Busy weeks full of blessings

There are so many things I need to update you on! Things are going really well here. I’m really getting into a schedule and getting busy! I have started teaching my English class. With school being cancelled for a week because of conflict that was supposed to happen (but didn’t) and now Christmas break, I have only had two classes so far. It goes fairly well though- all of you know that I am not a teacher, but because it’s VERY basic English I am doing alright! :) If you have any creative ways to present animals, numbers, colors, etc. etc. in English, I’m always open to suggestions… I’ve also been doing at least two nights a week of English help for our older kids. I was a little nervous about this because their French is very good and their English classes learn a lot of grammatical stuff (imperfect simple blah blah). BUT this has really become one of the things I enjoy most. Most of the time, if they have homework questions we start with that, but then we just practice conversation for the rest of the time. Usually they ask me lots of questions about the States, my life, what I think of Africa, etc, and I talk with them about it all. I actually, believe it or not, have trouble now talking to them in English for the help sessions and find myself slipping into French especially when they do not really understand the English phrase. It's sometimes difficult for me to just speak in English with them…

Which brings me to the next praise! My French is REALLY coming along! I know for sure that this can ONLY be of God’s blessing because it really just happened all of a sudden, where I was understanding a lot more, and soon after, speaking more! I know it is not by my doing that I am learning so much. I’ve had a lot more opportunities to speak with the kids and workers, and have been getting French help (mostly just a little vocab) with one of our primary school teachers. Learning the language and being able to communicate is really SO huge and really can be what makes you feel more at home in another culture.

One specific story of praise for that… I have been praying that God can just help me even to witness to one person here- that I’ll have the words I need at the time I need them, especially with it being in French. I had this conversation recently!! One of our boys recently accepted Christ (more on that later) and a few days later, we had a really great, LONG conversation all in French about many different things. At the end of it, we talked a lot about faith and I shared a few things with him about the Christian walk. I was so excited and surprised after the conversation, to walk in the house and realize that the entire conversation (minus a few words in English when I didn’t know the French) was in FRENCH! And I was able to really express what I was thinking. Wow. That was awesome.

Other news... The long-awaited well was dug at our orphanage and the pump was installed! We are now only using the city water for the guesthouse where Ruth and I live. This is an incredible blessing, as a group tried on two different occasions to dig the well- the problem was not that we didn’t have water (they said they saw more water here than in most areas of Burkina!) but that it was very deep. Finally another group was able to get deep enough and install a hand-pump for us. We hope to run pipes to every corner of the courtyard and have a tank installed for the water someday soon as well.

We also have a new baby! Her name is Nafisiatou and she came to us about two weeks ago and is now about four weeks old. Her mother died because of complications with childbirth, so Nafisiatou will be staying with us for the first year of her life, and then her father and/or someone else in the family will come to bring her back to her village to integrate into her family.
Other very exciting news! A group from the States came for a very short overnight visit while working in another area of Burkina, and participated in our Tuesday night family prayer at the orphanage. They asked to help and give the message at the prayer night and of course the kids said yes. They shared a little bit about our need for Christ and what it means to have a relationship with him. They asked if anyone was interested in doing this at the end (praise God, almost ALL of our children are Christians!) and Ascension, an 18 year old at our orphanage accepted Christ in his life! Ruth has been praying for him for a number of years, and God has been working on his heart. About one week later, we had a party for our sponsorship program and orphanage, and our 8 year old, Thérèse, accepted Christ as well! As Ruth has said, we are rejoicing with the angels in Heaven!! Please keep these children in your prayers though, as we have already seen some very real spiritual attacks against their new Christian hearts. Pray that we can support them and help lead them in their new walk of faith.

Ascension and Therese

Speaking of our party, we’ve also had a lot going on with our sponsorship program. We recently had two full days of distributions for the sponsored children. At each distribution we give a bag of grain to each child as well as a couple bars of the soap we make. An area pastor gives a short message, and we sing a little as well. These distributions happen quarterly for our 150 sponsored children, as well as one or two monitors in each area meeting with the children once a week to make sure things are going well. If you’re interested in learning more about the sponsorship program, be sure to check out our website (http://www.sheltering-wings.org/) – I’m hoping to “feature” a child in a blog every so often that is in need of a sponsor, so please pray about sponsoring one of our children in need. Only $25 a month pays for the child’s education, some school clothes and supplies, and helps with food throughout the year.

