I don't know how to write what I'm thinking, but here's goes nothing.
Thursday was a hard day. I was a couple days into living with a Muslim family. I thought my head was going to explode from trying to learn Djoula and French at the same time. I wasn't looking forward to eating my weight in rice and fish again. (People talk about losing weight in Africa- that's impossible, they will feed you until you absolutely explode). I was hot, sweaty, my feet were covered in mud. I really wanted a real toilet, and not to have to squat.
It's funny because it was actually only a couple hours earlier that I had been thinking that it wasn't so bad- I could totally give up all my modern conveniences and all the things I'm accustomed to in America. In the moment though, I was pretty annoyed.
I went to my room and prayed. I knew I needed an attitude adjustment and God was the only one who could do it. I wasn't there for long when Horuna (It was his family I was staying with) came to tell me it was time for Christine and I to take turns with the bucket bath before supper. I took a deep breath and ventured back outside, sat down next to Horuna and his mother to wait my turn to wash. Little Kayatou (6 year old girl) crawled into my lap. I looked up and the moon was so big, clouds glided across the sky. Suddenly it was all I could do to refrain from bursting into tears.
You see, coming from America to Africa is nothing compared to what Jesus did when he came from heaven to earth. I mean, I don't really know what bathroom facilities are like in Heaven but Jesus, the Lord, Creator of the universe, who holds the world in his hands, chose to leave heaven (which is perfect, you know) and be born in a stable (which is for animals, not even humans). It would make a lot more sense if Jesus had left heaven to be born in a palace or at least someplace with air conditioning, but he grew up in a small town, in a poor family, he walked everywhere when he could have chosen to ride in a car. But how better to love everyone, right? He gave up everything, for all people-the richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor, he's experienced splendor beyond our comprehension and lived in a place not even fit for humans.
I hugged Kayatou a little tighter, looked at the moon again, listened as Horuna and his mother spoke in a language I don't understand, and said a prayer of thanks because God is so good. Jesus lived on earth for 33 years because he loves us and he knew that the story didn't end at 33 years, but that our stories would end on earth if he didn't come. So because Jesus spent 33 years on earth, I can surely spend 5 days with in an African home, or even longer. My story doesn't end when my life on earth does, my story doesn't end. Really, its not even my story anyway, it's God's story.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Sunday, June 22, 2014
"What's in a name?" and Flowers
2 weeks in. On one hand I feel as though I've been here forever, the other is convinced I arrived just yesterday.
Week 1 consisted primarily of orientation, a kind of easing into Africa. We caught a glimpse of what was to come in the clinic, with the mission, and in Abengourou in general. Our mornings were spent in the clinic, meeting the people we would be working with, and learning how it functions. Afternoons were introductions to other aspects of the mission, Community Health Evangelism, and Coeur Ouvert (the child sponsorship program). At exactly a week in country, last Thursday, Andy set us free on our first solo journey to the market. We don't really speak French but we had some money and he gave us directions and off we went. Since I'm here writing this I'm sure you gathered that we survived, despite taking the long route (er making a couple wrong turns). Since then we've mostly been on our own, and we know the way to the market very well now.
Apparently "Courtney" is a challenging name, one they haven't really heard, so I was given an African name to make things easier. When I was first named by my friend Edith, I was afraid she was making fun of me, after all, I had no idea what the name "Agou" meant. She then pointed to a cute little patient in a pink fluffy dress and said that I was named after her. So even though "Agou" doesn't mean anything, it means a lot to me. Although it's a pretty common name, it's special because it's my name and it reminds me to pray for that little girl and all the other "Agous" that are running around.
This week I began clinical rotations in the lab, so most of my time was spent drawing blood followed by learning about and implementing different tests on that blood. It was pretty interesting and definitely brought out a bit of the science nerd in me. As a nursing student I've had the opportunity to draw blood and prick a lot of fingers, but my experience with the tests has been limited to a basic textbook knowledge and looking at the results for a given patient on the computer. Having the chance to go through the whole process was pretty neat.
Part of what CMF is doing in several places around the world, including here in the Ivory Coast, is a child sponsorship program. This week we had the opportunity to hang out with some of those kids, and it was with them that I saw God take something broken and make it beautiful.
Wednesday morning we made our usual walk to the clinic, but instead of going to our clinical rotation assignments we met up with a couple of the guys heading up Coeur Ouvert and waited for the kids to trickle in. At first it was a little awkward. The language barrier has been a challenge, there really isn't much I know how to say beyond a greeting and only a couple of the kids knew even an English greeting. So we sat there waiting for more kids to trickle in and we pretty much just looked at each other. My teammates and I were talking, trying to figure out something we could do to breach the barrier.
