Objectives, goals, values, and ferns

Overdue. My blog is overdue, I know. Forgive me? Okay great, glad we're past that.

     So let me fill you in a bit on what has been going on the last couple of weeks! For those of you who don't get my monthly newsletter, I have been officially on staff for around six weeks now! It is amazing how much I feel like I have grown in that time and really been challenged.

     Since beginning with band stuff, we have been heavily praying into objectives, goals, values, and vision! It has been challenging in the sense that as musicians we want to be hands on and get ready to playing, however that has not been God's immediate desire for us.

     In meetings, God has really been revealing His heart to us for music and for what He wants us to do. We really feel called to the Music Industry and to influence it to bring hope and transformation. We have identified the Music Industry as an unreached people group that desperately needs redemption and the gospel.

If you would like to see a copy of our values and objectives, please let us know. 

     Another thing we have been praying into is band names. We wanted to make sure that any name we have will represent who we are and what we do. Finding a band name was for sure a process. We were asked at the end of the week to start praying into it and thinking about it and come Monday with some ideas. We came in that monday and some names were offered, but there was total disunity and even some tension in the room and in our relationships. We could not come up with anything so our leader Sabo, asked us again to take the night and keep praying about it. Tuesday we came in still with some tension and disunity. After praying, we went through a time where we asked each others forgiveness for pride and things, and began seeking God for a band name after that.
     Immediately God gave us the image of a fern. Random, I know. That's what I thought. But we looked up the significance of a fern and the definition we got was hope, transformation, and renewal for the future. HOW COOL IS THAT!? Our mission statement as a ministry is to bring hope and transformation to the music industry! Okay so Fern..... well how do you use that in a band name?
     Luke, the bass player in our band has recently been on this french craze learning new french phrases everyday, so he threw around some french phrases, and we ended up with the french for "of the" which is "de la". But "de la Fern" was lame, so we decided to mash them together, so ladies and gentlemen.....

I would like to announce the band's name......

Della Fern

Besides getting the name, we have also defined roles in the band.

Beau [Australia] - Lead vocals/guitar

Grace [USA] - Lead vocals/some keys

Luke [USA] - Bass/vocals

Joel [Australia] - Guitars

Dean [New Zealand] - Drums

also, Beau and I will share the role of "front man" for the band. The person who communicates with the audience, and keeps them entertained. This will be fun because Beau and I are really great friends so the chemistry on stage will be great!

We were announced to our base, and they laid hands on us and prayed for us, and so now we are all set to go!

We are planning our first mini tour here in Australia for the month of November, and getting ready for BIG things! I am excited to keep sharing with you guys all the God is doing in and through the band! 

Please remember, if you have any questions about what I'm up to/doing, if you would like to support me financially, or even get prayer from me, email me at graceeggers@gmail.com

Home is where we are now.

The other day, I was going out for bubble tea with some friends and there was a sculpture that really caught my eye. It's funny though, because I pass that sculpture often, but had never really taken the time to look at it. But this day was differnt.

"Home is where we are now."

I've been in Perth now for over five weeks, and my time adjusting has been quite interesting. On my discipleship training school [DTS], everything was so new, I was so excited about being in this new place, and I had so many new faces to see each day. Being back on staff is a bit different. I have been here before. I know most of the people. One thing that is very different is the fact that in DTS, even though you are taught to serve, you are also served. On staff I am not here to be served but to serve. This is what God has called me to. God has called me here. And for this time, however long it may be, God has called me to make Perth my home. Home is where I am now. 

The last five weeks feel like four years to me with the amount of stuff I have been doing. In that, I apologize for the amount of time I have let by without posting a new blog. [If you would like to receive my proper news letter, you can email me at graceeggers@gmail.com and I will send you a separate letter!] The first week that I was here, I was able to go two hours south of Perth to a town called Busselton to visit a couple that I met on my outreach and spend some time relaxing with a friend here from YWAM and my friend from home, Kauleen who came to do a DTS. It was a great time to sleep off the jet lag, eat Kangaroo Steaks, and to spend with Christine and Steve. 

