Can you find Eldoret? It's Northwest of Nairobi, 6 hours by bumpy road, or a short and equally bumpy flight over the Rift Valley.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Hodi! (not pronounced howdy!)
That's what Kenyans say when they knock on your door. It means, "May I come in?" The response is, "Karibu!" (Welcome!)
A few weeks ago, shortly before I sent out my previous update, I prayerfully "knocked on the door" of Empowering Lives International (ELI) , a ministry with which I'm very familiar. I had gotten to know and respect ELI's leaders through APU. Last Thanksgiving, I took a small team from Iowa to serve at one of their training centers in Kenya.
"Hodi?" I asked.
ELI's leaders met, prayed, discussed their ministry needs, considered my background and passions, prayed some more. This week, ELI extended me a warm, "Karibu!" I have been welcomed into their ministry and onto their team in Eldoret. The position offered to me encompasses various facets of my journey to this point: editorial work, writing, project management, short-term missions training/coordinating, and down the road, teaching.
I will be moving to Eldoret, Kenya at the start of November.
This is a journey that has been long in the making. It started with me being born and raised in Africa. It continues with God taking me to Taiwan where I worked as an editor. The road then led to Azusa Pacific University, where this long-term missionary learned a lot about short-term missions. Through APU's Office of World Missions, I got to know and respect Brian Albright and his wife, Kristin, who moved to Kenya last year to join ELI. And through APU, I got to know ELI. In fact, the team I took to Mozambique last summer received training from ELI in projects we then implimented in Dondo, MZ. And once I moved to Iowa, I took a small team from my church in Iowa last Thanksgiving to serve at ELI's training center.
I came to the fork in the road a few weeks ago. I realized that I could continue to push and pray that the doors in Canada would open, or I could stop and listen if God was trying to redirect me. I took a step of faith and explained to my Canadian friends that I believe I'm heading in the wrong direction. I needed to return to Africa. Only a few days after announcing this change, I was notified that my Canadian visa had officially been turned down. This, to me, was one of many confirmations that God had indeed guided me in this change, and I knew he would open the door with the right ministry in Africa. I had sent an inquiry to Brian shortly before I sent out my previous update, and got a response that they were interested in a dialogue with me.
Two long weeks later, I was offered the position in Eldoret. (BTW, you can find Eldoret on the attached map. It's northwest of Nairobi.)
What will I be doing with ELI?
At first, I'll be mostly involved with communications. My job will encompass overseeing the big picture of all their newsletters, updates etc. I'll do a lot of writing and photography. I'm planning on starting a blog just for all the orphans. (This part is so much like my job in Taiwan!)
A second component will be communicating with short-term teams, making all their arrangements within Kenya, meeting them in Nairobi when they arrive, arranging their debriefing safari, stuff like that. I see this as a crucial component for a successful short-term mission--having someone in-country who can answer team members' questions and be there to serve and/or assist visitors.
A third component will unfold once I'm on sight and have gotten to know the leaders and the culture better. It may involve working with a national on writing curriculum for the pastoral training center (this is where my degree from APU comes in handy!) It may involve starting some community-based programs, such as a home-based orphan care program.
When will I move?
Before, I thought I had to leave the country at the end of this month. I since found out that I have 60 days grace period after 9/29. Officially, I'd have to be out of the US before the end of November. However, I'm trying to get a flight booked for November 5, directly to Nairobi. Early in December, a team from New Covenant will be coming to serve at Eldoret, and I'd love to be somewhat at home by the time they arrive. While the team is in Kenya, I will be joining their program and working specifically with a VBS for the orphanage.
Where is the orphanage? Will I be working with the orphans?
ELI's children's center is on the same piece of land where I will be living. (And yes, I'll be living in a round hut with a thatched roof and an outhouse. But more about that once I'm there!) Spending time getting to know each of the 80 children is very high on my priority list. In fact, since I'll be learning Swahili, I will be practising my new language skills on the kids.
FAQs/Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have sufficient financial support raised?
