Adventures...or lack thereof.

I was reading over some old posts from when I was in Africa. Remember how exciting my life was then? It hurts my heart. I am desperately craving some sort of adventure or change. The more I think about it the more I wonder, is that okay? Why am I not content with where I am or the things I have? My life has potential to be adventurous, right? I mean, I'm a full time student and employee. That's an adventure. Or at least finding time to do everything and still get sleep could be adventurous to some. I have become so, dare I say it,...BORED!
I hate that word. I hate even more the way boredom consumes. It sucks the production right out of me.
I feel like I am floundering out in the middle of the ocean. I am desperately grasping for excitement and adventure, yet I know what I need to get back to the shore. Sometimes, I don't know if I want the safety of the shore or not, though. Does that even make sense? Am I just rambling? Probably so.
I don't know. I'm procrastinating doing my homework right now. I had some thoughts and no one to share them with. Why not make them public, right? Ha. I'm a little sad, a little bored, a little stressed, a lot complacent, and I hate it.
Anyway, just pray for me. I could use it.


ps- rereading this made me think of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb"...just an fyi.

Daniel 10

Then he said to me, Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind and heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come as a consequence of [and in response to] your words.

It's Been A While.

So... I haven't written anything on here in quite some time. Not very surprising, but a little sad. I was supposed to be blogging about my journey as a warrior of Christ. A big part of that journey was my trip to Africa last year. And it would look as if that is where my journey ended. That is if you only keep up through my blog. And maybe if you've been around me much, it wouldn't seem much different.
Last March I embarked on a journey that I expected to completely change my life. Did it? It definitely changed my heart. But I am really seeing no fruits of a life change. That my friends, hurts. No part of me really wanted to admit it, but for the last six months I have been blah. I was expecting major life changes and for everything to turn around. But nothing happened. So I continue to wait. And wait. And wait. And that's where I ran into this "problem" that I seem to be facing.
I have been waiting around for something to magically appear, instead of actively seeking the Giver of all things, the ONE who makes things happen. I've lost my joy. I've become stagnant, even bored with my relationship with Christ. So, what's a girl to do? Sit around a while longer and keep wishing things would change? Well, that might be what the normal girl does, but not me. I was created to be a WARRIOR in the Kingdom of the most high God. I'm going to have to fight to regain my life, my joy, and my relationship with Jesus.
That will be my journey for now. I am out to destroy the lies the devil has lead me to believe, and regain lost territory, and conquer even more for the Lord. As we head into Feb. 2011, I could use your prayers and encouragement. I will try to keep you updated and encouraged as well.

If anyone in the world is even reading this, God Bless you!

22 That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. 24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”

But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

27 The man asked him, “What is your name?”

“Jacob,” he answered.

28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel,[f] because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”
Genesis 32:22-28

Jesus Loves the Little Children

23I was upright before Him and blameless with Him, ever [on guard] to keep myself free from my sin and guilt. 24Therefore has the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness (my uprightness and right standing with Him), according to the cleanness of my hands in His sight. 25With the kind and merciful You will show Yourself kind and merciful, with an upright man You will show Yourself upright, 26With the pure You will show Yourself pure, and with the perverse You will show Yourself contrary. 27For You deliver an afflicted and humble people but will bring down those with haughty looks. 28For You cause my lamp to be lighted and to shine; the Lord my God illumines my darkness. 29For by You I can run through a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. 30As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him.31For who is God except the Lord? Or who is the Rock save our God, 32The God who girds me with strength and makes my way perfect? 33He makes my feet like hinds' feet [able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble]; He sets me securely upon my high places. 34He teaches my hands to war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 35You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand has held me up; Your gentleness and condescension have made me great. 36You have given plenty of room for my steps under me, that my feet would not slip.
(Psalm 18:23-36)

This is a passage I have been dwelling on lately. I really love it!
It was originally planned that I would arrive back in the States today, so I have been thinking a lot about why God has kept me here. I am still figuring it out and am coming to a place where I just want to be used by God.
I was listening to the prayer requests of the HIV positive orphans last night and my heart was completely broken. They were all asking for prayer for those who don't have food, or people they knew who were away. And one child asked to pray for him. I asked if he was sick and his reply was "No and can we pray for Haruna" (His friend who was sitting next to him). It was the sweetest thing and at that moment I felt God's heart for those children. I almost cried listening to the children pray for each other and the various Mommies or Aunties who weren't there at the moment. Oh how I love watching children love God!! It is so refreshing to my spirit!

MUZUNGU!

Oleotia?(How are you?) Ahh! It has been quite a while since I have updated, and I am not too sure where to begin. I have been here for a little over a month now and am learning how to make my way around Jinja. During my first week here God brought an opportunity to me. I randomly met Sara, who was looking for a way to teach a group of boys the Bible. She "doesn't know much about religion" but the kids from the street were asking her questions about Jesus! So now I teach the Bible for an hour a day, five days a week. Those boys have captured my heart. I also have an MK (missionary kids) youth group. I have about 8-10 kids every week and I really enjoy them as well. I lead a short devotional once a week for kids in an AIDS orphanage. I really admire those children.
God is providing plenty of children for me to work with (and possibly some to put in my suitcase and bring home). I am enjoying my experience and I am praying about staying a little while longer. Please continue to support me with your prayers!

Adventures

I have had a few adventures since I've been here. Actually, driving anywhere is quite the adventure! I have seen the source of the river Nile (not all that exciting, but cool to say you have seen it). I have also visited Bujagali Falls, which was a little more adventurous. We took a boat ride to a small island and I was sure I would drown in the Nile. It was a small wooden boat that wasn't sealed very well. They had employed a child to scoop out the water that was leaking in! Needless to say, not the most enjoyable boat ride. I went hiking through the rain forest. I heard monkeys, but we could never see them. I am also now a pro at riding a boda. A boda is like a taxi, except it's a motorcycle. You have to sit side-saddle, and the first time is very scary. I am having fun!

AFRICA

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, and the devil knows that I'm a winner!

Today was my first full day in Africa! It is a beautiful place, and definitely a new experience. My first flying experience was good. I liked it very much, actually. The people here are beautiful and so is the landscape. I went to choir practice and to a Bible study held for the ladies who work night shift at a babies home. The quote above is a song that the ladies were singing after the message. It was very touching to here them singing and clapping and praising God.
God is so good. It is still hard to believe that I am here. Please keep praying and I will update as often as possible.

I love you all. God Bless.

God is good.

Hello all! It's time for an update. I leave for Uganda in 8 days. WOW! God is sooooo good. I can't even begin to describe the excitement that is going on inside of me! He provided ALL of the money that I needed! And he is continuing to provide! I am so ready for adventure! I am extremely calm and confident about this trip. I have felt all of the prayers, and am so thankful for everyone who has been supporting me. Don't stop now! I will need it more when I'm actually there!

I know a little bit more about what this trip holds, but a lot of what I will be doing is still unknown to me. I will be working with an AIDS orphanage when I get there, which sounds to me like one of the most heartbreaking things I will ever encounter. I will be ministering to the children of the missionaries there. That seems to intimidate me the most, but I am excited about it. I am pretty sure I will be doing street ministry directed towards the youth in the area. I really have no idea what God has in store, but it's going to be grand! Why else would He send me halfway around the world?

Thanks again everyone for your support! I love you and God Bless!