how to put into words...

We're back from a PIZZA dinner!!! Gabonese pizza was totally what we all needed after our week of interesting African food! Everyone else is blowing up air mattresses for one more night (And, will be putting their DIRTY sheets back on them!)....and I'm wondering where on earth to begin to explain what we've been through the last 5 days. It would take way too long to download the amount of pictures I'd want to show you...and I'm in desperate need of sleep...inside...in a quiet room! So, I'll download a few and let your students show you theirs when they return home.

The drive to Ebel-abunga was one of the highlights of my week...it provided a good picture of the people and villages we were about to fall in love with. Admittedly, there were some nervous kids and leaders, just wondering what kinds of conditions lay ahead of us. I, personally, had a picture in my head of what the jungle village would look like....and it was really primitive, and a bit intimidating! Surprisingly, we found there were houses around us....most w/electricity, but none w/running water. The place we set up camp was overwhelming when we first arrived. The bathroom was a VERY primitive outhouse that has probably NEVER seen a cleaning product. EVER. We were provided a room to keep our bags and food, but everything else was outside.

(a neighboring house...the outhouse is the building immediately to the left of the house)

Our first sight of some of the kids who would hang out with us for days....they were so curious about us, but quickly received the students love and spent every possible minute with us.

(The house beside our camp that held an ALL NIGHT party...complete with African tribal music that started at midnight, and went on til 6am! It was a really surreal event to wake up to in the middle of the night! )

(unpacking and blowing up the mattresses again!)

(setting up our mosquito net village)

(After setting up camp we took a walk into the jungle to visit our bathing site. This woman was working on her laundry right where we bathed each day. The picture in our mind was a little more of a babbling brook...but at the end of a hot, sweaty day, this felt like nothing you can put in words!)

Every SINGLE night and morning we were tormented by the roosters that roamed around the village. They worked in cahoots, simaltaneously crowing all across the village! One was the "caller" and the rest of them...seriously, THE REST OF THEM IN THE VILLAGE would proceed to answer him...continuously. Last night one decided to roost on the roof next to us and crowed on and off all night! Needless to say, we have not had a good night sleep in days and days.

We spent two days clearing land and digging the foundation for a new Alliance church plant. Pastor Moses has left his life in Libreville and set out on his own, with the help of some of his church members, and will live in Ebel-abunga by himself as he reaches the people of the village. Some of the youth group from the Alliance church in Libreville came to help us work, as did many of the local people. They are extremely hard workers, and while we each stopped many times for water breaks,they just worked continually, barely resting at all. Men, women, and children worked alongside us...very few speaking the same language, but all of us working towards the same goal. The people were SO receptive of us. They are the kindest, most generous people. After setting up camp on the first night we set out to walk door to door and hand out tracts in the village.

The young men from the youth group who joined us were so impressive to me...the joy of the Lord exuded from them. They spent hours talking to the students in broken English and finding out what worship songs we all know. We taught each other songs, worked together, ate together, and sat around the campfire each evening. Our circle grew every day as more and more locals joined us. Watching our students bond with the teens and the young children was one of the highlights of my week. There is something we all have in common that does not require speaking the same language.

By far, though, the best part of my week was seeing how much the Christians in this village love the Lord. They pray over EVERY thing they do...and when they pray, they pray simultaneously. The first time I heard them pray like this it caught me off guard and I was surprised by the tears that came to my eyes. When we were invited to join them in praying aloud together it struck me how awesome it is that God hears each one of us, each time we pray, and in our own languages. He plays no favorites, but favors us all.

We spent some time around the fire one night doing a Q and A time with some of the Christians from the village. It was so interesting to me. Though we are worlds apart in many ways, we also struggle with some of the very same things. I think it cleared up some misconceptions on both ends. The pastor has so much to hurdle in order to reach this village, but as was proved on Sunday at the morning worship service, these people are looking for a Savior. After MUCH singing and dancing, Randy gave the message...spoke about the foundation of the building we are building, and worked it into how we need Christ to be the foundation of our lives. The message was interpreted into several languages and after an invitation 17 people came forward to receive Christ! It was an exciting morning! Afterwards we walked down to the church site where we were able to be a part of putting in the first bricks, the cornerstone of the foundation of the church. There is such ritual and tradition in these people. They explained the history of how the church came to this village and honored the people who played a part in each step. But, most importantly they gave the Lord glory for enabling them to serve Him and share His love to these people. Seeing this made every bit of the difficult days we spent in the village worthwhile.