Not yet. My support raised so far is at about 65% of the suggested budget for Kenya. If you would like to support me financially, I will greatly appreciate it! Checks can be made out to ELI. Just write the number 319 in the memo line so they know it's for my account. Mail it to P.O.Box 67, Upland, CA 91785. ELI will issue tax receipts for donations.
2. How can I be reached in Kenya?
I'll have access to e-mail. Please keep in mind that it's dial-up Internet access, so please do not send any mass forwards or large attachments. My mailing address in Kenya is P.O.Box 8199, Eldoret, Kenya. I still have a Kenyan cell phone number from my last visit: 011-254-723-270-086.
3. Do I need a visa for Kenya?
Almost everyone I've told about the news of this job almost immediately asked, "Do you need a visa?" Yes, I do. But it is far easier to get a visa for Kenya than for Canada. I just have to send my passport to Washington, DC with the necessary paperwork, and I'll have my visa in about 2 weeks. Tourism and development work are some of Kenya's major lifelines. I have yet to hear of any person who has been denied a visa to that country.
4. Do I have to learn Swahili?
Yes and no. Most adults with at least an elementary education can understand English. Some of the children at the orphanage already know English. But if I want to be able to minister to the younger children (which I want to do!), I need to be able to speak Swahili. And if I want to do any work within the community, I will need to be able to communicate in Swahili. Plus, learning someone's language shows you respect them, which I do.
Oh, there are so many more things I can share about the place I'll be, about the faith and the love of the people, about the joy of seeing Christ work in and through these people who have so little in our Western eyes, yet have faith that puts us to shame.
I look forward to walking the road with them, and with you.
Prayer and praise:
* I am infinitely thankful for this ministry connection, and for the priviledge to join the incredible work ELI is doing in Kenya
* Please pray for details of preparing for the move. I had packed my stuff long ago to move to Canada. I need to repack, totally. Out with my snow boots and winter clothes. In with skirts... (It's a Kenyan culture thing. I'll be wearing skirts all the time. Yip. You read right.)
* Please pray for meetings with donors during the next month. Beyond the basic budget, I'll have to raise funds for some major equipment in Kenya (like a 4x4 pickup.)
* For health and safety
* That God will flood me with a deep love for each of the orphans and community members; that I may see them as He sees them, and see within them the potential He has planted within their lives
* For ease in transition. There will undoubtedly be moments when I will miss the luxuries of living in the West (like taking hot showers)
* For creativity in my new job
* That I will boldly obey Christ
* For good friends in Kenya (beyond the circle of our ministry)
Ubarikiwe (be blessed)
Adele
A few weeks ago, shortly before I sent out my previous update, I prayerfully "knocked on the door" of Empowering Lives International (ELI) , a ministry with which I'm very familiar. I had gotten to know and respect ELI's leaders through APU. Last Thanksgiving, I took a small team from Iowa to serve at one of their training centers in Kenya.
"Hodi?" I asked.
ELI's leaders met, prayed, discussed their ministry needs, considered my background and passions, prayed some more. This week, ELI extended me a warm, "Karibu!" I have been welcomed into their ministry and onto their team in Eldoret. The position offered to me encompasses various facets of my journey to this point: editorial work, writing, project management, short-term missions training/coordinating, and down the road, teaching.
I will be moving to Eldoret, Kenya at the start of November.
This is a journey that has been long in the making. It started with me being born and raised in Africa. It continues with God taking me to Taiwan where I worked as an editor. The road then led to Azusa Pacific University, where this long-term missionary learned a lot about short-term missions. Through APU's Office of World Missions, I got to know and respect Brian Albright and his wife, Kristin, who moved to Kenya last year to join ELI. And through APU, I got to know ELI. In fact, the team I took to Mozambique last summer received training from ELI in projects we then implimented in Dondo, MZ. And once I moved to Iowa, I took a small team from my church in Iowa last Thanksgiving to serve at ELI's training center.
I came to the fork in the road a few weeks ago. I realized that I could continue to push and pray that the doors in Canada would open, or I could stop and listen if God was trying to redirect me. I took a step of faith and explained to my Canadian friends that I believe I'm heading in the wrong direction. I needed to return to Africa. Only a few days after announcing this change, I was notified that my Canadian visa had officially been turned down. This, to me, was one of many confirmations that God had indeed guided me in this change, and I knew he would open the door with the right ministry in Africa. I had sent an inquiry to Brian shortly before I sent out my previous update, and got a response that they were interested in a dialogue with me.