Our first distribution in December and Kids playing at the sponsorship program Christmas party

So we had the very busy distributions (I was the official photographer of the children) and then our Christmas party as well. Busy!! We also recently had a Christmas party for the teachers at our school. Wow this was a fun (and funny) experience. They requested hamburgers for dinner (only one of the 8 had ever eaten one). So, for our Christmas dinner with them, we had hamburgers and fries. Ruth and I demonstrated the different ways of enhancing your burger (ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo) and then had to teach a few how to open the little ketchup packets that Ruth had. How funny to see some cutting their hamburgers into little pieces, trying to eat with a fork and knife (which they rarely use in daily life), and trying to keep the different toppings on the burger. They watched every move Ruth and I made- I bet how they feel when I try to figure out the cultural norms. We had yummy cookies and brownies that Ruth and I made- the women all asked for a lesson in baking. We then played a few games- ones we’d normally play with kids, but they went over really well! :) We played “Hot potato” with tennis balls and Christmas music, and were surprised by how competitive they got! Also played “Never have I ever” – one thing that one of the women said they had never done was to climb down a well- the men all had done this!

So, that sums up some of the major things going on here! I leave for Bobo tomorrow, so hopefully will have a great update for you when I return! I hope you have a wonderful New Year celebration!! Blessings,

A servant for Him,

~Liz

Two disclaimers

One, the weather on the side of my blog is often incorrect- so if you see that it's only 60 or 70 (especially during the day) don't believe it :) It's hot! See previous entry about what the temp has been like at night recently tho :)


Two, sorry for the format of the blog- I try and try to make it right, but it often just messes around with the spacing and placement of everything. It drives me nuts!

Thanks for your patience :)

I’m dreaming of a red/brown Christmas…

Merry Christmas!! Joyeux Nöel!




I pray this finds you all in good health and that you had a wonderful Christmas with friends and family. It was definitely a different Christmas for me, but I think because of the lack of 100 in. of snow and the different way that Africa celebrates Christmas, I really did not feel homesick. I know, sorry to my family. :) Truly though, a friend of mine here really helped me to prepare for the Christmas season. I was worried this would be the hardest time of my year in Africa, but she reminded me that in a year, I’ll be spending Christmas the same way I always have and that I’ll be able to celebrate it in this way for the rest of my life. How often do I have the opportunity to celebrate in another culture and worship with Christians in a totally different way?




Well with 90 degree heat and dust storms swirling around, I celebrated Christmas with my new African friends and family. We started the evening of Christmas Eve with a family dinner at the orphanage. Most of the time, the kids get their food and will eat all over the courtyard and in little groups, but for the family dinners, we all pull together tables and benches and eat as a group. Many of the kids return home for Christmas or parts of their vacation- many still have some sort of family in the surrounding villages. This year though, about 12 stayed at the orphanage (as well as our babies and toddlers) so we ate Riz gras (Rice with a sort of sauce mixed in) and we each got a piece of meat and a piece of eggplant on it. It was really good! I was a bit surprised when they dipped their large cups into a big bin that came out with a bright yellow drink- very similar to Koolaid. A special treat for the holidays. I finished the meal by making the group “blonde brownies.” They absolutely love baked goods, so it was great to share this with them :)




The Christmas Eve service at our church was supposed to start at 7pm. Of course it didn’t, so Ruth and I didn’t even leave the house to walk over until about 7:45pm. With barely anyone in sight at the church, we went into the pastor’s home (connected to the church courtyard) and visited with him for at least another half an hour. He didn’t seem a bit concerned that the service had not started over an hour later than it was supposed to. :) The things to get used to here… The service was really good! In some ways so different than the States, and in some ways, so similar. When the children came in acting like little sheep being herded by the shepherds, I couldn’t help but picture our little ones in church dressed up in white, baaing like sheep- slightly different look, but so similar. And when the choir sang “Angels We Have Heard On High” in their heart language of Mooré, my eyes misted as I felt the familiar warmth of home- slightly different with the African drums playing along with the carols, but so similar. And when the children stood in a line and took turns reciting the story of Jesus’ birth, verse by verse, I had to smile at the same sort of reactions they had; some yelling the verse, some quiet, some rushing through, some forgetting their lines- in a language I could not completely understand, yet so similar.



The kids behind me singing- recognize the song?