The details of what we've been through this week will continue to pour out of each of us for days and weeks ahead. We've spent alot of time talking through our experiences and trying to prepare the students for the emotions they will be feeling in the coming days. It is SO hard to put words to the things God is doing in our individual hearts. But, He is working, and He is speaking a message into each one of us. He continues to show me, personally, that He wants me to love people more. He wants me to see people...all people, the way He does. And He is using this trip, as He's used other ones, to refine me....to refine each of us into vessels He can use at home. The process is not over...we've much to work through and understand.

Tomorrow morning we head to the local market, and to the beach...and then head to the airport to begin our journey home. Pray for us as we say goodbye to the interns we've come to love and to Tim and Meredith who have blessed us so much this week.

...we're here!!!

I only have a quick minute...the shower and clean clothes in my bag are calling me. We just walked in the door after our 3 hr ride back to "civilization" and are off to shower and clean up before a long session of debriefing. I don't have time to download pics or even begin to tell you the things we've experienced, but I knew you'd want to know we are back and all safe. No real illnesses, no real issues of any kind.....just alot of great experiences that we are still processing through. Thank you for the 39 posts that awaited us!!! We were crowding around to see who's parents logged on!!!

Back later to give more details!

quick prayer requests...

we're packing up the vans, getting ready to leave for the bush. Could you remember us this morning? Bethany and I are both feeling a little queasy this morning....the thought of a 3 hr ride in the van does not sit well with an upset stomach. Please pray for us if you are up at this early hour! We've got water ready for the trip and hope to close our eyes and when we reopen them, be out in the bush!

Pray, too, for our attitudes...a few nights with little sleep, little water, little personal space could prove to make us all a little testy. Pray that we remember the reason we are here and choose to serve the Lord...even when it's hard.

Thank you for your prayer support and care!!!

home for the night...

A quick update...

We've just finished a debriefing time w/Tim and the interns. The kids had alot of thoughts about their day...a few emotions as they're processing through the magnitude of all of the things they are seeing each day. Our lives are so different....and mostly in a convicting way. We've seen poverty and desperation in the faces and lives of the joyfilled people we've met in the last few days....poverty, desperation and joy. Something that is not lost on the kids or the leaders. More than one student mentioned how blessed they've felt as we've driven through and met some of the locals. (**A certain female student mentioned that she will never again complain about going to Walmart and seeing how dirty and disorganized things can be. Up to you to figure out if it was YOUR student....if I recall, she PROMISED to never complain again...you have it in writing!

Here's some pictures of our time at Hope House...

(the twins)

(the kids had the best time w/our cameras! The one on the right spent most of the time w/the camera pointing the wrong way, taking pics of himself instead of the person he thought he was shooting! He was so pleased with himself!)

Nick with the most adorable little girl! He was enamored by her!

(Halle gave the sweetest testimony about how the Lord has stood beside her while she lost a series of important people in her life. Tim translated in French for the kids....of all the kids with us, Halle was the most qualified to share her heart to kids that can understand what she has been through. They saw the testimony of a young lady who has chosen joy over sorrow in some really difficult situations. Sue...you'd have been so proud of her!)

(The Hope House next door neighbor)

(The boys are apparently gluttons for punishment, as they insist on playing soccer with these boys!!! I believe the score is 2-0...two games, zero wins! But, they did have fun!!! Nate B. mentioned tonight how cool it was to watch the local kids outside the Orphange looking in on the game and wishing they could be a part....they probably do not look upon these kids with envy on most days, but today they did.)

(Nick and Nate AFTER the soccer game that was played on red dirt! Mixed with sweat it makes a sort of clay on the legs!)

(Emma...this young girl made me think of you. She is 13 and lives at the Hope House because her parents have abandoned her. She had the most beautiful eyes, and though she was very shy, she lit up when asked what she enoyed doing. Reading. My heart went out to her...every little girl needs a mom to love her and show her how to become a young woman. I prayed while I sat next to her that someone would be that for her. I miss you Em, but am so thankful for you and all the joy that you bring to our family!)

