Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Uganda: July 7, 2014

I'm sitting in the Ugandan airport as I write. It is Monday, July 7, 9:45 p.m. God willing, I will board in less than one hour.

Let me catch you up on some things that happened this weekend. Saturday was simply amazing. I went canvasing with a group of the orphan boys. We conversed Soroti for about an hour and a half before we returned to the orphanage. By the time we finished, I was hot, sweaty, hungry, and exhausted. I began crossing the street to Kerri and Pamela's, but I stopped when I heard someone calling me. I turned around, and, sitting on the wall outside the orphanage were 3 young girls (early teens) with their heads covered (obviously Muslim). I began talking with them. They were very friendly. I asks them if they were Muslim. They said they were. I said, "Ah! I have never spoken very long with a Muslim before. Will you tell me a little about your religion?" They got very excited and began telling me about being good and living peaceable with people to get to heaven. Well, after they shared their beliefs, I shared mine using an Evangecube I brought along from the States. We talked for 30 minutes. The girls had many questions including "Is hell a real place?" The last picture of the Evangecube has an image of hell at the bottom, an image of heaven at the top, and 2 hands clasped in-between heaven and hell (one hand representing a sinner condemned to hell, one representing Jesus). Just before I reached that picture, I had given a little bit of my testimony and had told the girls that when I became a Christian, the Holy Spirit came to indwell me, and now I can communicate with my Savior as friend to friend. That prompted one of the girls to ask, "Do you believe that God can communicated to us through dreams?" I said, "Yes, I do. Why? Have you had a dream?" She nodded. "Tell me your dream," I said. She told me that she dreamed she was in a dark, deep pit and couldn't get out, and someone was trying to grab her hand, but she wouldn't take it. Needless to say, I was floored. Immediately, I showed her the least picture and pointed to the flames of gel. "This is your pit," I said. "Jesus is extending His hand to you; you simply have to reach up and take it. I believe God was speaking to you in that dream." At that point, all three of the girls' eyes seemed to open. I asked them if they were ready to trust in Christ Jesus for salvation, and they said, "Yes." I led them in the sinner's prayer. Isn't God good! Please pray for them. They could face persecution for their decision.

Kerri was sick a lll day Saturday and Sunday. She asked me Saturday night if I would teach both Sunday school and junior church the next day. It was so much fun! I had about 90 kids from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. I taught them the stories "the Fiery Furnace" and "Daniel in the Lion's Den." They taught me some Teso songs! I can't wait to teach them to my class this fall. Immediately after church, I loaded up my things and headed to Entebbe with Mr. Pittman and a Ugandan named Nelson. We arrived at the Joyners' home about 9:00 p.m.

Today I had a blast catching a Ugandan taxi with Sarah Hess to observe her teach music in a government school in Entebbe. We even sang a couple of duets for the kids.

On the way back to the Joyners, we got the taxi to drop us off near Lake Victoria so that we could walk by it on the way to the house. The lake is beautiful and quite large. Maybe one day I can see Victoria Falls.

The rest of the day was fairly uneventful. I repacked my bags to get my souvenirs in my carry-on to prevent breakage. And here I am. Still waiting to board my flight, it is now 10:30.

I surely will miss all these people I have been working with. I will miss all the kids back at the orphanage. My time here in Uganda was way to short. I have seen so many needs here -- needs that I could fulfill if God allows. Please be praying for future decisions. I am torn between Cameroon and Uganda. But I will keep praying for God's guidance. He hasn't steered me wrong yet!

Uganda: July 6, 2014

I am writing this as I am leaving Soroti heading to Entebbe once again. This past week has been a whirlwind. As I said in the previous post, I have been tutoring some little ones in letters and sounds recognition. On Wednesday, John Peter, a little boy who, when he came to the orphanage, could not speak English or the local dialect, read for the first time in class after our morning tutoring session. That morning, it seems that the information I was teaching him finally clicked. Kerri started crying when he read his first words. You should have seen his wide eyes and big grin! Priceless.

On Friday (July 4) we decided to cancel school and have a field day full of games. The kids were surprised in the morning when they were told to gather for an impromptu assembly, and they were so excited when Mr. Pittman announced that there would be no more school until after lunch. We set up races, an obstacle course, a jump rope competition, a ring toss, etc. That evening we grilled steaks and had brownies and ice cream! Yummy! Fourth of July in Africa is possible! Haha!