During my second week, I was back on base in Perth, and was able to help out in the Design Team on our base. Because the leader of my band, Sabo, was not back from holiday in Nigeria, I was assigned to help with Design. The Design team is in charge of beautifying the base, putting on events, and drinking lots of coffee. They build much of our furniture from scratch, and all have a very artistic eye. I was given a few odd jobs such as painting new rooms for the new July quarter training students. Oh man, was it challenging. I really felt God was growing me a lot this week in many areas, one being the area of humility and servant hood. Because I was not doing anything with music, which is what I came to do, I felt a little impatient, and God just continued to remind me to serve and serve with a happy heart! It was tough. 

The third week, I got an awesome opportunity to work with our youth ministry on base called Nexwave. Thirty staff [Nexwave ministry plus other random staff] headed down two hours south east to put on a Winter Camp for the school holidays. We had 120 campers ages 12-18. I got the opportunity to lead small groups, lead an activities group, help in the kitchen, and love on a lot of kids. We played heaps of games including a version of the tough mudder, a black-light scavenger hunt, and smoke-screen dodgeball. It was so great! I have to say it was a super challenging week however. As staff, we weren't in bed til after 11:30 PM and all up at 5 AM or before. I really felt like God challenge me in many areas, especially patience!

The next week, I was finally on base, and about to begin Band ministry. We have been meeting as a band for two full weeks now and are into our third week. Currently there are only 3 out of 5 of us in the band here, but it has been great. We have been doing things that are necessary to pioneering a ministry. Objectives, goals, values, and vision have been the things we have been praying into mostly, and using our afternoons for research on venues, equipment, but also have been doing some individual practice and group practice. We have been pumping out original songs left and right, and have just enjoyed being together as a band.

The other two of our band members get here later this week, and it will be great to feel like a complete family. One of my favorite things about this ministry is the fact that the guys in my ministry are some of my best friends, and brothers.

In the coming up months, we will be commissioned by our base and base leaders as an "Official Ministry" and then begin to play shows!

Thank you so much to those of you who has been supporting me not just in prayer, but also financially. It really means a lot to me. I am currently not up to my full needs as far as monthly support, but am trusting God. If you would like to be someone to give to me wether one time or monthly, please let me know.

In other exciting news, my band may be doing some international traveling here soon.... maybe somewhere near you.....

I also would love to send you my monthly newsletter if you don't already get it! Please let me know by commenting on this or emailing me at graceeggers@gmail.com

The call to home...

In the south-east of the United States, is a small state called North Carolina. On the south-central border of the state is a city called Charlotte. Four hundred thousand people call Charlotte home. I am one of those people. That means there are 399,999 other people around me. That is 399,999 who may or may not know who Jesus is. That is 399,999 people that Jesus gave His life for. 

Thinking about this makes being home make much more sense. There were times when still in Perth, that I would have rather just stayed there. So why am I home?  For the 10.5 weeks that I am in Charlotte, my call is home. Charlotte, being in the Bible belt, is a city with a church on every corner. But there are so many unchurched people. I am home to be Jesus to Charlotte. 

I am to be Jesus to my friends
I am to be Jesus to my family
I am to be Jesus at Chick-fil-A
I am to be Jesus at Planet Fitness
I am to be Jesus in Easthaven Neighborhood
I am to be Jesus at Charlotte United Christian Academy
I am to be Jesus in Charlotte
I am to be Jesus anywhere I am.

Now, how has this turned out for me? Have I succeeded in every area perfectly? No, I haven't. Being home has been hard. There have been things that the enemy has thrown at me. There are things that I should have said no to, but haven't. Paul was put into prison countless times. He was persecuted and laughed at. That is because God never said it would be easy. And it is not, but anything is possible with and through Him who is greater!

Missions is a spiritual battle.
America is a spiritual battleground.


My home is Charlotte, NC in America.
This is my mission field.
This is my call to home.

The start of something new...

Half way. 

I am at the half-way mark of my time at home. I have been home 5 weeks as of today, and have just a few days over 5 weeks before I return to Perth, Australia. 
It's been such an interesting ride being at home. Initially it was very strange. In once sense it felt like an eternity since I had been home, in another since, it seems like I never left. My house, my car, my dog, being with my mom, and driving around Charlotte seemed like things I had never left. But in fact I left them for a long while, and now return looking at them differently.
Yes, Charlotte is my hometown, but it no longer my home. Not for now. My home is Perth. Charlotte is temporary for me. However, I am called here for this time. But why? That is what I am still asking God to reveal to me everyday.

