The Dusty Path

"I have equipped you to stay of conscious of Me while walking along dusty, earthbound paths."

- Jesus Calling

What can I tell you? What words do I have to describe what I am still trying to comprehend myself? 

I have never known what it feels like to be a minority or an outsider. I never knew this feeling of being uncomfortable in (of) my own skin, uncomfortable in and of my body. The stares we get are intense, curious, some gross, some comical. Every set of eyes ask the same question, "What are you doing here?" It seems that no matter how much Somali, Swahili and culture a team member can know, we will always be different, we will always be on the outside, we will always be charged the higher price. BUT though things may be more expensive for us, the cost we pay to be here, to be aliens and to follow Jesus, is SO worth it!

We live in Pangani, a very S* part of Nairobi. Probably 97% of our neighbors are S* refugees. Our walk to school takes about 15 minutes, and it's here we are reminded just how white we are. "Mzungu!" the Kenyans tell at us, which means "white person." Some of our younger team members get offered marriage proposals numerous times on our walks; often we are asked for money by street kids. 

It's hard to look anywhere except down because the roads are so muddy, and some how, everyone else seems to float over the mud while our shoes are drenched by the time we get to school- only making more reasons for people to point, laugh, and say things we do not understand. 

City buses, motorcycles and cars often come up on the side walks where we walk. There is a sense of lawlessness as no one yields to stop lights, pedestrians, or another car. We pass stands of fruit and vegetables, shoes, purses and underwear, all for sale on the side of the road. We walk over sewer lines and along trails of garbage. The smells change in an instant. One minute you are smelling a bakery, the next the most invasive and sour smell you can imagine has taken over your nose. We are often thankful for the scarves we wear, they protect us from dust and smells. We are also grateful for the fresh and inexpensive fruit and veggies we can buy to and from school!

Our friend took us to get henna done! We got it done in a salon and the ladies there were so friendly, we walked away with a couple phone numbers and new friends. Here is our friend scraping the excess ink off me.

The final product! I love it! I tell my students I want to have it forever. They explained the difference between henna and tattoo to me: Henna will eventually wash off, it's only on top of your skin. You can still wash and pray. Tattoo is IN your skin, you won't be clean enough to pray (that's how I understood it at least!). They have beautiful customs for a bride on her wedding day with henna. I have loved learning their culture!

Laundry day

 My temporary housing. I should move again next month and will post more pictures then!

 Our accommodations are really nice! Still learning the art of cooking at a different altitude...

There's more I want to tell and things I didn't get to say but it will have to wait until next month. Love you all!

The Final Count Down

With our new school year in Kenya starting up in Mid- August, I've moved my hopeful departure date up to mid-August! I find myself all over the place with everything I want/need to do before I go! People I want to see, places I want to go, books I need to read, skills I need to learn (stick shift), work that needs to be done, bills to be paid, speaking engagements, shopping, etc. It's a really strange thought to know that in a couple months, everything will be different. Then again, that is true for all of us, whether we plan and prepare for it, or whether it sneaks up on us...

Even though my list seems long, I believe that all God's asking me to do at this time is to simplify and focus on Him!

This Spring, my family and I went to Chicago as a mini-vacation and had a great time! It was my parents first time and a highlight for them was a large Italian import store called Eataly:)

I am waiting to hear back from my organization, but I believe I am in the 90's as far as my percent for fundraising is going!! God is so good and wild and amazing! Please continue to pray with me, I am unable to leave until I pay off the remainder of my $12,000 student loan. Jesus knows all about it and has a way, but keep your prayers coming- and THANK YOU for the support and for your encouragement! I have traveled and spoken at many churches and the acceptance, hospitality and love has been overwhelming. There are many I now consider like family because of our time together. Thank you, it means so much to me!

Next week, I'll be going back to Springfield, Missouri for a safety seminar. At our first seminar, we were taught that if you are a woman who feels threatened by a man, it's best to make yourself look as ugly as possible. How do you do that? By throwing up or peeing on yourself, of course. Things I never thought I'd want to learn. Looking forward to many more tips and strategies to staying safe!

