too comfortable.

Each day here I am reminded of how much I have.


I step out of our concrete-walled house, and exit through our walled compound safely secured by a guard and I see it.

All.around.me.

I see our neighbors sitting outside their one-roomed homes made of metal scraps.

I see it through the tattered, old, simplistic clothing that covers them and their children. Bras are for the rich.

I see it in Margaret’s 3-roomed orphanage with maybe 10 beds for 17 children without a mom or dad.

I see it in their diet. Vegetables are for the wealthy, referred to as “rich food.”

I see it in the lack of water.

I see it in the men (and children) who pound rock into tiny pieces all day for money.

I see it in adverts along the road for HIV treatment

I see it in the children on the streets selling stuff to earn money instead of being in school earning an education.

I see it in eyes of the beggars that surround my car everywhere I go.

I see it in our guards who don’t take a single day off because they can’t afford to.

I saw it in our friend who almost died of malaria.


And just this last week I was beginning to feel sorry for myself. We have been without running water for a week now. I’ve had bucket showers the past few days for the first time. And let me tell you, it’s a little tricky. I can't get over the stench of the toilet from not being able to flush it. At times it can be inconvenient to filter water or boil it. I’ve been longing to go for a run by myself somewhere, anywhere. Or to get back into a regular exercise routine in a gym. I’ve been craving a vegetable salad with broccoli and craisins, and all the various things I love in a salad. Or even fruit (other than pineapple and overripe bananas). Just the other day I was aching for home and all the things I get to do… eat… go… the conveniences.

Then, all I have to do is step out of our house and I am ashamed. I have become too comfortable. I have been so blessed to live such a cozy life (of which I'm SO thankful for). Where unlimited, clean water is for granted. Where we can choose our diet. Like whether we want (or need) organic and vegetarian. Meat is a treat here! Inside I too often want to complain at how hot it is when the majority don’t even have electricity (let alone a/c). I get a little perturbed when the internet is too slow, or even down.

Yet I get to eat three meals a day, sleep on a matress atop a bed, mostly have a proper shower, and drink water whenever I am thirsty. Tonight I have a light bulb to aid my reading or guide my steps to the bathroom, air-conditioning to keep me comfortable, and the internet to stay current with friends on Facebook (or blog) :). They have a small flame. For cooking, for light…for everything.

It’s just that in my excess; my convenient and comfortable lifestyle has brought me discontentment when stripped bare.

I have... Too much. I live... Too easy. I am... Too comfortable.


May you count your many blessings with me this holiday season!

Giving thanks

Thanks to our friends at the U.S. Embassy, we were invited to a Thanksgiving meal and celebration with local Peace Corps residents.

We were surprised at all the food! We may be in Africa, but that won't stop Americans from getting their turkey :) Not only was there a turkey, but THREE turkeys!!

We were blown away at their generosity and hospitality. This year we were not with our families (at home on the ship or at home in the states), yet we were surrounded by those who share a heart for the world outside of "the American dream."

Although we have only been here just over a month, we feel the strong sense of community here among the nationals and the ex-pats. People take care of each other here. They look after one another. So many we have met have connections with "this person" or "that person" who can help us with this or that. So quick to help.

I love that.









I am so thankful and blessed to live in Africa. Not many have this opportunity. Very few can quit their jobs, leave their home, and say good-bye to friends and family (who are supportive!). I have experienced so much in these last two years. All the things my eyes have seen and the emotions my heart has felt... all the memories created... I would not trade them for the world.


I may not have seen a paycheck or increased my bank account, but I have seen and experienced more than what money could ever buy and have increased my capacity to love. God is showing us and teaching us so much.




I am forever changed.



For this, I give thanks.

loot.

Le10,000 is the highest bill of currency here...

...too bad that's only worth $2.50!! :)

(Still can't help but feel a little loaded with a purse full of "10,000" bills, or feel a little surprised when the cash register reads at total of a hundred and something thousand!) :)

oh happy day!

We FINALLY got the container cleared!!!

After weeks and many HOURS and LONG days at the port pushing to get the process moving, my amazing husband's hard work paid off :)

Can I just say I am married to one incredible guy! He put up with so much over these last weeks, and with SUCH ease and wisdom through it all.

It was an early Christmas around here when we opened the container from Texas and found items like this one! :)

Now we have things like cereal, tea, jam, chips and salsa, ecetera that will last us a really long time!

A BIG shout-out to my husband
and a HUGE "Thank-you" to our "family" at the IOC who stocked us up real good!! :)

the seamstress.

house guest.

