Sooooo...

Written July 15, 2013

I am so beyond bored right now - and there's not much else to do but write another blog post. I've laid here on my mat all day. I've got 1 mat/rug and 2 cushion things that make up my bed.

 The other 3 girls went out and did normal ministry stuff today. I'm so bummed I wasn't able to go today... And already bummed that I probably won't get to go tomorrow.  The other ladies have been so good to me - making sure I'm drinking and eating and whatnot. Sarah and Jody have been great too. Everyone is doing what they can to make sure I'm okay - and I'm so grateful. Everyone is also very encouraging - trying to keep me from getting to discouraged because I can't go out. 

And not being able to go out is discouraging. While it's hard in Boubon, I'd rather be out spreading the Gospel than in here sick. Honestly, I'd rather be spreading the Gospel than doing anything else, period. I must decrease, He must increase. 

However, as Sarah reminded me, God knew that I was going to be sick. There's a reason for it. God is sovereign.... And I just have to trust that it's for the best. By staying put I might have avoided something devastating. Only God knows. 

So I've been studying and listening to music all day, completely zoned out - just trying as best as I can to stay still (no moving = less pain).. And yet somehow I still get sand and sweat all over me. Yay Africa. I guess that's just all part of it. I understand the sweat from the lack of a/c, but not so much the sand. 

Side note, heat wise, it doesn't feel much different than Brazil - other than when we sleep inside we bake. Like an oven. In Brazil we had a/c in the bedrooms. Oh... And hammocks are much cooler than mats and mosquito nets. But there's not really anywhere to hang a hammock for a night here - and malaria is much more prevalent - so mosquito nets are not optional. In Brazil I didn't have to use one. 

Another note - in comparing Brazil and Niger (pronounced knee-jair) - the trip types are different. In Brazil (Both times I went) the on field missionaries were with us the entire time... We really didn't do much on our own - at least I didn't. Here, Jody and Sarah are our supervisors - they're not with us the whole time - they trust we're doing what they asked us to do (which is telling the Creation to Christ presentation of the Gospel to as many people as we can - following up with those we have, and keeping track of the ones who have a desire/interest for future follow-ups after we're gone.

I'm not saying one way of doing a trip is better than another. For the 2 week trips we had to Brazil - that was probably the best thing. And for 5 weeks - working this way (in teams with the on field missionaries doing other work, like discipleship) works better. 

And honestly - how it worked out - with 2 trips to Brazil with the missionaries by my side - and now being part of the overall IMB team - works better with how I grew. I got more accustomed to the idea of foreign missions and how to do them there. I'm using my knowledge of previous trips here. It's good to have a little experience.

Side note - I think the Africa phone thing is messed up. Can't get people to call me back - and I'm not sure why.  So....

Mom and Dad:  I miss & love you. Things are going good here - besides being sick right now. Thanks mom for keeping up with all the updates and sending them out. I have Internet on Saturday's but it's really slow. (I'm posting blogs on my phone now, because the wifi on the phone is faster for some reason.) Use Jaja to call me and if that doesn't work call the guy that's on that email. I miss y'all. If y'all don't soon I'll call but it'll be a short phone call. It adds up fast.

Janet:  The skirts/scarves work and fit in perfectly. Thank you so much for making them. They have wrap around ones here, and they're a lot more difficult than the ones I brought. So I'm very thankful. I miss & love you!

Anyway... (Back to everyone)  I miss & love all y'all. Thank you for all your prayers and support. Please keep praying for the Songhai. Also pray for the Bethany team of 3 guys who will be here Thursday night. (So by the time I post this, they will have been here for 2 days.)

Also pray (if God wills and in His timing) that I'll get back up on my feet soon. I'm going crazy just laying here. If nothing changes I might start sharing the Gospel to the flies... And there are thousands of flies.