Giving Thanks... and a bit of an overdue update..

Hey y'all.

First off, last time I posted, well, maybe it was over thought. (I deleted the post from the blog.) So I feel I should state something about that. When I got back home from Africa my boyfriend of about.. 4 months proposed... and we almost lasted 2 months, before the whole thing was completely called off. I'm not going to say specifically why it was called off, but I will say this: God gives and takes away, but blessed be the name of the Lord. God has provided for me in ways that are beyond measure... and I am so thankful He has.

So... ever since stepping off that plane from Africa - (or really on the plane to Africa), things got a little crazy. Life has defiantly had it's ups and downs - and it's showed itself in my personal ministry. I won't lie to y'all... these past few months have been hard. I am so thankful for your many prayers. ;)

The last blog post that is still up asks for prayer for ministry here, in the states. Not only did my heart felt drawn to this, but I had an assignment in two of my four classes that made this hope and dream mandatory. Personal issues got in the way, and so I had a slow start. However, I did start working with internationals here in Louisville. I'm working on building relationships with a few people, so pray that those relationships grow - in order that I may share my life and my heart... and our Christ with them.

Please pray for more opportunities to build relationships - and the boldness to share Christ when the situation arises.

I also have some sort of big news -- I'm going back to Brazil for a third time. This time, the work will be among the Quillombolas along the Amazon River. The trip will be this summer, for two weeks. I believe my heart never left Brazil.. however, I do have a very special place in my heart for Africa... and I'd like to return there some day. I'm beginning to think it's not really that I'm called to a 'place'... it's more that I'm called to proclaim the name of Christ to people who have never heard it.

For more information on Brazil - as well as a cool little link for online donations, please go here.

I'm also pleased to announce that God has provided in another big way as well. As I am writing this I'm sitting on my couch in my first apartment! God has provided jobs and money to provide a home so I can continue to go to school here. (So now I'm up to 3 part time jobs.) Quite something isn't it? As one of my bosses said, "Just when you thought everything was falling apart, here it is coming together." - Praise God, He provided... and I'm more than sure this won't be the last time.

Honestly, when I think of the godly men and women whom I'd like to be like, I think of those who gave it all... and really put all of their trust in Him... Like George Muller and Adoniram Judson. (If you don't know who they are, I strongly encourage you to google and/or read biographies about them.) Muller never asked for anything.. and ran orphanages simply by prayer alone... or should I say, God ran orphanages though Muller. Judson was one of the first American overseas missionaries - and he devoted his life to reaching the Burmese people, losing several wives and many children along the way. I dare to say the lives of these men were not easy.... but oh how they were worth it! Oh how it gave glory to God!

As Muller once said, “Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends.”

... and it is there where true worship starts. Praise God for who He is, when we fail so miserably. It's not because we're worth it... it's because God's worth it, and he deserves all glory and honor.

Through the hardships this semester, God has also really opened by eyes to the hurting of this world... to all the sin and evil that strives so deep within us - that the consequences of sin so thrive among our communities - and Bible College is not immune. There are so many... broken people around us. I want to encourage all of you to reach out and show Christ's Love to one another... be the Church. Reaching out doesn't mean we're perfect or without broken lives ourselves... but we know the One who can mend every broken part... because He created it in the first place. He created us to be whole.. He created us so that we might know Him and give Him glory... and that is where that... empty gap is finally filled.

Keep praying brothers and sisters. Keep striving in Christ. Love y'all.

Emily

Back in the States....

Well, it has been quite the ride. I got home (aka back to Boyce), safe and sound on the night of August 9th. I spent the night with some friends - moved into the dorms on Saturday... classes started Monday afternoon. I started out with church planting (with Dr. K - of whom I highly recommend!).

Sunday was an adventure in and of itself. Being back in American church was nice. It was the first time in quite awhile that I actually understood what was going on in the service. Sunday night I sprained my ankle walking down 3 stairs at Bethany... (that's right, I can climb mountains in Africa with flip-flops - but I can't successfully walk down stairs. That morning I almost fell about a zillion times because I tried my hand at high heels.. of which I can no longer walk in... I think the only shoe I still know how to walk in are flip-flops.)