Monday, June 30, 2014

Uganda: June 30, 2014

I started tutoring in phonics and letter recognition this morning at 8:40 and finished at 11:00. At 1:00, I ate potatoes, cabbage, and chapatas (African tortillas) with the kids. My favorite part of the day was teaching a 5th grade spelling and reading class. It was my first time since I've been here that I've really had a chance to bond with the orphans. All afternoon I played basketball with some little ones, and later, Kerri, a few of the teens, and I had an intense game of 2-1. I made French toast, and Sarah made eggs for our supper. Kerri and Pamela were super tired and needed a break! And I had better take a break for bed before another busy day tomorrow! Jeremy Pittman wants to take Sarah and me to the local hospital to see the quality of health care here in Soroti.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Uganda: June 29, 2014

I think the reason I have been behind in entries is that in Cameroon, I had some time in the evenings to write. Here in Uganda, however, my evenings are full. We usually have a late dinner, and the orphanage devotions are at 8:00. We usually stay behind several minutes to chat with the girls. Needless to say, by the time I get back to my room, I just want to crash.

So here's a short update of the last 3 days. Friday was a day of relaxation. We took a tour boat up the Nile and saw so many hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and many other animals. After a last awesome meal at the Paraa Lodge, we headed back toward Soroti--only after spending about an hour in a town getting a "new" spare tire. I am glad I went on that safari. I have just been going, going, going without a break, and I didn't realize how much I needed one until I got it.

Saturday was awesome. The plan was to go soul winning with Sarah, Mr. Pittman, and a few other church members in a village way out in the bush. One of Mr. Pittman's newer church members (only a Christian for 2 and a half years) has started a little church of his own in his village. He has had a bit of opposition from the local witch doctor and his followers, but in spite of that, the church has grown. I say that the plan was to have  a good, long visit in this village. Plans don't always work in Africa. As we were driving down an extremely narrow, bumpy path surrounded by bushes, corn fields, and rocks, we blew a tire. While the locals worked for hours to get it changed, we got to experience an uplifting song service in their new church building (mud walls and grass roof!) It was thrilling to see the joy in these new Christians as they sang for us. Sarah and I sang some English songs for them in return.

We got back to Soroti around 2:00 and ate a quick lunch before we headed to the orphanage for Saturday game time. I showed them how to play several team games. Their favorite was  "Tube Tug," but since we don't have tubes, we played "Tire Tug."

Today I got up early to go with Miss Pamela to a village called Serere to teach a Sunday school. You see, this ministry is not only in one church in one town. They are spreading to many villages around Soroti. Mr. Pittman preaches in Serere on Sunday morning, then goes back to Soroti to preach in the Soroti church. My Sunday school lesson went very well. I talked to them about sin and salvation. We did not even have a building to use, so we set up under a porch of a community building. I returned at 10:00 to Soroti so that I could sing a special with Sarah in the Soroti church.

Agenda for the afternoon? #1 Lunch. #2 Nap.

Evening service was great. Pastor preached about going to God instead of to other things when we need something. Kerri, Sarah, and I sang a special.

Tomorrow I start tutoring and teaching! Woop woop!

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Uganda: June 26, 2014

I am relaxing in a very fancy hotel room after an awesome day of adventures. We left Soroti at 7:45 and stopped for breakfast at Otinawa restaurant about 9:30. We had brought a Ugandan with us to take care of us in case of car trouble (His name is Milton.) We were only going to take him to the town just outside the nature park, though, and let him catch a boda (motorcycle taxi) back to Soroti.

Only minutes after dropping him off, we got a flat tire and had to call him back to help us. We were able to drive to a nearby gas station. While the tire was being changed, I was haggling with some locals for some neat wood carvings they were selling. Two of them kept pushing items into my hands. I selected 2 that I wanted. They both belonged to the same fellow. I asked him how much he wanted for them. He said 10,000 shillings apiece (almost $4). I said, "Will you take 15,000 for both?" He said, "No." I said, "If you don't take 15,000 for both, I will buy from the other man." He quickly changed his mind and even offered to throw in another figurine for a total of 20,000 shillings ($8). 3 carvings for $8! Not bad. Not bad.

