Summer Ponderings

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 

James 1:2-4

Wow, it's been a really long time since I last updated my blog. I've started writing at least 9-12 times but I haven't posted anything since May. I guess the words just haven't come. A lot has happened and changed since I've been home, so, I guess I'll just try to pick up where I left off.

God hasn't just thrown me back into my old routine and expected me to fix everything, instead He has blessed me with change and given me the opportunity to start in a fresh spot. I wasted so much time stressing over the many details and when the time came God just opened the door I was supposed to go through. Figures, if I had just had a little more faith in the beginning I wouldn't have had anything to worry about. I'm really in awe of just how well God knows us and our every need. He always provides in our best interest, and blesses us so much more than we could dream of. 

Summer was a time of struggles and tears but also a time of new beginnings and so much hope. Of figuring out how to fit back into my life here in Redding and understanding where God is leading me to next. To be honest those last few weeks I was in Gabon, I didn't want to leave. I was fully alive doing what I have created to do and I didn't want to go back to a normal life. When I got home I struggled with almost everything. I was so overwhelmed and frustrated by how the world worked. I couldn't deal with the fact that we live in a world where poverty is accepted and ignored. I couldn't just fit back in and I refused to accept the world's conditions and standards. It's taken this whole summer for me to really find my place here. To understand why I'm here and how important this time is for me. To see how I am not the same as the world and I can choose to fight instead of accept.

The entire summer my mind has been traveling back to Africa and my heart aching for the people I left there. My only true comfort, was know I'm going back and that my "goodbyes" are only for a short time. Still, I wasn't prepared for how hard being home was going to be. I wasn't expecting the reverse culture shock to hit me SO hard. In the beginning I didn't want to go anywhere and I couldn't stand being around people, even my friends. I was miserable and feeling as if I had to put on a good face made it worse. At first people seemed interested in my trip but that didn't last very long. Soon after I got home I realized, people move on so much quicker than we do. Before I left everyone wanted to know about my trip. While I was there people wanted pictures and stories and sent me encouraging words. But as soon as I was home it seemed as if none of it mattered and I was expected to move on like they had. When that is when I really needed those people. To ask to for pictures, to listen to my stories, and give me those encouraging words! I came home a completely different person and was expecting everyone to embrace me and that change. That's not how it works though. People just want you to fit back into the place you left from. It wasn't until I understood that I was letting other people's reactions bring me down, that I was able to let those frustrations go. I had to accept that Gabon and my experiences there were pretty much meaningless to everyone except me, those I shared it with, and God. That I will be reliving moments, going through pictures, thinking of those people my whole life, but that I can't expect others to do the same. It isn't fair to either of us.

I have so much more I want to share but it's late and I don't want this to become a novel......so, I will add more later.

Some Thoughts...

 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees?

 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

-Romans 8:24-25

There is so much that I wish I could change, about world, how people think, how we live, but really I can only change those things in me. I can choose to give and do everything I can to make the world a better place; a place without hunger, sickness, death, and judgement, but love, hope, compassion, and generosity. It's not easy to live in a third world country, but I've found that it's even harder to come back from one. I've been home for ten days and each day it has only gotten harder to justify how we live, and how I live. When I go to sleep at night I know that I've wasted another day and wish that I could change that. It's not enough for me to just go through life being nice to and helping people. My life is supposed be SO much more than that. I want to fully give myself again to serving people who others overlook, to making someone smile who has been mistreated and abused, and to encourage and bring hope to those who have nothing else to live on. I want to make a difference and be part of something bigger here just like I was in Africa. Yes, I really, really, miss Africa; the work, the people, and the Hope House children, but it didn't end there. And like what I was doing in Africa didn't stop neither do I want what God is doing in and through me to stop. It is harder here to live every moment with purpose but I feel like if you can, you bless SO many people. I want use everything that I've learned through struggles and blessings and fight with all the strength that I've gained. I will continue to serve, love, and support what I was a part in Africa. In fact, God has already given me so many dreams of what He can do with me here in America for them. But it's not just about Africa anymore, I back here and I know God wants to use me where I am as well. I want to serve, love, and support my community as well. Because, looking around the brokenhearted, hopeless, and abused people are everywhere. I want this year to be everything that God can make it, and I know that is so much. So, while I'll look back on my trip with a little sadness knowing it's over, I am looking forward with so much joy and excitement! Because, nothing is really over, it's all just beginning! And as I remember a few of my favorite passages from the Bible I know nothing can stop what God is going to do, for I am called according to His purpose and nothing can stand against Him (Romans 8:28&31).

 

Before, I ended this blog I wanted to share a few of my favorite pictures of my time at Hope House and of the precious children. 

 

 I also want to encourage and ask you to help by supporting them. Because they are not supported by the government the only think that keeps the Hope House going and gives all the children a home is the generosity and support is us, their christian family. I'd would love to give you to all the opportunity to be a part of what they are doing at Hope House, because God is certainly there!

If you'd like to donate, this a link through the Christian Missionary Alliance's online giving to the Hope House. Thank you all!!

Supporting Hope House 

Love,

Shannon

Frustrations...

I'm back in Redding, actually I've been here for a full four days almost. I wish I could say that it's been a purely happy reunion, but I can't. Yes, I have LOVED seeing my friends and family again, and getting to go to church and understand the message was amazing. And I do love Redding, it's a great place. But the truth is, it's really hard to try and fit yourself back into a space when you've grown and don't fit anymore. And what's even harder is is experiencing and doing all that you've ever wanted too and are so passionate about and then having to stop and leave, because you now know what it's like when your heart is fully alive and you are so aware of that absence. I know left part of my heart behind in Africa because when I think about Gabon or the people, I can't help but cry. Not just tears but my heart cries out too. I don't want to be here and have everything at finger tips, I want to back there with nothing. I'd so much rather have nothing then have everything and not give anything.

When I think about the fact that poverty and hunger and a lot of deaths could end and be prevented today, if everyone just gave and helped a little...I can't even explain how heartbreaking it is that people don't care enough to help those who can't help themselves. How messed up are we? And how do people live with themselves knowing that they could be saving children's lives if they cared enough? I'm really not sure what is sadder, the fact that most people solely care about themselves or that there is still poverty and starvation in this world. It isn't okay to ignoring what's happening to around the world just because it's easier. And it isn't really that hard to help someone. It is however much easier to go about life never thinking or worrying about anything or anyone but you, because as soon as you start they are always on your mind and you are very aware of what you have. But I would never trade a life of thinking and crying for a life of ignorance or indifference. And it is upsetting that people can and that people do. I'll never understand how people don't care. How do you turn your heart off? I would change the world today if I could, but I can't. And as much as I hope to see the world change someday, I hope that people's hearts change even more. That the day comes when people care enough to stand up and make a difference together, ending something horrible. But I won't wait for that day. And I won't accept what the world says is okay, that poverty and starvation, that abandoned children and sickness, are all okay. Because they aren't! And you can't make them okay by saying it's okay or ignoring them, because they will still be there as rampant and deadly as ever. This is me, just one person trying to figure out and come to terms with the fact that most people just don't care, and I can't change that or them. I wish I could. But for now I'll just have to care, for everyone.

