Wrap Up: Follow His lead

Hi everyone! First off, thank you for taking the time to read this blog, ie. my heart. My trip to Africa was such an amazing journey with God's fingerprints on every single day. It was amazing to serve Him in how He has gifted me (medically speaking), to love the broken/hurting/lost. It was equally amazing to learn so much from those I encountered and grew to love. The Kenyans and Tanzanians embodied a perseverance, endurance, and joy in Christ that I aspire to have. It was truly beautiful.

My heart for this blog is to inspire you. I pray it would motivate you to seek out the Lord, and what He is calling you to. If it's Africa/missions, I would love to chat ;). Africa has been a deep desire on my heart for several years now, and it was overwhelming to finally experience in His perfect timing, this desire become a reality. If you would like to know more about the organization our team went with, here is their website: http://www.mannaworldwide.com (They are still updating their website, so certain links may not be up and running right now). If you are a partner with the Austin Stone Community Church (or not either way works!), and you are interested in hearing more about this trip, I strongly encourage you to come to our first Africa Network meeting: August 25th 7:00pm at Austin Stone Church Offices. Come hear more stories and see more pictures of how God was and continues to move through His people. We will also be discussing information on future trip opportunities! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me: sarenagreen@gmail.com.

Again, thank you for taking time to read this blog; it truly means so much. Thank you for letting me share my heart with you. I am praying it will encourage you to follow His lead and walk in the Spirit of truth, full of grace, for His glory.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. -Galations 5:25

June 18 Pictures

June 18: Drawn to Redemption by the Grace in His Eyes

Oh, how Jesus loves His people, of all nations and all tribes.

I was up and moving by 8:00am, with a heavy heart, knowing it was my final day in Africa. My heart feels alive on this continent. I don't know what Jesus wants or wills at this point, but I just pray to heed the Spirit, whatever that may be. I am just thankful for today, and to be here.

It was so nice to sleep in our final day. Our group had morning devotional time, and soon after we were dressed and ready for an early lunch at a local restaurant. We were going to spend the afternoon and evening in a remote Maasai village, outside of Arusha. Vernon began explaining to our group that no white people had ever been to this remote village before. We had been formally invited by one of Vernon's church members, named Lazarus. He was very involved in the Bible Baptist Church in Arusha, and his heart was to bring local TZ church members and our group together, to love the people of his village and share the gospel. He said that hardly anyone in his village had ever heard the good news of Jesus. At that, my eyes grew wide, trying to grasp the reality of what our group was about to experience. What a beautiful and amazing day we were about to be a part of, by God's grace.

After lunch, we loaded up and headed over to Bible Baptist Church to meet with the local Tanzanian church members. From there, we carpooled out of town, and up to the Maasai village nestled in the lush mountains. It was completely surreal: to know that no tourist had ever been where we were going. After about an hour drive, we made it to our destination. The landscape was absolutely breathtaking: wheat field after wheat field, with straw huts sprinkled in between the fields. The fields rolled on for miles, until they met a beautiful mountain range. In the midst of the mountain range was a (no longer active) volcano. The site truly took my breath away. Our God is beyond what we can fathom. We stepped out of the jeeps (somewhat sheepishly), and were instantly met curious and shy faces. They wore plaid, red, and some blue cloth garments that wrapped around their body and went over one shoulder. They wore brightly colored beaded necklaces and earrings (men and women). Marching through the throng of Maasai speaking through a megaphone, Lazarus began introducing our group to his village. Our group's heart was to begin playing games, and invite them to join in, as they felt comfortable. The boys started up a game of soccer, which several young Maasai teens quickly joined in on. I, along with several other girls, began an intense session of double dutch ;) It was heart warming, to watch as the Maasai men and women grow more comfortable, and begin joining in. The Maasai children were so beautiful. After overcoming their initial shyness, they began coming up and playing with my hair. Several children knew Swahili, so we fumbled our way through communicating in broken Swahili...and pantomiming when necessary ;). Halfway through the games, Vernon and Lazarus stood on top of a jeep, and Vernon began preaching in Swahili (and English for us...amazing). As he preached, Lazarus would translate his words from Swahili to Maasai. It was such a humbling and powerful moment to hear the gospel be shared in three different languages...and to be reminded that the Gospel is the same...we are all God's people...regardless of language or ethnicity. We are the sheep of His pasture. As Vernon finished, I will never forget that moment, as it hit my heart, "This is all about Jesus Christ."