An hour after spraining my ankle, my boyfriend proposed. (and I said yes, of course.) So now.... 4 classes, 2 jobs, and a fiance.... and I'm still attempting ministry and social life. It's been CRAZY around here.

The other interns (April, Catilin, Thomas, and Logan) just got back like... yesterday. So be praying for them... for their adjustment process. Keep Jody and Sarah in your prayers, as always.

April shared with me some exciting news yesterday - that one of our contacts professed faith in Christ. I'm not sure if she realizes all what that means just yet, but pray that she'll follow through. I'm overjoyed in this!!!

I'm still adjusting. In worldview class last week, the prof asked us each to introduce ourselves and tell what we did this summer - and what God was teaching us. He firstly told us that we didn't have to be one of those crazy missionary people who just got of the plane and are still jet-lagged... etc... and then proceeded to point to me as the first one to go.

Well... I'm one of those crazy people who just got off the plane about a week ago. lol. Yeah. Crazy missions major with henna still all over my hands and feet. Now it's pretty much gone on my hands - but it's still prominent on my feet. Yep... one of those crazy missions majors who's every thought lingers how she can get the Gospel out there... to people who have never even heard the name of Jesus.

Let me tell you though, reverse culture shock is fun.... people are arguing about things that don't matter.... or complaining about food in the caf... and I immediately think of all the starving kids in Niger... who have no food... and who lack an understanding of the Gospel. We take so much for granted here.... and they have nothing there. We sit on our pews and go about life... when people are dying every day and going to hell. We were COMMANDED to take the Gospel to all peoples. The great commission isn't an option. I wish people would understand that.

... and we aren't just commanded to go to all nations - we're commanded to do it at home too. For church planting - my fiance and I are parterning together to try to start something among refuges. It looks like Bethany Baptist will be joining alongside the effort. There are people here in Louisville that don't know Christ. There are refuges from nations in the world that we can't get into - but they're right here in Louisville. The nations came to us... so we should tell them of the greatest news ever.

Where would you be right now if someone didn't share the Gospel with you? Think about that one. That question has stuck and sunk in my heart. It just furthers the passion of getting the Gospel out there.

I'm going to try to keep y'all updated from week to week on our ministry here in Louisville. I think by blog posting - and having an assignment on it - I'm more accountable to doing such things.

Also pray for an upcoming mission trip to Brazil that may happen. I don't know how possible it is that we'll be on it, but it's good to pray for guidance in things like this.

Pray for us. :) Love y'all. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Sorry...

Written August 3, 2013

Well, I was supposed to have updated my blog and contacted everyone - but the Internet went out - and both of the African cell phones are dead - and the guys have our charger. So I have no way of contacting anyone. Hopefully y'all saw my fb post and know I'm safe. There's not a thing I can do about this. I wish there was. 

But in a few days I'll be home anyway - so I guess it doesn't matter that much. It still doesn't seem like I'm leaving this week. I'm in a routine - and I feel like that routine will keep going. 

But anyway - I apologize for the late blog posts. I've got Internet for a little bit now, praise God. 

In other news, going to see giraffes today!! ;) 

Running out of titles...

Written August 2, 2013

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though it's waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. "Be still am know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 

This Psalm caught my eye yesterday. I brought both my ESV and my NIV84 - and I had a sticky note in my NIV that a dear friend (who has since passed away) gave to me about 3 years ago. Psalm 46 was written on the note (along with a few others). So out of curiosity- I flipped there. Oh how this Psalm applies to us. 

God is in control. Why should we fear?

God lifts his voice.. And the earth melts.  (God is all powerful)

God declares that He will be exalted in the Nations. (God wants to be glorified)

God's grace is so abundant. I can't even begin to explain or understand the depths of his grace. 