The Hardest Word To Say Is Goodbye

 Libreville, Gabon

April 30th- May 10th

I've been trying to write this blog for days, but stopped each time because I didn't want to think about saying goodbye to Africa. How do you write about something when it brings you to tears just thinking about it? When you feel like your heart is going to break when you say goodbye to the children who you've given your heart completely too. I know that it's time for me to go home and I am so excited to see everyone but I feel as if a big part of me belongs here. Which makes it so hard to leave. So, I'm going to leave the goodbyes until after I get home and instead I want to share my last week with you, maybe you'll be able to understand why it's so hard for me to let go of these amazing people and children.

Last Friday night we had a big Gabonese party at the Straws. All of our Gabonese friends came and we celebrated Hannah's birthday (again.. I think that makes three parties:) and just our friendships with each other. I have been to a few dinner/parties here but nothing compares to this last one. Let's just say it started off with people putting flags on their foreheads and ended with a DJ and dancing. It really was just an awesome night spent with (as I like to call them) my Gabonese family. I especially loved all the dancing, which really looked liked nothing but was a ton of fun do to. I believe we had the music going for over two hours and I of course danced the whole time:) I love each one of these people and I'm looking forward to coming back and having more dance parties!

Saturday, we spent the day at Hope House, so of course I had a blast! I feel like I could spend every day there and each one would be as special as the day before. I gave the children a bible lesson which Sam Straw translated for me. The story was about Moses and how God showed him who He was and how God wants to show us who He is. After the story and worship we did our craft together. Each of the kids wrote or drew different things they knew about God and who He was, and then we put them together and hung them on the wall. It was a really special moment reading some of the things they wrote and seeing just how much these kids love Jesus!

Over the weekend two new interns from Canada arrived, Reinette and Robert. We spent Monday repainting rooms in the Envision Center and then the evening doing acrobatics outside. Both of which were really fun.

Tuesday, I went to Hope House by myself for the first time. Since the kids were in school I spent the day helping Mama Natalie (who along with her husband Pastor Israel run the Hope House) and two of the other women who work at Hope House. I really enjoyed my time there. It was interesting because none of them really spoke English and I of course don't know more then a few words in French, but we figured things out. I ended up helping them with ironing, actually a lot of ironing. Here in Africa they hang their clothes outside which means they have to iron their clothes to kill the mango worms (which otherwise burrow into your skin). Now imagine ironing everyone's clothes. It was a lot, but at the same time way less than it should have been. I've have only ever seen maybe two different outfits on each child.  I also helped with some of the cleaning and then making lunch as well. For lunch I de-boned about 20 of the small smoked fish that you can buy on the street. Even though I hate the smell of fish I really enjoyed it. Not the fish part as much as all the singing that went on while we were preparing the fish:) Music can bring people together even when they don't speak the same language and that definitely happened in the kitchen that day. Plus, after lunch I had about an hour with the children before it was time to leave. I wasn't expecting to see the kids at all so it was a wonderful surprise! I cherished every minute!

Wednesday afternoon we all went to Hope House and spent a couple hours playing with the children. We even had a soccer game going for awhile. It was a lot of fun even though I might just be the worst soccer player ever. I only kicked the ball a few times and somehow I still managed to break a toe. Yep, I do have a gift for things like that.

Thursday, we helped at OSPAC all day and in the afternoon gave another English placement test. I am going to miss everyone from OSPAC so much! They really are one of a kind!

Friday, we spent the morning painting the kitchen at Envision (it badly needed repainting) and then headed out to the beach. It was really nice to have the afternoon off and just enjoy some of the beautiful things that God has blessed us with. I love walking down the beach and just soaking up the sun (and yes, I am getting a tan...which is amazing since I'm on doxy and I keep burning)! That night we had a game night, starting with Settlers of Catan and ending with Sardines and Kick the Can. I found out just how bad my eyesight is in the dark after bumping into everything in a ten mile radius. And realized that I shouldn't play Sardines after getting stuck trying to hide under a bed...yup, I was really hard to find:)

Saturday, Reinette, Robert, and I all went to Hope House. We had a bible lesson with the kids about worship and afterward made hearts of worship. Then to my surprise Mama Natalie called all the children together and told me they had a gift for me. They sang and then all danced for me! It was a lot of fun! I love seeing them praise the Lord because they are always filled with such joy, and their dancing is just a blast to watch! It is one of those moments that I will always remember and continue to be blessed by.

Sunday we went to the church that Pastor Israel is the senior pastor at. Which meant when we arrived and got out of the car we were swarmed by all of the Hope House children! It totally made my day! We ended up spending about twenty minutes before the service started with them, and I loved it! They we so excited to have us there!! I should also mention that since this church has a lot of Nigerians there was an English translator! So, I got to hear an actual message for the first time in Africa. Well, I've heard many, but since they have all been in French I haven't understood anything. After hearing the message on Sunday about visions and how God works I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to listen to one of the African pastors. God is really working and speaking in hearts here!!

Then yesterday, Hannah, Reinette, Robert and I all went to Hope House again! I seriously, have enjoyed this past week the most of my entire time in Africa and it's because of all the time I've gotten to spend with the Hope House children! I wish I could explain how special the Hope House kids are. The way that they light up when they see you and then rush to smoother you in hugs. How even when we aren't doing anything, the time together is so precious. The way they are all unbelievably generous. They have so very little yet they are always trying to give you gifts. Whether it's the bracelet they made, one of their drawings, or a note they've written, they are always looking for something to give you. It is really humbling, because at first you don't want to accept anything because it makes you feel guilty (after all we have SO much). But you look at their faces and see how proud they are, they know that they are giving you all that they have and they are so happy about it. So, you receive their gifts with a huge smile, tears in your eyes, give them a giant hug, and tell them just how beautiful it is. Their gifts. Their hearts. Their love. Yesterday, we without a lesson or really any plans, just with the intention of having fun playing with the kids. And it exceeded anything I could have hoped for. We did a bunch of random and fun things like, a water balloon fight, coloring with chalk, blowing bubbles, coloring pictures, and we took a ton of pictures! The kids love pictures. At one point they colored their faces with chalk and I got some really funny pictures of them incognito:) I also had a chance to just sit with the kids talking bits and pieces but mostly just holding on to them and letting them know how much they mean to me. If I could pick one day of this whole trip to relive, it would be yesterday! I know that I will keep coming back to that day in my thoughts, remembering the smiles, the laughter, the hugs, the precious beauty that God has blessed each one of those children with. And each time I think of them, I'll remember why I am coming back. After all, I'm leaving a big part of my heart with these children and living across the world won't separate us for long.