As the sun begin to set over the mountains, our group made our way to another part of the village. It was so neat because when we'd first arrived, there had been two distinct groups: the Maasai people and the Bible Baptist group. Now, we were all entangled; there were no more lines. Some older Maasai men/women spoke broken Swahili and English, and were conversing with our group. It was so beautiful. Vernon and Lazarus set up a projector screen, and begin rolling a film depicting the life of Jesus. Since most if not all of Lazarus's village had never heard the Gospel, they were now going to be exposed to a film portraying the Gospel, which had been translated into Maasai. The Maasai people sat and got comfortable in the field, as they watched the film. Me and several friends spoke with a few English speaking Maasai people, who shared they'd walked miles just for this evening. They explained Lazarus had been promoting our arrival, so people were eager to see what we were all about. How beautiful for so many people, to be exposed to the life of Jesus. We sat and watched the film with them, and begin praying for these people's hearts. We prayed for eyes to be opened, and that ears would hear His voice. As it grew dark, the most beautiful array of stars illuminated the night sky. My heart was humbled and overwhelmed by the vast love and creativity of our Creator. We watched as numerous shooting stars flew across our nighttime landscape. I can't even fully explain how my heart was so full of His love, and humbled by His grace. My friends and I began praying for each other, as we prepared to head back to America the very next day. As the film drew to a close, our entire church community joined hands in the back row, and we silently prayed over the Maasai people. It was an indescribable moment, for His glory. After the movie finished, we thanked the Maasai people for allowing us to spend time with them, and we headed back to Arusha. I pray I never forget the image of Vernon and Lazarus preaching truth and grace atop a jeep, and the beautiful nighttime sky. I don't know if I could have envisioned a more perfect evening, for my final night on this continent. God continues to blow me away. We serve a mighty, righteous, and all loving King. Praise Him.

You should see the stars tonight
How they shimmer shine so bright
Against the black they look so white
Coming down from such a height
To reach me now, reach me now

You should see the moon in the flight
Cutting across the misty night
Softly dancing in sunshine
Reflections of this light
Reach me now, you reach me now

And how could such a thing
Shine its light on me
And make everything beautiful again.

And you should hear the angels sing
All gathered round their King
More beautiful than you could dream
I've been quietly listening
You can hear them now, i hear them now

And how could such a King
Shine His light on me
And make everything beautiful
And I want to shine
I want to be light
I want to tell you it'll be alright.


And to Him was given dominion, glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations and men of every language might serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed. -Daniel 7:14

Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you, I will gather other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' And to the south, 'Do not hold them back' bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth, everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for my glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made. -Isaiah 43:4-7

Currently Playing: How He Loves - John Mark McMillan/Stars - David Crowder Band

June 17 Pictures (2)

June 17 Pictures

June 17: Move Our Hearts to Hear a Single Beat.

I awoke at 6:00am again, for our final clinic day. My heart began to grow heavy and there was a pit in my stomach, realizing it was my last day in the clinic. It has been an unbelievable joy serving these people, loving them, and learning so much more from them than I ever fathomed. Praise you, Jesus.

At the clinic Lindsey and I paired up in assessing/giving patient care, since we only had one translator (Christine) between the two of us. I began loving this idea because the quality of our patient care dramatically increased, since we were able to bounce ideas off one another as we worked together. Our first patient was a small, petite, quite woman. She began explaining (via Christine) that she'd had four abortions, and one late-term abortion. She'd had one performed at home and the remaining three performed at the hospital. My heart broke as Christine was translating this story to us. She explained the signs, symptoms, and complications she'd had since her operations. Her reason for coming to the clinic was advice on how to get pregnant now, because she wanted to have a baby. My heart strings were tugging in a million directions. My heart ached for the sense of brokenness, shame, guilt, and fear this woman must have harbored. I could sense it in the way she spoke, and how she carried herself. Both Lindsey and I explained to her that most likely (based on her specific signs & symptoms she explained...which I will refrain from stating ;) ), there had been extensive damage to her uterus with these abortions. We continued by saying, it would be highly unlikely for her to become pregnant in the future. At that moment, all there was left to do was to pray for her. The three of us (Christine included), laid hands on her, and prayed over her frail body. We prayed for holistic healing over her, in the name of Jesus. When we finished, she opened her eyes, boldy smiled, and held and squeezed our hands as she said, "Asante Sana" (Thank you). Jesus, it's nothing in us, but you through us. Praise be to you, that you use your children to love other children. It blows me away.