Since being home, I have done so much. This last week, one of my very best friends came to stay with me for a week from DTS. It has been over 8 months since we have seen each other, and it was wonderful to be back with her. I have also been working a lot at Chick-fil-A. Talk about a mission field. I have several co-workers who are muslim, and many who are apathetic to religion. My heart yearns for them.

The other day, my co-worker said she had been going to the Muslim Mosque

to pray with her dad, because at "regular church" she didn't  feel anything

This made me want to cry... obviously she has had the wrong view of God... our relationship with God is not based on feeling. This really fired me up, and made me want to reach out to those who have a wrong view of who God is!

It has been tough being home, I would be lying if I said it's been easy. Not being in the routine of the daily life in YWAM, not being with my friends (most of them away at school) and having to be SUPER intentional about quiet times has been rough. But I have the future to look forward to..... And this is what it is......

BAND MINISTRY

If you have read my blog, you know that I am going to be joining full-time staff ranks with YWAM Perth at the end of June/beginning of July. I have shared my heart for missions, and I have shared how God called me, but one thing I have not shared are the specifics! So here they are (from what I can tell you)

When I join YWAM Perth on staff, I will be apart of a ministry. Now this ministry does not have an official name yet, so for now it is the "band ministry." When I was in music DTS, I was put through a sort of audition per say. There are four of us, one already on staff, and then three of us apart of the music DTS. The other three are boys, and then me. Two Aussies, and two americans. We will be forming a band.

Now the heart of this band is to change the music industry; to write secular music with a Christian world-view and biblical foundation. We know that there is a need for christians, missionaries even, to be in ever aspect of society. We are the ones reaching out to those in the music industry. Writing this kind of music not only reaches out to fans, but to others involved in the industry. 

We will be spending time in the word and in worship coming up with vision, goals, a band name, and then begin to write music. With the music written, we will begin to record and market ourselves. Then comes the performance. 

We have the oppertunity to get involved in Perth in public and secular venues. Using performance as a way to bridge the gap between believers and non-believers, and cultures to cultures. We can use music to form relationhsips with people who own these venues and a way to evangelize. 

When we go on overseas or farther outreaches, we will be able to not only perform, but to serve in the local communities and churches! It is going to be amazing to see God move in the music industry, and in our own lives!

If you know me, you know this is a PERFECT fit for me. This is what I have ALWAYS wanted to do, and if anything, doing this under the protective covering of YWAM is the way to go! Who knows what God has in store for me....

It's a journey, and I'm ready for it!

If you want to know more, or know how you can give towards this cause, email me at graceeggers@gmail.com

Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly...

     The last nine months have been the most wonderful, but most challenging ever. I don't know how to accurately sum them up. Today I had my final one-on-one with my school leader [accompanied by Erika who staffed my school]. It was a chance for me to process the last nine months. However, it was only about fourty-five minutes. How do you unpack nine months in that time? I was able to share what God has done in my life, things I have overcome, and my future plans/goals. It was amazing.

     I was asked what the biggest thing God has done in my life is. Immediately I knew the answer: Fear of the Lord. Fear of the Lord is something that, praise the Lord, I have been filled with on DTS. Now, fear of the Lord? You may be asking what that is... shouldn't we not be afraid of God? Of course. God is not a scary God, but as Christians, we are called to love what he loves, and hate what he hates, to be passionate about following Him, and above all else want to honor Him. When we have these things, we are more aware that God is literally with us at all times. So this should effect your speech, your thoughts, and your actions. 

     I realized that before DTS, I had no fear of the Lord. Yes, I went to church, grew up in a Christian home, went to youth group, led worship, and even was a "spiritual" leader for some of my peers. But did I follow God? Did I want to honor him in every aspect of my life? No. Before DTS, I cannot tell you ONE time that I had a quiet time, or read my Bible outside of bible class. I cannot tell you a time when I let the fact that God is always with me stop me from having an inappropriate conversation, judgmental thoughts, or doing something foolish or unwise. 