Today, as I've been gathering and finishing up last minute tasks I've been trying to process everything that has happened, that I've done, that I've learned, that I've been given, and every person who has made my time in Africa unforgettable and so special. It's a lot to think about, in fact it's a little overwhelming. How do you summarize something that is bigger than you understand and larger than life. I don't think it's possible. So, I won't try. Instead I'll wait and share all the small pieces as come together. But who knows how far down the road God will still be using this trip to change my life. It will probably be a life long journey.

So, goodbye for now. I'm sure I'll be posting many more blogs on Africa when I get back to the states, but this is the last one from Gabon. Thank you, all for coming with me on this journey!

God Bless All,
Shannon

Bongolo Hospital, Easter, English Tests, and Gilmore Girls

Psalm 145

 ³ Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
   his greatness no one can fathom.

 ⁹ The LORD is good to all;
   he has compassion on all he has made.

¹³ Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
   and your dominion endures through all generations.  
The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises
   and faithful in all he does.

¹⁸ The LORD is near to all who call on him,
   to all who call on him in truth. 


I've been spending a lot of time in the Psalms since I've been in Africa. There is something about Africa that opens your eyes to God's greatness. You no longer see Him with just your American eyes but instead you see Him as the creator of nations. Somehow, when you look around He appears different. The way He made the trees, the clouds, the animals, the people, the ocean it's all unique to Africa. Yet as you look at each of His masterpieces you can't help but see the same God. One who is full of love, hope, compassion, a God who has a plan for each part of His creations and promises an everlasting Kingdom to His precious children. A Father who give protects, comforts, and blesses us and who is faithful and good. When I start to think about all that God is, I can't help but be in awe and overwhelmed with just how great and holy He is. And when I try to comprehend even one aspect of His being, I can't. He is so much beyond anything we could ever understand so much larger and more powerful than we could begin to fathom. I wish that I could see Him in all of His glory and I know that I will one day.  But for today, I can't help but be humbled and my heart full of praise and worship for them mere speck of sight and understanding that I have been given. And I will lift His name high!

Libreville, Gabon 
Week 3&4 (April 17th-29th)

I realize that it's been awhile since I last posted a blog and I apologize. I know many of you enjoying hear what God has been doing in Africa and much as I look forward to telling you. I have just been really busy and didn't have the access to a computer for awhile. I hope that this post will fill you in on a little of what has been happening these past two weeks. I miss you all and I am so excited to be coming home soon! I really can't do any justice to what has been happening here over the computer so coming home will be a chance for me to share the many stories and experiences that I've been a part of.


Bongolo
Last week we took the Lewans (Dan and Alicia) down to Bongolo and helped them move into their new house. They will be running the Envision Center there by Bongolo Hospital. Monday the 17th Hannah, Alicia, a doctor (who had just flown in the night before) and I took a public bus to Bongolo. Leanne, Olivia, Dan, and J.R came in the Land Cruiser the next day. Our bus was packed full (and I do mean packed:) with people and luggage. We left Libreville at about 8:30AM and arrived at a little after 6pm. Over all it was a pretty smooth trip. We were only stopped twice by the police and only one of those times did we have to wait while they sorted someone's papers out. The ride was really nice given the state of the roads, which are very Gabonese...lol, stretch after stretch of giant potholes and small canyons.

While we were in Bongolo not only did we help the Lewans move into their new place but we were also able to reconnect with and get to know many of the doctors and missionaries at the Hospital. It's a pretty tight group, which can be expected when you are surrounded by jungle. We were only there for about  4 1/2 days but on one of those days Olivia and I had the opportunity to visit Bongolo Hospital. After I'd been given a tour we were shown into a surgery room and allowed to watch two surgeries. Olivia had been to Bongolo before but this was both of our first times seeing surgeries preformed first hand. We were given scrubs, hairnets, and masks and told to avoid touching anything that had been sterilized and then we watched the surgeries  and took pictures. It was really an incredible experience. The first surgery we saw the doctors put a shunt into a hydrocephalus baby. Before we came into the surgery room a friend (and nurse) of ours Lisa, told us what was going to be going on and asked us if we both thought we could handle it (they don't really want people passing out in there). Olivia had been looking forward to watch surgeries for awhile as she is considering a career in the medical field and I really felt like this was something that I should see. At first seeing the baby asleep on the surgery table was a little overwhelming. I couldn't help but realize how fragile life is and without even realizing it my heart was going out to this baby. But then I started thinking about how God is always in control of every situation and how He alone controls our destinies. This baby was going to be given a chance to live and God was there in that moment and there in the child's future. Suddenly, instead of sadness I felt full of joy and excitement for what was about to happen and I watched in awe of all that one surgery was going to change. The second surgery was on an older man and he was having his thyroid taken out. During this surgery we were able to get up pretty close and watch the doctors and they slowly burned and cut through his skin. I actually found myself fascinated by what they were doing. Not that I would ever be able to do something of the sort but I definitely appreciate doctors a lot more now!!  And I am very thankful for the doctors at Bongolo, both the American and Gabonese who work under such limited and hard conditions. Doing so with joy instead of complaints They really are God's workers!!

I also really enjoyed getting to spend time with two missionary kids (Luke and Sarah Thelander) while I was there. We spent an afternoon playing games, another dying Easter eggs, and an evening playing Jenga and eating yummy food at a party hosted by our friend Lisa (an American nurse whom I got to meet in Libreville my first night in Africa). We also got to send some time with a few christian boys who've become friends with many of the Bongolo Hospital workers. We had the opportunity to hear about the education system in Africa and many of trials they face when they graduate and try to go to a university. About how hard for a christian to have a good job and to feed their families because of the foothold the devil holds on many secret groups that hold power here. After telling us how they probably won't get to become pilots, and computer engineers, or see other dreams they have come true they reminded us that with God anything is possible and they pray constantly for what seems impossible!

After saying goodbye Saturday morning to Dan and Alicia we headed back to Libreville in the Land Cruiser. I started getting carsick right away but after pulling over, taking some motion sickness medicine, and rearranging I was okay for the rest of the long trip. We stopped at the Equator on the way back and I did take a picture with the big sign. Other than the sign though there really is nothing that would let you know that you are passing over the Equator:) The roadsides are always filled with wandering animals (lots of dogs and goats) and on the way home we played a fun game that included counting how many animals we saw. It was made more challenging by the fact that you lost half of your animals every time the other team spotted a grave on your side of the road....which was pretty frequent. It seemed like as soon as I would reach 40 I would loose half of my animals every time:) We got back to the Envision Center and pretty much crashed. We also found out that we didn't have internet. That stayed off for three days I think.


Easter
So, this past Sunday was Easter! Here in Africa they call it Paques (pronounced "pack"). It's not quite as big of a deal here as it is back in the states. And other than in the church I didn't really see many people celebrating it. Though everyone does celebrate Easter Monday, which is really just a holiday from work.