A girl's group singing/dancing- all in front row probably younger than 10 years old, what dancing skills!! :)

The service went til 1:30am. Yes, you read that right. I left at the ‘official’ end of the service, but many stayed for more singing and dancing til 4,5, maybe even 6 in the morning. What a passion to praise God! What a celebration of Christ’s birth. And the commercialism of the season really is non-existent here. Gift giving really is not that common, there are not the big shopping malls and people rushing around stressed out over last minute gift purchases. What a refreshing difference and reflection on the true meaning of Christmas. Of course there were moments when I got tired or frustrated with not understanding the Mooré at our very long service, but I was just overwhelmed by the idea of how similar this could be to Christ’s actual birth. We picture our Lord being born on a snowy December evening, in a small but cozy stable with straw all around, the animals softly talking to one another. We picture the baby Jesus wrapped in soft, white clothes and sleeping soundly in a small but maybe slightly comfortable manger. We even portray the story in our own language, English, with our own greetings and cultural understandings. But how different it was. When I watched the story unfold in Africa, I realized that Jesus was probably in a hot, dusty, and dry stable. Dirt floors and animal… waste… all around. The donkeys do not quietly speak, but LOUDLY yell as well as the wonderful roosters making noise, animals moving around, etc. It was not comfortable. Mary and Joseph were probably exhausted by the trip, long lines all over the crowded village, and with her difficult birth with no doctors or nurses to help. They might have had a pange to wrap Jesus in, but it was probably the bright leftover cloth from one of Mary’s outfits (the cloth used here to make the clothing- many woman have a 3rd pange wrapped around their waist to use in case they needed to carry a baby on their back). And when I heard the people in our Christmas drama greet each other in Mooré. “Nayzaabree” “Zaabree kibari” “Lafi” “Lafi bala” “Zakrumba” “Lafi. Zakrumba” “Lafi”… I realized how different the greetings and cultural language would be in the little town where Jesus was born.



Christmas day was a bit different as well. We had breakfast with the kids- I really wanted to make them breakfast, so made pancakes, about 40! Brought out peanut butter, jelly, and syrup for them to put on the pancakes. It was so funny to watch as they took huge spoonfuls of the toppings- probably more than the pancakes, and quickly ate the 2 ½ pancakes given to each :) The kids all went to church, and Ruth and I planned on leaving about 10 to head to Ouaga for Christmas with missionary friends. A little bit of drama with one of the kids, so got out later than we had hoped. We arrived in Ouaga and had a GREAT meal with 4 of Ruth’s single, woman missionary friends. So fun. We actually got turkey!! We then sat around in their home and watched lights on their Christmas tree (they found it for only $30 in Ouaga- usually the western type of things are SO expensive here!), and then exchanged gifts. How nice to be included in this great evening of fellowship. The missionaries have all been here for 20 years or more, so the amazing discussions we had, and the prayers and fellowship shared was really great. We spent the night at their home, and are now at the SIM guesthouse in Ouaga til I leave for my New Year’s trip. Christmas with some BF missionaries! The beautiful Christmas tree :) Almost like home!

We decided to do a shorter, less expensive trip to western Burkina Faso instead of Benin/Togo. I’m going with three other SIM short termers to Bobo Dialosso and Banfora- known for waterfalls, greenery, and a different sort of culture than the east side of Burkina. I’m real excited to see another area and of course spend time with the girls :) It’s funny though, I already miss the kids and know that two weeks away will be a bit weird after 2 months with them.

More updates to come in the next week or two! Thanks for your love and prayers and the various Christmas cards and emails. I feel your love from thousands of miles away :) Praying you all had a blessed Christmas season, and are staying warm in the snow, rain, ice, and fog. :) May God bless you in the closing of 2008!

A servant for him,
~Liz

Am I in Africa??

(Dec. 5, 2008)
So you are not going to believe this… I still don’t. I am COLD in Africa!

I know, I know, many of you are suffering in the cold and snow right now, and this is nothing compared to that, but either my blood has already changed , or it really is cool here.

At might is when it is cooling down, as it is the “cold” season. Cold, right? 90’s.. Hm.. But evenings I would say lately it has been 60’s. For people used to 90-120 heat, it’s cold! All bundled in parkas and hats and warm clothes, it’s rather humorous for a Michigander like me.

But today… Oh man. I woke up early for a run and it was cold! Last night I used a sheet and a blanket and was still cold. Tonight I wear pj pants, tshirt, sheet, blanket, and get this- SOCKS. IN AFRICA! It’s funny because people always say it’s cold or ask if I’m cold and I laugh and say, oh no, it’s hot for me!

But today… I actually had to agree and say yes, it’s cold! Crazy. And I thought I’d never use the sweatshirts I brought- I used a zip up today until about 11:30am!

So as you are bundled up and getting ready for Christmas, think of us here in Africa- all of the little ones bundled for the evenings (and even daytime sometimes) and do pray for health for the people here as well- just like you, they’re more susceptible to colds and sickness when it’s cold.

I didn't think that a cold shower in Africa would ever feel bad, but you should hear me squeal as I get in- I've quit taking showers in the morning and evening, but only when it's the hottest mid-day. Really, I laughed as I put my warm clothes in my suitcase, but I'm so glad I did!

Thank you!

In the spirit of being thankful...

Every so often I will post different entries like this to thank you for certain donations gifts to the ministry here :) I'll also include these in my email updates- sorry for the repetition!

