Rollercoaster Ride!!

Preparation for this trip has been hard to describe to others but here’s my best analogy. Rollercoasters!! Steel or wooden, it’s the ultimate thrill ride!! So, imagine the feelings as you approach the long line, moving up and down the rows, waiting and waiting. You have a chance to talk to people along the way but nothing too involved because you really don't know what to expect and can’t really see anything yet BUT you can hear the excitement (terror or joy??) and noise of the coaster. In your head, you imagine what all the twists and turns will feel like but you don’t dwell on it too long. That pretty much sums up the months leading up to this trip. Lots of waiting, talking to others for comfort, encouragement and to share the purpose of the trip. At the same time, trying to not let my emotions run ahead of me.
As I finally reach the front of the line and can see the ride, as well as those that have gone before me, I experience the anxiety, fear and joy all rolled into one giant emotiom AND I realize, it’s MY turn. It's amazing how quickly a group of strangers have now become your best friends and family as you're getting strapped in and listening to the final safety requirements. That’s describes where I am now. Receiving final instructions, prayers and encouragement from our church leadership and congregation; reviewing the safety requirements from our receiving missionaries, family and friends and the TSA; and resting in God’s word to calm myself as I prepare for the opportunity of a lifetime.

When I come to the end of the ride, I’m always a mix of tears and exhilaration with the intense desire to run back to the start of the line and do it all over again. Sounds crazy? So does this trip to some people. This makes my second trip to Africa and I’ve been given another opportunity to “do it all over again”. However, this time I will enter Africa differently…as an ambassador of Christ, better equipped to share and defend the cause of Christ and seeking to work, serve and learn alongside the people I encounter.

2 Corinthians 5: 14-15, 20: “For Christ love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”; We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us…”

Just to reinforce my analogy :>): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpcOdefYGcU&feature=player_embedded

Next posting…somewhere between Chicago and Brussels. Happy 4th of July!!

2 Days Away and I'm Ready!!

In two days (July 2nd), our small but mighty team of six will be on our way to Cameroon! There have been so many questions, prayers and general well wishes for me on this trip, that I feel I’m taking a little bit of each of you with me. I’ve learned enough French to be able to introduce myself, exchange a few pleasantries, and ask a few vital questions.
We will be enjoy a respite from the heat of the desert and daily experience the joys of rain :>)…which will pale in comparison to AZ.
Check our forecast:
http://www.bing.com/weather/search?q=weather%20in%20bamenda%2c%20cameroon&unit=F&qpvt=weather+in+bamenda%2c+cameroon

My bags and backpack are packed and our assignments have also been defined. I will be teaching vacation bible school, along with Deb and Carmen, to about 150 students in grades 1st-6th. Because the reading levels of the students are much lower than U.S. students at these grade levels, it will be also a time for teaching phonic skills through the bible lessons and activities. We will have pretty large classes (45-75 students depending on how we divide among us) and are prepared to teach at least 10 days. We are also responsible for putting together some type of children’s program for the second Sunday of our trip….so we need LOTS of prayers for this one since there are still some questions regarding what the students really are able to do, coupled with our abilities to sing..NOT :). This will be reminiscent of my first teaching job on the Navajo Reservation to a self contained special ed. class…although there were only 12 students :>).
The guys will be responsible for a variety of things including teaching an evangelism course(Andy) and building maintenance, car repairs and lots of physical labor stuff(Garth and Velmond ). We’re all ready to be of service for all of the other unexpected needs that may arise. Upon arrival, we will spend the night in a rest house in Douala, up early the next morning for a 6 hour drive to Bamenda and another night at a rest house and then into Ndu, our final destination. Let the bonding begin!!

2 Weeks to Cameroon

Family and friends,

Many of you have asked a number of questions about where we'll be staying Cameroon. Some questions remain unanswered until we get there but a few can be answered thanks to other missionaries posting there video on YouTube. As you can see from the map, our travels will take us close to the Nigerian border. It will take us about 2 days to get to Ndu and we will stay in rest houses in Douala and Bamenda along the way since traveling at night is not advised. So, here are a few video clips of where we will be:

Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary(in Ndu, our final destination):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA0g5JZwwbw&feature=related

Douala (arrival/departure city in Cameroon):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUZ8rH6mI3s&feature=related

Welcome to Bamenda(the little town on our way to Ndu):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfrFssctlTQ

22 Days until Cameroon!!

It's hard to believe how quickly time has passed! I've just finished my shopping for the proper attire: skirts, no sleeveless tops, no pants, thanks to Goodwill and Savers. I think I've discovered how to be "missionary chic" and stay on a budget!

Now the challenge is to pack everything I need for 18 days in one

suitcase (50 lbs limit) and my backpack. Creative packing skills will be necessary..folded layers or roll up everything??

Everyone on the team is properly immunized, we have our malaria meds and just received our visas for Cameroon this week! The team is now meeting weekly to pray, review final details about travel and the country and provide encouragement to each other.

The spiritual, physical and mental preparation have affected each of us differently. For me, there is the eagerness to set foot in Africa and begin the work coupled with the mystery and anxiousness of the unknown. Add to this, all the normal demands of life and it can become overwhelming. At times like this, I find my greatest comfort and reassurance in believing and trusting in God's promises. Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 91 are just few of my favorites that remind me I am loved, there is a plan and purpose for my life and that I have the protection of my Savior!!

I hope to keep you updated with weekly posts before we leave as I begin to learn all the features of my netbook. Once we are there, I hope to provide daily updates, depending on how reliable our internet access will be. Thanks again to all of you who have provided support both financially and in your prayers.