After the tire was changed, we headed off on our safari adventure (after a quick lunch at the
fancy hotel we are staying at.) The safari is probably the most awesome thing I have ever done. We saw antelope, warthogs, giraffes, elephants, jackals, and even a lion! The lion is a neat story. All day we had been telling our guide Denis that it would make our day if he could find us a lion. He finally found one just before sunset when we came upon a herd of antelope all looking the same direction. The guide told Kerri to drive off the road into the savanna. We would follow the path of their gaze until we saw them the lion. We went about 200 yards into the bush until we saw a male lion lying beneath the shade of a tree! Denis started to get out of the truck to taunt the lion into a good pose for photos. It worked! Though I think he made the lion a bit nervous. It started hissing menacingly at us.

Night fell before we made it back to point A to drop Denis off, but before we dropped him off, Kerri got to witness to him very extensively. Please pray for him. He is very close to accepting Christ.

Instead of driving another hour to the hotel we had intended to stay at, we  decided it would be worth it in gas money just to stay at this fancy hotel in the park. So here we are, resting in our room after watching USA play Germany in the World Cup and after a top notch dinner. God has truly blessed us today. I have enjoyed learning about and seeing a new facet of His creation!

Uganda: June 25, 2014

Chapel was at 8:00 this morning. Sarah told the story of the woman at the well. After that, I talked to Miss Phyllis for a long time about the mission in general. The rest of the morning was spent making a quick run into town with Kerri and organizing the donated clothes that are in storage. We ate lunch with the school kids -- peanut/collard soup with a boiled potato.

The afternoon was spent organizing the clothes some more. Church was at 5:00. I wish you could hear these people sing. The only instrument besides their voices is an African drum. Kerri and I worked out after a dinner of hamburgers and then we had a little water fight through the dining room. Way too much fun going on over here! Haha!

Safari early tomorrow! Goodnight!

Uganda: June 24, 2014

Well, it's my birthday, and once again I am in Africa -- Uganda, in fact, and as soon as I woke up, I saw a big card under my door signed by all the orphans.

Today has been relaxing. Woke up at 8:30, made Keurig coffee and banana/coconut smoothies for breakfast, got ready for the day, had tea with the school kids at 10:30, went to town with Kerri and Sarah to get some things from the market. Kerri treated me to lunch at a cute little cafe' in town. Best chicken shish-ka-bobs I've ever had.

Played with the orphans some this afternoon and talked for at least an hour with Jeremy Pittman, the missionary in charge here. He asked me what my goals are for this trip and asked me what he could be praying for me about. He was so encouraging and down-to-earth.

For dinner, we had pizza of all things, and Kerri surprised me by making a birthday cake complete with candles that were really fireworks (about gave me a heart attack!) The cake was already more than enough,  but the missionaries all put in some money to send me on a safari on Thursday and Friday! I was shocked and humbled. What an act of selflessness!

Uganda: June 23, 2014

We spent all day today driving from Entebbe to Soroti -- making several tourist stops along the way. I even got to see Katie Davis's office in Jinja (she is the author of Kisses from Katie.) I got a few souvenirs and had many laughs. These missionary ladies are a BLAST!!!

Had dinner with Miss Pamela Wieler, Miss Phyllis, Miss Kerri, Sarah Hess, and Mr. Jeremy Pittman. After that, I took a shower, unpacked, donned my new super comfy African pants, pulled down my mosquito net, and went to bed.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Uganda: June 22, 2014

Sunday the 22nd came, and with it, more bitter goodbyes. I was already under deep emotional stress, and the Cameroon airport didn't help my stress with the way they run things. When I finally got to the correct gate, I grabbed my Bible and started reading it. After waiting well well past the time we were supposed to board, I leaned to the man next to me and asked, "Has our flight been delayed or something?" He said, "Yes, for one hour." I said something to the effect of, "Well, I hope it doesn't make me miss my connection. I guess all we can do is trust God to get us where we need to go." He smiled and pointed to my Bible and said, "I can tell that you are a Christian and that you love God." Well, as you can imagine, my little comment about trusting God opened the door for me to witness to him. He did not accept Christ, but he was definitely deep in thought about everything I told him. Pray that someone will be able to harvest the fruit from the seed that has been sown.