Two long weeks later, I was offered the position in Eldoret. (BTW, you can find Eldoret on the attached map. It's northwest of Nairobi.)
What will I be doing with ELI?
At first, I'll be mostly involved with communications. My job will encompass overseeing the big picture of all their newsletters, updates etc. I'll do a lot of writing and photography. I'm planning on starting a blog just for all the orphans. (This part is so much like my job in Taiwan!)
A second component will be communicating with short-term teams, making all their arrangements within Kenya, meeting them in Nairobi when they arrive, arranging their debriefing safari, stuff like that. I see this as a crucial component for a successful short-term mission--having someone in-country who can answer team members' questions and be there to serve and/or assist visitors.
A third component will unfold once I'm on sight and have gotten to know the leaders and the culture better. It may involve working with a national on writing curriculum for the pastoral training center (this is where my degree from APU comes in handy!) It may involve starting some community-based programs, such as a home-based orphan care program.
When will I move?
Before, I thought I had to leave the country at the end of this month. I since found out that I have 60 days grace period after 9/29. Officially, I'd have to be out of the US before the end of November. However, I'm trying to get a flight booked for November 5, directly to Nairobi. Early in December, a team from New Covenant will be coming to serve at Eldoret, and I'd love to be somewhat at home by the time they arrive. While the team is in Kenya, I will be joining their program and working specifically with a VBS for the orphanage.
Where is the orphanage? Will I be working with the orphans?
ELI's children's center is on the same piece of land where I will be living. (And yes, I'll be living in a round hut with a thatched roof and an outhouse. But more about that once I'm there!) Spending time getting to know each of the 80 children is very high on my priority list. In fact, since I'll be learning Swahili, I will be practising my new language skills on the kids.
FAQs/Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have sufficient financial support raised?
Not yet. My support raised so far is at about 65% of the suggested budget for Kenya. If you would like to support me financially, I will greatly appreciate it! Checks can be made out to ELI. Just write the number 319 in the memo line so they know it's for my account. Mail it to P.O.Box 67, Upland, CA 91785. ELI will issue tax receipts for donations.
2. How can I be reached in Kenya?
I'll have access to e-mail. Please keep in mind that it's dial-up Internet access, so please do not send any mass forwards or large attachments. My mailing address in Kenya is P.O.Box 8199, Eldoret, Kenya. I still have a Kenyan cell phone number from my last visit: 011-254-723-270-086.
3. Do I need a visa for Kenya?
Almost everyone I've told about the news of this job almost immediately asked, "Do you need a visa?" Yes, I do. But it is far easier to get a visa for Kenya than for Canada. I just have to send my passport to Washington, DC with the necessary paperwork, and I'll have my visa in about 2 weeks. Tourism and development work are some of Kenya's major lifelines. I have yet to hear of any person who has been denied a visa to that country.
4. Do I have to learn Swahili?
Yes and no. Most adults with at least an elementary education can understand English. Some of the children at the orphanage already know English. But if I want to be able to minister to the younger children (which I want to do!), I need to be able to speak Swahili. And if I want to do any work within the community, I will need to be able to communicate in Swahili. Plus, learning someone's language shows you respect them, which I do.
Oh, there are so many more things I can share about the place I'll be, about the faith and the love of the people, about the joy of seeing Christ work in and through these people who have so little in our Western eyes, yet have faith that puts us to shame.
I look forward to walking the road with them, and with you.
Prayer and praise:
* I am infinitely thankful for this ministry connection, and for the priviledge to join the incredible work ELI is doing in Kenya
* Please pray for details of preparing for the move. I had packed my stuff long ago to move to Canada. I need to repack, totally. Out with my snow boots and winter clothes. In with skirts... (It's a Kenyan culture thing. I'll be wearing skirts all the time. Yip. You read right.)