I am SO grateful for the generosity of all of you...

Today, thank you to KMart in Manistee for their donations of Children's Tylenol and Ibuprofen, as well as cloth diapers for the babies!

Me with our nurse Bea and the new meds for the clinic

The babies and toddlers with their NEW diapers- bright white if only for a few hours :)

Thank you!

A servant for Him,
~Liz

I am thankful for…

~Running water
~Electricity- fans!
~Water filters
~Clean and healthy food
~Good access to medical care and the money to treat illnesses
~Mosquito nets
~Technology for communication
~The love and support of family and friends
~Prayer
~God who holds me up when I do not have the strength to stand

In the past few weeks I've realized how grateful I am for all of these things, as well as many little things. When it gets tough I try to thank God for all of the little things that I don't necessarily think about in normal daily life at home. How lucky I feel when I realize how much I have. Simply the fact that when I have a stomach problem, I can afford $1.50 worth of medicines that many people here cannot. Or that when I feel feverish or am just tired of the heat, I can turn on my fan and lay on a BED to cool down. And when I am able to talk to family and friends on Thanksgiving and while I'm in the city, I realize how wonderful this technology is (especially considering missionaries even 10 years ago could not do this). And when I'm tired and wish I could talk to my family and Dave and friends, I realize how precious my support system at home is.

But I also realize how awesome GOD is and how amazing that even when I don't have that same support system here in Burkina Faso, thousands of miles away from home, I still have God's love and support. How awesome that even when I am alone, I am never alone.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A servant for Him,
~Liz

Chicken dinner

So this morning (Friday) I was literally ready to learn how to kill a chicken- ok, no, a rooster. It wasn’t for survival needs because I was starving, but for the need of SILENCE.

This rooster friend of mine decided that with the Muslim call to prayer at 4:15/4:30 this morning, he would alert us of the fact that it was morning. Only, it WASN’T morning. And he decided that the ideal place to announce this would be under my window. Did I mention that he sounded very sickly and had a sort of two-tone call that rattles the bones?

I was ready to march downstairs to either learn the art of killing dinner, or having a little chat with this bird.

“Now, is it really that you are this confused about what time of day it is and your duties to wake us at SUN-UP, or is it that you just want to annoy the white visitors who stare at you funny as you walk down the street or when you interrupt their French lessons with your crowing in the middle of the day?”

Needless to say, the morning doves decided to join in right after the rooster’s 45 minute wake-up call, the Muslim “Sabbath” is on Fridays so the call to prayer seemed much louder and longer, and I got a very SHORT night of sleep thanks to my blind and sick rooster neighbor.

A servant for Him,
~Liz

Christmas Gifts!

Another quick detail-

Sheltering Wings sells a few different items here to raise money to help with the various costs of running the orphanage. Ruth has hired two young women to weave for the orphanage. They were in the child sponsorship program through the orphanage and did not have the opportunity to go to school- Ruth picked them specifically to give them a trade so they would not end up on the streets or in poverty. There is also another woman who comes in to weave for us and someone else who makes who makes soap.


So here at the orphanage we sell soap and little sacs to put it in (but the sacs are great for other uses as well), and placemats too. The soap is $1 and the sacs are $1 as well (so obviously for the two, $2). The placemats are $2 each as well. (Postage costs will need to be added to each order).



I attached a couple pictures- they make great Christmas gifts! If you’re interested in buying any or even selling them for the orphanage, I’m going to ask you email my parents at tomrichert.richert44@gmail.com – my mom will compile a list for me and send it all at once to save on postage. Please include specifics of what you are ordering- type of item, number, etc. We can’t really honor color choices at this time because we take whatever we can get sewn fastest, but the soap can either be scented or non-scented (the scented is just a light floral smell).

The issue is that we’re trying to figure out if there is even an interest for this because the postage will cost quite a bit. We’d have to plan on a fairly large order to make it worth it for all of you! If you can let my parents know by NOV. 29 we can get the order out to the States hopefully in time for Christmas. Again though, if there isn't enough interest, it probably wouldn't be worth it to send a little order- sooo don't plan on this for your only Christmas gift until we confirm :)

Another great opportunity is Sheltering Wings’ online Christmas catalogue. See http://www.shelteringwings-gifts.org/index.htm . This is a fun gift to give in someone’s name or even as a family in place of a Christmas gift.



Thank you for your interest!

A servant for Him,
~Liz

Changes...

Wow, I can hardly believe that it has already been two weeks since I left Ouaga for the orphanage. A lot has happened in the two weeks, but I’ll try to keep this entry at least sort of short :).

