-Can You Help Me Find My Way Home?-

       Today was not much different from other days. Some missionaries felt perfectly fine, while others felt sick. We conducted trainings with the new community health workers. Afterwards would be time for French lessons, but things did not go as expected. Olean, which is one of the doctors here, asked our translator Naomi to find out a ladies story that was at the hospital. She is Hausa and does not speak English or any language spoken here. I was curious to find out what was going on with this lady. We eventually found her in the common cooking area sitting on the ground. I stood behind the lady while Naomi went all the way down to her level to greet her. Naomi spent the early years of her life in Nigeria so she is able to speak Hausa and understands things about their culture. The lady was excited to finally speak to someone that understood her. As she told Naomi about her state she had tears running down her face. I was behind her so was unable to see all that was happening. Naomi found out from the lady that she got lost and ended up here at the hospital. We do not know how she got lost in the first place, but here is what we understood. 

     She lives in Nigeria, but not in the same area as her children. Her children live in Bori, which is very far from where she resides with some children that she takes care of. She does not have any contact information for any of her relatives. Her parents and grandparents are all dead. She got  lost in Nigeria and some white lady saw her and picked her up and brought her to Cameron. She was then taken to Lye, Tchad by another white person. Some European people brought her to the Adventist hospital. She was at one point staying by a market in the bushes, but did not eat. The reason that she was in the cooking area was because she was begging for food, but no one gave her any. When we meet her she was eating a handful of peanuts. She told Naomi that she would like some food, cloth, and sleep with her at her house. She felt like she finally meet someone that could understand her and no longer felt as lost. She indicated that she was going to die today because she had not eaten all day long. 

     What do you do when you meet someone that does not know how to get back home? You call the police or missing person services. I doubt the police here will do anything. There is not a missing person services here in Tchad. Naomi and I did not know what could be done with this lady with so many unanswered questions. We prayed for God to show us what to do and help this lady. I got one of my pieces of cloth that I brought here from the States. We then went to get some food and drink for her right outside of the hospital compound. It was enough for her to make it till tomorrow. 

     We went back to the common cooking area and she was still in the same spot that we left her in. This time I sat next to her and was able to see the lady behind the mystery. She is small framed, which can be due to her having AIDS. She has smooth skin that also speaks that she has lived a rough life. Her eyes looked tired, lost, and appreciative at the same time. Her high cheek bones and small face seemed to exclaim that she was from Nigeria. Her soft and faint voice showed that she was tired, weak, and scared. The tears that rolled down her face said that she was tired of being lost and just wanted to get back home to what was familiar. Her slender corse hands indicated that she has worked hard for most of her life. When Naomi gave her the things that we got for her she put her hands together as in a shape of a bowl. This meant that she was thankful for my help. She clasped my hand with both her hands and thanked me for what I had done and that God would take care of me. Even though I did not understand what she was saying her demeanor spoke volumes to me.

      I have been lost on several occasions, but often it was with someone else. When I was a little kid I got lost in a regular size walmart. I looked here and there for my mother while tears rolled down my face. Those few minutes that I was lost felt like an eternity to me. This lady has been lost for days, weeks, or maybe months. This lady cannot call for her family to meet her at the front of the store like many kids do when they are lost. She cannot call anyone since she does not know their numbers. How will she get back to her country? How will she get back to her home? Does she even know where she lives? Does she have Alzheimer's? Was she in a new part of town and got lost? Was she kidnapped? Is her family worried and looking all over for her?? There are so many problems and questions, but no answers. Right now God is the only one that has the answers. There is a reason why she was ultimately dropped off at this hospital and it maybe cause we can help her get back home. If I could I would send her on a flight back to Nigeria where people could take her back home. If I could I would giver her Dorothy's shoes from the Wizard of Oz, so that she could click her heels together and get back home. 

     I cannot say that I understand exactly how this lady feels. I cannot say that I know what to do. What I do know is that I will do what I can and God can lead us along the way. I have never been in such a position, so I do not know which way to turn. Please keep this lady in your prayers. Please pray for us find a way to get this lady back home where she belongs. If you know of what could be done please let me know. 