* Please pray for meetings with donors during the next month. Beyond the basic budget, I'll have to raise funds for some major equipment in Kenya (like a 4x4 pickup.)
* For health and safety
* That God will flood me with a deep love for each of the orphans and community members; that I may see them as He sees them, and see within them the potential He has planted within their lives
* For ease in transition. There will undoubtedly be moments when I will miss the luxuries of living in the West (like taking hot showers)
* For creativity in my new job
* That I will boldly obey Christ
* For good friends in Kenya (beyond the circle of our ministry)
Ubarikiwe (be blessed)
Adele
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Destination: Kenya
This week, I was offered a gift from the hand of God. Truly. I have been invited to join the team at Empowering LIves International's base in Eldoret, Kenya. My job will encompass various facets of my journey to this point: editorial work, writing, project management, short-term missions training, and, further down the road, teaching.
I will be moving to Eldoret, Kenya at the start of November.
Check out ELI's Web site: www.EmpoweringLives.org
More later.
I will be moving to Eldoret, Kenya at the start of November.
Check out ELI's Web site: www.EmpoweringLives.org
More later.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
We serve a BIG God
This evening, I got news from Canada that my Canadian visa was officially denied.
I am amazed at God's grace during this process: He guided me to come to a position where I started looking at options in Africa even before I got the official news. He has birthed in my heart excitement about what options lay before me. The news from Canada isn't a blow at all; it is confirmation of what God was telling me.
I also got news that I have 60 days grace period after my OPT visa (the student visa extension I'm on) expires. That means, I do not have to leave the US on Sept. 29 like I thought. It has a lot of positive implications, which I'm very excited about.
God is good, isn't he?
I am amazed at God's grace during this process: He guided me to come to a position where I started looking at options in Africa even before I got the official news. He has birthed in my heart excitement about what options lay before me. The news from Canada isn't a blow at all; it is confirmation of what God was telling me.
I also got news that I have 60 days grace period after my OPT visa (the student visa extension I'm on) expires. That means, I do not have to leave the US on Sept. 29 like I thought. It has a lot of positive implications, which I'm very excited about.
God is good, isn't he?
Monday, August 29, 2005
What I know and what I don't know
I bet Peter, Andrew, James and John had NO IDEA what was lying ahead when they lay down their fishing nets in response to Jesus' invitation
to "Follow me!" (Mk. 1)
When I first responded to that same invitation and committed to doing so wherever God may lead, I had no idea that the path would lead to Taiwan, to the US, and beyond. I realized that the journey would be one step at a time, and as I take steps of obedience, the next step of the journey would unfold.
For the past year or so, I believed that the next step was to Canada. I've been involved in women's ministry in preparation for involvement in a ministry that reaches out to women in difficult circumstances.
As you know, getting my Canadian work permit has been a major ordeal. According to the Canadian Consulate General's office, getting a work
permit takes between 2 and 6 weeks. It's been 12 weeks since I submitted my application, and still no news. (I've been told that since 9/11, it's far more difficult even for missionaries to be granted work permits in Canada.)
During this time, I have been praying about the delay and God's purposes behind it. Various devotions I was reading had the same message: Allow God to intervene and change my plans.
When I think of the past three years, the absolute highlights were the times I spent in Mozambique and Kenya, serving at ministries that worked with orphans. I grew more and more restless that moving to Canada is a move in the wrong direction, that I need to move back to Africa and be involved full-time in ministry to orphans.
On Thursday, I spoke to Gwen, the director at Linwood House Ministries. Gwen, too, agreed that she believed that serving in Africa was where she envisioned me to be.
I spoke to others that know me well and who have served in Africa with me. Each and every person I spoke to affirmed whole-heartedly that
they far more see me in Africa full-time rather just on a short-term basis.
And I've been speaking with a ministry in Africa whose core values and passions are congruent to mine about the possibility of me joining
their team. At this stage, they are considering my application. Nothing is certain yet. I will keep you up to date on any news in this regard.
I have immense peace about this change.
I know that my life is in God's hands, that He has a purpose with what would seem like a major change in direction for me. For God, I believe, this isn't a change. He has known all along that I wouldn't move to Canada after all.
