Last week at our Team Africa meeting we got a general packing list of mostly what we shouldn't take. And were told that we should only back a small duffel bag. For 2 weeks. All of our stuff must fit in there, and our needed supplies for the orphanage. Most of you know me well enough to know I am not a light packer. So thank goodness for space bags!
So this past week has been interesting just for me. Not really regarding Africa stuff, but just life in general. Tuesday was of course the election. It is considered to be the most important election in my life time (I'm not sure how they can say that when I'm only 21, but supposedly it's true). I try to stay out of politics. I'm usually on a need-t0-know basis with politics and that's it. I don't get overly involved. I know usually this blog only talks about Africa stuff, but it's my blog and I feel like writing some other things today. So about the past election... I was honestly disappointed to see the way many of my Christian friends reacted to Obama's election. Most of it that I heard was here in Nampa, some from Prineville via IM and phone calls. Many reactions I heard were "Life as we know it is over," and "I'm not ready for a socialist president" and "The world is coming to an end." I might not agree with Obama on his policies he wants to implement. I might not like the fact that he is a democrat. And maybe he is a socialist. But, the last I checked the Bible it said we are to respect those in authority. I don't think spreading slanderous statements about him via e-mail or texts is respectful. And I don't know about you, but my God is bigger than Obama and I trust that he has this in his control. Where is the trust people? Because a democrat is elected, we no longer trust God? Because Obama is supposedly a socialist, we no longer trust God? Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose." So maybe Obama is a socialist. Maybe he will implement socialist policies and I end up homeless and living on the streets. Even then, I choose to believe that is God's plan and it is good for me. So if you want to talk about how Obama is a bad person, or any kind of slander or gossip, please don't include me. He's the future leader of our country and I choose to respect him. He is the one who has to give an account to God for what he does, not me. I am only accountable for myself.
Ok enough of that.
Back to Africa stuff.... We have our silent auction Gala coming up in a few weeks and thankfully things are coming together. We have an African choir coming to perform. Each of our teams will also be performing something. We are gathering silent auction items which has been a little difficult with the current economic times. No one really wants to donate anything.
Rather than that, life is crazy as always. I got a flat tire on the freeway this week. Thank goodness for Les Schwab. I'm writing papers like crazy, working on presentations in both English and Japanese 日本語. I'm also learning bookmaking in my photo 2 class and it's so much fun! Admist everything going on. Admist all the craziness of life, being sick, flat tires, homework, homework and then some more homework, I have an indescrible peace. I feel tranquil, even when I feel like I'm in a tornado and everything is flying around me. It could only be God's peace which I am so thankful for. I leave you with one of my all-time favorite verses:
"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise for he has been good to me." ~ Psalm 13:5-6
His love is truly unfailing and his mercy never ends. May God give you his unfailing love, never ending mercy and his indescrible peace.
~Jillian
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2 comments:
Jillian...I am glad you are putting more heart into the trip and that you have decided that you want to go more than anything. What about the puppeteering? how is it going? I did some in Mexico once and it was harder than one thinks. I was not really supposed to be doing it but some on our team got sick so I had a crash course. Will you let me know when you are coming home so we can set up commissioning! I will have limited time in Central Oregon the next few weeks so want to get it scheduled for you! Praying for your packing! Remember you will also want to bring stuff home. I always tell folks the rule of packing is "If you can't carry all your things by yourself, you have too much stuff" Sometimes you end up carrying your stuff and it gets heavier by the step.We had to in China. Luckily it wasn't too far.
Gods' blessing on your preparations! Ann Andrews. PBCC
Waiting to hear what's next. I have had some people ask me if you were going. Lova ya, Mom :)
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