Lindsey and I continued working/assessing patients, along with the other doctors and nurses, until around 5:00pm. These patients stories continued to blow me away: one had a broken arm for four years, another a broken foot for two. We ended up seeing a total of 227 patients that day. We even were able to have a local eye doctor come and prescribe eye glasses which had been donated to the clinic. It was unreal, to see these people have eye exams and given glasses, for the first time in their lives. Their joy was indescribable, beautiful, and refreshing. You truly are redeeming your people.

They are your servants and your people, whom You redeemed by your great strength and mighty hand. -Nehemiah 1:10

We finished at 5:00, and I wasn't exhausted. My heart was full. I'd been working all day, yet it was a joy. It was just a beautiful thing to lose myself in the interest of others, in His children, to begin to understand the meaning of dying to self. As we closed the clinic, I was thankful: thankful for all He is revealing to me, and to others. I loved working alongside this medical team. Although we didn't work all together in one room, our hearts were for one purpose: to be used by Him for His healing/redemption for His people.

Currently Playing: Gratitude - Nichole Nordeman

June 16 PIctures (3)

June 16 Pictures (2)

June 16 Pictures

June 16: All Creatures of Our God and King.

I got a somewhat unexpected late start to the morning, due to lack of setting my cell phone alarm. Note to self: always ensure I double check AM/PM when setting the alarm ;). I, along with some other running late friends, grabbed a super quick breakfast at the lodge. It was a spectacular morning: eating freshly made steaming pancakes, complete with mango juice, overlooking Ngorongoro Crater. My heart was eager at seeing the landscape that lay before us, to make our way down into the crater. Our group was loaded up and ready to begin our second safari day by 7:00.

Our jeep (with the same people plus another best friend: Whitney), descended into the crater. The cool wind swept over my face and brushed through my hair. It was truly an amazing feeling: to know you are deeply loved and valued by the same God who created this crater, created the vast myriad of animal species, and lush landscape before your eyes. On that ride, I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit powerfully in my heart. The morning clouds lay over the rim of the crater like fingers curling over an armrest. It was a beautiful view in the valley, as beams of sunlight shown through the clouds.

I've never seen so may herds of different species in one landscape, in my life: lions and their cubs, wildebeest, cape buffalo, kudu, eland, elephants, zebras, flamingos, hippos, hyenas, rhinos, and my favorite: the cheetah. The Lord's blessing was definitely on our safari. People who'd been on the same trip previously explained they'd never before seen this many animals at one time. All I could think of was how loving our God was: He didn't have to bless us by seeing this many animals in such a beautiful landscape, but because of His great love, He did. How amazing. I pray I never forget that. The landscape was so diverse: open plains met a large lake which was lined with flamingos, which met a lush jungle filled with tall acacia trees and monkeys. God blessed me with such an amazing morning of complete worship and joy. It's truly an amazing experience to be most satisfied in Him, for His glory. At one point, David Crowder's "All Creatures of our God and King" came on my iPod, followed by Balmorhea's "Settler". I instantly jumped up, stuck my head out of the roof, raised my hands to the sky, and worshipped Abba. What an amazing moment I will treasure and reflect upon when I'm back in the states. What a gem of a memory.

Later, after our amazing day in the crater was complete, we headed back to Arusha, TZ. I was listening to a song I'd downloaded years before by Paul Colman Trio, "Africa". There has always been a part in the song which I've never quite understood what the exact words were, so like many, I've "hummed" my way through that line. As the familiar part of the song played, for the first time ever, I finally understood the words (thanks to learning a little Swahili since I'd been in Africa). The line is: "mimi naku penda", which translates into English: "I love you." The band was saying in their song, "I love you," in Swahili. It was so amazing, to have heard this song for years, but now for the first time God opened my mind to hear it fully, when I was in the exact location my heart had longed to be for years. What a humbling and beautiful moment. Later at dinner, I shared that story with Whitney. She simply replied, "God was saying to you, 'I love you.'" My eyes filled with tears (again ;) ), in awe of His mighty love for us.

Naku penda, Abba.

Currently Playing: Settler - Balmorhea

Psalm 104

¹Bless the LORD, O my soul!

O LORD my God, You are very great;

You are clothed with splendor and majesty,

²Covering Yourself with light as with a cloak,

Stretching out heaven like a tent curtain.