He knows where I'll be moving. At this stage, I don't. I know that He will open the door where and when it needs to be opened.
I know my American visa expires at the end of September, and that I will have to leave this country. That means that I'd have to reserve an airplane ticket in the next two weeks. It will most likely be to Johannesburg. That way, I can take some things home and see my family. And from there, I can fly or drive to where God's opened the door.
Will you please pray for clarity during this process?
Some other praise & prayer requests:
• Praise God that He is sovereign and in control, even when we cannot see what's lying ahead
• Praise God for an incredibly supportive church community in Cedar Rapids, for the lessons I've learned during my time in the Midwest, and for many, wonderful memories of my year in Iowa
• Due to my delay in departure, I have a chance to go to a Beth Moore conference in Kansas City (Sept. 8-9) with the ladies from our Tuesday night Bible study group. What an unexpected blessing!
• Due to the delay, I will also be able to attend the missions weekend. I am praying that we'll know for sure by then which ministry I'll be serving with so I have specific information to share.
• Please pray for God's leading, to me as well as to the ministry leaders with whom I am communicating. I would LOVE to see this process wrapped up before I leave. It would make communicating with supporters far simpler. Plus, I am truly ready to be part of a ministry team once again...
• I need to sell my car. Please pray for this process, too.
I appreciate that you are part of this journey. I look forward to letting you know which door God has opened once I know for sure where the road is leading.
In His grip,
Adéle
Financial supporters, please note that I will be calling you this week with information regarding support.
to "Follow me!" (Mk. 1)
When I first responded to that same invitation and committed to doing so wherever God may lead, I had no idea that the path would lead to Taiwan, to the US, and beyond. I realized that the journey would be one step at a time, and as I take steps of obedience, the next step of the journey would unfold.
For the past year or so, I believed that the next step was to Canada. I've been involved in women's ministry in preparation for involvement in a ministry that reaches out to women in difficult circumstances.
As you know, getting my Canadian work permit has been a major ordeal. According to the Canadian Consulate General's office, getting a work
permit takes between 2 and 6 weeks. It's been 12 weeks since I submitted my application, and still no news. (I've been told that since 9/11, it's far more difficult even for missionaries to be granted work permits in Canada.)
During this time, I have been praying about the delay and God's purposes behind it. Various devotions I was reading had the same message: Allow God to intervene and change my plans.
When I think of the past three years, the absolute highlights were the times I spent in Mozambique and Kenya, serving at ministries that worked with orphans. I grew more and more restless that moving to Canada is a move in the wrong direction, that I need to move back to Africa and be involved full-time in ministry to orphans.
On Thursday, I spoke to Gwen, the director at Linwood House Ministries. Gwen, too, agreed that she believed that serving in Africa was where she envisioned me to be.
I spoke to others that know me well and who have served in Africa with me. Each and every person I spoke to affirmed whole-heartedly that
they far more see me in Africa full-time rather just on a short-term basis.
And I've been speaking with a ministry in Africa whose core values and passions are congruent to mine about the possibility of me joining
their team. At this stage, they are considering my application. Nothing is certain yet. I will keep you up to date on any news in this regard.
I have immense peace about this change.
I know that my life is in God's hands, that He has a purpose with what would seem like a major change in direction for me. For God, I believe, this isn't a change. He has known all along that I wouldn't move to Canada after all.
He knows where I'll be moving. At this stage, I don't. I know that He will open the door where and when it needs to be opened.
I know my American visa expires at the end of September, and that I will have to leave this country. That means that I'd have to reserve an airplane ticket in the next two weeks. It will most likely be to Johannesburg. That way, I can take some things home and see my family. And from there, I can fly or drive to where God's opened the door.
Will you please pray for clarity during this process?
Some other praise & prayer requests:
• Praise God that He is sovereign and in control, even when we cannot see what's lying ahead
• Praise God for an incredibly supportive church community in Cedar Rapids, for the lessons I've learned during my time in the Midwest, and for many, wonderful memories of my year in Iowa
• Due to my delay in departure, I have a chance to go to a Beth Moore conference in Kansas City (Sept. 8-9) with the ladies from our Tuesday night Bible study group. What an unexpected blessing!