It was tough to leave Ouaga after starting to adjust to life in Africa there. Yako is definitely a lot different too. It is much more rural, Ruth (woman who runs the orphanage) is the only American at the orphanage, there’s no internet, LOTS of bugs (I kill TONS every day- no mercy), etc. etc… I had a few days of adjusting, and as I unpacked my bags and moved in, the reality of the upcoming year definitely set in.

There was another girl, Hillary, here for the first week as well (from the States, but living in Burkina with family for the year), so that was great to have someone else to spend time with. Ruth is great as well- definitely an incredible woman. She started the orphanage from nothing, began the whole organization of Sheltering Wings, and has made (with God’s help of course) the orphanage what it is today, eight years later.

So Hillary and I spent most of the first week playing with the babies and toddlers as I attempted to remember all of their names! We actually ventured to Ouaga on Thursday last week to bring Hillary back to her family and for Ruth and I to attend SIAO- a huge arts festival with booths from all over West Africa. It only happens once every two years, so Ruth and I thought it was something I needed to see! Definitely an experience, and I’m really glad we made it.

Unfortunately though, I ended up getting sick at the end of the trip in Ouaga- making for a very uncomfortable hour and a half drive back to Yako. In the States, if we have a stomachache, fever, and/or bowel issues we assume it’s the flu. Here though, we pray it isn’t malaria. After a few days of the ickiness, Ruth started me on Cipro thinking it might be a parasite or something I had eaten. I’ve been careful with washing my fruits and veggies and drinking filtered water, but Ruth said that it’s really easy to get this kind of sickness- even from a loaf of bread. Eeesh… Sickness has a way of stealing your joy and making the homesickness feel even stronger- nothing like being in your own bed with family taking care of you…

God got me through though! I spent a lot of time reading, listening to worship music, and praying through it. I kept thinking of Paul from the Bible- in prison, being beaten and persecuted, and with a persisting sickness- and yet He continued to praise God.

I’m still finding my place here- there are so many different ministries and needs at the orphanage. I love spending time with the babies and am hoping to get involved in the other ministries soon as well. The French part has been pretty tough- I sometimes wonder why God didn’t send me to an English-speaking country :)…

Prayers needed for all of these things!

-That my health would continue to get better and that this would be the only sickness this year!!

-That I would continue to improve my French and that God would be able to use me despite this weakness

-For an adoption case that has come against some frustrating holdups, and the broken system here

-For the JOY of the Lord to continue to fill me and give me vision for what He will do in this next year

And prayers of PRAISE for some great blessings that have occured for the orphanage this week:

-One of our toddlers that will soon be adopted to Spain!

-A new car FINALLY coming in for the orphanage and the funds from supporters in the States will cover the costs (the truck Ruth drives is in awful shape)

-A number of other exciting projects in the works

Thank you for your continued prayers!

Happy birthday to Jewelz :) Happy Birthday to Mom (soon). And Happy Thanksgiving wishes to all if I don’t make it to the computer before then- enjoy your turkey and pumpkin pie!

A servant for Him,

~Liz

More pictures!

Walking back from church in my new African dress and two of the older girls-Therese and Barkwende

Toddler feeding time!

Joseph- these kids sure know how to pose for pictures :)

Me with Tinbnoma and Estelle

Leaving Ouaga!

I just received word that I will be leaving Ouaga to finally head to the Sheltering Wings Orphanage in Yako this Friday (10/31). Prayers for the travel and adjustment there will be greatly appreciated!! My time in Ouaga has been great, but I am excited to settle into my ministry at the orphanage and have a little more of a schedule and an idea of what I'll be doing for the coming year.

I don't know what sort of access I'll have while in Yako (slim to none I believe) so I may not get your emails or comments for a few weeks. I'll do my best to answer them when I do have access! Thanks so much for your love and support- until the next time in Ouaga, A Bientot!

A servant for Him,
~Liz

A day of firsts...

Today was definitely an interesting day... From the moment I arrived in Burkina and saw the traffic in Ouagadougou, I decided there was no way I wanted to drive, ride a bike, or drive a moto (moped/motorcycle). The motos and bikes pull out right in front of the cars; the cars drive all over the road; there really are no lines; the motos/bikes are supposed to stay on the right side of the lanes yet you often see them darting between cars; there are different traffic lights for cars and motos/bikes in some areas; and the list goes on....

The main street near SIM- NOT during rush hour

Well... today I had planned to go with a woman from the SIM office (a Burkinabe woman) to have some cloth tailored to make me a dress... Little did I know, the place to go was a distance away and as we walked out the SIM gate, she grabbed her moto and started it up. I just looked at her like, are you kidding? She told me to get on- needless to say, I was quite afraid. She assured me I'd be fine though, and off we went- me clinging to her waiste as though I would fall if I even loosened my grip. We made it safely to her house and then to the tailor's...