I feel like grace has been the theme of this trip... At least for me. God is sovereign and good - and He deserves all glory and honor. What an amazing lesson. 

Khadijah and Salaamo (the 2 I said may believe in Christ) came to us today. We found out via Sarah that Khadijah does confess Christ and has for awhile. Khadijah said her husband has too. While its hard to tell if this is true - it seems legit. Salaamo - on the other hand is very quiet - and is Khadijah's friend. Khadijah said she first heard of Christ though things that Jody and Sarah had been doing - I guess she just didn't come forth.  Pray that Salaamo might understand - and for Khadijah - that she might grow in her faith.  Maryama also seems very interested and needs prayer. There are so many who seem interested - buy there are so many who refuse to listen. Sometimes I'm not quite sure if they're laughing (when we ask if we can tell a story about Jesus) because of our Zarma, or because of Christ.  I think it might be both - sometimes one - sometimes another. It's so nice to see some fruit. Honestly I wasn't expecting to see any fruit from this trip directly - and there's really no reason why we should. What a blessing!

On another note - Anamarie (Apolonair's mom) said she has confessed Christ since she was Apolonair's age (8? - Apolonair is a believer as well) - and there are many churches in Burkina Faso (another country in Africa). She seems to know what she's talking about - but needs to grow in her faith. Pray for her. Also, she's pregnant - and it's not uncommon for babies to pass away. 

One of our believers (Sakenia) had a baby - and the baby died very quickly - I'm not sure if the baby was stillborn or not.  She was having a bit of a hard time with this. Pray for her. 

I apologize for the butchered spelling of these African names - I had to ask Odette how to spell my own - and she's not here to ask!

On that note - this was our first week without Odette (our translator) and while it is challenging - we know more Zarma than I thought we did. April and Caitlin are awesome with Zarma. I.. On the other hand... Am not so good. Almost all Zarma words sound the same to me. 

Thank you for praying. Keep on praying! And continue to pray even after I leave for April, Caitlin, Logan, and Thomas (they leave on the 20th). Keep Jody and Sarah - and the rest of the Songhai team in your prayers as well. Especially their children who haven't come to the faith yet. 

Thank you for praying for Caitlin and Jody who had malaria - it stays in your system for a good while, but they are feeling better. :)

Pray for God to work this week. I love y'all - and I'll see you soon!

Update! :)

Written July 31, 2013

Well, this week so far hasn't been too exciting. The guys (Jody, Thomas, and Logan) headed out yesterday for a camping trip - to map out villages and such. (They return Friday - so by the time I post this, they'll be back.)

Monday we had a Songhai team meeting - and that was good. Tuesday we did ministry as usual - walking around asking people if they have time to listen to a story about Jesus. Some say yes - some say no. Monday afternoon April, Caitlin, and Sarah went out (so we could introduce Sarah to some of our contacts) - and I stayed in to watch the kids (which was a lot of fun).  

April told me that a few of our newer contacts said they believed in Christ. Now we don't know if they're serious quite yet - but please keep them in your prayers (2 more women not including Fati). There's a difference between knowing what we say is true and actually following Christ. Pray that the Spirit speaks through us to communicate these truths. 

Today (Wednesday) is market day - and usually everyone is at the market selling things - so it's a bit harder to do ministry. I woke up this morning with a sour stomach that was aggravating my Endo - so I stayed in. I bet I'll be fine to go out this afternoon. It's cooled off quite a bit (rain is awesome) - breaks from the heat are so nice. 

Lord willing, A week from today will be my last ministry day here (that is, until I come back... ;) ) Thursday I'll pack up and head to Niamey with the Foxes - we'll debrief and then I believe my plane leaves at 3 am Friday morning  (10pm EST on Thursday)... Which I have a 4 hour layover in Paris and a 2 hour layover in Atlanta - so with all of that it puts me in Louisville around 8:30 pm EST (on the 9th) or 1:30 am Africa time on the 10th  - if all my planes are on time. All together it's about 17 hours in the air - 6 hours of layover - and about 7,200 miles. Then I'll be staying with Tyler & Beth that first night - then I'll move back into the dorms - and the challenges will be readjusting to the states (time change and all) and to school (I've still gotta pay tuition and order textbooks)... And it's back to my usual routine with work. It's going to be hard to readjust. I feel like life here is normal. 