Anyway, we started Easter off by going to a church that is right down the road. It was crazy how even after the building and chairs were filled there were still a ton of people sitting outside in the sun listen and praising God. We started off with worship, which I love! The African people definitely have hearts of worship, every time you hear them sing or see them dance it's obvious to everyone just how much they love the Lord! I was so excited when we sang one of the few African songs that I know, I was dancing and turning right along with everyone else!! The sermon was on the historical and prophetic meanings behind Easter and from what I understood (Olivia translated bits of the message for me because it's of course completely in French), it was really encouraging and just an awesome reminder of who our God is. We also had baptisms and child dedications which made me think of Easter back home. After the service was over we were all dismissed by rows and as you left the building and went outside everyone was waiting to greet you. It was pretty cool.

After church we went over to the Straws (Steve Straw is the pilot for Bongolo Hospital and they also run the guest house here in Libreville), we all went out to lunch and then walked on the beach together. It was a lot of fun! We had lunch at a place called Beach Burgers which is literally an old van turned into a restaurant. The beach is always beautiful with the sky, the ocean, and the feeling of the sand under your feet. I thought it was a great way to end a special Easter here in Africa.


OSPAC and English Tests
Yesterday, we all went out to OSPAC for the day. It was great to be back at the clinic and with all the people who work at there! Getting smothered in hugs and hellos is always a great way to start any day!! And at OSPAC you can expect a big welcome every time. I helped at the Pharmacy table, counting out pills with the help of Mama Perrine. Later after lunch I went outside and play with some of the village children who were hanging around the medical clinic. They became my little shadows for the rest of the afternoon:) After closing up OSPAC we gave an English test. It was a lot of fun just being a part of something like that. It was also great to have small English conversations with the same people I've been struggling to speak French words to.

The Girls
Something else I should mention is just how blessed I have been by the girls I am staying with at Envision, Leanne, Hannah, and Olivia. It really is true that you form special bonds with the people who go through the same things as you do. And being here in Africa away from friends and family these girls have become my family. I love that we get to do everything together. Whether that's working at OSPAC, helping at Hope House, washing dishes, or watching Gilmore Girls. The latter has become a sort of fun tradition we've taken up in the evenings:) I will definitely miss them and it's going to be hard to say goodbye, but hopefully it's only a short one!


It's hard to believe that I've been in Africa for over 4 weeks now and that I leave in just 12 days. Time has really flown by! I am still trying to process all that I've seen and heard, to understand everything that I've been a part of and experienced God doing. I have a feeling that even once I get back home I'll still be trying to figure it all out. But that's okay, I am thankful for each moment that I have had here.

Goodbye for now! It won't be to long before I'm home again. I miss you all!
Shannon

Hope House Kids

Hello Everyone!
So, I've been in Gabon for about two and half weeks and already I've seen glimpses of just how big God is. I've seen and heard things that are impossible, seen God do miracles! In coming to Africa I was forced to open my eyes, I couldn't just keep God in my American box. Instead I was seeing Him in a whole new and different light, one without the limits of just what I knew. And it doesn't matter how long I stay here I still won't fully understand how big God is. I am just blessed to be able to see and start to understand pieces of His Majesty.

A lot has happened in the past week and I have a few particular moments I'd like to share, but I'll give you a quick run down first. This past week was a little more low key since we were all a little tired from the week before. I went to the clinic a couple times, went to a sort of super market ( it was indoors and clean!!), walked on the beach, went to Hope House a couple times, we had a movie time, our bible study night, we went to PK 27 and took out the four wooden post frames that we had made with the team, had dinner at Pastor Jacobs, Church this morning, packed for Bongolo, and tomorrow bright and early (actually it might still be dark and early) we leave for Bongolo. I know I'm forgetting a couple things..... OH! When we were all watching Despicable Me (yes, that was our movie choice) we enjoyed a delicious treat called Magnum bars. Which are THE best ice cream bars I've ever had. Sorry, you have to come to Africa to try them:) And on a side note most of the food here is more expensive so things like ice cream really are a treat. I mean you usually don't spend $14 when you want some Ben and Jerrys....lol

Okay, the first story I want to tell is something I witnessed at the medical clinic. Olivia and I were helping the with the exams and got to hear an incredible moment of God's healing. The woman was there to have results read from a sort of X-ray test and thus her story started. A few days prior she had come in with a large mass in her stomach. She was sent to have X-rays taken of it. Well, before she had the chance to go in she had a strange dream. She was sleeping and in her dream someone put what felt like paper on her stomach and it shocked her. It made her jump in dream because she could feel something happening. Well, when she went in to get her X-rays the doctor couldn't find the mass and told her that there was nothing there. So, she came back to the clinic with her results to make sure that the mass was gone. We checked and the mass was completely gone!!! God had healed her in just a couple days! We then had a chance to pray with her and praise God for the miracle!!

Another thing I'd like to share about is the Hope House and the children there. The House is run by a pastor and his wife who have made it their mission to rescue neglected and abandoned orphans. They currently have about 30-40? children in their home. These kids have some really hard and heartbreaking pasts, they grew up in terrible homes but now they have a good home and a family and they know their Savior loves them each dearly! Yesterday, (Saturday) we went over to the Hope House for a little bit and while we were there the kids gave us an amazing presentation. They started off with a sort of dance battle which was SO much fun to watch (Olivia took some videos which I'll add at some point) and then they sang for us. All I can say is that they may be some of the most talented children I've ever seen. They had a full acoustic musical track going just by banging their hands on a table. They were doing all sorts of super cool dances moves all of which they'd just taught themselves.They memorized huge chunks of songs they created. It was just amazing! And they all were having so much fun doing it. You watched each child light up as they came together and did this presentation for us. It was really such a special moment!!!

I'd love to keep sharing stories but it's getting late over here and I have to get up in six hours. I won't have my computer in Bongolo but as soon as I get back I will updated about my trip! It should be a lot of fun! A seven hour drive on a public transport through CRAZY roads:)

I miss you all and am so glad that I can share a little bit of my experiances in Africa with you!

Love,

Shannon

Africa Adventures

Libreville, Gabon-- Day 4-11 (April 2nd-10th)

It's been about a week since my last entry but this past week has been crazy busy! It might be my busiest week that I'll have while I'm here in Gabon. Anyway, here is the update that you have all been waiting for. Enjoy!

