Bless the Simple Things

“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be CONTENT. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance. I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

Philippians 4:10-13

           

            An 80 year old man reminded me of how truly blessed I am, as I watched him clean his “cement mixture” with a stick and water while sitting in a chair provided by him. His kind heart astonished me, he had opened up his house to two strangers my host sister and I. He allowed us to use his immaculate outhouse that had been built solely by him. In its pristine qualities you could see his pride in all the work he had completed. From his house, to the outhouse, the shed in the back, and the new wall he was building around the yard. All were clean cut and spectacular, and built only by him. Before we left, he motioned for my host sister and I to follow him along a narrow path. When we reached the top of a small hill and looked over we discovered a glorious site. The mountains and fields were luscious with green and rich in brown from the soil. As we left I thanked him in Se Sutu (the language). But it was more than that; with the language barrier aside the gentle smile and warmhearted greeting meant so much to me. As I looked back, I was hit by the reality that I take for granted what I have. This generous man opened his house for strangers, and yet I cannot even do that. He smiled over the little things such as showing a beautiful site to two young girls. He taught me a very valuable lesson that day, to appreciate the little things.   

            Whistle, stop, clap, yell, move your body, and jump, rings out among the village. A joyous time is about to happen! I was not sure at the time, but then my host sister grabbed me and said “Dance! We go dance!” And so we headed down to the river and to my astonishment I had walked into a dance party. Kids of all ages were jumping around; also a group of girls were doing dance numbers all to the pounding beats in the background. As the night crept up on us the numbers increased, the laughter grew, the dances became crazier and spirits higher. It was a blissful evening that I will hold onto. I did not care about what I looked like, or how crazy I was dancing. The sweet innocent smiles of the children will always be a lovely picture in my mind. As I twirled a little girl around I prayed that she would grow up to be a Godly women, that one day she would hear and know the love of Christ. When I looked into a little boys eyes and saw the sleepiness take over his soul, I prayed that he would have a goodnights rest. And I prayed that he would grow up to be a Godly man to serve the household. The children are the future and the joy their exuberance restores my soul, but it also makes me hope and pray for them. That their energy and love will never die out, that they will one day hear about the one true God and they will love the Lord with all their heart mind and soul! This is my prayer for the future.

Radiant smiles beamed from the overjoyed children in the village. The exhilarating energy that flowed from them bled into you. It was amazing seeing them, running along the road, playing games, or singing. The energy of the entire village was uplifting though. The times when we had ‘dance parties’ I know the locals would laugh at me until their stomachs hurt, but there I was dancing my heart out. Trying to learn new dances, and it was not easy but many relationships were built off of that time. One of the most challenging things I learned how to do, but I got down, was carrying water on my head. Let me tell you that was really difficult! But I was quite ecstatic once I got it down! I learned many more things in the village, by walking with the people, talking to them, learning Se Sutu (their language), singing with them. In the 2 weeks I was there I probably met almost everyone in the village, which was amazing to me. I learned how to build relationships in non-verbal ways, because most of the people did not speak English. So dancing and singing was the most common. I was elated that the people were so happy to greet me during the day. My lesson was learned, and I tried to live it out as best as I could. 

            A brisk breeze flutters across my face as I sit on the front porch of my house. Swirls of smoke surround me, gorgeous mountains encompass me, and a vivacious 3 year old attacks me. This is my home, Holloh, a splendid little piece of glory that I got to experience for 2 weeks. The luscious, mountainous, harmonious village was such a wonderful home. Every morning the Me’s (elderly women) would greet me as children would run by waving back at me. The sweet little 3 year old, ‘Tablilang, was my host sister’s little sister. She was the most adorable thing ever. Her radiating smile and abounding laughter brightened my day! If there was an award for the most BEAST toddler it would be her. She could climb mountains barefoot, carry water buckets and more I was highly impressed. The fondest memory I have of her is the last night when I was there and we were sitting down eating dinner. And she had a little bowl of cheese snacks and she kept on giving me a little at a time. Her sweet smile illuminated the dark room that night, but so did her heart. In that moment her innocent heart taught a valuable lesson. Even though she did not have much she was giving me some. I appreciated it so much and I would not have felt the same way 2 weeks before, I had learned a lot in the 2 weeks I had spent in Holloh. I am so blessed, to have running water and electricity that I do not even think about the many tasks they offer. I am so blessed and I did not even know, God seriously opened my eyes.