I have missed church - I'll be excited when the service is in English and I can understand it. ;) (we have been going but it's in French and Zarma). Just so y'all know - I plan to be at Bethany the first Sunday I'm back - the next Sunday I'll be at home (BBC). If any of y'all want me to speak at a church about the Songhai and what y'all can do - let me know. Y'all can email me directly at edawson027@students.sbts.edu or email my mom at emilyonmission@gmail.com. 

Anyway... Jody told us this week in our usual bible study time on Sunday night that people have warned him - week 4 with the interns is coming - watch out. It gave the impression that it would be one of the hardest weeks. Honestly, I feel like my hardest weeks were in the beginning - and then I grew to love the Songhai and most aspects of the culture around me - it just took some adjusting. I feel like it's going to take a lot of readjusting to get used to the states again. I'm glad I'm going straight to Boyce though - I've missed school so much. (Not the papers and massive reading assignments - but the community.) 

So in a way I'm excited to get back home. But... I do wish I could stay longer. Most of the people we come into contact with have never heard the name 'Jesus' before - and as Paul says, "...I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, but as it is written, 'Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.' (Romans 15:20-21) 

This week God has been teaching me that He wants all people to know His name - and He wants to be glorified. He wants to be worshiped - because only He is worthy of such. Read Isaiah 52 & 53.

What floors me is that sometimes I expect to be comfortable and accepted - which Christ obviously wasn't. Christ was rejected and despised. It was the will of the LORD to crush Christ - for us. Christ was wounded for our transgressions an iniquities. Who am I to live a comfortable life if our Lord didn't? Don't get me wrong here - comforts are fine - but for the sake of the gospel, we should be willing to give everything up. The gospel is offensive. It will offend people - and you will be rejected because of it - but in that we are partakers of the sufferings of Christ - and that is a blessing. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." (Romans 1:16)

I love my comforts... My a/c, bed, food that doesn't mess up my stomach - I hate the heat... And I hate bugs... Especially spiders - and I've seen a bunch. I dislike snakes too - and we had a bit of a snake threat this week. Missionaries don't have to love all these things that most people dislike...

But we agree that the gospel is more important than our own comforts. 

The reason I'm in Niger is because the gospel is more important than anything. God is bigger and more glorious than anyone else could ever dream to be. God is worthy. The only reason I can even be here doing this is because of God's grace - because no one even seeks or understands God without God coming to them first. (Romans 3:10-18). So I can take NO CREDIT for any of this.

God is working among the Songhai - and we are beginning to see evidence. God is also working in our hearts. Continue to keep all of us in your prayers - especially the Songhai. Pray for safe travels for me - and a good last week. Keep April, Caitlin, Logan, and Thomas in your prayers. I'm leaving early because of school - they all leave on the 20th. Thank you for your continued prayers and support! Love y'all. 

Until the whole world hears.... ;)

This week...

Written July 26, 2013

I wanted to write a few blogs with a few different topics - but I'm going to try to combine everything together in one. Hopefully this'll make sense to y'all. 

The Bethany team was here and went back home last night - their flight was cancelled - but they should be home or almost home pretty soon. Thank you for praying for them. 

This week has been eventful. Everyone knows why we're here - and women are beginning to face opposition for talking to us. They seem very uncomfortable when we talk about Jesus and the way to get to heaven. They don't wish to be rude at all - so they usually just try to change the topic or they do other things. The men do not approve of us - and that makes things harder - because of the culture. Women are viewed as property. 