³He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters;

He makes the clouds His chariot;

He walks upon the wings of the wind;

⁴He makes the winds His messengers,

Flaming fire His ministers.

⁵He established the earth upon its foundations,

So that it will not totter forever and ever.

⁶You covered it with the deep as with a garment;

The waters were standing above the mountains.

⁷At Your rebuke they fled,

At the sound of Your thunder they hurried away.

⁸The mountains rose; the valleys sank down

To the place which You established for them.

⁹You set a boundary that they may not pass over,

So that they will not return to cover the earth.

¹⁰He sends forth springs in the valleys;

They flow between the mountains;

¹¹They give drink to every beast of the field;

The wild donkeys quench their thirst.

¹²Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell;

They lift up their voices among the branches.

¹³He waters the mountains from His upper chambers;

The earth is satisfied with the fruit of His works.

¹⁴He causes the grass to grow for the cattle,

And vegetation for the labor of man,

So that he may bring forth food from the earth,

¹⁵And wine which makes man's heart glad,

So that he may make his face glisten with oil,

And food which sustains man's heart.

¹⁶The trees of the LORD drink their fill,

The cedars of Lebanon which He planted,

¹⁷Where the birds build their nests,

And the stork, whose home is the fir trees.

¹⁸The high mountains are for the wild goats;

The cliffs are a refuge for the shephanim.

¹⁹He made the moon for the seasons;

The sun knows the place of its setting.

²⁰You appoint darkness and it becomes night,

In which all the beasts of the forest prowl about.

²¹The young lions roar after their prey

And seek their food from God.

²²When the sun rises they withdraw

And lie down in their dens.

²³Man goes forth to his work

And to his labor until evening.

²⁴O LORD, how many are Your works!

In wisdom You have made them all;

The earth is full of Your possessions.

²⁵There is the sea, great and broad,

In which are swarms without number,

Animals both small and great.

²⁶There the ships move along,

And Leviathan, which You have formed to sport in it.

²⁷They all wait for You

To give them their food in due season.

²⁸You give to them, they gather it up;

You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good.

²⁹You hide Your face, they are dismayed;

You take away their spirit, they expire

And return to their dust.

³⁰You send forth Your Spirit, they are created;

And You renew the face of the ground.

³¹Let the glory of the LORD endure forever;

Let the LORD be glad in His works;

³²He looks at the earth, and it trembles;

He touches the mountains, and they smoke.

³³I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;

I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

³⁴Let my meditation be pleasing to Him;

As for me, I shall be glad in the LORD.

³⁵Let sinners be consumed from the earth

And let the wicked be no more

Bless the LORD, O my soul

Praise the LORD!

June 15 Pictures (3)

June 15 Pictures (2)

June 15 Pictures

June 15: Oh Heavenly Day

My eyes were wide, and my heart was full at 6:30am. I was so eager for the two day safari, I could hardly stand it. I was finally going to see the animals I'd only viewed on a television screen or in a circus, for the first time in real life. We had safari jeeps that were rented for the two days, which picked us up swiftly at 7:00am from Vernon & Mary's house. I, along with the Griffin family (Mom & Dad, Lindsey, Grant, and Jonathan...my second family ;) ), Candice, and Todd, piled into the large dark green safari jeep. The roof could rise up, for the purpose of having clear animal sightings ;). We left the house with cameras ready, and headed to our first destination: Lake Manyara National Park (approximately a 3 hr drive). Along the roadside to the park, I loved seeing the locals starting their day. We passed by little children who herded goats with sticks...women carrying buckets replete with fruits/vegetables on their heads...for miles. It was a beautiful thing.

His creation surrounds us always no matter where we are, but there's something unique about Africa, in how it displays the works of His hands.

As we finally passed through the park gates, my eyes filled with tears (I'm passionate ;). Words cannot capture my heart's emotion in that moment. Lush green forest tress stretched like a canopy over the road, and we were immersed in thick jungle on both sides of the jeep. Everyone in our car had already made the oath to be "intense" when it came to spotting animals...so we were all standing up (for the remainder of the afternoon), heads peering out over the rooftop in search of life. Alongside the road baboons appeared and disappeared from the thick jungle. At one point, as the trees separated somewhat, an elephant began walking towards our car. Our driver instantly turned the car off as the elephant came closer (within approx 10-15ft of the jeep). My heart was racing, and not a word was spoken from the jeep. Our mouths were literally below the car floor. The elephant strolled passed our car, across the road, and down to a nearby stream. He began casually playing with the water and blowing it through his trunk. It was absolutely amazing. Our God is an amazing God.