• Due to the delay, I will also be able to attend the missions weekend. I am praying that we'll know for sure by then which ministry I'll be serving with so I have specific information to share.
• Please pray for God's leading, to me as well as to the ministry leaders with whom I am communicating. I would LOVE to see this process wrapped up before I leave. It would make communicating with supporters far simpler. Plus, I am truly ready to be part of a ministry team once again...
• I need to sell my car. Please pray for this process, too.
I appreciate that you are part of this journey. I look forward to letting you know which door God has opened once I know for sure where the road is leading.
In His grip,
Adéle
Financial supporters, please note that I will be calling you this week with information regarding support.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Announcing the birth of my goddaughter, Anja Barnardt
At 6:30 p.m. (South African time, our 11:30 a.m) on Monday, August 15, God blessed our family with a new addition: Anja Barnardt (5 lbs 4 oz/2.45 kg) was born after a very long day of labor to my younger sister, Liesl and her husband, Stefan. Anja's Apgar score is 9, and both mother and daughter are doing well.
This is Liesl and Stefan's second girl. Clara (5) is excited to go and see her little sister at the hospital tomorrow morning. I am godmother to both Clara and Anja. Liesl and I are 3 years apart and have always been very close friends. It's tough being this far from home during a time such as this, but I am thoroughly looking forward to meeting Anja in December, when I'll be in Africa for a missions trip.
This is Liesl and Stefan's second girl. Clara (5) is excited to go and see her little sister at the hospital tomorrow morning. I am godmother to both Clara and Anja. Liesl and I are 3 years apart and have always been very close friends. It's tough being this far from home during a time such as this, but I am thoroughly looking forward to meeting Anja in December, when I'll be in Africa for a missions trip.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Prayer requests: August 2005
I truly do value each and every one of you who support me through your prayers as well as financially. Please pray however God leads you to pray for me. Here are some specific requests I have as well as items of praise:
Praise God!
. . . for affordable housing in downtown Vancouver. Pray that God will bless my friends Rod and Amy as they have stepped up and offered their apartment to me
. . . for each and every individual and family who have comitted to support me financially and through prayer. Pray that God will continue to provide for those who give sacrificially and to those who seek to be part of what He is doing globally.
. . . for friends in Cedar Rapids who have opened their homes to me in the past year. I stayed at Pat Rieck's for the first half of the year, and at Danette Brooks' home more recently. It is truly a tremendous blessing to have a home away from home here in Iowa.
. . . for health and a good car! I have had some minor issues with my car recently, which made me realize how blessed I am to have a vehicle that generally works well. I do not take my good health for granted, either. I do have health insurance and will continue to have missionary health insurance in Canada. I pray I will not have to use it. ;)
Please pray
. . . that I will make the most of my borrowed time here in Iowa. It's challenging not being able to commit to teaching at the House of Hope or get involved in long-term ministry opportunities. May I continue to bless others in whatever ways God brings before me.
. . . that my work permit/Canada visa will come soon. I'm ready to go do the work I've been preparing to do for the past year.
. . . for a safe drive to Vancouver. It's a 3-day drive. I'll spend the first night somewhere in South Dakota, the next night with a former ORTV colleague in Montana, the next night with ORTV friends in Seattle, and then it's just a 3-hour drive to Vancouver. Crossing the border will delay things, though, since I need to export my car from the USA and import it into Canada.
. . . for a safe border crossing with no glitches regarding exports/imports.
Praise God!
. . . for affordable housing in downtown Vancouver. Pray that God will bless my friends Rod and Amy as they have stepped up and offered their apartment to me
. . . for each and every individual and family who have comitted to support me financially and through prayer. Pray that God will continue to provide for those who give sacrificially and to those who seek to be part of what He is doing globally.
. . . for friends in Cedar Rapids who have opened their homes to me in the past year. I stayed at Pat Rieck's for the first half of the year, and at Danette Brooks' home more recently. It is truly a tremendous blessing to have a home away from home here in Iowa.
