“I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.”
– Mother Teresa

Psalms 146:5-10

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

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







Sunday, March 27, 2011

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!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

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.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

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

Monday, March 21, 2011

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




Saturday, March 19, 2011

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