I realized, His fingerprints are everywhere, but for me, they're so evident here. As we made our way along the road the canopy of trees broke away, leaving one of the most beautiful landscapes I've ever experienced. It was like candy for my eyes. Beautiful yellow/green plains...mountain peaks beyond the plains...and acacia trees scattered throughout the herds of wildebeest, buffalo, gazelle, and giraffes. Situated in the middle of the landscape was a small pond filled with grunting hippos. There was a spot at which cars could park (and with a safe distance) we took pictures of the beautiful landscape and wildlife. Your heart is truly at a loss for words. I kept having to literally repeat to myself where I was, in attempts to let the beauty saturate my heart and mind. From there, our group made our way up to a lunch spot overlooking Lake Manyara, a beautiful and massive lake. You could see a faint pink rim lining the lake, which we later realized were flamingos. It was a day I pray I never forget.

After lunch, our team left the park and pressed onward to Ngorongoro Crater, which is nestled up in the mountains. This crater is the largest unflooded volcanic caldera in the world, stretching over 102 miles in diameter and over 2,000 feet deep. The crater was formed after a giant volcano collapsed on itself some 2-3 million years ago. The crater is well renown for having some of the most lush and beautiful African landscape and some of the most diverse animal species, on the entire continent. Needless to say, our team was pretty excited to make it there ;). As we pulled up to Sopa Lodge (our hotel for the evening), the cool crisp 60 degree wind made for the perfect sunset watching environment. We were all greeted with a warm towel for our faces and a glass of fresh mango juice (which I happily took :) ). The outside porch of Sopa Lodge overlooked the entire Ngorongoro Crater, which was simply breathtaking. We watched the sun slowly fall behind the rim of the crater, and I was in awe of my Creator.

We had a lovely dinner with our team at the lodge, and were so eager and ready for safari day 2, down in the crater.

Currently Playing: Oh Heavenly Day - Patty Griffin

June 14 Pictures

June 14: So blessed are we, in loving Thee

We slept in this morning (until 8:00)! Needless to say, I was pretty excited. Everyone took their time waking up, and we had time for private devotionals. I sat outside on the front porch of Vernon & Mary's home, which overlooks their beautiful garden. I had a beautiful and humbling devotional, as I read and prayed through Isaiah 48:8-10:

But you O Israel, my servant Jacob, whom I have chosen, you are descendants of Abraham, my friend. I took you from the ends of the earth, from the farthest corners I called you. I said, "You are my servant." I have chosen you and not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. -Isaiah 48:8-10

He is with His people, here. How beautiful to read and be reminded of this reality.

Our group loaded into the land cruisers, and we headed off to Sunday church at Bible Baptist.

It was truly amazing to worship with the local Tanzanian community at church. In a simple cement room with tall ceilings, people of all nations worshipped our Savior and Redeemer. We worshipped in English, and we worshipped (or attempted to ;) ) in Swahili. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful and powerful morning; truly indescribable to experience the Holy Spirit unite a people in this way. James Waagstaff, the Pastor from North Metro Church in Denver, Co., gave the morning sermon. While he preached in English, Vernon stood alongside him and translated in Swahili, so all members understood James's words. What a beautiful sight and example of how the gospel is spread. My heart leapt when myself and a local Tanzanian I was sitting next to, simultaneously gave a soft "Amen" after a certain point in the sermon. Two different languages, but the Lord's truth resonated just the same in all of us.

After church, our group headed off to eat lunch at a local restaurant. It was a great time to ask Vernon/Mary more questions, and hear of the various stories related to the Tanzanian healthcare (or lack thereof) system. It honestly broke my heart, with the numerous stories they shared about the corrupt/disorganized healthcare system. In response to their stories, my heart just exclaimed, "There's got to be a better way to do this."

Overall, it was a beautiful and restful day. There was a 5:00pm church service as well. In the afternoon before the evening service, our group played outside with the children. I've gotten pretty good at various patty cake games ;). It was a beautiful evening, spent worshipping Christ.

Tomorrow we're up early, to begin our two day safari! I can hardly believe it. His goodness has no limit.

Currently Playing: In the Hours - Emily Deloach

June 13: You've gotta go down, if you want to go up.