I arrived in Entebbe past midnight. Kerri Phillips and a missionary in Entebbe named Mr. Joiner took me to his house. Sarah, another visitor, was also staying there and will be traveling up to Soroti with us. We (Kerri, Sarah, and I) stayed up until 3:00 watching USA play Portugal in the World Cup. I was only awake for the first half.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Cameroon: June 21, 2014

The past few days are a blur. I spent June 21 getting the Chamberlins' website up and running. I also had 3 sessions with the lock-in girls. After the evening session, I said my goodbyes to my new lady friends. My heart hurt -- it hurt badly. And then my heart was virtually ripped in two when I had to say goodbye to the children. So many tears -- shed by me and the children. I read them their last bedtime story and gave them the little gifts I brought for them. I've never been so sad to leave a place. If God does not choose to lead me a different direction, I cannot see myself anywhere but in Cameroon. Even here in Uganda, I find myself comparing it to Cameroon. I can't explain it. My heart is being tugged back to those Cameroonians.


Saturday, June 21, 2014

Cameroon: June 20, 2014

Today was spent helping Mrs. C with the website and preparing things for the girls lock-in which began this evening and will last until Sunday afternoon.

Some of the kids have brought me letters and gifts. One of the cards had holes in the thin paper. The girl had indicated that that was where she had been crying as she wrote it. I can hardly bear to leave my little "pikins" (children) on Sunday.

After the lock-in girls ate their dinner, Elizabeth asked me if I would share a story with them. I wracked my brain trying to think of something, when the story "Stay in the Castle" popped into my head. It is a story about waiting for the right man and not settling for someone God did not intend for them to have. I recounted it from memory as best as I could. The girls were so intently listening. At the sad parts, their eyes grew sullen as they furrowed their brows. At the end of the story, I encouraged them to look at themselves as children of the King of Kings and to realize that He has a perfect mate for them. All they need to do is grow close to God and practice patience and discretion. Then I taught them the song "Sanctuary," which they picked up very quickly. When I left, one of the African ladies had them sing "Sanctuary" one more time. I could hear their sweet voices echo through the night air as I walked back to the house. What a way to end a day!

Cameroon: June 18-19, 2014

It's been a few days since I've written, I know. On the 18th, we left early in the morning for Kotto. All I packed was a change of clothes, some bug spray, my toothbrush and toothpaste, my camera, my Bible, my umbrella, and my Joseph flashcards series. Space was so limited in the vehicle (a 9-seater 4-wheel drive which we packed with 13 people and LOTS of supplies) that I only brought with me what was necessary (journal excluded.)

We actually ended up getting a very late start because it had rained that morning, and the steep hill in front of the mission compound was too slick to drive down with all those people and all that luggage. The kids and I trekked down the hill (Cynthia and Emillienne held my hands to steady me the whole way down) and began praying together as the vehicle made its way slowly down, sliding in several places.

The road to Kotto is inexplicably long and bumpy, and it didn't help that the sleeping child Mrs. Chamberlin was holding wet herself -- and Mrs. C -- and me!!! Needless to say, my only change of clothes was donned immediately upon our arrival at Kotto.

I really didn't know what to expect when we arrived -- scratch that. I had really expected there to be a working toilet, a gas stove, and a pole shelter for us to host the VBS in; sadly, none of those expectations were met. It had even started raining. I was starting to lose faith that this is really what God wanted us to do that day -- either that, or the devil was REALLY trying to keep something good from happening. The latter was definitely the case. God had a special plan. Some of the men set up makeshift benches beneath the roof of the Chamberlins' new house, and Liberman went into the village to tell the children to come. After a meager lunch of a piece of bread and a banana, the Chamberlins, the kids, Aunt Paula, and I went out to greet the children who were beginning to trickle in. About 50 showed up. We sang songs at the beginning. They seemed really timid until I taught them the song "I'm In, Right Out, Right Up, Right Down." To my surprise, Mrs. Chamberlin leaned over to me and whispered, "I think that since there are so few children, and that this is the only adequate shelter, you should teach the Joseph story. She retreated back into the small (partially finished) house to rest (It's about time!) She has typhoid, and I have been begging her to rest for weeks!