This week I had the privilege of leading the missions portion of Vacation Bible School at my home church. I LOVED IT! Kids from 3 years old up to 5th grade learned about the S*mali people, listened to how they dressed, what they believe, how they eat and what sorts of activities they do. One of my most favorite parts was praying for any of the students who felt led to be a missionary and hearing them pray for the brothers and sisters hundreds of miles away. I think of the S*mali terrorist group and how their name literally translates into "the boys" (i.e. I'm hanging with the boys after school.) I think that if we can reach them at a young age, we can transform a nation. I am believing that our young peoples prayers were heard today :)

I've attached a couple news articles so you can see some ways to pray. These are truly intense times, but I believe God still has a plan and a desire for every S*mali to know Him! The attacks that took place on June 16th, 2014 (Attack near coastal resort) were targeting non-muslims. My prayer is that as we count the cost of following Him, we will ALWAYS consider Him worth it. 

Corruption and Terror
Attack near coastal resort

Kenya halts crack down on Somalis

For you, Oh Lord, are a shield about me, my glory and the One who lifts my head.

-Psalm 3:3

It's not too late to be a part of my support team! I am still praying for monthly donations or even a gift of any amount- everything helps! 

You can go to giving.ag.org  and use my account #2957769 to make a donation.

It's great to hear and see many of you! Looks like summer is off to a great start for many of us with bike rides, swimming, vacations, graduation parties, etc. Would LOVE to see you all in these next couple of months. I am praying for many who send requests so keep them coming!

Rude Nicknames

Usually this time of year I'd be cutting off the last of winter's fury by being on a mission trip somewhere hot and sweaty with my Agora family! Praying for the teams in Myanmar and Taiwan as they are ministering to the beautiful people! In the mean time, here we are, doing the occasional high-knees through mounds of snow (not any more I hope!), happy that the suns out, only to be smacked with the reality that, for the moment, it's only for looks- no real heat yet. But soon!

Did you know the Somali have a love of rude nicknames? It's true! Normally they will find something wrong, usually with the way you look, and highlight it! Baldy, No Fingers, Small Eyes, Big Nose, Stutterer, Shorty, Big Head (given to the President). Gaal, or infidel, is a popular one too, it normally refers to a non-Muslim. Perhaps, when the time comes, I will look at it as a sign of acceptance? The 6th grade me is wondering which feature they'll pick. Any suggestions?

So my car has has been given me trouble for a while and we've been praying about what to do with it. There were many speaking engagements I needed to be at that I couldn't get to. Recently someone blessed me with a newer car so that I could travel anywhere I needed to go! In one month, I've already put 3,000 miles on it! The car came just in time! 

Enjoy the goofy, yet classy pose:)

I AM NOW AT 75% !!! Whhhhat?!

There's so much I want to say and gush on and on about God. I'll just let one of my favorite verses say it for me though:

Jesus did many other things as well, if every one of them were written down,  I suppose that even the whole world  would not have room for the books that would be written.

                                                         - John 21:25

Simply put, He has been blowing me away with His faithfulness, provision, and Word. Even when He tells me "no", I am learning to trust Him! His plans for us are so good! My new saying is "Jesus knows" and that covers everything... my school loans, my hopes and dreams, fund-raising, my income, timing- He knows and He has it covered! 

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly more than than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus, through out all generations, forever and ever. Amen! 

-Ephesians 3:20

I've been busy busy traveling all over Ohio, sharing what God has been putting on my heart. I thought I would hate this process- public speaking AND asking people for money (gross). Turns out, I love it! I'm constantly being refreshed and encouraged (and occasionally drained-in a good way- if we're being real). Of course there's the time where I didn't think things went well or it was unproductive, but, Jesus knows! I'm incredibly grateful to be meeting so many wonderful people and seeing God WORK over and over again- beyond my expectations.

Now then, stand still and see the great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes!

- 1 Samuel 12:16

You can go to giving.ag.org and type in my account #2957769 or snail mail it to:

AGWM

1445 N. Boonville Ave

Springfield, MO 65802

*Please include my account #2957769 on the memo line

**Praying for you! There are some who have sent prayer requests ranging from needing new jobs, new home, salvation for family members, etc. I love to pray for you and hear from you so continue to email me :)

LOTS of love,

lin

A Thrill of Hope!

This Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years was wild! Just the way we like it:)

No matter what occasion, when all the kids and grand kids are home- things just become infinitely more interesting and loud...