We awoke at 6:00, and began preparing for our first day in the Olorien Medical Clinic. Our group piled into several Land Cruisers, and made our way to the Olorien neighborhood. Our car turned off the main paved road, and made our way onto a narrow,dirt, and pothole filled road. The car was instantly surrounded by mud/wooden framed homes with rusted tin roofs. The front doors were tattered curtains which hung in open doorways. My heart melted as children began running alongside the car: screaming, waving, laughing...barefoot and all. Their joy is not defined by their circumstances, and it's beautiful and humbling to witness.

Today was the first day the clinic had ever opened, and thus Dr. Byemba requested that all medical care be free. We saw approximately 200 patients our first day. My heart was overwhelmed with God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and love. I am learning so much more from these people and their love for Christ, than I ever fathomed.

Halfway through the day, Dr. VanFleet ushered in a baby to me that was now term, but had been born 7 months premature. My heart instantly melted at the sight of this baby. The mother began explaining (via translator) that he had been born 2 months early and sent home immediately (NICU's are lacking in Africa ;) ). I began my assessment, and his lungs sounded clear, and I could not hear a heart murmur. Other than a slightly runny nose, this child was now a healthy full term baby. My mind could not grasp the fact that a 7 month premature infant could survive in Africa without any medical intervention, and was now healthy. I have seen so many 7 month old infants in America, with top medical care, struggle to survive...and here was this one child who had beaten the odds. I could feel my nose grow pink and my eyes fill with tears at the sight of this beautiful baby. What a beautiful picture of God's sovereignty, strength, and might over His people. I gave the Mother newborn infant tips/education, and she emphatically thanked me for the tips. I told her, "No no, thank you" for bringing him. To see the Lord work in this way with this child, truly blessed my heart. What a beautiful and mighty God we serve.

Lindsey another RN, and I worked with various patients throughout the day complaining of specific symptoms characteristic of STD's, which are very prevalent here. We also assessed and loved on so many children. It was a beautiful thing to simply hold the children, as you were assessing them. My heart was truly overflowing.

After working in the clinic straight from 9-5, our group walked across the road to eat dinner at the Bible Baptist School. Mama Glory (aka the best cook I know!) cooked fresh goat and potatoes. I have to say, it was absolutely, positively, delicious!

After a full day of assessments/prescriptions my body was tired, but my heart was full. It is such a joy to use my giftings for His glory. I'm attempting to uncover the tip of the iceberg in the meaning:

But it is not that way with you, but the one who is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. -Luke 22:25-27

I'm in love with a King who became a slave

I'm in love with a God who is humble.

You gotta go down if you want to go up.

And you've got to go lower if you want to go higher.

You've got to hide and do it in secret if you want to be seen by God.

Because it's the inside outside upside down Kingdom,

Where you lose to gain and you die to live.

Currently Playing: Servant of All - Misty Edwards

Vernon & Mary Smith and Bible Baptist Church in TZ.

A video created in 2006 showing the Smiths and their hearts to share Christ, in the Arushan community.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfDnfMaR8X8

June 12-13 Pictures

 

June 12: On the Road Again

Early morning! We were up and on the buses by 6:00am. With our suitcases strapped on the roof of the buses, we began the six hour journey from Nairobi to Arusha, TZ. I was eager to see the African countryside for the first time. I caught glimpses of the landscape in Nairobi, but it was mostly industrialized...replete with tar roads, buildings, and billboards. I loved the ride for several reasons: a) It was great time to learn more about my old/new friends on the team. We shared stories and laughter. b) As the sun rose along the horizon, it was so beautiful to see the locals hustling and bustling along the roadside.

After six hours on dusty pothole filled roads, our buses pulled into our "home" for the remainder of the trip: Vernon & Mary Smith's home. The Smiths are a missionary couple who have lived in Arusha, TZ for over twenty years. Their hearts for the Lord and for the Arushan community, honestly took me aback. Vernon is the pastor at Bible Baptist Church, located in the neighborhood "Olorien," which is within Arusha. Next to their church is Bible Baptist School, which flocks of neighborhood children attend. Right across the church and school is the new Bible Baptist Olorien Medical Clinic. Our team will spend the remainder of our time working within this neighborhood.