Saturday- April 2nd
We woke up ready to go to the market and were met by a rain storm, so we waited that out and then headed to the market. After we got home we spent the day getting ready for our team who were arriving that night. So, Saturday evening our team of twelve guys arrived from the CMA church Fellowship Alliance in NJ. All older men who are passionate for the Lord and were truly inspiring to be around. They were only here for a week but they gave so much more than a week! I think we all learned so much from each other and made friendships that will last way beyond just this week. It was so much more then just doing projects and working with sick patients it was doing God's work. It was following the Lord's leading and serving and loving His people, His children. It was being welcomed into the Gabonese family and discovering what a special place that Africa holds in your heart.  Thank you, Erik, Mike, Don, Mark, Brian, Papa John,  John 1st, John 3rd, Kevin, Fred, Dave, and Tim! I really appreciate just having had the chance to spend the week with so many men who are on fire for God! I loved getting to know each of you, all crazy car rides:) the bible studies, the meals, the fun and jokes, just everything really! I feel so blessed to have met all of you and gotten to spend a week serving the Lord in Africa with you. And thanks for always keeping an eye on me:)


Sunday - April 3rd
Sunday was pretty amazing! Since there were a lot of us here at Envision we split up into three groups, each going to a different CMA church. I was in the group that went to a village church about forty minutes away and was also the smallest of the three. The others had a few hundred people whereas our only had about fifty. The building was out in a field and was only partly built. It had half walls and a ceiling, that was the structure. It was really a unique, special, and inspirational morning. Before we even went into the church we walked through the village and talked to some of the people and met the village chief. It was just a completely different and eye opening experience. When we started the worship (which was of course in French) it was purely amazing! You really can just see a whole different level of joy and worship within the Gabonese people. God was so evident! I could on and on about that church service and the stories and sermons and all the people who we met but it would take me too long. I'll have to tell you about it in person. I will say at the end of the service everyone ran around giving each other huge hugs saying "Samba!" which means "to hug". It really was such a beautiful moment! The whole experience lasted well into the late afternoon. Which makes you rethink the way we rush through our days back home.

That night we had a huge dinner celebration and our Gabonese friends from OSPAC all joined us. We had about fifty people (possible more?) in the Envision Center. After a big African dinner we had another amazing time of worship. These people just have hearts of worship and it is truly inspiring. We sang both French and English songs, some of which included motions and dancing. It really was just beautiful to be there in that moment declaring God's greatness with the Gabonese church. We then closed in prayer. Gabonese style, in which everyone prays out loud at the same time and then a few people pray louder to close. It really was a wonderful night!!


Monday- April  4th
I woke up that morning not feeling that well so I stayed home most of the day ( though Hannah and I did go get dinner in the downtown part of the city with J. R. which was a long process but a lot of fun too). Which was a bummer because the team started their projects that morning. They came ready to do a couple different projects (with our help). Building a guest house for the CFTAC (the CMA base here) near the Gabonese bible school, working at medical clinics, and doing a project on the church's land PK 27 (which right now is pretty much just a jungle, the work we did there was the first work that had been done on the property). We had three doctors come on the team and they spent the week working at two of the medical clinics here (OSPAC and Snee), while most of the other guys worked on the construction project.


Tuesday- April 5th
Tuesday, I went with one of the medical teams to help at a clinic. We were there seeing patients from about 10 to 2:30 and then we went to the other medical clinic to help there for another three hours. It was great to help the doctors in their work and just see how passionate they are for these people. To see how despite the language barrier and translations that sometimes weren't clear they were so committed to their patients and how they had God's love for these people! At the end of the day as we were packing up we had a few minutes to play with some of the children outside the clinic, which I loved! It was so special. These kids here are just so full of joy and so eager to love. Even though most of us couldn't communicate with our words we still we able to communicate. And we had a lot a of fun with those children!


Wednesday- April 6th
Wednesday morning Olivia and I went to the construction site (instead of helping at the medical clinics) we used a nail gun and got all hot and sweaty (I think I'll leave the nail gun to Olivia:)  Then later that afternoon we went to the Hope House to give the kids a medical exam and play with them. I loved it! Those kids are all so sweet and loving. And they loved all the balloons that Mark brought! I can still picture them with their little animals, hats, and flowers running around with huge smiles on their faces! I had one little boy, Christopher who wouldn't leave my side. The whole time he pretty much had his arms wrapped around me. He made me promise to come back, and kept coming to give me one last hug. I found it hard to leave him too! His story is pretty heartbreaking and I can't wait to go back and just shower him in the Father's love. I know that God has special plans for this little boy!

 
Thursday- April 7th
Thursday we had our mobile clinic in a village about two hours away (well, with traffic two hours:). It was our group from Envision, our team, and our friends from the OSPAC medical clinic. We had an amazing time at the church there. Altogether we saw about 50 patients for medical care and 30 for eye care. We started out with sing out praises to the Lord, a testimony, words from our pastors, and medical care information about Malaria and eye care. Then we started giving examinations. Doctor Mike and Brian ( a PA) were giving that medical examinations, and the rest of us were helping in some small way. Whether it was checking in the patients, weigh them, doing pharmacy, checking blood sugar (that was my job...yes, I had to take a sample of their blood), eye care, or praying over patients. We saw people with cancer ( one man had a tumor the size of a papaya) and malaria, it was just so moving. It sad but yet the day was so full of God hope. There were many stories about that day and I wish that I could share every moment with you but just know that God is here in Gabon and here in the church working!


Friday- April 8th
Friday we spent the day in a jungle! We (our Envision peeps, our team, some of our Gabonese friends) headed out to PK 27 which is the land that the CMA church has bought and has great plans for in the future! We literally carried bags of a cement mixture (cement, sand, and gravel) along with buckets and shovels into the jungle, dug holes, found water and made 4 cement posts that sit on the corners of the land. These posts are first step toward the future that the church and the CMA have plans for. It was SO exciting being a part of what God has placed on the hearts here and of what He is going to do here!! It was hard work. I don't think I've ever carried a bag of cement before and I've definitely never hiked through a jungle. But it was so worth it!! Using the few tools we had and what God had given us and just being a part of something that is the beginning of something HUGE!

Later that night we were invited to dinner with our Gabonese friends at Mama Jeanine and Pastor John Marc's house for dinner. It was really just a great time of fellowship, fun, and yummy african food (yes, I can now say I've eaten porcupine...). I spent part of the time holding little Timothy, Pastor Jacob's son. (Pastor Jacob is probably the funniest man I've ever met as well as an incredible man of God!)  Then after dinner and just a great time of talking with friends we worshiped our God together (this is going to be one of the things I really miss when I come home, praising God with my Gabonese brothers and sisters)! Then our Gabonese friends gave gifts to all our incredible team of men and we said our goodbyes. It was an amazing day!!


Saturday- April 9th
This was the last day our team of incredible guys were with us. Even thinking about them now makes me bittersweet. I miss them already! We started the morning out at the tourist market where we went shopping,yes, I did get a few gifts...though everything is more expensive here. Then we went to the Market (this was the HUGE one) and walked around went through the meat section (I barely managed not to puke...lets just say I have seen everything), I also bought some fabric there (I have plans for an african outfit and some purses...). After lunch we went to a beach, it was beautiful! Olivia and I had a lot of fun in the water, walking down the beach, laying in the sand, and digging up clams. We came home and packed up all the luggage and had one last meeting with the guys, took some group pictures and headed out to dinner. After some pizza (not the same as american pizza) and meeting up with our Gabonese friends we headed to the airport. It was sad to see all the guys leave but I am so excited for what God has done in them and what He has planned! So, overall it was a fun day, though we did have a few bumps.... a dead car battery at the market, a flat tire at the beach, and someone got stung by a jellyfish, but really it was just a great last day and end to an incredible week!!