. . . for health and a good car! I have had some minor issues with my car recently, which made me realize how blessed I am to have a vehicle that generally works well. I do not take my good health for granted, either. I do have health insurance and will continue to have missionary health insurance in Canada. I pray I will not have to use it. ;)
Please pray
. . . that I will make the most of my borrowed time here in Iowa. It's challenging not being able to commit to teaching at the House of Hope or get involved in long-term ministry opportunities. May I continue to bless others in whatever ways God brings before me.
. . . that my work permit/Canada visa will come soon. I'm ready to go do the work I've been preparing to do for the past year.
. . . for a safe drive to Vancouver. It's a 3-day drive. I'll spend the first night somewhere in South Dakota, the next night with a former ORTV colleague in Montana, the next night with ORTV friends in Seattle, and then it's just a 3-hour drive to Vancouver. Crossing the border will delay things, though, since I need to export my car from the USA and import it into Canada.
. . . for a safe border crossing with no glitches regarding exports/imports.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
In the meantime . . . the period of time between now and what's next
I've been thinking much lately about the phrase "in the meantime." This past year has been an in-the-meantime year. When I first moved to Cedar Rapids a year ago, I knew that I'd be moving to Canada within a year. But before I could go where I believed God was calling me, I had to raise support. I got involved in my community in Cedar Rapids, making this a most exciting year. I got to know incredible people, both young and old(er). I fell in love with the Midwest. I shot roots in this part of the world.
In the meantime, I knew I will have to leave. It's inevitable. My American visa will run out soon, plus, I have scholarship obligations which require me to leave the USA. Yet I refused to be tentative in my involvement with life in Cedar Rapids, even though I knew my stay was only temporary.
And now that my time to leave truly has arrived, I am forced to wait once again. The Canadian government is requiring documentation from Canada which was not stipulated on their Web site. I may be here for another week. Or two. Or three. God only knows. In the meantime, I will keep my eyes focused on the goal: pressing onward in Christ, yet living fully in the moment.
I'm leaving soon, but in the meantime, I'm loving my time in Iowa. I'm enjoying plenty of fresh sweet corn. I went to a Kernels baseball game for the first time last night and learned lots about the game Americans love so much. Even just in the past week, I have gotten to know people whom I know I'd be sad to say good-bye to when I leave.
Emotionally, it's challenging at times. I have to prepare to leave, but since my exact departure date is no longer anything I can plan, I have to also continue to enjoy every day here and now.
I'll be heading Westward soon for a 3-day drive to Vancouver where once again I will have to make new friends, shoot roots, find a church, serve Christ in whatever ways he brings across my path. In many ways, I am dreading the transition. I dread saying good-bye. But in the meantime, I am so looking forward to what is lying ahead.
Please do pray for my work permit to arrive soon.
Please pray for a safe drive.
Please pray for me as I have to say good-bye to good friends here.
And please pray that God will bring people into my life in Vancouver who will not only be a friend to me, but who I can encourage and bless.
I still have a significant amount of monthly support outstanding. If you're not already a financial partner and would like to commit to supporting me financially, I would truly appreciate it. Please let me know if you have any questions.
With much love,
Adele
In the meantime, I knew I will have to leave. It's inevitable. My American visa will run out soon, plus, I have scholarship obligations which require me to leave the USA. Yet I refused to be tentative in my involvement with life in Cedar Rapids, even though I knew my stay was only temporary.
And now that my time to leave truly has arrived, I am forced to wait once again. The Canadian government is requiring documentation from Canada which was not stipulated on their Web site. I may be here for another week. Or two. Or three. God only knows. In the meantime, I will keep my eyes focused on the goal: pressing onward in Christ, yet living fully in the moment.
I'm leaving soon, but in the meantime, I'm loving my time in Iowa. I'm enjoying plenty of fresh sweet corn. I went to a Kernels baseball game for the first time last night and learned lots about the game Americans love so much. Even just in the past week, I have gotten to know people whom I know I'd be sad to say good-bye to when I leave.
Emotionally, it's challenging at times. I have to prepare to leave, but since my exact departure date is no longer anything I can plan, I have to also continue to enjoy every day here and now.