We arrived around 1:30pm, and Vernon and Mary had prepared hamburgers and chips with guacamole (yum!). Mary said she was really excited because recently a grocery store that carries bread had opened in Arusha, so she didn't have to make the hamburger buns by hand this time (!). The meal was perfectly completed by homemade chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal chocolate chunk cookies, and fudge (Fudge = key to my heart. Actually most any chocolate dessert will suffice as the key ;) ). After lunch, Vernon & Mary gave a rundown of their involvement in the Arushan community, and laid out our rough blueprint for the remainder of our time. I am so thrilled and honored to work alongside these people. Vernon is completely fluent in Swahili. He randomly jumps from Swahili to English, at his leisure. I can't imagine how long that must have taken for him to learn. I am so blown away and encouraged by this couple.

This afternoon we went to the Olorien Clinic (which opens for the first time tomorrow!), and began setting up the medicine and supplies we had brought from America. The clinic is absolutely beautiful.

My heart is overflowing, words cannot capture my emotions.

I'm reminded of, "Savior, teach our souls to rise." -Sandra McCracken

Currently Playing: Ketchwa - Braddigan

June 11: Pictures

 

June 11: By Your wounds, we are healed.

Today was our second and final day in Kibera. We awoke at 6:30am and had devotional time. We prayed for holistic healing: spiritual, physical, and mental. We prayed the Lord would radiate through us, to love His children who are beautiful, precious, and just as valued as any child anywhere in the world. We ate at Java Nairobi again (scrambled eggs, sausage, toast, mango juice of course!), and then headed to Kibera for the day.

Once we got to Kibera, a handful of us made a restroom stop at Pastor Simon's apartment. Pastor Simon is the pastor of the Bible Baptist Church located in Kibera. He oversees the Manna School. His apartment was neatly furnished and was located just across the street from Kibera. He lived in a 2bedroom/1bathroom apt with his wife and four children.

We began the hike into Kibera, experiencing the unforgettable smells and sights once again. Our medical team, headed by Dr. Larry VanFleet, saw the remaining 200 children in the school. Word had "gotten out" about a medical team in the Manna School, so various family members of the children began lining up outside the school gate to be seen. So, after we'd seen all the children and had our 5-10 minute lunch break, we began seeing the adults. The majority were mothers/infants and the elderly. I'll never forget my first patient: a 7 month old being carried by her mother. The mother had a kanga wrap on her head and wore an over sized/tattered t-shirt. She held in her arms a 7 month old baby girl, wearing soiled/mud stained clothes and a red beanie. The child was screaming crying. I asked the translator the reason for her visit, and she stated her child was sick. So, I began to reach over and hold her. As my arms reached around her overly warm body, I could tell this child was crying because she was in pain: hunger, fever, etc. I used a flashlight to examine her mouth, which would give me a better idea of her nutritional status. No more had I peered into her mouth with the light, than my heart dropped and my throat went dry. She had the most severe case of oral thrush I'd ever seen. I felt her lymph nodes, and they were bulging. I knew both of these signs are highly indicative of HIV, so I called Dr. Larry over to confirm. He has led various medical mission trips worldwide, so I knew he would have better wisdom in this situation. He just silently nodded, and said that it looked so severe, that if she didn't go to the hospital to receive immediate medical treatment, this infant would go downhill quickly. I asked (through the translator), if the mother was breastfeeding, to which she replied yes. I asked if she or the infant had been HIV tested. She answered the infant had not, but that she had and was HIV +. My initial thought was, "Why is this mother breastfeeding if she knows this is such a huge risk factor for transmitting the virus?" Then, it hit me. This woman could not afford to feed her baby any other way. In that moment, my eyes filled with tears. It was the dilemma of: either watch her child starve because she had no money to buy food/milk, or breastfeed and risk transmitting HIV to her child. She had chosen the latter. I, along with the medical team, advised her to keep breast feeding at this point a.) to keep feeding her child b.) the child had more than likely already contracted the virus. I reminded the Mom that she needed to take her child to the hospital for immediate medical treatment. She was somewhat reluctant in her response. Maybe she knew she couldn't afford it, or the HIV treatment. I'll never forget that sweet baby girl, and the unimaginable dilemma her Mom was faced with. Lord, use me to help decrease the incidence of this unfathomable dilemma, for Your glory.

We saw a total of 250 patients that day, but the 7month old girl stayed on my heart. I cannot imagine being faced with such a dilemma, but it happens everyday here. You can see that truly apart from Christ, the task is too big here. In spite of it all, I know He is working here. He has revealed Himself to the children in this school, giving them joy despite their circumstances. He is using various medical mission organizations to serve the people here, and to offer not only physical healing, but spiritual healing through prayer as well. He reigns.

