end of the vacation she had gotten to know me and would let me play with her and hold her. Hope she doesn't forget me while I'm gone again. The older grandkids know me so well, that we can Skype and Facetime, and keep the relationship going, but it's hard with the baby. Well, God knows this, and He will handle all those details in His time. I had a wonderful time, but was actually ready to come back to France. The goal of going to Africa is getting close, and I'm getting more excited. At the same time I'm a little nervous because I don't feel like I have enough French under my belt to be able to teach in this language. Again, I am having to trust God to get me to that point. I started B1 this week. So far, just review from A2. We have a new student in the class that is a physician, and served at Bongolo Hospital several years ago, so I'm enjoying talking to him. Tomorrow I start teaching primary school age sunday school at the French church. It's been a while since I taught sunday school, and am looking forward to it. It's a good way to get more involved with people at the church and speak more French, and get to know the kids of the people here. I have decided to spend the fall teaching Matthew 5:3-14 (the beatitudes). Pray for me as I try to impart the truth of this wonderful passage to these young hearts and minds. Well, that's all for now. I so appreciate all your thoughts and prayers, as I come back to reality and continue the journey of language learning.