I'll be heading Westward soon for a 3-day drive to Vancouver where once again I will have to make new friends, shoot roots, find a church, serve Christ in whatever ways he brings across my path. In many ways, I am dreading the transition. I dread saying good-bye. But in the meantime, I am so looking forward to what is lying ahead.
Please do pray for my work permit to arrive soon.
Please pray for a safe drive.
Please pray for me as I have to say good-bye to good friends here.
And please pray that God will bring people into my life in Vancouver who will not only be a friend to me, but who I can encourage and bless.
I still have a significant amount of monthly support outstanding. If you're not already a financial partner and would like to commit to supporting me financially, I would truly appreciate it. Please let me know if you have any questions.
With much love,
Adele
Friday, June 17, 2005
Some favorite travel memories
Inhaminga, Mozambique
Summer 2004. Can it really be a year ago? Memories of my time in Mozambique are still fresh in my mind. One of many favorites: cramming 7 girls into the back of a pickup and squeezing the guys into an African-style taxi with 10 others, we drove 6 hours over bumpy roads to Inhaminga (pronounced ya'minga). We passed several trains that lay upside down, blown up during the 20+ year civil war. Everytime we had to stop for a bathroom break, we had to find a place by the side of the road where tractors had plowed. That way, we were assured, we would not accidently set off a landmine.
We stopped by a roadside market and purchased roast goat meat and grilled chicken. And we gulped down bottles of Fanta and Coke, not allowed to take the bottle with us unless we had bottles to trade...
It was late afternoon by the time we arrived in the small village. Everyone from the neighborhood had gathered to welcome us. As we filed out of our vehicles, people were singing and dancing. For many, we were the first white people they had ever seen.
Relationship is key in Africa, and so we did all we could to connect with the people who could not understand us, nor could we understand them. We pulled out jump ropes from our luggage, and as the sun set behind the papaya trees and the African huts, the singing and laughter of children's voices were louder than the sounds of the bugs announcing the end of the day.
Later, as we sat around the fire, I stepped aside to look at the star-filled sky. The milky way was a thick, white line. I could spot many satelites and shooting stars. One of my team members joined me and we prayed, thanking God for his awesome creativity. Then I felt a little hand in mine. Some children had noticed us standing a distance from the fire. As I knelt down and held the child, more joined us. Though they couldn't understand my words, I told them how precious they were.
As I looked up, the children were perfect silhouettes against the African stars. A treasured memory of the little village in the middle of nowhere.
Summer 2004. Can it really be a year ago? Memories of my time in Mozambique are still fresh in my mind. One of many favorites: cramming 7 girls into the back of a pickup and squeezing the guys into an African-style taxi with 10 others, we drove 6 hours over bumpy roads to Inhaminga (pronounced ya'minga). We passed several trains that lay upside down, blown up during the 20+ year civil war. Everytime we had to stop for a bathroom break, we had to find a place by the side of the road where tractors had plowed. That way, we were assured, we would not accidently set off a landmine.
We stopped by a roadside market and purchased roast goat meat and grilled chicken. And we gulped down bottles of Fanta and Coke, not allowed to take the bottle with us unless we had bottles to trade...
It was late afternoon by the time we arrived in the small village. Everyone from the neighborhood had gathered to welcome us. As we filed out of our vehicles, people were singing and dancing. For many, we were the first white people they had ever seen.
Relationship is key in Africa, and so we did all we could to connect with the people who could not understand us, nor could we understand them. We pulled out jump ropes from our luggage, and as the sun set behind the papaya trees and the African huts, the singing and laughter of children's voices were louder than the sounds of the bugs announcing the end of the day.
Later, as we sat around the fire, I stepped aside to look at the star-filled sky. The milky way was a thick, white line. I could spot many satelites and shooting stars. One of my team members joined me and we prayed, thanking God for his awesome creativity. Then I felt a little hand in mine. Some children had noticed us standing a distance from the fire. As I knelt down and held the child, more joined us. Though they couldn't understand my words, I told them how precious they were.
As I looked up, the children were perfect silhouettes against the African stars. A treasured memory of the little village in the middle of nowhere.
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