Sunday- April 10th
I was planning on going to Nzeng Ayong church (Pastor Jacob's church....remember there are three different CMA churches here) but I woke up with a bad headache so I stayed home instead. I slept for a couple hours and then after lunch had some quiet time. And now I am writing this blog entry:)


My camera unfortunately seems to have randomly broken, so I can't upload my pictures. Don't worry you will still get to see a ton of pictures. I've been having other people take lots of pictures for me. Olivia is going to share her pictures with me so you should see a few soon:) Also, all the pictures that the team took I will get to share, though that might take a little longer. So hang tight!  I do have some cool pictures, like one of me holding a giant rhino beetle:)

I miss everyone and can't wait to see you all again! It's hard to believe I've been here for 11 days but at the same time my time here is flying by so quickly. Already I feel like Africa is a part of me I can never loose. I've been so blessed and I am just honored to be here and be a part of what is happening!

If you want to send me a letter here is my address (it might take two-three weeks:)
Bongolo Hospital
BP 13.021
Libreville, Gabon
Africa

Love,
Shannon

Settling In

Libreville, Gabon (Africa)

Days:1-3

Life in Africa has it's similarities and differences from life back home in the states. On the surface it seems very foreign and contrary to "what I'm used to" and it would be easy to just leave it at that. I think that when we don't understand something we are much more likely to just accept our differences and not look for the similarities. And while at first it might be uncomfortable and even hard to be in a situation where you are out of what you know, if you let yourself you can learn so much! That is what I hope to do. Just because life here is different means I can't learn from it. And considering how much I'm already learning, I know there is lot more for me to learn. 

So, far things have been going great. I'm starting to fit into the way things go over here and I've gotten to go out a couple times already. I'm getting to know the others at Envision pretty well, especially Leanne and Hannah who run the Envision Center and Olivia my roommate. 

The hardest thing over here for me is the language barrier. Everyone over here speaks French, which I knew coming over here but  I just wasn't expecting how limiting it makes communicating. Fortunately, I never go out by myself so I have someone who understands what is going on or being said and can communicate with the Gabonese people. I've picked up a few phrases and I'm learning more each day. Last night we played Racko with French numbers, so I'm doing as much as I can to pick up bits of the language but there is SO MUCH!

I went to help at the medical clinic yesterday and was able to call patients, take blood pressure, and really just interact with and observe the Gabonese. I really enjoyed that. This morning we went out to the Market, I took my first taxi bus which was interesting (I guess the other people in the car were debating whether we were German or English the whole ride:). While at the market I saw a ton of bush animals for sale, so I have seen monkeys, a crocodile, my second iguana (this was a GIANT one though), rats (the ones that our like 2 feet long), porcupines you name it....of course they were all dead and cooked so I'm not sure if they count.  I did see a live iguana in our back yard two days ago and got a picture of it, but it was pretty small:) Other than that we have been getting ready for a team of 12 that is coming this evening. I have a busy week ahead and I will keep you all posted on what happens. I will also try to upload some pictures soon.

Miss you all!

Love,

Shannon

Traveling to Gabon.

Update 1-- Travel

So, I woke up pretty early this morning so first thing I did was write in my journal about my trip (I didn't want to forget anything), and now I'll add that entry on here so you can all hear about it. It's going to be a little long (in my journal it was 14 pages...lol)  but I wanted to get most of the details down because I know that I will be asked about them all anyway. Feel free to message me on facebook if you want to know more or if you have a question that I didn't answer. 

Libreville, Gabon--Day 1 March 31st

It's only 7:45Am over here and even though my body has gotten practically no sleep for the past three days, I am wide awake. Maybe even with all the time changes I am still on Californian time. I was planning to sleep in till about noon today so I could catch up on a little sleep, but by 7am I was wide awake. I still got a good nights rest since I went to sleep about 10:30pm last night but I've never had trouble sleeping in before:)  so I was expecting to sleep a lot more than 8.5 hours. Still, I will take it as it is the first time I have slept more than a few minutes at a time in the past few days. Also, from what I can tell I'm not that tired right now, probably for over exhaustion, hopefully that lasts for the day. 

So, I left my house early Tuesday morning (about 2Am) Californian time, my mom drove me to Sacramento and we got to the airport at about 4:45. After checking my suitcase and talking for a bit we said goodbye and I went through security, which took maybe fifteen minutes. I called my mom to let her know I made it through and she went home. I had about forty minutes before my plane took off so I got a Starbucks (last one before I left) and waited. My plane left about 6:30.   My first flight which was by far the shortest (under four hours) was for me my least favorite as I was in the middle seat, cramped, tired, and slightly nausea. 

When we arrived in Houston with the first time change it was about 12. I had four hours before my next flight, which at the time still did not have a gate, so I had lunch and then went in search of my terminal. The only problem was the terminal had a TON of gates and I really didn't want to be sitting on the wrong side or something. I decided that since my flight wasn't up on a board,  I would go look for someone to ask ( the terminal was practically empty). After about fifteen-twenty minutes I found  a really nice and helpful security woman, who after checking to see if my plane had a gate yet (negative), she told me which of the two gates it would have a chance at being in and walked me to them. After that I considered going around the airport to kill time since I still had awhile to wait, but I was tired and didn't really feel like going shopping or walking around. So, instead I sat and texted and read. My second flight didn't start boarding till when we were supposed to be taking off and then after we had our boarding passes checked and were making our way to the plane we all had our bags drug tested. It was a bit intense, one because we were being pulled away in groups of ten,  and two because it was unexpected and we were being yelled at. Anyway, we all had to stand on the opposite side of a hallway from our bags while they brought a dog  through to check our bags. Everything was fine and we were finally allowed to board our plane. 

For my second flight not only did I have the window seat but the middle seat was open, which was really nice. This was my longest flight, about nine hours, though again we had another time change during our flight which made it an overnight flight. We ended up taking off about an hour late, so, at about 5pm. They served us dinner at about 6:30, which was actually pretty good and played the movie Secretariat (which I had just recently watched).  After the movie everyone tried to sleep but it was really a restless sleep, where every five to ten minutes you were woken up. Then once you were awake it would take about half an hour to fall back asleep. In all I doubt I got more than an hour of sleep, mostly I just closed my eyes and wished I was sleeping. After about three hours the lights came back on and with the time change it was breakfast time. Again the food was really good. Our plane landed about an hour late in Frankfurt, Germany. We had to take a bus/train off the runway to the airport and finally got inside it after about fifteen minutes. Which left me about half an hour before my next flight was supposed to begin boarding. So, I rushed through trying to find my terminal, most of the signs were in German, but it was easy enough to follow the letter of my terminal. It was a long walk though and about halfway through it got interrupted by a trip through security (which I should add went even faster than my first trip in Sac). I ended up getting to my gate about five minutes before the plane was supposed to be boarding ( not even enough time for a quick bathroom run), but they didn't start that process till about twenty minutes after I got there. We took off from Frankfurt at about 11Am, which meant it also left about an hour late.

