40 Days until we leave!!

WOW, 40 Days until we leave!! Sometimes I think it is not coming soon enough, like when I am driving, but most of the time I feel overwhelmed with how much there is do to prepare and yet I don't want to be so consumed by the packing and stuff that I miss the whole reason we are here. I am behind on so much that I intended on doing this covenant term that I need to do but short termers syndrome is also hitting hard too.

The next few weeks will be busy with women's retreat and meetings and holidays in addition to our regular schedule and trying to get into the schools even a little. There is SUCH a wide range of emotions-

• Have I shared all I can about Jesus?
• Will these people even miss me when when I am gone?
• Do they care that I've been here?
• Have I made any difference, eternal or otherwise?
• How will things be with family and friends in the states?!?!
• How will I adjust?
• How will the children adjust to leaving?
• Am I doing enough to prepare them to leave here and to enter the States?

So many questions with no real answers, at least no comforting ones.

Help me Lord to look to you for the answers, not my emotions nor the father of lies. Let me see You at work and give me wisdom in how to join you.

Be ready with an answer in season and out of season!

Ok, we are in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa, right? We go to get a vaccine for Mariama downtown, at the only place you can get this vaccine. Anyway, while waiting to tell the man at the entrance what we need, this American woman in front of me turns around and asks if we are American. She asks where we are from, and I answer Texas. So she asks if I like Bush, which I answer affirmatively. She then asks how long we have been here and what we do. She then asks, "And you like Bush?" She asks what we think about the war, and the lives lost. I was so taken aback by this questioning in this particular setting. What could I have said? "Well, God tells us to pray for our leaders whether we like them or not, whether we agree with them or not." Did I say that? No! Did I say, "I have confidence in our troops and their training, particularly since my brother is one of our finest and they can use our prayers as well"? No! I said something like, "War is the way of the world," though I did not get my thought finished about it being due to man's sinfulness. I really hate feeling stupid! I also hate missing an opportunity to witness to anyone! I do not know what this woman is doing here in Senegal. But I lost a chance to share truth with her, because I was so caught off guard by the situation. Rich said he wanted to chime in that I am smart, really I am, but I was not coming across very smart nor very Christ-like. Colossians 4:6 instructs, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." I pray that my encounters like this will cease to exist as I wait for God's answer to others, rather than my own pitiful excuse for a reply.

Happy Birthday, Rich!!!!

Happy birthday, honey! You are turning 38, almost 10 of which we have been married. You may not be perfect, I know I am not, but you are the perfect husband for me. You balance me so well. Where I am weak, you are strong. Where I am strong, you encourage me to be stronger. It is such a blessing to have you in my life. You are such an example of generosity and giving. What a joy it is to know we are headed in the same direction, which is to follow God's will. I look forward to sharing many more of your birthdays together, in Africa of wherever God has us! I am so proud of you. The kids love their daddy, and it is not hard to see why. Have a super day!

Why do you do what you do? Why do I do what I do?

In the last few days, I have encountered a few situations that have made me inspect my motives for things I do, particularly that I do for God. As a disclaimer, remember I am only seeing these things from outside of the situation and do not know all the details, thus I tell it the way I see it.

First, it is Ramadan. The Koran instructs that young children, elderly in ill health, and pregnant women are exempt from fasting. However, a neighbor who is pregnant is fasting. Another coworker has said that they often will because others who are fasting will shame them for not fasting, because they are jealous of not being able to eat/ drink themselves. I have not heard anything of this sort said to them, but I do not know all that has occurred. I have however heard them during the day tell a child about William’s age in their home not to drink water and poured his cup out. Why?

Second, a coworker in another country has been very ill for the last eleven months, since she went to the village. Much of her illness could be contributed to things she has eaten that are not wise to injest. Others have done so and not gotten sick, thus she has continued to do as they do. Does she think she is not roughing it enough if she does not? Is that just her lot in life? Why?

Why would someone disobey their holy book in preference for others? Are they fasting for God or for man? Why would someone not take better care of themselves, doing reckless things? For God’s attention or that of man? Oh, but Lisa wait, do not get too ahead of yourself! Why am I in Africa? Why do I do the things I do everyday? Am I looking for God’s approval or man’s? Am I wanting a pat on the back from man or am I looking toward God to say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!” I realize this question never gets answered completely, but rather is a day to day question, particularly with so many things to bombard and demand my time. It is a daily choice and requires constant discernment in everything I do. I cannot make choices for others, but I am responsible for my decisions. I choose to make God smile today, tomorrow, the day after, the day after that, etc.

VBS in Dakar with Gordon College volunteers

The pastor welcoming the families to the closing ceremonies.













Some of the families watching the children's presentation.












The cheif de cartier's wife attended our ceremony!












Some of the children singing praises!

Making tortillas with Mommy!

Being silly around the house, even Odette!

Mariama's baby dedication in Togo

William's VBS journal

Monday 7/24/06

We had a rainy day in Echo Bay. We made a rain stick and a snow globe. In music we listened to rain sounds, played the rain game, and heard the Bible story of Elijah who asked God to send rain. We have the courage to know God sends the rain.
Today Pop learned to play our musical instruments. He was a good listener and answered Bible questions. He loves balloons.

Tuesday 7/25/06

Echo Bay had snow today so we made soapy snowballs to use in our bath. In the story we learned how Joshua listened to God in Joshua 3:1-3 so we tried very hard to listen and follow our teachers. In Kayak Cove we made a paddle for our canoe and in music we had water sticks that we move to music.

Today Pop liked to use his imagination in a world all his own. He joined our group activities but was eager to “be on his way”. Outside he loved the bubbles and discovered how to word the auto bubble machine.

Wednesday 7/26/06

It snowed again in Echo Bay so we took out our ice skates and went skating. In our story Jesus told the fishermen where to put their nets. We made a Jesus necklace. Pop loved that project.

Thursday 7/27/06

It snowed heavily in Echo Bay. We made our snowflakes fall gently from the sky, then we went ice skating again. We have learned our songs for family night and practiced on the stage.

It has been our privilege to care and teach Pop this week. Our prayers are with you.

Lunch at the beach

Our family went to a restaurant to wait on our volunteers and other team members. Mariama could not wait for everyone else, so she had a snack while we waited. William and I played along the beach a little. Then we were joined by William's good friend Chase.

My Little Man

Our Easter package finally arrived from Grandma, only two months late. Hooray for the postal system! Thanks Grandma! Anyway, William still looks handsome in his outfit. What a cutie!