For Thanksgiving we did our annual ginger bread competition. Truth be told, there is no actual ginger bread in sight! This years theme was "Your Favorite Place" so I reconstructed a Peruvian hut along the Amazon River (you can see the anacondas hanging off the roof and in the shiny black water) and a hammock off of the hut! I was this years winner, although, rumors of mercy points being given were heard. Guys, jealousy is ugly.

Below is Lisa's favorite place: our Aunt's house in Michigan

Laur's favorite place: Mackinac Island, Michigan

                    My dad had a big milestone this year... He turned 60! So, naturally, we roasted him :)

Christmas Eve at the kids table!

And to top everything off, some how we all managed to be in town on the SAME day! Some of us came from Italy, Michigan, Kentucky, and Cleveland but we made it! Blessed beyond belief to have these ladies.

Life is good. God is great. AND I just read that because of the Italian influence on the Somali people, they love pasta and marinara sauce! I will have a little bit of home, even among the Somali! Any day now, I should receive my books on learning the Somali language. It will be like no other language I've ever attempted to learn. Jesus, take the wheel!

Please pray that as I live in "Little Somalia" in Kenya, we will be seen as trusted people, rich in hope, peace and love. 

This is how they will recognize you as my disciples, when they see the love you have for one another -John 13:35

Recently, Somalia was ranked as the second hardest place to be a Christian in the world according to the World Watch List. World wide, the amount of Christian martyrs doubled from 2012 to 2013 and strife between Christians and Muslims is rising as well.  Many people still continue to flee from Somalia into surrounding countries, so pray that they do not spread strife, but instead come looking for peace. With all that being said, I believe that God is up to something great in Africa. Will you be a part of it?

Fundraising has really picked up this year as I book churches to speak at and friends and family to share dreams with. However, the need is still there to raise more money and I know I was never meant to do this alone.  If you feel led to help in any way, from financial help, praying or even helping me come up with unique and creative ways to raise money, please email me any time! 

God bless you! I hope you had a wonderful holiday and I am believing for a bright and fulfilling 2014 for everyone!

To donate, you can go to giving.ag.org and type in my account #2957769 or snail mail it to:

AGWM

1445 N. Boonville Ave

Springfield, MO 65802

*Please include my account #2957769 on the memo line!

Sent Out!

Last month, I spent a week in Springfield, Missouri where I met with 100 other Missionaries and Missionary Associates. There we were encouraged, trained, prayed for and SENT OUT! Below are those that are assigned to various places in Africa:)

It was incredibly refreshing to hear stories of how God called so many to the mission field! 

God continues to amaze me and I honestly cannot wait to be in Kenya, loving the Somali people, teaching them English and sharing God with them!

This is an incredibly dark and dangerous time for the Somali people. War, violence, famine forced many people out of their homes and country. In surrounding countries they are victims of rape, beatings, extortion, kidnapping and murder. 

The Somali people are incredibly hospitable, in fact, the word "Somali" literally translates into "go and milk" because they invite you to come and milk their camel and enjoy each others company. When you drink milk- whether it be from a cow, almonds or coconut, please pray that the Somali people will find peace, joy and relationship with Jesus.

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." -Psalm 147:3

On a lighter note, I've been keeping track of God moments. Since ending my time with Agora September 1st- God has provided for me in a number of ways! My bank account seemed to always get down to $30 during the time I was without work and looking for a job, and, God proved Himself faithful over and over again! I was able to buy a $650 plane ticket for $10 in order to fly to Missouri, received cheap/free car repairs, free phone after mine was stolen, speaking engagements, random gifts of money from people and eventually an extremely flexible job- that doesn't interfere with my fund-raising! What I am most grateful for though, besides His tangible provisions, is His sweet sweet peace. Through every car repair, lack of money or setback, God made it incredibly clear to me that He has me. What else can I ask for?

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen!" -Ephesians 3:20-21

P.S. I am still fund raising!! I have been blessed with friends, family and churches who have been supporting me but I still need more help in order to go to Kenya. Please pray about supporting me!                

               

You can give online at giving.ag.org and use my account #2957769

Or you can send payments to:

 AGWM

1445 N. Boonville Ave

Springfield, MO 65802

and be sure to put my account # on the memo line:)

God Bless you! 