Then came my next "first." Once at the tailor's, we walked next door and the woman I was with filled a small dish she had brought with a local woman's food being sold on the street. We then got back on the moto and rode to her house (with the hot food hanging from a handle-bar. When we arrived I washed my hands in a bowl of water, and then we dug into the food with our hands. It was rice with some sort of sauce and a piece of fish on top. Wow! It was definitely interesting and quite an adventure to try to eat without spilling all over her floor (she said "pas de problem" though- no problem)... To drink, we had a sweet sort of milky drink made of millet (the main grain in Burkina), water, and sugar. Also interesting, but pretty good. My first real Burkinabe meal!

Finally, I returned safely to the SIM compound thinking my day was coming to a close and I would get a nice siesta in before dinner (the country literally rests from 12-3 every day). But no... Two friends on the compound go to the hospital here in Burkina each Monday to read Bible stories to some of the children. They asked if I wanted to go- which I really did!- and they informed me we would take bikes. Ahhhh! More nervewracking than the moto! So I hopped on an old bike (yes mom... I used a helmet. Actually here, barely anyone wears a helmet- it is a sort of status symbol if you can afford one... But SIM policy says we wear them!)... We made it safely after about a 15 minute ride, and I experienced the biggest hospital in Burkina. Wow it was sad... People everywhere, and supposidly today it was not that busy. We played a game with about six children who were well enough to leave their rooms, then talked about the creation story with them, colored pictures of it, and then walked them back to their rooms... It was so incredibly sad to see the children- many sick with Malaria and fairly treatable illnesses- in so much pain and sadness...

Teaching a song to some of the children in the hospital

I have attached a few pictures just to give you a taste- hopefully I'll take more soon!

Thanks to all for the birthday wishes yesterday! It was a great birthday and my new friends here also helped me to celebrate! Definitely a tough evening for homesickness, but a wonderful, HOT (107 degrees) day!!

A servant for Him,

~Liz

The road to SIM compound

The gate to SIM!

The door to my room

Stomach problem solved!

For those of you who were wondering, we figured out what my stomach issue was! On my instructions for my malaria medicine, it emphasized "TAKE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH." It said if you eat to wait 2 hours to take it or wait to eat after taking it for 1 hour. So in talking with other missionaries here, they told me "DO NOT take on an empty stomach!!!" Every single one of them were shocked that I would have been taking it without eating. Last night I attempted the new strategy and had NO stomachache. This morning was almost as good! I will attempt it again tonight (we're getting Chinese food as a SIM group-- in Africa! :) ) and hopefully it will be the same. Crazy!! At least that's hopefully taken care of now.

Oh, and I had two fairly good (short) conversations today and yesterday on my own- In French! Yay! It feels good when I understand or am able to communicate. Still... a ways to go.

Pictures soon! :)

A servant for Him,
~Liz

Bonsoir du Burkina Faso!

I can hardly believe it, but I am HERE! I made it safely and fairly on-time on Monday night. It was an interesting plane ride… Not much sleep and a little nauseous for some of it. I actually had a 7hr layover in Paris, so I met a friend of a friend and got to see a few sights!! It was really great and a nice break from the airport. Customs was… interesting. We got off the plane to intense heat and stood in line in a little room (tons of us- actually a large flight) for over a half hour. People seemed to be getting through quickly though, so I thought it would be easy… Unfortunately the officer at customs would not hand back my passport and I couldn’t understand what he was saying in French about the problem with it. Soo he finished the last three people behind me while I stood there nervous as ever, and then I said “Ne comprend pas!” The problem was that I had filled a couple of the sections out either wrong (only one I think) or he couldn’t read my little English handwriting. After that fun adventure and being the only one left in there, I went out to get my bags and lo and behold, the big Rubbermaid of donations for the orphanage was missing. I was led into a room (kind of scary!) and sat down at a desk with a man at the computer. He only spoke French and we attempted a conversation of trying to figure out what the problem was. Thankfully Leanne from SIM found me and helped with the end. Despite the toughness of it, I was pretty proud of myself for getting through the conversations and remembering even a tiny bit of French.

There is so much else to tell!! I’ve still been fighting the nauseousness- possibly from malaria pills? The first night and day and a half were kind of tough. Believe it or not, I had the thoughts of “what in the world am I doing here- am I crazy? Is this really where God wants me?” Quite a bit of comfort came though, when I was able to check my email yesterday afternoon and received a few from friends who had been through the same sort of culture shock- the assured me (without even knowing that the very thoughts were going through my head) that it was completely normal. Yesterday afternoon I also met some of the girls living here at the SIM compound, so that definitely helped cure my loneliness a little.