The children were so engrossed in the Joseph story that I hated to stop, but at the end of the story, when Joseph forgave his brothers, the Spirit led me to talk about how Jesus forgave us despite all the wicked things we do. It was the perfect invitation opportunity. Seven young men (12-14 years old probably) raised their hands wanting to accept Christ, and my Aunt Paula got to talk to them about salvation and lead them in the sinner's prayer. After I started the other children on a coloring page, I talked with the boys about living a righteous life and forming a relationship with their Savior. We gave them New Testaments the next day. Praise God He used us despite my lack of faith!

Supper was a Slim Jim, some old cheese, a slice of bread, and some pineapple and papaya. When the sun went down, we went down, too, nestling into our "beds" by candlelight. The kids slept at the chief's house, Dad Chamberlin slept in the vehicle, and the other men slept outside beneath the roof of the newer house where we held VBS. In the little house, Aunt Paula got the bed, I got a torn army cot, and Mrs. C got a recliner.

The night was very long. Mrs. C coughed the whole night with her typhoid. I got up once to help her find something, and whenever I woke up to her coughing, I prayed for her. Often I heard her muttering prayers and whispering hymns in the darkness. It was a rough night; I was glad to see the sun again.

No gas stove means no hot water. No hot water means no coffee. No coffee means a very disgruntled auntie and niece. I got Stephen to build a little fire for me to heat water over in a skillet, and everyone seemed to perk up nicely when the steaming life-juice kissed our weary lips.

VBS started at 9:00. Mom Chamberlin stayed inside again while I conducted the whole thing -- songs, story of Daniel, coloring, and tug-of-war. *Frances Eller, the kids loved the candy and prizes you sent -- especially the helicopters. You should have seen their eyes when I showed them how they work!*

I was finished by 11:00, and we were packed and back in Limbe by mid-afternoon. Not bad! We were so tired by the time we got back that we almost forgot about Bible study that night! The people rejoiced when they heard about the Lord's work in Kotto.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Cameroon: June 16, 2014

My, my, my. It is 11:45 here in Cameroon. God allowed me to speak to the congregation about what to do when troubles come. I wish you could have felt the power of God move in that little church building. I have never seen or heard anything like it. Shouts of "Amen!" and "Hallelujah!" and lifting up of hands. You haven't experienced church until you come to Cameroon. The people were very attentive and extremely encouraging. I am so humbled by God's grace. It was His words that I spoke -- not my own. Soli Deo Gloria. To God alone be glory.

Aunt Paula, the orphans, Mrs. Chamberlin, and I have been working on crafts and decorations for the Kotto II VBS all day. Aunt Paula has been keeping us all in stitches as we work. What a firecracker!

I just finished helping Mrs. Chamberlin with her website. I've been doing that since after church let out. I've got a big day tomorrow. We will be going into town with the orphans for an all-day program promoting education for African children.

Cameroon: June 15, 2014

I love the church here. The people are friendly and encouraging; the messages and prayer meetings are powerful. God is good.

Worked on the Chamberlins' website most of the afternoon! Oh, I almost forgot! After church, the people prepared us a delicious meal of jollof rice and fish.

Spent all evening preparing songs specials and a sermon for tomorrow's Bible study. Pastor Echo asked me to sing and preach!!! AAAAAAHHHHHHH!

Truly, when you ask God to stretch you, He will.


Sunday, June 15, 2014

Cameroon: June 14, 2014

Spent all morning working on the website. Left the house at 12:00 to take Dad to the airport. Stopped at a craft center to buy a couple of souvenirs in Douala.

Aunt Paula's plane arrived a little late (5:00), and we didn't even get to see her until 6:00! I started tearing up when I hugged my daddy goodbye, and if you know me, tearing up is quite a feat. Dad said his plane will not provide a meal, so I sent him with a chicken salad kit for supper. I hope they allow him to take it through customs.

Arriving back at the compound was bittersweet. I already miss my dad. But my second family was waiting here to greet me with big smiles. Stephen was especially excited because he thought that I had gone back to America with Dad.