Living Dead :)

In January of this year, I began to pray a lot about what's next. I always thought that I would move to South America and open an orphanage and help people. Nice idea, but God had other plans. I began to work my way through a devotion book called The Live/Dead Journal. Live/Dead is an organization that plants churches in East Africa. They send missionaries there as school teachers, business men, etc. God began to put working with Live/Dead in Kenya on my heart and He hasn't relented yet. 

I am now officially a Missionary Associate with the Assemblies of God :D Over this next year (and as soon as possible), I will be working, paying off school loans and raising money so that I can spend 2 years with the Somali refugees in Kenya. I will be working as a Teachers Assistant in a primary school with the possibility of teaching English to women- 2 things that I love to do!

There were a lot of things that God had to do in my heart before I agreed to go. I was overcome with a lot of fear in the beginning. What if something happened to my family while I was away? What if there was political unrest between the Somali's and Kenyan's and I got hurt, attacked, scarred, disabled, etc.? There are things that I love about living in America, certain freedoms I enjoy. There are things I want for my future that will have to be on hold while I'm away. Even silly things like trading tank tops and shorts for long skirts and shirts with sleeves caused me to hesitate. However, I considered the cost, I counted it... and God's worth it. The people of Kenya are worth it.

 If I have but one candle to burn, I'd rather burn it out in land filled with darkness than a land flooded with light.- John Keith Falconer

So I'm going to learn their language, become friends with them, eat their delicious food, have tea, hold babies, teach, assist, love, share and relate with them. I'm going to find ways to represent Jesus-well.

On that note, I am in serious need of financial support. I am looking for monthly partners to support me so that all might know God's love!  If you would like to donate either monthly or a one-time gift, please go to giving.ag.org and type in my account #2957769.

For more information on what Live/Dead is about, check out this link:

http://eastafrica.live-dead.org/about-us/

What Do We Stand For?

Back in February of last year, a group named Fun came out with a song, Some Nights. It’s catchy and upbeat yet the lyrics haunt me:

…O Lord, I’m still not sure what I stand for oh What do I stand for? What do I stand for? Most nights I don’t know anymore…
 …I found a martyr in my bed tonight She stops my bones from wondering Just who I am, who I am, who I am Oh, who am I?

True to Fun’s style, they manage to sum up this generations approach to life- a casual, nonchalant stance on the fact that, actually, we have no stance at all. Well, that’s not fair. We do have stances; after all we have strong views for or against pro-life, gay marriage, gun control, etc. Many of us will do our homework on which presidential candidate to vote for, however, we have a casual and nonchalant stance toward God. THE most important decision that will shape how we live this life and what will happen after we die and most of us have no thoughts. We may have questions, but hardly will look for answers. Does He exist? Who is He? Is He near or far? Did He make us and forget us? Is Jesus really God’s Son? What about Buddha and Muhammad? Is there only one right way to heaven or will we all get there?

Having trouble answering those questions? You’re not alone! Many of us wrestle with them, even those raised in Christian homes. I struggled with the idea that God was involved in my life and that He loved me no matter what. I felt distant from Him. It took 5 years of pushing God away to realize how unsatisfied I was without Him. I had many friends but felt alone, a job that helped people but felt unfulfilled, and a constant desire for wanting to be more. More of what, I had no idea, but surely there was something more. Enter Jesus.

In a second He changed everything. He showed me what He thought of me, gave me purpose and my reason for living… living well, and loves me like crazy. They say that a man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument. Well that’s me. You can tell me what you think about God if you’d like, tell me He’s mean, unjust and pull out the Bible to prove it, but I’m not interested. I’ve experienced Him. I know the difference He’s made in me and those around me. There was a man that loved me enough to die for me. My stand is for Him, always. My identity is found in Him, forever.

So, since we are clearly not a lazy generation, with all the social injustices and equal rights that we fight for, I encourage you to do something for yourself. Search out what you stand for, or most importantly WHO you stand for. Know why you believe it on a deep and personal level. Let it change who you are and how you operate. Make it a priority. I recommend Jesus, who “came so we can have life and have it to the fullest.” –John 10:10. He's my greatest adventure.

Oh your cross, it changes everything ~There my world begins again with you~ Oh your cross, it's where my hope restarts~ a second chance is Heaven's heart

- Rend Collective Experiment, Second Chances

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6RNJ6HDTpU