     While writing this post what came to mind is how we are to God. We were or are lost at some point in our lives. We do not even realize we are lost till we have gone far away from what we know. Some continue down the road that they are going while others try to find another option. Along the path we find those that want to help and those that lead us further down the wrong road. God has rescued people over and over and extended an invitation for us to be His. He rescues the lost sheep to bring them to live with Him. He is the shepherd that loves each sheep the same, so if one of them is lost He will go looking for them for as long as it takes. I am grateful that God looks for me every time that I go straying off onto another path. I am thankful that He loves me so much that no matter how lost I was that He still welcomed me back with open arms. Thank you God for never giving up on us!!

~ Help those in need as much as you would like them to help you. ~

Tchadian for a Sabbath

After finding out how cheap it is to get an outfit we all decided to get a traditional type outfit made. The guys got made what is called a jumper. Us girls used a pattern that was in the tailors workshop. Ours doesn't look Tchadian style, but rather has an American twist to it. The outfits cost $20 and less for the material and for it to be made. With those prices I definitely will get more made!

Everyone at church was excited to see us wearing our outfits. The men gawked at the guys outfits. The ladies ohh and awwed at ours. The outfits were fun to wear, but were a little hot by the end of the day. For me it showed that we are embracing their culture. We are trying to blend in. It also showed that we may be from different places and nationalities, but we are all still the same. Embracing their culture makes them feel like they can connect with us and we are not putting them down. The more I embrace their culture the more that I begin to like it and realize that they are not much different. 

~We are all different, but still all the same~

Pride Before the Fall

     Yesterday was the day that I finally conquered my fears. Yesterday was the day that I didn't let my pride get into the way. It was such a simple thing, but it was a big deal for me. Yesterday was the day that I finally drove the motorcycle with ease, confidence, and no crashes. You see, about a month ago I was taught how to ride a motorcycle by a fellow missionary Bronwyn. She took the time to teach Zach and I since we didn't know already. I was using her motorcycle, which can only be started by a kick starter. To start it by kick start you need to put all of your weight on it and give it a lot of force. For you all who know me know that I am not the biggest or tallest person, but rather quite petite. I had two things that were working against me to get the moto working: 1. I am light in weight 2. I am short. It was much harder for me to even get it started after what felt like millions of tries. What made the situation worse was that there were about four workers there while I was practicing. They were siting on the side just watching all of the action for the most part. After trying to kick start about ten times my pride began to lower. Each time that I tried to start it and it failed I felt like my pride was being beat down to the ground. One side of me wanted to just give up and run away. The other side of me wanted to continue trying so that I could prove that I could ride the bike despite my size. Do I let my pride or confidence win? Do I just give up before I embarrass myself even more? I choose to keep on trying. I started to pray to God that I could get it started because I just wanted to learn to drive so that I could drive the Projects moto. Bronwyn kept on encouraging me and told me what happened when she first learned how to drive. Her story is what helped me to continue trying. I finally got it stared a few times and felt like a weight was lifted.

     I drove around the compound very slowly so that I wouldn't run into anything. Well my speed didn't prevent anything because one time I was heading towards the bed of flowers and tried to stop the bike, but I accidentally pushed the gas as well. I went flying into the short brick wall that encircled the flower bed. My pride couldn't take anymore embarrassment. Then Bronwyn preceded to tell me that one of the workers didn't know how to drive a moto and refuses to learn because of his fears. So often we do not try to do things because of things that stop us, or maybe that only happens to me. Those things could be fears, pride, family, lack of money, or ourselves. I got back onto the moto and kept on riding it and was able to get to second gear. That day I did not get as good as I would have liked, but I was happy that I got somewhere. Zach was able to get the hang of it right away, so he has been the main driver of the moto.

     I tried to ride the moto a couple weeks later, but it did not get very far. I accidentally ran into the rice bush when stopping. The front brake and gas are on the same handle, so when I squeeze one I accidentally move the other one too. I thought after that I may never be able to drive one. Was it my size or lack of skill? :(

     Yesterday morning I was talking to God about different things that I want to do. One of the things that I wanted to be able to do was learn how to ride a moto and overcome that obstacle. Right after the prayer I got the opportunity because Shannice needed help. I was able to start this time without stalling too many times. I was able to stop fine since I only used the back breaks. I did not run into anything or anyone. It felt so liberating to be able to ride the moto around with ease. My confidence rose up high and the things that were working against me before did not even matter anymore. There were some kids who stopped to watch me ride around in the front of the school. I was glad that there were no embarrassing moments happening this time due to the audience. Towards the end of my practice I tried to drive with Shannice on the back of the bike.This is a big deal since it changes the weight and balance of the bike. It was so hilarious because after I figured out how to balance it and ride off I started to scream in fear. This is because when we first started off the bike was wobbling to the left and right while gaining balance. After a few seconds I was able to ride straight without the fear of falling over into the sand. 