I am so excited to get to know my auntie better in the next week. She is a spitfire, and these Cameroonians already love her (Whenever they offer her a hand to shake, she gives them a high five instead.)

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Cameroon: June 13, 2014

Today was a blast! I slept in a little (7:30), and bymade coffee, fixed breakfast, and got ready for the day, Peter came to our apartment and visited for at least an hour. In that time, we told him about ultimate frisbee and asked him if he wouuld like to join us for a game after lunch. So after lunch, all the orphans and Peter met us on the soccer field outside the gates. Even Elizabeth, one of the teachers, joined us. As if teaching people how to throw a frisbee wasn't fun enough, we played a quick gameof ultimate frisbee. They caught on really quickly. Peter left at 4:00 to watch Cameroon play Mexico in the World Cup. When he left, the kids asked if we could play soccer. For the next 2 hours, we got our tails whooped by a bunch of extremely talented kid soccer stars. I don't think I have even been more filthy in my entire life. Red mud. Caking my feet, my legs, my arms, my clothes. No ringworm yet!

After dinner I started a new project for Mrs. Chamberlin. I am helping her design a website for the mission. It looks really sharp so far!

Friday, June 13, 2014

Cameroon: June 12, 2014

I got up super early this morning to prepare my lessons and my crafts for VBS today. I taught the stories of Daniel and of Jonah and came up with lots of games for them to play. I had really wanted to get my hands on a couple of balls for a few of my games, but here in Africa, you've got to improvise sometimes. I made 2 softball-size balls from 2 pairs of fuzzy socks. They were a hit! We played everything form silent ball to dodge ball with those things.

Immediately after VBS, Stephen, Mr. Chamberlin, Pastor Echo, Dad, and I took a short leisurely trip up the mountain to the city of Buea. Beautiful place full of well-preserved German buildings from WWII days.

As soon as we got back from Buea, I quickly came up with a solo piece and headed to church. My dad gave a message called "Fact, Faith, and Feeling."

After church, I went to the orphanage to visit with the kids and read them the 2nd half of The Lion King for their bedtime story.

I am so tired right now that I can't keep my eyes open. Good night!

Cameroon: June 11, 2014

This morning I cooked French toast and prepared for VBS. From 10:30-3:00 I was with my class of 37 6th graders and junior high schoolers. They were great! I am so glad I brought my P.E. game file because I used it soooooo much today! Sorry I didn't write more. I am so tired. But if you have any questions about today please feel free to comment!

Cameroon: June 10, 2014

I am writing this on June 11. I don't remember much of what happened yesterday. All I know is that I was dead tired by last night.

I helped prepare crafts and fliers for VBS. I went with the orphans again to distribute the fliers (Dad went too.) This time, we went to a really hilly section of the village and got lots of exercise! Adults and children alike would often point at us and say, "White man! White man!" Once when a group of kids said it, I pointed at them and said, "Black man! Black man!" They really got a kick out of that, and we made a few new friends. As soon as we returned, Liberman and his wife Grace took my dad and me to the Limbe market to buy souvenirs.

The rest of the evening was spent preparing for VBS and chatting with 3 of the older orphans during a power outage (quite a common occurrence here.)

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Cameroon: June 9, 2014

Started my day making eggs and toast for breakfast. The rest of my morning consisted of helping Mrs. Chamberlin with some computerissues and getting VBS flyers ready to send out -- oh, and babysitting one of the newest orphans, David, while the "house mom" (the woman who takes care of the orphanage) comforted Nathaniel, David's baby brother (Nathaniel has terrible colic right now.) One of my favorite parts of the morning was getting to talk with some of the orphan girls after we finished making the fliers. We discussed everything from Cameroonian history to how to draw a pig. They even quizzed me in every subject they are taking to see if I was learning the same things they are.

After a lunch prepared by our lovely cook, Mary, four of the orphans and I went canvasing all over Limbe. That was quite an experience! We walked through the streets for 3 hours and still did not finish distributing all of our fliers. As a reward for our work, Cynthia treated us all to a local favorite -- roasted corn!