            As the cool wind refreshed my weltered body, I enjoyed God’s splendid masterpiece of glistening waterfalls cascading down into the cool river that ran into the rich and luscious fields of Holloh. I am at peace, sweet serenity succumbs my body and I am restored as I stand atop a mountain. Alongside me is my host sister, Emily, Shane, Paseka, and ‘Tabesang. We had made it, our journey was complete, and the mountain was conquered. God in that moment answered the word I he had given to me in Namibia, restoration. As the powerful winds beat upon my body I laid back on the rock and closed my heavy eyes, and my strength was returned. Not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. God had upheld his promise, what a perfect moment.  

             

            It’s the little things I remember the most, the things that matter the most to me. I used to believe that it was all about the big projects. That is what missions were all about. Go build a house and come home, but I was so miss guided. It is about the simple things in life, the small things that matter. What do we cherish the most in our lives? Most of the time it’s a relationship, and if we ask an item it might end up being a small item. For me I cherish my relationship with my fiancé, mom, and God. And if it were to be an item it would be a small teddy bear I got as a child. Little things. Or moments. I started to notice that as the trip progressed God really rocked my views and opened my eyes. I am so blessed and I have what I need. I am not in want, I am blessed with so much and yet I am unhappy. But then look at this family who has nothing literally a mud hut, 1 field, a few dishes and they are in good spirits all the time. I had to take a step back, because of the conviction I felt in my heart. Then I began to enjoy the small things: the dances, songs, cooking over the fire, sitting down and having a conversation in broken English for about an hour, and building relationships without words. These are the things to hold on. Small events, relationships, simple things, bless them because many times they are simply forgotten by society.  

Namibia 

    The rays of hot dry heat beat down, sweat pours down, but a smile shines bright upon my face. I am here standing with 50+ children praising The Lord! With songs being sung from 'praise ye the Lord' to the 'banana' song kids are screaming and jumping all around and laughter surrounds the church yard. Yet a message is being taught through all the hussle and bussle the story of Moses, and a play was to be performed. Those beautiful, wild crazy youngsters took an amazing story and were able to impact a whole congregation.  

    The exhilaration I felt from being with these wonderful kids for a week was amazing. Learning the names of most of the kids and just seeing the transformation of the children. At first they were kind of hesitant to us, I mean who are these white people they don't speak our language? But by the end of the week I felt so close to them! The growth of the week was not only understanding the story of Moses, and how God can you anyone in many great ways no matter where you come from. But it was also about the tremendous growth and movement in building and forming relationships with the children phenomenal! It lifted my spirit to unexplainable heights! The laughter and joy from a simple song about bananas and baby sharks, to games about gorillas and making your body into objects, to doing a drama about Moses allowed the kids to have a splendid time and for us to also have an amazing time with them! 

  Dancing up a storm to exhilarating music, while my nose is tickled by the sweet aroma of meat on the brie. While cattle, goats, chickens, horses surround me. And of course a gorgeous landscape! WELCOME TO NAMIBA!!! And an amazing farm! I never thought I would be here, but I am and wow! As I learn how to long arm with my wonderful (second host mom, my most mom best fried) smiles and laughter illuminates the air. Even though I was awful at it, with my two left feet. haha. There was so much joy in the moment the mistakes were covered by the jollity. As Emily, Lindsey, Chelsy, and I along with a couple of the children in our host gang climbed up a little rock formation I took in the breath taking site. When we reached the top we all stretched out and THE YES moment hit me 'I AM IN AFRICA!' How cool is this! God is such an artist! The view that was right in front of me was phenomenal and I got to share the moment with some amazing people! Then yes I got to shot a gun oh yeah in Africa! I mean just the joys that took place that day were amazing. The new people I got to meet, the new adventures, and the quality time I got to experience with my host family and others who are close to me. 