     I still need to practice some more before I go off into the open road, but I am still happy. I am happy to know that I CAN drive a motorcycle. When you finally face your fears head on no matter if you embarrass yourself it feels liberating. It feels even better when you overcome and do better than you ever thought. Yes I am short, skinny, and a woman, but those things will not hinder me from accomplishing things that others may think are not possible. What I learned from this experience is that you have to just face obstacles in your life, so that you can overcome them instead of holding you back. Also you cannot let your pride get in the way, but keep on trying till you get it. Lastly, God does care about the things that we think are small. He heard my prayer several times and gave me the ability to drive a motorcycle. No matter how small you think your prayer is He still hears. No matter how big your prayer may seem He is more than able to answer it as well. 

     What are some of the things that you need to overcome? What things have stopped you from reaching some of your goals and dreams? Why are you letting them stop you? Does your pride or confidence come in the way of learning or accomplishing something? If I can learn how to ride a motorcycle that is triple my weight and so high off of the ground that only my toes reach the ground than what is your excuse? Think of the things that you have been able to do in the past than go and face your fears with confidence and strength from God…

          ~Reach for your dreams even if it means falling down several times~ 

What do you do??

I have been out here in Bere for 10 weeks now working with the community. Some of you may be wondering what in the world I am doing out here in Tchad. Many of you knew that I was planning on going to Tchad, but didn't know the full details. Here is a short explanation of what I am doing out here.

            I am working as one of the coordinators for Project 21 along side with Zach Gately. Project 21 was developed and implemented by Marci Anderson about two years ago. It is called Project 21 because it works with 21 different quartiers (towns) within Bere district. The Project was made to create a connection between the community and Bere Adventist Hospital. It also is trying to empower communities to take care of their health. Many times people don't come to the hospital because 1. Don't have the funds 2. Don't know how much procedure costs or if free 3. Don't think health problem is that serious 4. Wait till they have money to come to the hospital 5. Seek someone else to help them.

            What the project comprises of currently are doing health lectures to people staying at the hospital, feeding malnourished kids, and training workers of the quartiers. The health lectures are done everyday expect Thursday and Friday. We talk about different health issues so that they know the signs, how to treat, and when to come to the hospital. We want them to understand some basic things that will help them to take better care of their health. We strive to prevent some of the health issues that are prevalent in this area. On Tuesday we do a cooking lecture and demonstration for mothers by pediatric ward. What we have been making is a local dish called bouille, which is rice porridge with peanut butter. We do a demonstration on how to make it more nutritious, which is especially helpful if one has a malnourished child. We allow people to taste the bouille after it is completed. The difference with the one that we make is that it has peanut butter, flour, lime, and Nido (powered nutritious milk). What we have started to do more recently is give it to the malnourished kids that are staying at the hospital. We are hoping to do more feedings so that it can make a difference with their weight. On Wednesday we have dental day on the hospital grounds. Jamie Parker is the main dentist, but we may assist him. Some of the student missionaries have already taken out some teeth. The purpose of dental day is to extract teeth from people at a low price. The extraction itself is free, but they have to pay for the medication that is needed. A dental lecture is presented to those that are waiting to get their teeth extracted. On Thursday we use this day as a day to do other things that may need to be done. Whether this means going to a different town, cultural awareness, or other matters. For Friday we do a combined lecture on diverse health topics to community health workers and traditional birth attendants. These people are the ones that are to help out in their communities to ensure that people go to the hospital when they need to go. They range from old to young, educated to uneducated, Muslim to Christian. We train them to not be nurses or doctors, but health assistants. They are apart of one of the 21 quartiers that we serve, which helps since they know what their communities most need.