The students were really moved by these kids and showed some emotion tonight when they talked about their thoughts for the day. The Lord is pricking their hearts in so many areas....they are being stretched and pulled in ways they did not expect. (It's 11pm here, but while I type, Nick, Jared, and Drew have come into the room to find some quiet to write in their journals....LOVE these boys!)

I'm sure the kids will want to check in here in the morning to see all of your comments, but this will likely be the last post until Monday. I think we are all actually excited about our trip to the JUNGLE. Our anxiousness has mostly been replaced with a sense of adventure- now that we've had details explained to us we feel a little more prepared. We're leaving here at 10am to head out to the village which is about 2 1/2 hrs away. The roads here are not anything like Rte 30...more like a 100yr old back lane on an Amish farmer's property! Some are paved, some are not...all have bigger potholes than Pendot would know what to do with!! I'm sure my mom is reading into that, and yes, mom, they all know I have permanent claim to one of the front seats!

Did I tell you before that the drivers over here are CrAzY?!?! Seriously, like nothing I've ever seen!!! I've had the privilege of sitting in the middle seat behind the driver of both our taxibus and Tim. They are EQUALLY as CrAzY!!! Surprisingly safe...but CrAzY!!! You would not imagine that so many cars could fit on the road at the same time. Let me clarify that...ALL of the cards are vying for their own space in the MIDDLE of the intersections...fully believing they have the right of way!!! All at the same time! The ride alone promises to be somewhat of an adventure for us!!! The next being the unpacking and hanging of 25 mosquito nets! Where??? Not sure, but they will be somehow rigged up in the trees above us so we can enjoy the beauty of the night sky and the sounds of the critters....for four nights!

Each of us is allowed to pack a small bag with 2 pairs of clothes (yes, for 4 days and we WILL be working and sweating in them, too!), a bathing suit (for bathing in the stream---it is clean!) pj's, and our bedding. (Tim gave us a little hint that we should put our sheets on in the jungle, and then be prepared to turn them inside out when we get back so we can use them again!!!!!!!!!!!! I KNOW you're laughing! Not funny!) We are definitely in for an adventure that is not likely to be repeated in any of our lives in the near future! I, for one, am excited to be a part...although I'm quite aware that SOME of the guys have a little plan up their sleeves to play the ole' rubber snake trick on the girls. (shh...I already told the girls the stupid rubber thing exists, so they are aware it's going to appear at some point! As I always say at home, the key is to NOT react...foils the plan every time!)

So....I'm now in the room alone...you have no idea how long it takes to upload these pictures! I'm doing 2 at a time....each set taking about 5 minutes! I'll take a second to say goodnight to my favorite 18 yr old who is keeping the house so clean and neat in my absence. I'm so impressed that he has washed and vaccumed my car as well as gone through the house and cleaned every single room to prepare for our arrival back home. Alex....what on earth did I do to deserve you?! Thanks, bud...I owe you! I love you!!!

(Jumpstart hanging out on the water filter)

the first part of our day...

We've all had fun reading your responses this morning!

A few disclaimers I must point out:

Melissa Herr....Holly would like you to add her to your list while you pray for Leah...I believe her exact response was, "WHAT?!?! Out of HER comfort zone?!??!?"

Maria...Leah is taking her meds, and wants you to tell Buddy she misses him, too.....the Brokkops dog, Titus is playing second fiddle.

Sue...Halle and Jared are faithfully journalling to you AND taking their meds!

Vivien...Harry's good....waiting for his mom to log on and see that he's still alive and well!

Rob...I was just conversing with Holly about a recent question you posed to her. I believe the question was, "Would you consider going to the mission field w/me?" I want you to know a few hours ago she told me that if she HAD to, she would LOVE to do what Meredith is doing this week....being an AWESOME hostess to everyone who enters her home. Just thought you should know now might be a good time to make your plans. Just saying.

Mom...I bought you something REAL special at the market this morning! I was advised you should not actually USE it, for hygiene purposes, BUT...I was thinking of you!

Dawn...Nate's in good hands and all the extra paraphenalia that you packed him is working!!!

Now, for the morning at the market. I, for one, REALLY enjoyed it, it was a true taste of the African culture. Tim explained before we left that it is like the African Walmart! It truly

was! You could pick up anything from your WARM raw meat, a new shirt, a pair of shoes, fabric, fresh fruit and nuts, tp, or any number of items! The amount of people roaming the streets was a little discomforting to some of the students...I didn't realize until we got back that some of the kids actually felt anxious about the amount of people that stopped and stared at us as we were the ONLY white people in the vicinity! We truly do make a scene everywhere we go, but the people are so welcoming and friendly to us.