What else… My Rubbermaid came in yesterday- Praise God!.. Sleeping under a mosquito net isn’t so bad actually- it make me feel safe from the bugs and other visitors (though haven’t seen too many yet). My bathroom is interesting- the shower is right in the room- literally! I shower next to the toilet and sink. It’s cold, but feels great with the hot weather. Oh, did I mention that it is HOT!?! I’m getting used to the feeling of constantly sweating and smelling too. Right now I have my own room (with a fan!! I don’t use it too much though because I don’t want to use a lot of electricity) but tonight another woman will be coming in and sharing the room, and tomorrow someone else will move in. They’ll both be leaving by Monday though.

Interesting things to share… Gechos are everywhere. Actually, they make good pets though because they eat all the bugs! I heard this loud noise all around us last night and the night before- sounded like the chains on a swing squeaking- I asked one of the girls if they were crickets or bugs or something, and she said “oh no, they’re bats..” Ahh!! I started my French class today- it was actually a lot better than I thought because it’s starting to come back to me. Maybe I’ll start writing my blogs in French :). Our three hour lesson was outside under this little thatch roof with a big old blackboard. Throughout our lesson, a rooster wandered in and out and would crow throughout- so surreal!! I actually walked back by myself though, which made me feel very independent and already acclimating a little into the culture. I was able to greet the people I passed, and oh my goodness the children are precious! The food has been good so far- different SIM missionaries volunteer to cook for the new missionaries for the first three days, so I’ve been in the homes of a few so far! Soon I’ll have to cook for myself though- eek!

I probably have a lot more I could write, but figure I should keep this one short. I will be here in Ouaga for the next week, but then heading to Yako and less internet access. I’ll update again before going, and hopefully post some pictures!! Thank you SO much for your prayers the past few days- I know God’s been looking out for me :) A bientot and talk to you soon!

A servant for Him,
~Liz

I'm leavin on a jet plane...

Great news!!

First of all, thank you SO much to those of you who attended my fundraiser and for those interested in how it went. We raised about $1100 towards my year in Africa!! Wow!! It was an incredible turnout and we are so blessed by the many people who came out to support me.

And now, the very important news... Below is my final update that I sent via email- sorry if it is a repeat for those of you who received it :)

I now have an official departure date of Oct 19! Less than one week away! I really can't get over it, and am definitely feeling a huge range of emotions in this time- excited, happy, overwhelmed, sad, etc. Also, VERY exciting news.. I just found out that I have basically reached my original goal for support-raising in the funds received and in the monthly promised gifts of friends and family. God is SO awesome and has provided more than I could have asked or imagined. Any remaining funds raised will be put towards the (I'm sure!) unexpected costs that I'll come across while there (a conference for missionaries in January, any travel costs, raised expenses while there, fluctuation in the value of the dollar, increased flight and other travel costs, etc) and needs for the orphanage!! It is so exciting to think that I might even be able to give to a project or some area of need in the orphanage as well.

Despite all these exciting things, I have, as I said, been feeling a sort of emotional rollarcoaster with many goodbyes. I was told by Ruth, the woman who runs Sheltering Wings, that I need to be saying "A Bientot" (French for "See you later") instead of "goodbye." I'll hopefully be able to email you when I arrive in Burkina to let you know I made it. I'll be arriving Oct 20, about 4:00 Michigan time (8pm Burkina). Soo your prayers are very much appreciated in this time. Specific prayer requests at this point are:

-That I'll be able to spend quality time (un-stressed) with family and friends

-That I'll remember everything that I'll need to bring as it feels right now like I'll forget everything important

-That the flight and customs (having the extra donations for the orphanage that I'll be bringing) will go smoothly and that I'll have the strength, health, and energy for the busyness and emotions I'll be experiencing

-That I'll be caught up on sleep and my health good (I'm sick right now!) before leaving

-That adjustments when I arrive will go smoothly

-That God would be before me in this coming year, preparing the right place(s) for me

Thank you SO much for your continued support and prayers and for getting me to this place!! I could definitely never have done it without the support of all of you. God is so good and faithful and I have been blessed in this time.

Please be sure to email me with any of your prayer requests. I'd love updates and I KNOW I'll enjoy getting emails and real mail occasionally too! I'll post my mailing address on the blog. I apologize again, in advance if I am unable to answer your emails as quickly as I'd like- I still do not really know what sort of access I'll have, though it sounds like a couple times a month I'll be able to check email.

May God continue to bless you!!
In His service,

A Bientot,

A servant for Him,

~Liz

Fundraiser!