         There are so many different things that we are involved in here. We have grand dreams in the future to help even more people and add more components to the project. Some of the main things that we want to alleviate or stop are malnutrition, malaria, and basic health issues related to bad water (typhoid). I didn't know why I was supposed to come here, but after being here I know exactly why. With so many people in need and so many things that can be easily avoided one can only be passionate.  I wish I could save everyone, but that is not possible. I can do my best to help those who are in need with what we have available. 

Please check out Project 21's blog for more information on what we are doing and how you can help. Every prayer, encouragement, and dollar makes a difference.    www.berep21.wordpress.com

~"When you do to the lest of these you have done to me"~

- A Mothers Cry -

            One of the things that we decided to do with Project 21 recently is to fed malnourished kids at the hospital. Tuesday morning we have a cooking demonstration on how to make nutritious bouille (rice porridge). Other times we just make it and give it to them. We are trying to start feeding the kids three days a week twice a day. Today I helped to make the bouille and distribute it at the hospital. Today there were 11 children that were considered malnourished, which was about half of the kids there. In the evening I helped distribute it once again. When we were about to feed some more we heard some crying. I didn't pay much attention to it at first, because I thought that it was a kid. Then Naomi (our translator) informed us that a baby just died. I have never been in the same room when someone just died. I have been to quite a few funerals, but that's much different. It’s harder to look at a limp body that was alive a few minutes before. How can the baby be dead? Maybe he is just unconscious. I wanted to deny the death, since it happened so recently. Living in the U.S. I have been so sheltered from death unlike how it is in places like here.

            Shannice and I stood on the side observing what was happening. People in pediatric ward started to gather around the lady with the baby. Some people said things to her while others just stared. I looked over and saw a guy bending over the bed crying, who we assume was the father. The hardest thing for me to see is a man crying. Tears started to develop in my eyes, but I just held them back as much as possible. The woman who we assume was the mother started to whale out things. She had tears running down her face and was exclaiming her pain. A nurse came by and took the IV for blood transfusion and Quinine out of the babies arm. It seemed so final. Do you sit there after your child has died? What is there left to do? They started to pack up the little that they brought to the hospital. The baby that died is one of the babies that we feed earlier. Did the bouille that we made for him not make a difference? Would it have helped if we feed him more? So many questions flooded my mind as I watched. I watched the pain that was in their faces. I watched as other mothers began to cry. I watched as someone tried to close the eyes of the lifeless baby. Then they took a small cloth and tied it around the babies face, so that you couldn't see his eyes. Then they got up and left the hospital grounds.

            As I stood there I thought of the other people that were in the hospital. As they looked at this family did they fear what would happen to their own? They were only a bed or two over, so death could easily come knocking at their door. Which child’s life would be next? Whose family would have to leave in agony as the fight against the disease ended in defeat? It’s sad to think that way, but it’s reality here.

           As we continued to feed there was a silence that was in the air. There was also a deep silence within myself. There was nothing that I could do. Saying sorry to them would amount to nothing. I do not have any children, so I don't understand that type of loss. Death is part of life, but it hurts me most when it is a child that dies. As I write this post I am still saddened within me. I don't know the baby, but I feel some of the pain that the family feels. My heart goes out to the family that just lost their baby. May they be comforted in this time of despair and find hope. 

            The bouille that we made may not have saved the boys life, but we hope that it makes a difference in others. The bouille is full of nutritious things that can help the children to grow fatter, while at their stay at the hospital. We also hope that by demonstrating how to make it with a few extra ingredients, more families will do it that way and save their children. We are hoping that every scoop of bouille could make a difference in their life.

~ Comfort those that need comforting ~

-Did you say food?!-

    The time that I look forward to the most is the weekend. The weekend means being able to relax from work and planning. Sundays aren’t completely free from that, but for the most part they are. Sunday what we usually do is have a volleyball match with most of the missionaries in Bere. On Sabbath I wake up with a smile on my face because 1. I get to sleep in 2. I get to dress up 3. Delicious food. Back in the states I looked forward to the weekend as well, but it's a different type of appreciation here. On this day I take more time to get ready. It makes a girl happy to get a little dolled up every once in awhile. What usually happens is that I attend the English Sabbath school, which is led by Dr. Rollin Bland. The remainder of the service is in French and Nanjara. I still do not know that much French except a few words and I definitely don't know Nanjara. Nanjara is the language that is spoken in Bere area. It is also the name of the people from this area. Down in Bere people will speak one of those languages and/or Arabic. Since I am not good at French it can be hard to follow what is happening with the service, but I do try. Going to church makes me want to learn more French just so that I can understand all that is happening. Its good when you sit next to someone who understands what is being said and will translate for you.