     But now I understand, I have had so much revelation at just how BIG an omnipresent my God is, that I want to honor him above all. If it means looking like a fool to my friends, being bashed for standing up for the truth, walking away from a situation, stopping a conversation, changing the radio, turning off the TV, then so be it. Honoring, and serving my God is a million times worth it, and better than all those things. 

Then I was reminded of scripture that God has been using to speak to me since day one....

"What does the Lord require of you?

 Seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly

 with your God"

- Micah 6:8

Seek Justice -- Outreach was filled with this. With so much injustice around, how could I not seek justice for these people? To do what we do best here in YWAM Perth, intercede on their behalf. Why should I be so blessed and get to know about Jesus so freely? They deserve to know as well! Yes I know technically we all deserve hell, but why should I keep what I know silent? They are my equals. Just because they live in a different part of the world, their houses may look different [or just their toilets], or they eat different food or speak a different language; they should know! The injustice they suffer, it's the least I can do. I can at least share with them about the love, security, and blessing that comes with knowing Jesus.

Love Mercy -- You know when you spend time looking for your glasses just to find out they were on your head the whole time? Yeah this is how the whole mercy thing was for me. I am supposed to be like Christ. Christ loves mercy. I should love mercy. Right? Well darn ole selfishness often gets in the way of that. I want what I want, my comforts. But why don't I want comfort for others? I say I do in my words, but I do not in my actions. But God turned that around and really gave me a heart for HIS people. They are His and He has chosen them and ADOPTED them and longs to extend His mercy to them. So I should love them, I should be Jesus and show them that. And that is what [with God's help] I was able to do. God has TOTALLY given me a heart for the broken, lost, and searching. He has given me an even bigger heart for the unsaved. Those in my family who are unsaved, those around me in my life and shown me the reality of what it means for them to not be saved and the importance of loving them. They deserve my prayers, they deserve my time. They deserve mercy.

Walk Humbly -- This has probably been the biggest thing for me. Humility. Something I have never really had. Wether it's tooting my own horn, putting myself before others, not wanting to serve/being selfish, or having false humility. God is showing me what it means to be humble. There have been days where He has challenged me to even not talk about myself. It's a lot harder than you may think. God has challenged me to be humble in the small things; admitting when I'm wrong about the smallest thing, asking for forgiveness for the smallest thing. It is so important, cause even the SMALLEST thing that we may thing is no big deal, is. Like we are taught, sin is sin and even the smallest thing is equal to the biggest. There were many times on DTS where I had to eat that delicious slice of humble pie. The thing that hit me the most with humility is that "HUMILITY IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING TO GOD" Why wouldn't I strive to be humble? 

So those are just a few things that I have really taken away from this experience and more. But God is so faithful. When I fail, when I am slow to learn, He is the best teacher. He has the most grace, and He has the most patience. It's been the most amazing ride. It's been the most life changing experience. And even though It may not have been God's "plan" for me to be here 9 months, He took my mistakes, my redemption, and truly worked them out for the GOOD for His glory. 

PRAISE THE LORD!

Now... and Beyond....

Well I am at my second cafe for the day! Finally, I found somewhere where my computer can connect to the internet. I've had internet access, but only on my phone, and posting blogs from phones is a difficult task. 

So let me fill you in on my life....

This blog will be in several parts, cause I have a lot to cover...

PART ONE: Down South

     Well we arrived back in Perth on February 12. It was crazy... it just felt like we were going through the motions, not that we were actually leaving Africa. It didn't actually hit me til a few days after we were back in Australia. We had a few hours... yes hours in Perth to repack, get things done, and attempt to rest. I however, had no sleep. I was running on around 40 hours of no sleep by the time I was able to get a good nights sleep. We loaded into the Transit, and we were off down south.

     We are in between two towns; Busselton and Bunbury. I encourage you to look them up on google. The beaches here are BREATH taking. There is a jetty (pier/dock) here that is the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere. It is 1.6 kilometers long. The water is CRYSTAL clear, and gorgeous. In a way it could seem like a vacation, but that is not why we are here.

