Dear Faithful Readers

I apologize for the long pause. I did not intend for so many days to go in between posts. I live a very busy life over here in ravishing Rwanda. I’m overextended and attempting to accomplish more things than a person probably should. I won’t bore you with the details of what I do in a week’s time; I’ll just lead you to believe that it’s quite a lot. 

That being said, I have decided to sit down and inform you of a few things going on in my life... 

First things first, on October 6th, after taking the SAT for 4 hours, I came home and sat for another 10 and a half hours while I got my hair braided....

Yes, it hurt very badly, and it itches off and on but I do like the finished product a lot. 

Secondly, if you've read my other blogs from this school year (Aug 2012-Oct 2012) you know that I've been struggling with homesickness. You’ll be happy to hear that my homesickness has subsided. While I do have a day here and there where I miss home more than anything, I would not classify myself as being homesick. Part of that might have to do with how busy I am, and if that’s the case, then I’m thankful for being busy. 

One thing that has helped me overcome my homesickness is a quote I stumbled upon by my favorite missionary, Jim Elliot.

 “Wherever you are, be all there."

After reading it, I immediately felt convicted and realized that I was not being all here. I was trying to live my life in North Carolina while living in Rwanda…it wasn't working. At first I wasn't sure how to let go of my NC life, but God has helped me. He has blessed me with so many wonderful friends in North Carolina who I've been able to stay in contact with and He has also given me a sense of peace about being so far away from home. 

A third update relating to my life: I've been struggling with God’s silence. I talk to Him every single day. I tell Him things, I thank Him for things, I ask Him for things, but I haven’t been getting a response. In reading My Utmost for His Highest I came to realize that “His silence is the sign that He is bringing [me] into an even more wonderful understanding of Himself.”  

Psalm 27:14 says “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

And just a few chapters later...

Psalm 31:24 says, “Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!”

For God, time is nothing.  Humans (Americans, especially) are so time-oriented and driven by plans that we get easily frustrated with God when doesn't reveal the plan or the answers when we think we need them. God knows exactly what we need, He knows the best time to reveal His will, and He is always, always in control, even in His silence. 

Fourthly, I have a very of exciting opportunity to go to Nairobi, Kenya on a short-term mission trip. Greenstreet Baptist Church in High Point, NC goes to Kenya every year to work in Kibera, one of the world’s largest slums. I feel God calling me on this trip, but I face two problems: (1) I would be missing five days of school…five days of unexcused absences, meaning that my grades would be severely affected. However, I am going to ask my teachers if I can work ahead and turn my assignments in before I leave. (2) Money. Money is always an issue. I ask you to pray with me and for me. Pray that my teachers will show grace and be willing to work with me and pray that God will provide the money I need to go on this trip.  The wonderful thing is that these “problems” are not problems at all in God’s eyes. He has already orchestrated everything and if He wants me in Kenya from November 10-16 then He will make it happen. 

Thank you, dear faithful readers, for reading my blog. I aim to update it more regularly and hopefully with exciting stories of my life in Africa. I don’t know what’s in store for the rest of this year but I invite you to join with me as I wait in anticipation for God to speak to me and reveal His plan to me.