    Fear ran through my veins when I was faced with the task of teaching 300+ students life skills yep that's right. And Couseling some kids as well, but God showed up and showed off as always! When I walked onto the grounds of #Oan//ob I was super excited thinking I was going to teach cute little grade 1 children. Nope God had a different plan to stretch my strengths and it has worked! Being with the older kids has allowed me to get to know them better. To hear their struggles and teach them simple things that mean so much to them! And let them feel special! Just in two weeks time I have been able to create many relationships with my learners, now I am not saying I would not be able to do that with a grade one class but it is a different relationship. God is so great! I will always remember the laughter as I made a fool out of myself trying to dance in front of the class, or when they taught me namma words and I got to teach them new games. Or when they got to talk about all the different things they love to do and the affirmation I gave them they CAN do it! These kids are AMAZING! They give me strength to come to school and have a smile on my face the transformation from day one to now is awesome!!! 

    It has been amazing to see someone in the shops, in church, in town and you just know them from wherever and they know you somehow. You get to make that connection. It is not only reassurance but the relationship that was already made is the foundation and that is the super awesome part of it! It gives me chills when I am standing in line and a kid runs up hugs me and says hello Miss Anna. Oh man and if a youth says what's up to me, I feel fly haha just gained extra bonus points! It is all about relationships. The moments and the times we have here. 

Every meal I eat, coffee or tea I drink, snack I have, game I play, song I sing, class I teach, smile I share, hug I give, handshake I give all are forms of communication and relations. They are showing my desire to further the jesters. I want to know more about the people I strive I want the Lords work to be done here! And it is being done! He is awesome! Thank you Lord for allowing the team and I to share and serve in  your kingdom here in Rehoboth! You are AMAZING!!!!! 

    

Dear sweet Res, I will miss you

    Winding roads, luscious and green grass, trees and crisp air surround us as we travel to Black Mountain where my body feel exhausted by the work we would accomplish, but then be relished by the overwhelming love and connections I made with the people! 

    As we pulled up to this glorious site around us we began to unload the piled high cars and van. Moving lumber and groceries all around, making sure it was in place but also observing because we were not in charge this time. More like onlookers, listening to the interns and doing the given task. A new challenge but at the same time, it was good for the team! As we greeted the 35 from North Dakota that night, we headed back to the hogan and rested for our project the next day. 

    

    Mud massage and facial are suppose to relax you and make your skin smooth, or something if that matter. Well the team and I got free ones! Haha. For the next two days we remudded a traditional Navajo Adobe that Pastor Daniel has built in the churches vicinity. Along with the adobe there are two ovens that are traditionally used to make bread in, and a patio area that has a fire place and surrounding walls. I never knew that packed down mud in brick form placed together then covered and smoothed in the inside and outside with mud would hold so well, but it does! The joy of squishing the mud in between your toes, feeling the cool water against your hot feet was definitely an unforgettable experience. An art piece was finished July 23rd, but also a piece of tradition was restored. 

    A smile goes a long ways in this community and when a sweet lady by the name of Johanna pulled up to the hogan on Wednesday I knew it was going to be a great day! As we traveled to her house we met her dad John and her niece and nephew. SO PRECIOUS! The jobs were to clean out the storage shed, that was crammed full and completely unorganized but also to cover the massive roots in the front yard. As the day started we began to progress at a great place. With their cute white boxer Sebastion running around the yard like a maniac, and the niece and nephew being oh so precious we had a grand time! Though the shed was super dusty and we had to wear mask to dust it out, we had a blast rocking it out! Along with the shed the people doing the roots were working hard! Running back and fort with wheelbarrows piled high with dirt! Their endurance withheld the whole day through. But the amazing part of the day was sipping on the cool ice water that Johanna kidly gave to us. And just talking to her about her AMAZING ministries! Reaching out to 100+ children every summer, plus all the other ministries she is apart of filled my heart eiyh copious amounts of happiness. To see her loving father, John help us by telling us where things were to go in the shed. These things are imprinted on my mind and I will keep them there forever. 

    The sweet aroma of sugar and blueberries intoxicates my soul. Filling the air with comfort. But it is accompanied by the laughter of an amazing hilarious woman, Sammy. Such a doll this lady! As Emily, Lindsey and I went over to her house to visit her again. Earlier in the week, she opened her house to the team to see her weaving! But this day Emily and I were there to teach her how to make jam. Joys, fun filled times, as we stand around the boiling blue syrup. Then she pulls a fast one on us and makes a traditional dish, blue mush. It was such an honor! It was such a special time that I will never forget! That sweet woman, her laughter and smile fills me up with joy. 