Tomorrow we are up early (5:30!), and headed to Arusha, TZ., where we will spend the remainder of our time in Africa. I am so eager and excited. :)

'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'..."For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you,' Do not fear, I will help you.' ..."Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel; I will help you," declares the LORD, "and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel..."The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst; I, the LORD, will answer them Myself, as the God of Israel I will not forsake them. "I will open rivers on the bare heights and springs in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land fountains of water. I will put the cedar in the wilderness, the acacia and the myrtle and the olive tree; I will place the juniper in the desert together with the box tree and the cypress, that they may see and recognize, and consider and gain insight as well, that the hand of the LORD has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it." -Isaiah 41: 10, 13-14, 17-20

Currently Playing: Healed - Nichole Nordeman

June 10 Pictures

 

June 10: He sent His Spirit to carry us through.

Our group finally made it! All 28 of us. Our Houston/Austin team (7) partnered with a mission team from North Metro Church in Denver, Co. (19), and we are all being led by Sandy and Karen Baird. Sandy works for Manna Worldwide, a faith based non-profit organization committed to meeting the spiritual and physical needs of children worldwide. They have recently started a school in Kibera, one of the world's largest slums. This is where we are working today and tomorrow. It holds approximately 1.6million people, in 1.2 square miles. Our team is divided: half will be doing vacation bible school & the other will be a medical team. I am beyond excited and humbled to use my giftings as nurse to serve the broken, hurting, and lost.

We were up by 6:00am, and prayed over the coming day. After eating a wonderful breakfast complete with mango juice (yum!), the buses headed to Kibera. I honestly had no idea what to expect, or visualize.

How do you describe brokenness? How do you describe one of the largest slums in the world, with approximately 1.6million people in 1.2 square miles? Words simply cannot suffice in attempts to explain what is before your eyes. The Manna School was located in the center of Kibera, so we hiked up through the community to get to our destination. My eyes were wide, my heart was heavy at the sight the slum. We had to cross a "raw sewage" river to get into the slum. Once we crossed the stream (via a small rusted bridge), we began the hike upward. I began breathing out of my mouth because the smell was beyond words. My heart broke at seeing this is how 1.6 million people live.

We set up the clinic within the school. We had one doctor on the team, and 3-4 nurses. We all worked together to assess, diagnose, and medically treat the patients. The first day, we saw the 200 out of the 400 children who attended the school. Most all the children were malnourished and living in unsuitable living conditions, which were the overall root of their symptoms/diseases. When I asked (via translator) how many cups of water/day they were drinking, my typical answer was 1 (most likely unfiltered water). My heart was breaking for these children, and yet I was blown away by their unshakable joy in Jesus. Their smiles and joy, despite their unbearable circumstances, overwhelmed my heart. The Lord blessed me in my reading today...which I think will suit as theme for my trip...Isaiah 41:9-20. He is here, redeeming His people. What a joy to serve Him.

Currently Playing: Up on a Mountain - The Welcome Wagon

June 8-9: Pictures

 

June 8-9: A Different Kind of Night

A different kind of night: flying over the dark Atlantic. My heart is overflowing. You see the stars from a different angle up here. I feel they're almost parallel to me. They radiate in the night sky. It's a beautiful and humbling experience. This time tomorrow, I will be on the ground in Africa. I will experience my first African sunset. It's overwhelming and beautiful to experience God's sovereignty, in taking me on this journey. This continent and people have been an unexplainable passion which God has laid on my heart for several years now. In His perfect timing and wisdom, He has brought this amazing trip to pass. I'm reminded that this trip is not about me or what I have to offer, but it's about how the Lord will work through me, to love the broken, hurting, and lost. We love because he first loved us. I am just humbled and thankful that God uses His people as an integral part of His redemptive plan. My heart and continual prayer is that He would use myself and the team to display the love of Christ in ways I see and in ways I don't see. I am overwhelmed to see the truth 'He will give you the desires of your heart,' become a reality with this adventure. How do you explain a love for people that you've never met, on a continent you've never been to? The only way I can attempt to explain is to be reminded it is simply of God. I'm quite confident I will learn more from those I encounter, than they will from me. I love how the Lord chooses to use His people to spread His light to others. With the blink of any eye, He could open everyone's eyes in the world, but instead He chooses to use us in sharing His truth, light, and love to others. How amazing.

Currently Playing: A Different Kind of Night - Brad Wright