Ship Life Begins

So I arrived on the ship yesterday after 2 weeks in a village. We built latrines which were much needed because they were replacing the maggot hole. Yes that's right the maggot hole. I have no picture of said maggot hole because it was a little too disgusting for that I don't want anyone fainting while reading my blog. We led a week long VBS and that was a really big success it is exciting to hit the ground running. It was very emotional saying goodbye to the people on Yams farm they gave us dresses and shirts and just gave us word of affirmation that make me know I am here and doing the right thing. I love the people there and especially pastor Marks heart, these are Africans that know it takes hard work and dedication to change there environment. I think that the hard work they put in to assisting in building the latrines is amazing. God is good and I am excited to start on the ship serving Him with my talents and gifts. I got the key to my salon today so that is exciting. And I am in a 4 berth cabin which is good. I have Kelly and two other girls that I am sure will be wonderful once I get to know them. Anyways I am kind of not focused becasue there is so much new that I have to process.Exciting times are ahead I know this for sure.

My Final Night in Texas

OK so this is the collective bags of my roomies and I, 3 peoples stuff for a total of 4 years.

OK so tomorrow I am leaving Texas which has been my home for the last month. We will be leaving at 5:45 am. We will drive to Dallas fly from Dallas to NY then from NY to Brussels, then Brussels to Sierra Leone. I have a mixed bag of emotions. I am so excited to go on this new adventure and to see what God has in store. I am sad to leave the people I have met in Texas and we leaving the last close place I will be to anyone I know for a long time. I am happy to meet new people that will most likely become life long friends. I am nervous about adjusting to the new culture. I am super nervous for the trip well once I am on the flight I will be good. I just dislike checking in. But most of all I am excited and now getting tired since it is late but I want to thank you all for the prayers on this whole journey. I will update you has soon as I can but it probably wont be until first week of August and I won't be on the ship until July 28th. Anyways bye for now.

Only 1 week left

So my time here in Texas is coming to an end. I only have one more week of training then I fly out for Sierra Leone on July 13th. I have learned so much in my time here, like how to fight a fire and survive a sinking ship. Also I have learned about interpersonal and personal relationships, laid some solid foundations of faith, and how to resolve conflict. I have welcomed a whole new lifestyle and left behind another. I have had to say goodbye to my parents, friends, my sister and brother in law, as well as other family. But in return I have gained a whole new family.

One thing God has taught me is you cannot do what God wants you to 'do' until you become what God wants you to 'be'. I am in the learning process and probably always will be. I am discovering more and more who God want me to be and I can't wait to see what He will have me do for His kingdom purpose. I am on a never ending journey with the one I love, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus is my best friend and I am falling more in love with Him in this process.

I am preparing along with my team for our field service, I am so excited to be going back to Africa. Our vbs plans are coming along and so is figuring out all of the worship. It is really exciting to be using the gifting's God has given me. I have also been cutting through most of the teams hair, I have not touched every head but its getting there.

I will also let you know that this may be my last post in a bit I will try to get one more in before I leave for Africa but there is lost left to do so no promises. If I don't get one in then my next one will be once I am on the ship because there will be no internet or very limited on our field service. I will get word home to my parents that I am there and have them post it on my facebook page. I thank all of you so much for your continued support financially, emotionally, and spiritually. It means so much to me to know I have a team of people rooting me on.

A few prayer point heading into the field service would be:
1. Health and safety of the whole team.
2. Adjustment to a new culture, we will be working in a muslim community at a Christian school and church.
3. An open mind, and flexible attitude to deal with the things that might go wrong.