Today we got quite a surprise though. Fati - a lady (she's 20 - married, with 2 kids) came and visited us. She wished to talk and say hi. We talked about the stories we told (Creation to Christ - or C2C) and she began to ask questions about how one begins to follow Jesus. She told us that she saw us walking around and overheard what we were saying about different things. (We shared c2c with her, but had to leave because of the men.) She wanted to talk to us but didn't want everyone knowing - as to not face persecution. 

Reminds me of Nicodemus, coming to Jesus at night. 

She said she would think about the things we told her - about trusting in Christ. Please pray for her - that God would open her eyes even more. She says that the things we speak are truth, but she isn't sure that she wants to pay the price. Many times families will try to kill those who convert to Christianity. It's a hard road for those who follow Christ out here. Harder than we (Americans) know. 

My heart rejoices that she came to us. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!! :)

I was reading in Scripture today in Ezekiel 37 - about how God told Ezekiel to prophesy to the dry bones and God raised them up to be a mighty army. That they are like Israel - because God will raise up our bones and we will know that He is God. 

God desires all nations to know Him. He sends us as a light - but surely we can do nothing but proclaim who God is, only God can work in such ways. God desires to be worshiped. Truly worshiped for who He is, because He alone is Holy.

One of my favorite Old Testament stories is that of Elijah and the prophets of Baal  - that they set up 2 altars - and the followers of Baal asked him to send fire from heaven - and the fire did not come. But then Elijah dumped buckets of water on his altar, and then  prayed to the LORD, and God sent fire down from heaven that licked up even the water. - and so the people fell on their faces and said the LORD is God. 

Surely, anything is possible with God. Even the belief of the Songhai people. Keep praying for the Songhai people of Boubon. Also, pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are already facing persecution. To truly follow Christ is not easy. It's such a temptation for unbelievers to just add it to the things they already know (like Islam).

God is moving among the Songhai. It might not be evident at times - but He's here. God has not left the Songhai people. His sheep hear His voice. God's people know when God calls them forth.

As for me, my health is doing better - minus my stomach being weird - but I am in Africa. Lol. All of our stomachs are messed up. Of course, it doesn't really help that my Endo gets aggravated when I have a bad stomach - but thank heavens the pain only comes when I'm not out and about. 

Pray for Caitlin. She's still battling malaria - it got better for awhile - but I guess she overdid it one day and it came back strong. 

This was our last week with Odette (our translator) pray that we can still be a witness to Christ - without language. We still know very little Zarma. 

So this week concludes my 3rd week here. (Yesterday marks 3 weeks exactly.) I have 13 days  left here. I've been here for 22 days.... And it's been quite a journey. I feel like before I know it, I'll be on the plane back to home... Full of mixed emotions. I miss everyone at home.. I miss my comforts, but I don't wish to leave Niger. 

Day to day we go walking around (Iri go ga koy windy windy!! [we are walking around] = Zarma) and I'm always the slowest - the last one sort of lagging behind everyone.  (Odette, Caitlin and April walk fastet than most - and I walk slower than most. I don't do it on purpose. I think part of it is that I'm pigeon toed.) In some ways that's good - because people come up to greet me more often - and if someone just peeks around a corner - usually I can catch them to say hello. Some of the children walk slower as well - the little kids. So it gives me a chance to greet those who might otherwise be forgotten. I just wish I knew more Zarma. (Guess I have to study harder.)

There have been quite a few crazy things that have happened this week too - like our stove catching on fire. (Thank heavens for the guys knowing how to fix it. Sarah and Jody were both in Niamey seeing the Bethany team off - and since we don't have a microwave.... The stove is important.) it's a gas stove - the tube wasn't attached all the way and the back burst into flames. But we didn't burn our house down - thank heavens. 

It's been so hot this week. I wish it would just rain so everything would cool down. It looks like it'll rain - and then it doesn't. 

Keep us in your prayers. Remember - after I leave - April, Caitlin, Logan, and Thomas still have 10 days here. So we need to keep praying for them - and then be sure to always keep Sarah and Jody - and their kids, in our prayers. 