   

     'Dig dig dig dig dig' as they would sing in Pocahontas. 'Working hard for the...' Oh the songs you can sing for our journeys and adventures. The day started and some were on an outhouse hole and others on what we thought was just to repair a fence. Sweat, blood and tears were put in that fence as we ended up taking nails out of boards, moving the chicken cope, taking down the standing fence and moving it and reattaching it. We were given a challenge and we did it! The hole was finished, the fence still needed worked, but EM is going to send a lovely team out there next week. These precious ladies who lived in the house invited us in for tea and cupcakes/cookies. Talking to them while enjoying the treats was so pleasent and nice of them. And then as a gift these precious ladies gave us some of the wonderful tea we had been enjoying! 

    As the final day at black mountain came around I could feel the physical pain in my body, but I knew that there was something amazing out there to be done. As the team and I headed out that day we had in mind that we only had a few hours, because we were to head back to the mission house. Down a dusty dirt road we approach a sweet lady's house that simply needed her sheep caroul finished. Her daughter kindly showed us the sheep caroul as we got out the car we heard a loud "bleah" ring out. It was the HUGE sheep! And of course for the remainder of the time that we worked there he kept on saying "bleah" not "baa" like a normal sheep. Hahah. Anyways, once we got the fences up and the ground leveled we saw that it had only taken about an 11/2! We traveled back to the house and sat down for some cool Popsicles and sodas that the daughter and given to us. As the conversation began another daughter came and we learned of her adventures. These are the moments that I enjoy the most is getting to know the people! Loving on them. As we drove away I knew that it was only a small sheep caroul that we fixed but we had made an impact. 

    The past week we have done a VBS in Shiprock that was so much fun! Even though it was 2 days getting to know the kids, teaching them, playing with them and even having a water balloon fight with them was a blast!! Also helping out Herman, the pastor, with task around the church was nice. Some of the team did an AWESOME job painting poles for his tent! While me and a couple others taught the kids. Combined together in the 2 days I felt like we made connections and it was as it has been so far very hard to say goodbye to the kids and the pastor. 

    As the team gears up today for tomorrow's journey to AFRICA!!! I reminisce about all that I have encountered over the past month on the Res. The unexpected first times like taking a shower under a well that pumped out water that was 102•. Or the bonding experiences with the people like making jam with Sammy. Having great time with the team as we venture through the ruins in Chaco canyon, or sitting down with Elaine drinking tea after fixing her fence. I can go on and on. The Res will be something I will always remember and will be dear to my heart! Singing the lovely hyms in Navajo on Sunday in Bisti with Rhonda and the congregation will resonate in my heart. I shall return to the Res, for it has a special place now. 

    

Rhonda's love

    Dust blowing in my face, sweat rolling down my back as I look at what lies before me. A majestic masterpiece, one that has not been touched by any excavators. It still stands there in natural beauty for people to visit, not an amusement park. The Navajo Indian Ruins, so much history lies in those dusty orange rocks. As we explore the beauty that lies in front of us, broken pottery is apparent to all of us. The vibrant colors still on the pieces and the intricate designs displayed for observers to admire at.  

    As we began to climb the sun scorched rocks, we came across a cool and dense cave. As I crawled through the slim entrance into the dark hub, I could see and feel the craftsmanship. The fingerprints from the inhabitants who once lived in the cave. I wondered how long it took them to build it, and how many lived there. I was just truly amazed. As we continued onwards higher to the top of the ruins Rhonda, a wonderful amazing Godly woman who I can not even just describe in this blog I could write so many blogs about her, (which I will speak about her later)! Showed us another "cave". 