Some blogging thoughts were going through my head as we walked through the market...one of them being that, Parents, remember all the years you've put into teaching your kids manners and respect for those around them...putting others first???? Not one of them was allowed to follow that advice this morning...if they had, they would have been left stranded apart from the group! Chivalry is totally dead at the market, as are manners, and selflessness!!!! Pushing, shoving, and stepping in front of people is the name of the game. Fend for yourself, or be sorry!

We just finished the BEST American lunch (pizza!) made by Meredith...

(and, YES, they are ALL eating their veggies)

and are getting ready to leave for the Hope House for the afternoon. We're looking forward to playing and loving on the 20 orphans that live there. I'll try to get back here again tonight when we get back, as it will be the last time for a while. Suprise, there's no electric and WiFi in the jungle! After talking w/some of the interns who went to the village last week, we are feeling more at ease to know that there is a make-shift toilet, and a creek of CLEAN running water just about a minute's walk away. We will be sleeping under the stars (and a mosquito net), but if it rains, there are houses nearby that we will be paired up in. We will attend church in this village and are prepared for a sermon MUCH longer than Pastor Carl offers us each Sunday!

Thanks for your continued care. Hope all is well on that side of the ocean...everyone is healthy and good on this side.

GOOD MORNING!!!

Bonjour...
Because some of you are checking back here several times a day, just wanted to say good morning. We're getting ready to head out to the local market...then back for lunch before we head to the orphanage. We're unable to take cameras to either place, so I'll try to get some of the students pics when we get back so you can see your lovely children's faces.

Linda...Harry has been leaning over the computer every day waiting in anticipation of your saying hello!!!

All of the kids have been crowding around the computer each time I sit here in hopes of hearing from home. They are LOVING all your comments! Thanks for making their mornings!

Love to each of you from way over here...we miss you, but are thoroughly enjoying each experience. The girls have begun to voice a little apprehension over spending 4 nights in the village....sans tents and bathrooms. All will be well and we will possibly be better for having had the experience!

Last night we sat around and talked over how the experience in the village was affecting us. The students opened up their hearts and you should know they are changing...they are seeing the hand of God working. But, they're also seeing how blessed each one of them are. We have so much...and seem to always want more. These children have so little...and seem to want for nothing.

Thanks for your continued prayers and support....love to each of you on the other side of this screen! Back later to tell you about our day!!!

mobile medical clinic...

We just got back from spending the day in a nearby village doing a mobile medical clinic....but first, yesterday's pics....

Yesterday morning we walked down the street to a warehouse owned by the Alliance- used for medical supplies. Along the way we spied some neighborhood kids having a tea party....one of those universal things, I guess!

One of our jobs when we got there was to move these boxes of medical supplies out of the shipping container...

and into the warehouse

It looked overwhelming and like we'd be there all day, but many hands make work light and we were done alot sooner than expected, with time to relax before dinner!

We ended our day by meeting with the missionary doctor and nurse that we worked with today, and even learned "This is the day that the Lord has made" in French! It was alot of fun and a great introduction into the hearts of Pastor Jacob, Mama Janine, her husband.

We started the day at 7:15 this morning w/a quick breakfast, then headed out in 2 vans to a school in a village about 45 minutes away. It was the first time we'd seen Gabon in the daylight from a vehicle. The scenery was AWESOME! A true picture of the diversity in this country. We saw all kinds of homes, businesses and markets. Some pretty shabby and some quite lovely...all very interesting.

We all really enjoyed our day getting a glimpse of Libreville and the people who live here. The children at the school fell in love with our students. There was an impromptu soccer game that I believe our students LOST...badly! But, it was really so much fun! The highlight of the day was when Sydney gave her testimony followed by one of the Pastors sharing the gospel. Over 90 students came forward to accept Christ at an invitation and recited the sweetest prayer in French w/him. The local church will follow up with them in the coming weeks...What an awesome sight, and a great way to begin our week!

We're back at the house now, waiting for dinner and then a debrief time. Tomorrow's plan is to visit a market and then spend the afternoon at the Hope House orphanage...goodnight to all, and thank you for all the comments, the kids LOVE reading them!!!