Last week, I had promised Cynthia that I would teach her to play guitar, so this afternoon, I started fulfilling that promise. With practice, I'm sure she will pick it up quickly.

We had a church prayer meeting tonight. I loved the way it was conducted. Individual prayer requests were given; then the whole congregation prayed out loud individually after each request. I felt such power and focus present in the room.

As soon as the prayer meeting was over, I visited the kids in the orphanage. The boys reminded me promptly that I had told them that I would read them a bedtime story. One of them ran into the tiny room with The Lion King. They huddled together on the floor and looked at me with so much excitement. I only read them half the book (I get to finish it tomorrow!!!), and they hung on every word. What better way to end the day than by getting countless hugs and nuzzles from 30 precious children?

Actually, my day ended with a refreshing (cold) shower after sweating all day and with a good time of Bible study with my dad.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Cameroon: June 8, 2014

I can't even begin to give you all the details of today. Pastor Echo conducted the Sunday school class. He gave an excellent lesson about hearing and doing. Dad and I played a guitar/harmonica duet ("The Solid Rock"), and Dad gave the message. He did such a good job sticking to his points and keeping the people's attention. 

As soon as the services ended, I made sloppy joes for lunch while Mrs. Chamberlin prepared a potato salad. After we ate, my dad and I went back to our apartment to prepare lessons for the youth service at 5:00. I had also been asked to sing a song and play guitar. They don't have a Sunday evening service, but the youth meet sometimes, and Mrs. Chamberlin always does a little children's church in her living room. From 3:00-5:00, I spent time with Cynthia. She is 17 years old. She brought me her favorite biscuits (cookies) for me to try, and she brought me a list of pidgin phrases she had handwritten for me. She quizzed me on them. We talked and talked, and she braided my hair.

Five o'clock came quickly. Time for the youth meeting! This was a meeting I will never forget. When the first few youth came, I had everyone get in  a circle, and I taught them the song "Bind Us Together, Lord" complete with hand motions! They absolutely loved it! After the song I shared with them a short devotional about laying aside our own problems and putting others' needs before our own. Then, after I sang "All in All" for them, my dad gave them a message about being a son of God. The service ended after a time of questions. We had all sorts of questions but I'll try to install I can remember. 
1. How can you balance sports and musical talents with spiritual things? 
2. Did you ever struggle with sin when you were a teenager?
3. How did you decide to come to Cameroon?
4. Tell us what you think about how we should dress. 
5. What should I do if my friends make fun of me for being different from them in the way I dress?
6. If God has forgiven our sins already, why does He judge us again in heaven?

I asked them to give me any prayer requests they had ate eh end of the meeting, and 2 came up to me, both with peer pressure struggles. I prayed with one of them and wrote her name down, and the other gave me a slip of paper with his name and request. 

Cameroon: 6/7/14

"Yes! I got a tan!" was my thought as I inspected my bare feet before my bucket bath this evening. Then, as I scrubbed them, my excitement vanished as I realized that my "tan" was just a layer of mud.

Today has been so much fun. Mostly, I have helped Mrs. Chamberlin in the kitchen and  helped her with some computer stuff, but this afternoon, I played some outdoor games with the orphans. One of the games (Slippers) is played by 3 people at a time. All the children remove their shoes and put their left shoe in one pile and their right shoe in another. One child stands in the middle of the other two players and dodges as they throw a ball (ours was a ball of socks). The point of the game is for the middle child to match the shoes with their pairs and place them in a line all while dodging the ball. If the middle person catches the ball, he is allowed to throw it as far as he can away from the other players. I was only able to get one pair of shoes reunited before I was pegged. You have to be really quick on your feet.

P.S. I walked with some of the orphans to a house nearby to fetch a nurse for Mrs. Chamberlin. When we got their, she was cooking fish, and she offered me one. (By offered, I mean she forced it into my hands.) I ate everything but the bones and tail. That's right! Everything -- even the head (eyeballs included). The locals eat the bones. Delicious!