For this flight ( almost eight hours) I also had a window seat again but we all had a small touchscreen Tv on the seat-back in front of us (which was nice). I watch an old episode of Glee:) We were soon served lunch, (which I picked though) it tasted really pretty bad and my salad was covered in Shrimp. For those of you who know my well, you know of my strong dislike/hate for the nasty things! After that I tried to doze but gave up after an hour of trying. I started to watch a movie but after only getting through half I stopped it because I was really there anymore. I think my brain was completely exhausted and I was out of it. So, I just went back to either looking out the window or trying to sleep. The first, was sometimes very interesting and beautiful (like when we went over the Sahara Desert) but mostly since we were up so high all that you could see were clouds. The second, which I spent most of my time doing though it ended up being pretty pointless since I never really got more than a few minutes of sleep. So, again I got probably less than an hour of sleep (all of which was very disturbed and spliced). Again we had a time change (around this time I was getting really confused to what time it was...lol) and arrived in Libreville, Gabon (Africa) about an hour early. I'm not exactly sure how since we left an hour late? Anyway, we weren't allowed to land for about fifteen minutes and went in circles over the ocean while we waited ( this made me really dizzy and sick to my stomach). 

We ended up landing at about 4:20pm and after a quick walk across the landing we were in the airport.  The first thing you notice getting off the plane was the heat, it was not only really hot but very humid, even the airport was hot and stuffy. The Libreville airport is really small and seemed very lax with security compared to the other airports I had been too. Everyone entered one room where we waited to have our passports checked. I should probably mention that everything was in French (or course) and if there was a English translation on the signs it would be a single word ( which was never very clear), also, though the security spoke English it was very limited and hard to understand.....which made it fun (...not really). After, our passports had been checked  we waited in another line (same room, as far as I could tell it was really the only room for arriving passengers besides the baggage room which through a sliding door) for them to get rechecked and stamped. Then we had our yellow fever papers checked and went through the sliding door to get our baggage.  There wasn't security to go through or anything which I thought was odd. Anyway, I saw my suitcase at once and grabbed it. There were no seats or waiting rooms or anything inside so I followed the other passengers outside. 

Then came the fun part of my traveling, because you can't end anything without something going wrong. Since our plane landed early and getting through the airport only took about fifteen minutes I was still more than half an hour early (mean it was half an hour before my flight was even supposed to land).  Anyway, I went outside through one of the many doors without a sign and quickly realized that my friends from Envision weren't there yet.  My first thought was OMG! I'm in a country where I don't understand the language and I'm all by myself! But even though it was a little scary I knew that they would be there soon and I just had to wait. So, I found a seat on this strange circular bench, said a quick prayer, and waited. I had a couple airport workers offer to get me a taxi and I had to explain to them that I was waiting for someone. It took a few minutes since I don't know any french and their english wasn't that great, but once they understood that I had someone coming to get me they left. I only waited about forty minutes, though during that time I had two random guys who were just hanging around the airport come up to me and try to talk to me. I figured that they probably just wanted money so I just ignored them and they left. Leanne and two others from Envision (Olivia and Dan) arrived about the time my flight was supposed to land and welcomed me to Gabon. They were surprised to see me since I guess most flights always arrive late and they are used to waiting for awhile.

We then went to have dinner at a friends house (Wednesday night is bible study night) and I got to meet more people and hear about Gabon and the work that is being done here. After dinner (which was amazing after all that plane food), a game, talking, and yummy cherry cobbler, we headed to the Envision Center. This is were I'll be stay while I'm here with Leanne, Olivia (my roommate) and a couple of others. About the time we left it started raining. Now when it rains in Africa it's still hot. So, it wasn't cold just raining. The Envision Center is just outside of Libreville (the capitol of Gabon) in Owendo, so we traveled about fifteen minutes or so to get there. Lets just say there aren't really any rules to traffic here, so anything goes. All of which you see. Not to mention that there are probably more people in the roads then cars. And I saw my first accident on the way within the first five minutes of the drive. Anyway, so we got to the Envision Center which will be my home home at about 8ish. I unpacked and then jumped on my computer, don't worry you didn't miss anything I only emailed my mom (and it was really short) and via facebook let everyone know I was here safe and sound. After that I took a shower (which felt amazing after not being able to be clean for days), I looked and felt a mess, not to mention I'm sure I smelt bad too:) Then Olivia and I talked for a little while and then crashed at about 10pm. Which brings me full circle back to today. 

After journaling, and then typing it all up it is now it is 12. It looks like today will be pretty chill since I'm still getting over traveling. All in all everything went really well and I'm excited to be here in Africa! I can't wait to share more about my time here with all of you and hopefully soon add some pictures.

Love,

Shannon

Moments...

The reminding of something is often so much more important then the learning of something new.

This is something our speaker yesterday at The Stirring's Womens Retreat told us. It's so true. It's not the we forget what we've learned but that we get so easily distracted by new things that what we already know often becomes buried.  This morning's message was about moments and how God uses moments to come alive, to touch people, to open their eyes and how He wants us to be on mission with the moments He gives us everyday. I was thinking about my upcoming trip and how God has been telling me that He has big plans for Africa and that I am meant to be part of what He is doing. How I've been praying for God to move and be visible in impossible ways. During the service I was asking God to make clear what He was trying to tell me because I felt like I look for the small moments all the time. And God just spoke to me, reminding me that it isn't just about all the big things He's doing but the small moments as well. That I shouldn't just be expecting big things to happen but moments where God is exposed for how big He is. For how much He loves. For how much hope He brings. And that He is always with us. Just small moments where someone feels; His love; feels hopeful, maybe for the first time; knows that they aren't alone. Those moments are just as special to God as when He does something unexpected. I pray for both of these, the impossible and the simple. And I am confident that God will lead me through both!

Womens Retreat

I am so encouraged. I spent the day with the women of my church, many of which are close friends.
Together we let our walls downs.
Together we rested.
Together we let ourselves heal.
Together we encouraged one another. 
Together we listened to the voice of our Father.

For me, it was a day of rest and encouragement. I was at peace. I was full of joy. I knew without who I was.

Strong.

Free.

Beautiful.

Loved.

Confident.

Powerful.

Important.

Dangerous.

Alive.

I few days ago while pouring out my heart in prayer and journaling, I asked God for faith. In Matthew 17:20 it says even with a little faith you can move mountains and do the impossible. So, I asked God for more than a little faith. Because, I know that He has more for me than just moving mountains. Today, God told me that He had given me the gift of faith and that I have been faithful.

This morning we were asked what lie was weighing heavily on our hearts, keeping us down for awhile.  Mine was self-doubt. The dreams and call I've been given are so big, sometimes it's hard to see any of that in myself. Throughout the day God just reminded me that I am perfect in the way I created, I perfect in where I've placed, and I'm perfect on my journey because all of this is according to His plan for me.

Later, we were asked what truth God had spoken over us. My truth came from a close friend. God spoke through her to tell me that He was SO proud of me. That blew my mind. God was proud of me and believed in me, I had no reason to doubt.