     So our accommodation. There is a really nice couple Lynn and Jeff. They live in the boondocks, of bogan Australia off of a national forest. They have let us pitch tents on their property and have given us a barbecue to cook on. They had a caravan (camper) and have let the girls sleep in that while the boys sleep in a tent! They are such lovely people. We offered to give them money for their hospitality but they have asked us to stay for free! Thank you Lord. He always provides.

     For ministry we have been doing several things. When we first arrived, our team of twelve was split up into four groups of three and sent on high school retreats. I was with the year 10's. Forty tenth graders. It was great. We spent three days at a camp kinda like the camps we went to when I was in high school. We did high ropes courses, giant swings, canoed, toured museums, and spent time with God! It was so great. I got the chance to share my testimony to the kids and lead a small group! The best part though was there was unlimited coffee.... real coffee. It was like luxury compared to the instant coffee we drank in Africa. It was also great to build relationship with the kids and get to be examples to them!

     Since then, we have been doing much as well! There is a government run high school here called Australind Senior High School. It is a public school with about 1,500 students grades 8-12. We just finished a week in the high school and still have one to go teaching seminars on Bullying. We have one hour with 9 year 8 classes, so we are seeing a total of 200 kids throughout the week. This school has a lot of violence, and even though we are not able to talk about the Lord directly, we are able to bring His presence to the school. You know, when two or three are gathered in His name, He is there! And He is there! It's been great. We do dramas, share personal stories, teach, and watch clips from Toy Story 3 to teach on Peer Abuse! 

     Other than that we have been really enjoying being back in civilization and enjoying each others company a lot! God is so good and 

PART TWO: The Future

     So one thing that I am really excited about telling you guys is what the future holds for me.  I think many of you know, but if you don't, I have felt God's call on my life for missions. So here is what the future holds and how I came about deciding it:

     In August, we had a week called "Missions" on DTS. I really felt God telling me that He is worth my life and that I am called to share His love, see the world, and be in the world. I knew that I had to dedicate my life to missions, but I didn't know how that would look, so I assumed join staff with YWAM. When I restarted lecture phase in October, I still really felt this way. God continued to grow that seed in my heart. However, I did not have a tangible word that this was right. One thing I continued to pray for over DTS is that God would confirm things to me through scripture. But that had not happened yet with this.

     In November, I submitted my application to be apart of staff with YWAM Perth. Still, I had no tangible word, but knew I had to do this. I continued to pray about it thought and trusted God. One thing I learned from DTS is that there are two ways to go about obedience. 
      First -- Humanistic View: Hear from God/gain understanding, THEN obey
      Second -- Biblical View: Hear from God, obey, THEN gain understanding.
With this in mind, I obeyed by submitting my application.

     Now in February [Feb 6 to be exact] , I have received my acceptance for staff. Still I had no tangible word, but was really excited. The next day however, I was having my quiet time in the morning. One thing I have been doing during outreach is reading through some of the smaller books of the Bible that I normally skip. On this particular Feb 7 morning, I was reading in Zephaniah. I picked up that morning on Zephaniah 3. The first scripture I read said this...

“Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder." [vs 9]

COMMUNITY! YWAM focus' on community. This was the confirmation through scripture that I have been waiting for! 

     But there's more.... 

"From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings." [vs 10]

Did you see the word worshipers? More confirmation! I will be apart of a ministry on base that uses music to worship our KING! I will be able to have the opportunity to be on a worship team, and to use music and worship as discipleship! 

     And then more.... 

"They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid.” [vs 13]

LOOK AT THAT! even MORE confirmation! Part of being on Staff with YWAM Perth is I will be a full time missionary, and with that, I will have to raise support to live. Yes that means that I will have to PAY to be on staff with YWAM Perth, but because I am answering God's call, I can trust Him fully to provide for my every need. He will always provide for us when we are in His will!

    So with that I guess it is safe to say that after my DTS I will be joining full time staff with YWAM Perth. I will be apart of a ministry that uses music to influence the secular industry. I will be writing, recording, and touring and using music as a bridge. A bridge between cultures to cultures, and a bridge for believers and non believers. I will get the opportunity to staff Discipleship Training Schools [DTS's]. I will be living in community and serving the base. God has given me a heart for the youth and this country and im so excited to be serving God here! Now, what/when going on staff looks like? Well let me tell you...