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Cameroon: 6/6/14

Traveled a long, bumpy, volcanic road to the remote village, Kotto II, today. The Chamberlins needed to finalize their land purchase. During the 6 hours we waited for the government officials, we sat and talked with the locals. Several of the ladies are pleading for a school to be started. Dad gave a devotional to the 12 or so men that had gathered out of curiosity. I am so proud of him. For the first time speaking through a translator, he did remarkably well! Just going to list the Chambelins' vision for Kotto: II:
1. Church -- We need a preacher!!!
2. School-- We need teachers and administrators and artists!
3. Clinic -- We need doctors and nurses and people to wash laundry!
4. VBS -- We need people who love children!
5. Rabbit farm -- We need people who love rabbits!
6. Gardening -- We need farmers!
7. Ladies Bible study -- We need people who love the Word of God!

The Chamberlins are such go-getters! Will you pray about joining this ministry?

Mrs. Chamberlin and I have high hopes that a shelter will be built for us within the next 2 weeks so that we can have a VBS when Aunt Paula arrives.

Cameroon: 6/5/14

What do you do when 4 orphans sit in your lap (2 at a time) throughout a 3 hour graduation ceremony? You get hot. You get really hot. Oh, but those precious moments were the highlights of my day -- exchanging tickles, gentle strokes, and lots and lots of kisses. Kids that are starved for love will pull anyone's heartstrings. Bring the heat!

After that ceremony, the administrators inviited us for soda and soye again. My dad has become a quick favorite around here. He could sit and talk to people all day if we didn't drag him away.

Liberman showed us around the mission compound for a longtime, giving us the opportunity for much more interaction with the nationals.

Names I learned today: 1. Aggie -- my little cuddler/kisser
2. Pascal -- my sweet, shy boy who likes to hug
3. Serg -- lay his head in my lap. Occasionally, he looked up at me with the biggest brown eyes and smiled a smile as if to say, "I'm so happy you're here."
4. Stephen -- one of the workers here who is kind of a gopher for the Chamberlins
5. Amelia -- an orphan who is constantly checking in on Mrs. Chamberlin. Mrs. Chamberlin is very ill right now with a chest cold.
6. Caleb -- boy who gives me shy smiles every time he sees me
7. Grace -- a 2nd grade teacher and Liberman's wife
8. Evette -- a 2nd grade teacher
9. Joyce -- Liberman and Grace's daughter named after Joyce Meyer

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Cameroon 6/4/14

It's hard to forget the sights of Cameroon -- the mountains, the fruit trees swaying in the breeze, the red clay. But I did not realize until I awoke this morning that I had forgotten the sounds. Two stories below me somewhere were children playing, birds chirping, roosters crowing, and palm trees whispering in the wind. I closed my eyes again and smiled. I surely did miss this place.

Since I am tired, I will list everything that has happened today:
1. Bathed from a bucket of cool water (which felt amazing considering we have no air conditioning in this 80-or-so-degree weather.)
2. Ate a Nutri-Grain bar for breakfast.
3. Like a Hobbit, I ate second breakfast: omelet, fresh mango, pineapple, and banana, and bread with homemade tropical fruit jelly.
4. Attended the school's kindergarten graduation from 1:00-3:30.
5. Was invited by the chief to eat soye (beef and onions on a stick with LOTS of pepper spice) and drink soda with him.
6. Heated up some curried beef and rice made by the amazing Mrs. Chamberlin.
7. Took a nap after dinner (jet lag has hit us hard).
8. Got up at 8:00 p.m. and made Dad and me some instant coffee on a gas stove with a kettle. Currently sitting on the couch enjoying each other's company while we sip our coffee and nibble at his Belgian chocolate.

People we have met today and yesterday:
1. Peter: works with the Chamberlins
2. Elme: our CRAZY driver last night who drove us from the airport to Limbe.
3. Laticia: my favorite little orphan girl so far
4. Stephen: works with the Chamberlins; also a prince in a nearby village.
5. Elizabeth: preschool teacher
6. Marcel: the principal of the school
7. Pa Chief: the caretaker of the mission
8. David and Nathan: the two newest orphans (one a baby and the other only 1 and 1/2 years old).

Monday, June 2, 2014

Test Message

Hello, one and all! As many of you know, my Dad and I are headed to Africa today! We will be serving in the great country of Cameroon. If you can see this blog post, send us a message letting us know that you are praying for us! Thank you all so much for supporting us! Be on the lookout here for more posts to come!