Week Two!

Sunday

I am excited for this week - I feel much more prepared and ready for the challenges since we know better what to expect.  I think planning for the week should be easier/more focused since we have been to each place before and know what the setup is like.  BUT I am learning here that the key is flexibility! Things change pretty quickly, and I'm learning I just need to be ready for those changes.  I can't expect myself to perform perfectly all the time - I'm a sinner and can't be perfect no matter how hard I try!

Our group is still going great and learning and having fun together.  I ask for prayers for that to continue,as well as preparing each of us to address situations that arise with grace and mercy and love like we have experienced from God.

I think Sundays are the hardest day for me.  We have the day off after church, and that's when I start missing everyone the most. I've watched videos on my phone of the girls, and I can't wait to hold them and cuddle them and just hear their voice (or noises in Imogens case...) again! Many of us have already started day dreaming about food or little things we miss.  I'm craving some red meat!! Its pretty expensive here, so we mainly have chicken for meals. My stomach is adjusting a bit better to the food, but I'll probably have to do another detox when I get back to set it back up correctly!

Monday

I just got to hear the whole call to prayer at the Islamic school nearby.  It was such an eery experience - hearing all those people crying out in the night, wanting something and someone to hear them and answer them, but they'll just go unheard.  The sound of singing prayer and the thought of all those people bowing down together is an image that won't easily leave my mind.  I've never experienced this before back home.  I know Charlotte has a large Islamic community, but its not something I see.  We pass this school every time we leave the farm.  I look in and see people with their garments on, and my heart is just breaking for them.  Tonight, I just prayed to God during the songs for Him to reveal himself to them - to open their eyes to this false religion and teaching and show them who He really is. 

I can't find the words to describe it well, but I just ask for prayers for these people.  Pray that the Spirit moves and works in their hearts and removes the lies they are believing.  I think this whole experience so far has really softened my heart towards the Islamic community.  I want to know and learn more about their beliefs and culture, and I hope the Lord shows me a way to become a light in that darkness.

Thursday
I can't believe week two is almost over! This week has been a bit better prep and organization wise. We know better what to expect as a team, and we have been encouraged by the LTMs that they don't expect perfection.  I get so overworked and anxious about having everything run and go perfectly - where the outcome is clearly seen and an objective is met.  But God is showing me that the outcome isn't the most important! Its about being available for conversations and relationships to form.  There have been numerous times on this trip where I've had conversations with a team mate only because I made myself available - I didn't focus solely on making sure I was doing "work.". Its OK to put down the shovel and help show someone what forgiveness means, or just be an ear to listen to others. I'm grateful for those moments :)

Yesterday, the girl I've been tutoring gave me the most awesome present ever.  When we were getting ready to leave, she gave me three beautiful rainbow loom bracelets that she made! And to top it off, she gave me a multi colored one, identical to her own bracelet so we could have matching ones.  Y'all.....she is seriously going to be the hardest to say goodbye to and leave behind.  I could stay here with her much longer if that's what God had planned......

Prayers and Such! 
- Please pray for the kids and women at Loloma House, an organization we work with throughout the week.  Pray that we are able to help show them for Jesus is, and teach them educational/mental skills needed to succeed in this world.
- Pray for good health for everyone! We have had numerous people get sick, as well as the long termers here.  Pray for health so we can all serve the Lord with our full strength!
- Pray that our team continues to grow together in community - that we are able to be vulnerable, honest, and available to grow and push each other towards Christ. - Pray for the Islamic community here in Fiji.  As I mentioned earlier, hearing their calls is the most chilling thing I've experienced.  Pray for their hearts to be opened to the gospel message!

I can't seem to get my email working to send out emails over my phone, but as soon as I can get access to a computer, I'll send one out :) thank you for being patient with that process!