Praise God for Fati. Praise God she has listened and understood. :)

I love y'all!! Thank you again for all your encouraging notes - and remember - we're not doing the work - and this is not our battle - but it's God's work and His battle. 

To God be the Glory forever and ever. Amen!

Grace greater than all our sins

Written July 22, 2013

It wouldn't take much for us to be on the other side of things. The Songhai people are no better or worse than us... They just have a different skin color, and are in a different set of circumstances. The only difference is God's grace. God saved us already - and He hasn't saved them quite yet. 

However, we do have a handful of believers - mostly men and very small number of women and children.  He saved them. 

God saved us and knew our names before the beginning of the world. How amazing is that?

Brother Ken lead devotional last night. He lead it on 2nd Chronicles 20. It's King Jehoshaphat's prayer. There was a great horde of enemies coming toward them, so proclaimed a fast all throughout Judah.  

The LORD responded, "Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours, but God's.... You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the Salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.... And all Judah and  the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD, worshiping the the LORD." - and when they went out to the watchtower the next morning, the great horde was dead. 

The same is true here. This is God's battle, not ours. We're just the tools He uses. This is so comforting. The grace of the LORD upon us is so great. This gives us only reason to praise Him.

Honestly, there's no where else I'd rather be - than right where God wants me - even if its in Africa, falling asleep outside under mosquito nets.... With a turtle that has massive gas issues 5 feet away. (Only in Africa. Which I'm pretty sure this turtle is still out to get me. It keeps hissing at me.) 

So if it's hard - or in the current case rather stinky - it's not our battle. We can't save anyone. All we can do is proclaim the Gospel for all to hear - keeping our eyes fixed on Christ himself - not on ourselves. 

God's grace is sufficient - in fact, it's the only thing that is sufficient. God is sovereign, good, and just. There is no one like Him in all the universe - and He created you and me. He created the Songhai people. He created this stinky turtle named Mary. He created the stars and the mosquitos. He created the sand and the trees. 

And then we sinned. Adam and Eve were thrown out of the garden because they disobeyed God - and sin was passed down from generation to generation. Because God is a just God, He had to punish Adam and Eve. So death and fear and shame came. Life became hard. BUT God, promised a Savior - who would once again restore man's relationship with God. Christ came. Did things people have never seen before. Said He was the Son of God. People didn't like that - so they plotted to kill Him. But this was God's plan all along - because Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. He BECAME our sin. That's not the end of the story - because Jesus is God - He rose again on the 3rd day... And one day Christ will return. What a glorious day that will be!!! 

The Bible says if we believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead and confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, we will be saved. 

That is the message we proclaim - and that is the message we will continue to proclaim. 

Pray for the Songhai women. We went to a lady's compound today - but we were not able to share with her - even though she wanted to hear - because she said the men would not approve (they had just come back) - and she would have to come here to hear. Remember most all the believers are male. It's so much harder for a woman to come because of the culture. 

The word is out - as to why the Americans are here. Some are curious - but not all approve. Pray that we will still be able to share as much as possible. Pray that God would have grace on them - and save them. Pray that we would be strong and courageous and not afraid or dismayed. Pray that God would speak though us - and would keep working on us - until Christ is all we have. 

I would ask for prayers for safe travel for the Bethany team - but by the time I post this, they'll be back home. So praise God for their safe return. 

Thank you for your prayers and support! I love y'all. 

God is so good, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do. (Including saving the Songhai - and you're welcome for getting that song stuck in your head). ;)

Until the whole world hears. <3 ;) Love y'all. 

Pray for...

Last minute requests - Pray for Jody and Caitlin  - they both have malaria. 

Keep praying for the Songhai people of Boubon and Tagabody. Pray that our health keeps up - and that hearts would be open and receptive to the Gospel. 

Thank you! I love y'all and I'll be posting next week!

Sorry I haven't returned every comment, but know I do appreciate them. :) keep them coming! They're a big encouragement. The work is hard out here - encouragement is great! ;)

Just for fun..