     I will be flying back to the good ole USA on April 6 accompanied with my Mom who will have been in Australia for two weeks getting a good feel for where I have been and where I will be. I will be spending anywhere from 8-10 weeks back home with very important tasks at hand. First off, to connect and spend time with family and friends. Secondly to fundraise. I have to be back in Australia before July 1, 2013. But in order to do that I must raise money. I have to pay for visas, health insurance, and a flight to get back to Perth. Also, I will be having to pay monthly fees to be apart of staff, and also for living costs, so I will be finding monthly support as well! 

     I am SO excited to come back home. Mainly because I miss it! Also because I already have several opportunities to speak in churches and schools to tell youth about what God has been doing in my life and what he will continue to do. God has put my friends back home on my heart and I can't wait to reconnect with them and really love on them!

SO that is what God is doing in my life

LOVE YOU GUYS!

Day 2 of Inhassunge

The following is written on 16 January 2013

Tuesday (Yesterday)

     Around 5:30 am I heard the roosters. A sound I actually quite enjoy waking up to; but it wasnt just one rooster, but a chain-reaction chior of roosters. The sound was acompanied by the voices of kids young and old beginning their day.
     Immediately I realized that i was covered head to to in sweat. Sarah, from California, and I are sharing Justino's room happily. We realized however, the room turns more into a baking sauna in the day. We rose to a nicely made pot of porriage. I actually thoroughly enjoyed it. It was like a mix between cream of wheat and grits with a taste of oatmeal once sugar was added. We ate up knowing we would get 3 meals. No more, no less.
     After breakfast, Jason gave us a bit of a brief rundown in the morning. We had a great prayertime for Abby who at this point still hasnt joined us to to malaria and other things. Then came the prayer walk. I went out with Sam, the Indonesian on our team. On our walk we found a giant snail and a graveyward. We were able to see a bit more of the village. At one point, we stopped at a house and several kids gathered arround. We tried to communicate as best we could, and eventually gave up.
      Prayer. Prayer changes things and moves the spititual realm. And at a place like this, that is very important. The atmosphere here is one of an oppressivespirit. Inhassunge is the "university of witchcraft." That's why we must wage war on behalf of the name of Jesus.
     On our prayer walk, Sam and I did just that. We prayed over the kids we played with and just enjoyed them. Such a blessing
     When we retuned home from the walk, tehre were some local guys out chasing a pic that had just been dropped at the house. Once caught, it was put in the pantry....alive. Dinner. Yes, this pig would be killed to be both our lunch and dinner.
     For lunch, coconut lentils and rice. We eat a lot of rice. But this gave perfect energy for our afternoon of soccer. On the way there, we had a few kids follow us. Ozema held my hand and we walked to the shade and sat as spectators for the game. With all my skill, I didnt want to put others to shame, so I sat this one out....more like lack of skill.
     Soon there was about 100 people joining in to watch and play; women and children with me. They got a kick out of the fact that I was not playing. I smiled and laughed along. Sometimes I'm thankful that I can't understand what they are saying. This was one of those times.
     The sun began to set, and the team sat outside in the cool of the night chatting about the day and oher things... then it was off to bed we were.

I am so thankful for this island and God has really been giving me a heart for these people, this nation, this continent, and this world I'm living in.

It's time for Africa

The following was written on 15 January 2013:

      We made it. We finally made it to the island. After putting off a week, we are here. And oh, was it worht it. Yes, it was a short treck, but i'd do it again 100 times over.
     We started out the day walking from the house to the dock. So many people everywhere. The boat we got on was basically a piece of floating concrete. The water, very grey and mucky. Seeing Quilemane from the outside as a bit hard to take in. There is a dark, dirty feel to it, but bright with potential and determination.
     On the otherside of a 10 minute boat ride was a whole new world. I'm not sure how to accurately describe it. Africa. It's Africa. A 20 minute bus ride through fields of somesord helped the reality set in. Then, being dropped off on the side of the road by a school helped too. Of course, a few began to do what they do best - draw a croud with a soccer ball.
     When Jason, my leader who had stayed with our guide Justino arrived, we bagan the walk into the village. And so it began....
     Little faces crowded with things such as ringworm, flies, snot, scrapes, and scars began to follow us. They were so happy and totally carefree. As soon as they saw the first one of us, they joined the treck. Every time I looked back they were waving, smiling, and often laughing.
     We made camp at Justino's place. A lovely mud hut with a tin room. His room has a nice double bed and nothing more. A room that is used as a dining area and sitting area is next. There's a nice big fridge in the corner. However, it does not work. If  didn't mention before, there is no elecetricity. Also, no running water. No drinking water. I guess you could say - life is simple. The people here seem to work to live. Between drawing water, preparing the food, taking care of the kids, and harvesting crops, the day is full. It's hard to fathom that people whave lived this way...have ALWAYS lived this way.
     But joy. There's so much joy. Justino's house immediately became a fathering area for many kids. They got a kick out of us scrambling to pick as many guavas, limes, bananas, and mangos growing outside the house. They lauged and smilied and eventually warmed up to us enough to play duck-duck-goose. Here they play duck-duck-DUCK, just repeating the word quite loudly. Even some of the moms joined in.
     The afternoon was filled with long walks almost getting lost, meeting the town drunk, learning names, and learning more names.
     The sun setss early here, and the stars come out. There is so much beauty in this land. Betwenn the lush green land, the colorful birds, the people, and the way of living, there is so much that points to how creative my maker is.
     Around 8:00 PM, which felt like midnight, we had our dinner. Lunch and dinner were both graciously made for us. Coconut is a staple here, and it makes everything taste so grand. We sat around and enjoyed the meal, and the company of eachother.
     I am so blessed to be in this beautiful country, and that's all I could think of as I dozed off under my mosquito net. What a wonderful God I serve.
     Although originally I would be starting at Berklee today, I wouldnt want to be anywhere but here doing anything but this. 

To the ends of the earth...

Its time for Africa.

First, pardon me for any gramatical/punctuation erros. The keyboard here in Mozambique has strange set up for letterings.

Its hard to get my thoughts together right now. I have 11 minutes left here in the internet cafe to try to put my thoughts into words. So I will just try to hit some key points about what I have seen and learned here in my 10 days in Africa and what is next.

Moist. Moist is the only way I know how to describe this outreach. The sun is blazing, the humidity is extreme, and there are just only so many things you can do to stay cool. Sweat is a given. I promise, I have never been so sweaty in my life. Sweating from places I didnt know possible. But at the same time, there is so much beauty.

Beauty. The people, the land, the culture.

Mozambiques history is one of strife. Thirty years ago, it got out of a civil war that lasted for 16 years which proceeded the war for independence. But there is something deep about that, there is room for restoration and healing. And that is exactly what God is doing here.

Now. On the practical side of things.
We arrived on December 30. We speat four days in Beira. A moderate sized city. We stayed in an orphanage that is run by one of three YWAM Beira staff named Alfredo. He is running the orphanage with one other guy. He started running the orphanage at the age of 18. Thats my age. Can you even imagine? I cannot. But he has 25 young boys who he is totally showing the Father heart to.

On new years eve we got to play with those boys. Shooting fireworks, dancing, singing, praising God for the year, and just loving on eachother. I got pretty attached to a couple of them.

Other than that we helped around the orphanage with some practical clean up. I got to be apart of a group that scrubbed squaty potties and basins for bucked showers.

Thats another thing I dont think ill ever get used to. The smell of waste here.

We then traveled up to Quilemane.... a ten hour bus ride. Through the wet lands and grass lands of this countries. Through mud hut villages. Again. So much beauty.

In Quilemane, we have been doing soccer evangelism while partnering with a church. Other than that it is a lot of prayer walking, and just loving on the children. We are staying in a beautiful facility and eating well! But that wont last long.

On Friday we head out to Indugo and Inhessunge. Two islands without electricity, running water or phone service. We will be doing simple health care, and soccer camps.

Please pray for us as we have one member of our team with Malaria that has post poned our next journey!

Again so sorry for the brief update! I will be out of action for the next 4 weeks and then i will post more in depth as I am keeping a journal.