Unfortunately (for him), this one didn't survive the visit. :)

i'll race you. :)

sneak peek.

lovely day.

Saturday afternoon spent at a BEAUTIFUL beach together

+

WHITE sand and crystal clear, WARM ocean

+

doing absolutely NOTHING

=

one LOVELY day.

:)

Tel God Tenke

I've been meaning to write this post for over a week now. Its just that our internet connection is so hit and miss most of the time.

The end of our third week here, God MOVED in big ways for us! And all at once I might add! :) ...

We'd been struggling with getting our containers cleared through custom. Its just a SLOW process here, one thing after another. Many items on it, like a BIG refridgerator, were greatly needed. Not to mention how it would make our lives so much easier. :) We'd also been needing a very important document signed by the V.P that would ease cooperation from the different governmental bodies, allowing us to move forward in many areas. Unfortunately, however, it wasn't appearing to be a priority (according to OUR timeline, I should say). In addition, we had our eyes and hearts set on the PEFECT location for our hospitality center and dental sites. But, were meeting some resistance and unrealistic demands. Oh how we desperately need, and must depend on, HIM!!

On Thursday we sent an email to our entire ship family, sharing with them the above challenges and ASKING for PRAYER!! And they did just that. They spent a special time in prayer over these requests. The next morning we had our first weekly prayer meeting with some local pastors to lift each other up in prayer. Again, we shared these needs. What a sweet time of fellowship and prayer together! These are godly men, the church, who want to serve along side us and help in any way. I was so encouraged by this time with our "brothers." The Lord was already at work...

From our prayer meeting began the day that just wouldn't seem to END! :) We joined Tim at the port, where he'd been coordinating all morning with the port and customs' officials to get our containers out. But first, we met with a certain powerful individual who basically said the site we were wanting was ours! Two hours later we heard that our letter of cooperation had been signed! TWELVE hours later (since Tim arrived), we drove out of the port followed by the truck carrying our CLEARED container!!

Yes, the day that never seemed to end. But it did. And with blessing after blessing.

The. power. of. prayer.

AND, I'm not even done yet :) Just TWO days later I spoke with my family and learned that we have new RENTERS!! Our home had only been vacant by a matter of WEEKS!! Oh, the Lord is so good to us!

Just thought I'd let you all know the FRUIT of YOUR PRAYERS!!! Thanks for being such a CRUCIAL part of what we are doing here. xoxo

Tel God Tenke!! (Thanks Be To God! in Krio)

therapy

I have found my spot...

The two mile trek up hill (from our house) releases stress and provides some exercise.

The incredible views and lush landscape bring wonder and renewal.

The excited "Hello!" from the children I pass along the way, bring a smile.

The quiet solace brings me peace.

The time alone with my husband brings contentment and joy.

And the best part is, its practically in our back yard.

...Medicine to my soul.

the 'Saah Josephs'

Just three days after I wrote my last post, Tracy and I met four men from Rotary International for dinner. It was just what I needed.

Several years back they started a small school, church, and medical clinic in a neighboring village. The best part of the evening was hearing from Saah Joseph. He is from Liberia, but has moved here to Sierra Leone because he has a heart for his people; all over Africa. Joseph was once a refugee of war, first fleeing Liberia's war to Guinea and then here to Sierra Leone. He has started schools and churches in each of those countries. He has a heart full of compassion, desiring to meet the needs of his people. I could see it in his eyes and hear it in his words.

Hearing his story and his heart, put back in me the faith for Africa, for Sierra Leone, and her people. There may be many thorns, but there ARE the roses. There are many more men and women like Saah Joseph who are not living out of selfish gain and dishonesty. No, they want to give back and make a difference.

The next day I met with the director of one of the local hospitals. He may be the chief medical doctor of the hospital, but one of the most humble men on this planet. Despite his very busy and demanding role, he dropped everything to see us with eagerness. He is excited for what we will be doing and is more than willing to help in any way that he can. Another Saah Joseph. More faith.

Two days later, Jeremy and I visited the Don Bosco boy's home. Don Bosco was a italian Catholic priest in the 1800's who had a vision from God to start homes for boys living on the streets. There are now Don Bosco homes all over the world. Talk about a phenomenal ministry. The boys from ages 9 to 18 are taken in off the streets, given a home, community, education, and counseling for nine months. They are then followed-up with a social worker for three months as they get integrated back into their families and communities. To briefly meet these boys was music to my soul. We were even invited for an ENORMOUS and DELICIOUS african meal with the father and some of the staff members. Again, my heart was encouraged to see the locals stepping up and out to reach their youth in need.

Africa, I am beginning to believe in you again.