You know you're in (West) Africa when...

1. You turn at least 5 shades lighter while taking a shower. (If you're white)

2. You feel the need to shower... 30 seconds after you stepped out of the shower.

3. 80 degrees is cool. 

4. Cold water is a luxury.

5. Dust/dirt appears out of thin air. I mean really... How'd all this dirt get under my mats?

6. Bug spray/sunscreen become a habit - and start to smell good. 

7. When you feel like anasara (Zarma for white person) is your name. 

8. When you feel like cado (Zarma for gift) is your name. 

9. When people look confused when you tell them you aren't married/have no kids - and they proceed to offer to find you a husband/wife. 

10. When every meal comes with rice. 

11. When every dish seems to have an onion, tomato paste and Maggi (chicken bouillon) in it. 

12. When you've seriously considered super gluing a fan to your face. 

13. When your batteries are squishy and only last 24 hours... And leak. 

14. When you have to turn over (while in bed) every 15 mins or so because the side you were laying on is covered in sweat. 

15. When you wake up in the morning your sheets are damp and you're in a pool of sweat.

16. When a turtle wakes you up at 6 am by running into your mosquito net tent. (The pet turtle named Mary... Who is bigger than the cat.)

17. When the call to prayer (Islam) wakes you up at 4:30 am.

(Which, btw, the people here pray in Arabic and have no clue what they're saying... And some of them will say what we're telling them (the Gospel) is true, but they have counted the cost - and do not wish to pay it.)

18. When you have the random urge to sing any and all lion king songs at random moments during the day. 

19. When your excited that you get to wear shorts!!! (Yep. One of the hottest places on Earth, and the culture doesn't approve of shorts - especially for women.) Yay for days in American compounds.

20. When you get excited about a dust storm - because everything cools down after wind and rain.

21. When you feel guilty about leaving any food uneaten. - because there are starving kids in Africa - that are right outside your walls. (And you can't give them your food.)

22. When you can't remember your own name - let alone how to spell it. (The chief's wife renamed us.)

23. When someone actually speaks English, you have no idea what to do.

24. When deodorant does nothing.   

25. When you drink gallons of water a day and never have to use the bathroom.

26. The quality of life improves when everyone your living with has showered. 

27. You think washing machines are from heaven. 

28. Peanut butter is a gift of God - not just because its amazing, but because it doesn't take 30 minutes + to fix. 

29. Your sheets are disgusting after 1 use. 

30. You have no clue what carpet flooring feels like anymore. 

31. You cry when you have to shut the windows because it's raining. 

32. Rainy season means it rains once a week. 

33. Thunder doesn't always mean rain. 

34. Electric fans are a gift from God. 

35. You have no idea what grass is anymore.

36. You don't want to sleep outside because.. A) It might rain or B) your too lazy to take your mat outside. 

37. You've seriously considered shaving off all your hair because it *might* be cooler. (And then one of your team mates comes back with his head shaved). 

38. When you iPhone starts complaining that it hasn't been backed up in weeks. 

39. When everything is funny because it's too stinkin hot. 

40. When things that are supposed to be solid are liquid. Like Neosporin. 

41. When new deodorant breaks in half when you're trying to use it. 

42. When your excuse for everything becomes, "Well, we ARE in Africa".

New as of August 4th**

43. When your friend had surgery to get sand out of her stomach.

44. When you believe flip flop marks are permanently burnt into your feet. 

45. When you think you have a stubborn piece of rice stuck between your toes - and it winds up being skin peeling off from flip flop blisters. 

46. When you don't notice you have a thorn in your heel until you take a shower. (Only applies after a few weeks of being here. In the beginning I had a thorn in my foot every day and noticed it right away.)

47. When walking to school barefoot in the snow uphill both ways - really doesn't seem that bad. 

48. When you think about people wasting peanut butter and get angry. (Because there are IMB interns in Africa who ran out of peanut butter...)

To be added to as I think of things. :)