    When I looked down all I saw was a little hole in the rocks, I did not believe there was a cave down there. Little did I know, of course I would try to question someone who lives on the Res and who was showing us all around the ruins. But me being an adventurer. I slithered my body down the tiny long drop, definitely longer than what I thought it was going to be. But once I got to the bottom I looked up into God's glory and was amazed. I felt so small and as I reached up to grab my camera all I could see was the blue sky and clouds and I thought. Some people's view of Christ is like that, so small. Just like a peephole a sliver, and they are ok with that. They have no idea how glorious he is. As I crawled through the chilly and dusty cave, I thought about how hard the journey is I got scraped up some, and was quite uncomfortable at times but then... I was awestruck by the vast opening at the end. There was a window, maybe once a door, that overlooked the whole land! That is how the view of Christ needs to be!!! Fully immersed in his love! Knowing all his goodness, not just 1 part because that is when confusion and doubt seep in. To see the bright blue sky and the fluffy white clouds, and to think that surrounding us were flat plains. Wow!!! GOD IS AWESOME!!!! 

   To know that he bestowed the knowledge upon the Navajo's so long ago, and that the land has be preserved for so long and that it has not been touched and is still sacred. The interesting this is that the Navajos will not go out there though, the traditional ones though. Because they think it is the place of the dead and if they go out there then it will bring sickness and cursing on the family. 

    The traditions that still lie with the people, are an inhibiting factor to what Rhonda and her husband Leroy have been working on out there. 8 years ago God called them back to the Res. Rhonda's father was a missionary out there, and she thought she would never go back. And Leroy had lived there when he was younger, he is full blooded Navajo, but had moved away and was raised away from the Res. But God called them to start a church and bring Christ to the people and not only that but to reach out! Bringing in teams to help the locals, with building projects and other needs, but in the same time getting to know the people. 

    In our time out there with this sweet and wonderful lady she taught us about the culture, some of the language, songs, and showed us around the Res, and opened up her church for us to stay in. Going to church and sitting down with the people was an AMAZING experience! To sing with them, in Navajo was AWSOME! To see the joy and the difference in the people we saw every time we were at the church. Just made me filled with true joy. And made it even harder to say goodbye. 

    God is doing some great things out there. He is working in so many lives! And I will pray for the ministry and Rhonda and Leroy and for all the people on the Res!! I hope that y'all do too!!! 

Marbles, marbles, marbles

    Think back to childhood, the games you played and then think about.... Marbles. Oh you know we all had them! Well I know I for sure had some. My brother and I loved them, we would race them, name them, bounce them (well try to), count them, trade them, and more. They were so much fun!!! 

    Here during training we have been not only learning about each other, about ourselves, theology, the countries we are going to, how to react there, the people we will work with, how to work with them, how to immerse with the people, butttt we have been playing different games to gain marbles. Whattt? I never thought I would play with them again.

    But the point about the marbles is not the actually games but it is the thought behind it, throughout the games there are opportunities to give or keep. Share your marbles or others to another, then the question arises why did someone get awarded for being selfish? How is that fair? Well the truth is it is not but life happens like that. I know I am a SUPER competitive person! And at first I began with a lot of marbles, I still have an ok amount but I have the urge to give to those who don't have a lot. 

    Time will tell who will have the most by the end of training and who will come on top, but I know for me a lesson has been relearned from childhood about giving and being selfless. 

A Mama's Love

    "Scoot, where are you? Scoot?" rings out through my house joy fills my heart! My dear mother is home! She is not only a mom, but a friend, someone to talk to. We have been through so much together more than any friend in my life. Through trials, fears, pain, joy, happiness, celebrations of love, you name it!! Back in 2008 at the MSC nursing program orientation one of the professors told the students (my mom included) that each one of them needed a mount dragon along the way. I remember that day, because mommy had asked me to come with her. That day then and there we established that we were each other's mount dragons. This was just the beginning of a bond that has lasted for so many years! 

     

    "Scoot!!! I got a song for you to sing!!! It is perfect for you!" my mother runs into my room holding her iPad playing one of the most beautiful songs 'blessings' by Laura Story. As I listened to the words I understood my mom's connection to the song. In our life my family has been blessed beyond measure. I was able to go to and graduate from a private Christian school, and so was my brother. I grew up with a house, food, clothes, I got a car of my own at 17. Even though my family and I have had WOW so many issues God has ALWAYS provided. I might not have been when I wanted it to be or how I wanted it to be. But it happened! He is an awesome God!!! I mean this trip could not have come into place with out him! 