As many of you know, I have a fundraiser set for one week from today- Tuesday, September 23rd!! It will be at House of Flavors in Manistee from 5-9pm and they will be donating 30% of the evening's profits towards my year in Africa! If you are able, we would love to see you :) I'll be serving your coffee/water/etc. and talking more about what I'll be doing!!

God is good!! Every day He gives me a little more to hang on to and shows me that He is faithful and will provide! I'm currently at 60% of my funds now!!!

Thank you so much for your support and prayers!!!

A servant for Him,
~Liz

Prayers needed!

First, the good news! I recently attended a two week training through SIM in North Carolina called SIMCO. The two weeks were filled with lots of immunizations (my LEAST favorite part), getting to know people, seminars, and prayer. The SIM associates were young and old, long term and short term, singles and families, etc. I now have friends going to India, Peru, Ecuador, and all over Africa. How awesome to have met brothers and sisters that will be serving God to the ends of the earth! I can’t begin to explain what it was like to be with so many that share a similar passion.

The sessions were also great. A normal day was spent from 8:30-5:30 in these various meetings. They were on many different topics ranging from info about SIM and travel info to spiritual warfare and how the Bible is read (contextualization) in other cultures. So much info to pack into my brain!

One of my favorite things though, was the time of prayer and just being able to talk with those at SIMCO and working at SIM. How cool that almost all of the SIM “employees” have been on the mission field for some period of time.

Another blessing has been the ways God has been providing through friends and family in the form of prayer and financial support. I’ve been blessed by the many ways people have sacrificed in order to support me- in turn, supporting the children at Sheltering Wings Orphanage. One huge blessing was when a complete stranger and I were chatting about Africa and he decided to support me!! Wow!

I have been in contact with Ruth at the orphanage and a couple other women that have worked there. I have attached a few pictures from one of the women. As excited as I have been getting, I have also felt a little discouraged though too. My support is at about 25% at this point and in order for me to set a target date for departure I need to be at 75%. To order plane tickets, I need to be at 85%... And finally, to leave, 100%. The encouraging part of this is that it can be at least partially “promised” support. This means if you have decided to give monthly, the total of that will count towards my 85% (100%). Even if you cannot give until say, October, this means if you sent in the yellow slip and promise an amount of support, they will accept this as well.

I actually just figured out that if just 30 people promise $25/month that will completely cover my remaining costs! Wow!

First, would you consider praying for my financial needs and my time of preparation? Would you also prayerfully consider giving a monthly amount if you have not already? $10, $15, or even $20 per month would be a great help. Please know though, that your prayers are equally important to me.

Thank you for being such an incredible support in my life! You have blessed me! I will continue to update you on the financial situation and let you know as soon as I have my departure date.

If you’re not on my updates list and would like to be, please let me know! If you’d like to be a part of my prayer team (choose a day to pray for me each week) please also let me know!

Thank you again!

A servant for Him,
~Liz

Children in Burkina

Along the road in Yako

The many babies at the orphanage!

Testing, testing, 1-2-3...

So this is my official first attempt at using a blog! I decided that I should get it up and running before heading to Africa, so please bear with me as I learn to use it!

First and foremost, thank you for visiting my blog! Your interest and support means so much to me, and I know it will mean just as much when I am in another country! I am so blessed to have so many caring friends and family members and I want to thank you in advance for the influence that you have had on my life.

Second, I would love to hear from you! It will mean so much to get even a quick note or comment every so often. You can comment on the blog posting, send a quick email, or even a letter in the VERY slow snail-mail (see address in "About Me" section). I have been informed that packages take about six weeks to receive and letters take about three weeks. So if you're planning ahead and want my birthday card to arrive on time, you should send it at the beginning of October. :) heheh. I apologize in advance if I do not answer your emails/notes promptly- I am not sure of what sort of access or time restrictions I will have on internet usage. Please be patient- I DO care about you and really appreciate your emails!!

God has been doing amazing things in the past month in regards to my trip to Africa. The orphanage placement feel into place very quickly (once it was requested) and I have recently been in contact with Ruth, the woman who runs Sheltering Wings Orphanage. She has given a lot of helpful information and has connected me with a few people who have recently come home after a time at the orphanage. She also connected me with a couple, Jackie and Ben from MO, who will be arriving at the orphanage a few months after I do and are staying for about 10 months. Everyone I have talked to so far has had great things to say about the orphanage and about Ruth, and are very willing to give advice and encouragement about living in Burkina Faso. I am SO thankful for these connections!

My target is to leave in September, but all rests on how quickly I am able to raise funds for the year. I am praying about this often, and trust that God will provide!

Again, thank you for your interest and for all of your support! I look forward to sharing this adventure with you!

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may he make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May He lift His countenance upon you and give you peace!

A servant for Him,
~Liz