Today, God told me that I was faithful and that He was proud of me, for my heart and who I am, today.

Faith of A Mustard Seed

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. -Joshua 1:9

Tonight, I was reminded of the journey I'm on.
Reminded, of how much bigger it is than me.
Reminded, of the strength and boldness that I have.
And reminded, of the type of life I will live and legacy I will leave behind.
Tonight, my fears, anxieties, and doubts were destroyed, through simple words of truth, encouragement, and prayer.

I stopped thinking about the planning, the to-do lists, and the what-ifs and instead considered the planning God has done, the way He has prepared me with everything I need, and the what-will happen. Suddenly, everything that stress had blurred and hidden came back into focus. All the little things and doubts became insignificant. The reality and truth of what God has been doing, is doing, and I can expect to happen became so real. This is SO much bigger than I can imagine or hope for.

6 1/2 weeks is more than enough time to make a difference if God has gone before you and then placed you there. I know God has gone ahead and I know He has brought me here. Therefore, I expect to see the impossible and be part of it. All I need to see mountains move is the faith of a mustard seed, and I pray for more than that!

With God all things are possible.                             

- Matthew 19:26

Africa Preparations... the countdown

7 Days Left.

With my trip right around the corner there is a lot on my mind. A lot of stress and pressure about making sure everything is ready, paid for, packed,and well, you name it!

Lets start out with so REALLY good news!

I will finally be getting my Visa (along with my passport back) tomorrow! With all the trouble and delays that came up this is a huge relief to me. Honestly, I was getting concerned if I was going to be able to fly out of the country in a week. Thank you, Lord for taking care of everything!    And thank you, to everyone who has been praying with me about this!

I really would like to say that I'm solely excited about this trip and not worried about anything but that's not true. I am excited, so excited that I can't really put it into words! I feel like something that I have been waiting, longing, and dreaming about is finally coming true. It's happening! RIGHT NOW! But with that excitement come the worries about how everything is going to work out. I know that in the end it will, but when it gets down to the wire it is sometimes really hard to not stress about EVERYTHING! Here are a few of the big worries on my mind. I would love it if you could pray over them and me.

1: Finances.
I'm still short on funds which I have to pay in full for by Wednesday (March 23rd). This whole time I've been trying to just trust that God is going to provide. I haven't wanted to ask for money because I honestly feel that if I have to ask for it I'm not fully trusting God to provide. But today I just feel led to open up about it. Give people the chance to help me out and contribute to what God has planed.

If you would like to contribute to my trip expenses here is the information you'll need. I have an online account with the Christian Missionary Alliance and all you need is my account name (Shannon Lundberg) and my account number (1-47646-49-11).
Go to this link: http://www.cmalliance.org/give/approved-specials.
Once the page loads click designated giving (there is a link in the first paragraph on the page), enter my name and account number. Just a reminder, all my funds must be in by Wednesday (March 23rd) at latest.

2: Gathering and Packing. 
I am still getting together everything for my trip. I guess I never realized how much not only do you use every day but all the things that you need when you are traveling to a different country. Making sure you have everything and you are prepared for anything....well, yes that is stressful!



3: Traveling.

So, as the time approaches I am starting to get a little nervous about fly out of the country by myself. I just have never flown by myself so it's all a little daunting. What if I can't flow the airport signs or something happens with my flights. All the possibilities of everything that could go wrong, yes,  they are all floating around in my head.



4: Dirt and Germs. 
They may seem like they aren't a big deal but they have always bothered me. I can do pretty well with going outside and getting my hands dirty but I then I want to make sure I'm 100% clean. I hate having any dirt on my hands. I hate walking through the mud. So,  being in an environment that I might be uncomfortable with has be a little nervous. I want to be carefree and not to worry about something so insignificant as dirt. I want to be able to do anything and everything while I'm in Africa. I don't want to be held back at all by my dislike of dirt and germs.


I just want to be able to look forward to next week without worrying about this one. I want to be free from all this stress and pressure so I can just be happy and hopeful about what is happening. I want to be expecting to be provided for, expecting for the impossible to happen, and expecting for God to show up in BIG ways!

Thank You!
Shannon

Gabon, Africa

But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD,

That I may declare all Your works. -Psalm 73:28

Gabon, Africa

March 29th- May 12th 2011 (44 days)

●Over 20 million children have been orphaned by AIDS worldwide.

●88% of people living with HIV, and 92% of AIDS deaths have been in Africa.

●Gabon has a population of more than 1.5 million with a high mortality rate due to HIV/AIDS.

This is a letter to all my friends and family. You have all played such important roles in my life and blessed me in so many ways.  You’ve helped me become who I am today and shaped me for tomorrow. I’d like to give you the oppertunity to continue being a part of that journey as I head to Africa, embarking on a mission very dear to my heart; reaching out to the children all across the world.

                   This is the first step for me and it’s a big one.  I feel like I’ve been waiting to go somewhere for forever but that’s because ever since God’s given me these dreams I have wanted to be living them. My life isn't something I just want to go through focused on what I’m going to accomplish but instead on what I can give to those around me. I want to make a difference but not by what I say or do but through the way I live. I want every second of my life to count, no matter how long I have, where I am, or who I’m with. I want to serve and love the people I am around. I want to give everything that I have, which is so much because I know that this is what I have been called to do.  God has such big plans and dreams and I am honored to be just a small part of one of those missions. Going to Africa on a short term mission trip may not seem that important, but for six weeks it’s everything to me. For now it’s me starting that journey and going, and it’s just the beginning of something big.                                                                                                                                              Libreville, Gabon

I'm going to Libreville which is the capital of Gabon, a republic located in on the western coast of Africa.  I have the privilege of serving with the Envision of the Christian Missionary Alliance (CMA). I'll be living on the Envision base with a  group of the CMA's missionaries. Each day I'll be traveling to the near by House of Hope (run by Envision) for orphaned and abandoned children. This is where I plan to spend most of my time, with these kids.  I'll be teaching them, playing with them, taking them places, but most importantly, just loving them. This really is a chance for me to do what God has called me to do, taking care of and loving His little children. And while today it may only be for six weeks, tomorrow it may be for the rest of my life.

           

I am really looking forward to what the Lord has planned and I need your prayers to help me fully carry out this mission and blessing that I have been given.  You can play a vital part in my ministry through your prayer support.

Prayer Requests:

1. That the Lord will use me as I long to contribute to His work

2. That God will provide for my expenses

3. That I will have safe travel and good health

4. That my team members and I will develop healthy relationships

5. That I won’t be homesick for my friends and family

Thank you so much for your prayers.  If you would like to write to me, I’d enjoy hearing from you.  If you’d like to contribute towards my expenses, make the check payable to Shannon Lundberg.

This is my address for my time in Africa. I'd love to hear from you!

BP 49 Lembamba

Gabon

Africa

I’m trusting that by God’s grace and your prayers, my time and service will be profitable for His glory.

                        In His Service,

                                           Shannon Lundberg