After church us missionaries head back to the hospital grounds, which is only a few feet away. Then we get ready for the highlight of my weekend, potluck. Potlucks are what I look forward to throughout the week. We talk amongst one another about potluck before it comes because we are excited for all of the great food. I got to get physically blessed as well! J The potlucks comprise of each family or group bringing a dish of their choice. Sometimes we may have a theme and then people bring out food that you wouldn't see here, such as lasagna. I look forward to this time because I get to stuff my face, but also I get to eat familiar food. Familiarity at times is what can bring a smile to ones face. This is also the time for all of us to be able to socialize and laugh with one another.

After potluck some people head down to do Sabbath school in a small village that's a few miles away. I went the first Sabbath that I came here and kept hearing people refer to it as the “naked Sabbath school.” We packed in the truck and drove to a little village off of the main road to Kelo. We walked through tall bushes on a windy path till we entered a small clearing. Around seven kids greeted us from when we first drove up. The people teaching the Sabbath school set up the felt presentation while kids come from here and there. About thirty kids came to sing and listen to the story. I soon realized why it was called the “naked Sabbath school.” Almost half of the kids came naked or half naked. I was later informed that there are usually more naked kids than that. The kids ages range from one to about ten. We left and went down to the river to see if we could see any hippos, but there were none out that day.

The “naked Sabbath school” is done every Sabbath if it doesn't rain. It is ran by the Branches and taught by locals or missionaries. This Sabbath school would not be considered “normal” in the states cause of the lack of clothes, but it is more than that. The kids may not have much, but yet they come out ready to hear a new story. In the states it can be hard to get kids to Sabbath/Sunday school because they don't want to go. It is a simple thing that is done, but it is something that can make a big impact. The way that they decided church planting is to start with teaching the kids. Then when there are a lot of people they make it a church. So often the kids can be the forgotten ones, but they are the most important component of ministry.

If people don't attend the evening Sabbath school than they may just relax and talk with one another. Since this is the time when people can forget about work things they take advantage of the time. I will stick around and talk or listen to sermon. This past Sabbath I went to the Blands house to watch their slideshow of pictures from Thailand and Cambodia. Afterwards I went on a photo walk near the compound. I have been trying to get a great picture of the African sunset for the last week, but either miss it or only get a few minutes of it. I preceded to explore some of the roads to see where they led. I didn't go out too far just in case I got lost. Saturday nights comprise of games or movie nights outside or at the Parkers. There are always great games along with competition amongst all of us. With all of these fun things who wouldn't look forward to the weekend! 

                 

~Take time to enjoy what life has to offer~

-45 Life Lessons-

10/25

Every weekday we have morning devotion with the student missionaries. Each day a different person presents a devotion or thought for the day. One Monday Zach shared this thought that I am going to share with you all. It is a list of life lessons that a lady came up with when she turned 45 instead of being sad about getting older. This list is very simple, yet powerful reminders to me. There are so many times in life when I have let the small things bother me or stayed in an unhappy state. I hope that this list is a good reminder and inspiring for you as well. Maybe you may even want to make your own list and share it with me. 

45 Life Lessons

1.     Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2.     When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3.     Life is too short - enjoy it.

4.     Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5.     Pay off your credit cards every month.

6.     You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7.     Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8.     It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9.     Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10.  When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11.  Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12.  It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13.  Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14.  If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...

15.  Everything can change in the blink of an eye But don't worry; God never blinks.

16.  Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17.  Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

18.  Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19.  It's never too late to be happy. But it's all up to you and no one else.

20.  When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21.  Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22.  Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23.  Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24.  The most important sex organ is the brain.

25.  No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26.  Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?

27.  Always choose life.

28.  Forgive but don't forget.

29.  What other people think of you is none of your business.

30.  Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31.  However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32.  Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33.  Believe in miracles.

34.  God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35.  Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36.  Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37.  Your children get only one childhood.

38.  All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39.  Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40.  If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41.  Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

42.  The best is yet to come...

43.  No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44.  Yield.

45.  Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."