'We pray for blessings 

We pray for peace

Comfort for family, protection while we sleep

We pray for healing, for prosperity

We pray for your mighty hand to ease our suffering

All the while, You hear each spoken need

Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things. 

'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops,

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights 

Are what it takes to know You're near

What if trials of this life are your mercies in disguise.'  

-Blessings by Laura Story 

    My prayer to the Lord for years and years was to have a "perfect family" but I realized I had mine. My mother and I had a daddy who loved me for me and cared about me= MY HEAVENLY FATHER!!! He is my daddy I can run too! I do!! He accepts me into his loving arms, yet he also holds me to his word. I abided by his word and try to learn from him every day. 

    Mother, Mommy, Mama, Madre, Mom, and so on all these are names of my hero. The woman I look up to, who took time off from her career and schooling to take care of her children and become a full time mom. Who then went back to school and got her NURSING degree in 2010, and now is back to get her BSN! She is AMAZING!!!! But she is not alone! God is on her side, but so is her whittle mount dragon from 2008..... ME! I will never give up on this amazing women who has never given up on me! Who has prayed over me and blessed me so many times! She is my hero and I love her!!! 

                

He put a ring on it!!!

   Through out my life I have always dreamed of a tall, Christian, gentlemen, respectable, caring, kind, handsome, musical, older than me (haha) man. Yes my prince charming, I never thought this man would enter my life, I prayed to Christ for the right man, that I was not going to short term date anymore but I was going to wait for my future husband. And then on January 7, 2013 I walk into my speech class a there sitting on the second row was a handsome man who swoop me off my feet and made my heart race, yes love at first site guys I never believed in it before but I do now. Nervous as can be I sat beside him and all I wanted to do was talk to him, but it was not till the next class that I got to talk to him. That second class is when I found out his name, Matthew Spinks and that he was a Christian and worship leader. At that moment I was like seriously Lord is this happening to me, I just what?!? I did not think I would find my soul mate, I mean I knew God has someone out there but I had the fear I would settle and end up in a terrible marriage.

                                       I never thought that you would be the one to hold my heart 

                                                              But you came around and 

                                             you knocked me off the ground from the start

                                      You put your arms around me

                                               And I believe that it's easier for you to let me go

                                                     You put your arms around me and I'm home 

             

                                                                             - Arms by Christina Perri

  

 As we got to know each other I feel more in love with this amazing man, but my biggest fear was the fact I was about to go on a 6 month journey to Africa. And I was not going to change that for anyone,because I knew that is where God had placed me! But I really wanted to date him, it was a huge complex. Then on February 23, 2013 the magical journey began and there has not been any set backs. Even though he knew I was going to Africa he said he just knew and could not let me go. I could not let him go either. Our love grew and grew and then on June 15, 2013 he surprised me, which is really hard to do, and pulled out a beautiful ring and asked him to spend the rest of my life with him. Of course I said yes! Who would have thought taking that one speech class would change my future!  

   But this post is not just about my love life it is about the journey and commitment two people make while in this situation, I never thought I would be in this situation. I still remember watching The Other Side of Heaven as a child and seeing the missionary away from his love and seeing how hard it was. Now that is me. But the way I look at it, 6 months is not that long. Those are going to be the best 6 months, seriously, because I am going to be doing something I love. Caring a loving on people in need also learning about different cultures and actually living in them. I cannot fully prepare for what I am going to experience, but I just know I am excited! God has called me over to Africa and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for me!

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

• It is well, with my soul,
  It is well, it is well, with my soul. 

                            -It is Well by Horatio G. Spafford  

   There are times in our lives that seem that we are in the worst place ever, but there is always hope. In those times I either find a quiet place and breath,  go running, call a friend, or just journal. But this poem always comes to my mind. Growing up my family and I would go to my Nana and Paps's church a lot when we visited them and I remembered this hymn. I love this hymn and the story behind it. Horatio had lost everything, his son from the scarlet fever, then due to the Chicago fire all of his financials and then as his daughters and wife sailed over to Europe. There ship sank and he lost all four daughters, his wife survived. And as he waded over the ship wreck he began to write this beautiful and powerful hymn. His perseverance has always inspired me! As I go over to Africa there will be hardships and then there will be times of missing Matthew, but the Lord has so many plans for us!