Each morning since arriving I've prayed that God would help break down the walls built by language, that he would help me learn French and also to communicate without words. So we sat, a bunch of darling Ivorians nervously whispering with each other and staring at 4 Americans who were also nervously whispering to each other. Then I saw a couple of the girls had flowers in their hands, making little flower chains. I watched them for a few seconds and realized that though I've always loved flower chains and have made countless ones in my life, never had I seen them made in the way these girls were. I got up, went to the bush and took a handful of flowers, then sat among the girls to learn. Before long, everyone was making flower chains, wreaths, bracelets, rings, and everyone was smiling and laughing. Pictures were snapped and it was good.
We then went with the kids to the library, we weren't strangers anymore, but friends. Their little hands holding on to ours. We would get stuck at the library because of a downpour and we would teach them the wave, the macarana, and the cupid shuffle. They would chase us and play with our hair. More pictures would be taken. But that moment with the flowers will forever be in my heart and mind as the moment God took the brokenness of different languages which began at the Tower of Babel, and made it beautiful with laughter.
PS If you're interested in learning more about Coeur Ouvert and child sponsorship through CMF check out http://cmfi.org/whatwedo/childsponsorship
Week 1 consisted primarily of orientation, a kind of easing into Africa. We caught a glimpse of what was to come in the clinic, with the mission, and in Abengourou in general. Our mornings were spent in the clinic, meeting the people we would be working with, and learning how it functions. Afternoons were introductions to other aspects of the mission, Community Health Evangelism, and Coeur Ouvert (the child sponsorship program). At exactly a week in country, last Thursday, Andy set us free on our first solo journey to the market. We don't really speak French but we had some money and he gave us directions and off we went. Since I'm here writing this I'm sure you gathered that we survived, despite taking the long route (er making a couple wrong turns). Since then we've mostly been on our own, and we know the way to the market very well now.
Apparently "Courtney" is a challenging name, one they haven't really heard, so I was given an African name to make things easier. When I was first named by my friend Edith, I was afraid she was making fun of me, after all, I had no idea what the name "Agou" meant. She then pointed to a cute little patient in a pink fluffy dress and said that I was named after her. So even though "Agou" doesn't mean anything, it means a lot to me. Although it's a pretty common name, it's special because it's my name and it reminds me to pray for that little girl and all the other "Agous" that are running around.
This week I began clinical rotations in the lab, so most of my time was spent drawing blood followed by learning about and implementing different tests on that blood. It was pretty interesting and definitely brought out a bit of the science nerd in me. As a nursing student I've had the opportunity to draw blood and prick a lot of fingers, but my experience with the tests has been limited to a basic textbook knowledge and looking at the results for a given patient on the computer. Having the chance to go through the whole process was pretty neat.
Part of what CMF is doing in several places around the world, including here in the Ivory Coast, is a child sponsorship program. This week we had the opportunity to hang out with some of those kids, and it was with them that I saw God take something broken and make it beautiful.
Wednesday morning we made our usual walk to the clinic, but instead of going to our clinical rotation assignments we met up with a couple of the guys heading up Coeur Ouvert and waited for the kids to trickle in. At first it was a little awkward. The language barrier has been a challenge, there really isn't much I know how to say beyond a greeting and only a couple of the kids knew even an English greeting. So we sat there waiting for more kids to trickle in and we pretty much just looked at each other. My teammates and I were talking, trying to figure out something we could do to breach the barrier.
Each morning since arriving I've prayed that God would help break down the walls built by language, that he would help me learn French and also to communicate without words. So we sat, a bunch of darling Ivorians nervously whispering with each other and staring at 4 Americans who were also nervously whispering to each other. Then I saw a couple of the girls had flowers in their hands, making little flower chains. I watched them for a few seconds and realized that though I've always loved flower chains and have made countless ones in my life, never had I seen them made in the way these girls were. I got up, went to the bush and took a handful of flowers, then sat among the girls to learn. Before long, everyone was making flower chains, wreaths, bracelets, rings, and everyone was smiling and laughing. Pictures were snapped and it was good.
We then went with the kids to the library, we weren't strangers anymore, but friends. Their little hands holding on to ours. We would get stuck at the library because of a downpour and we would teach them the wave, the macarana, and the cupid shuffle. They would chase us and play with our hair. More pictures would be taken. But that moment with the flowers will forever be in my heart and mind as the moment God took the brokenness of different languages which began at the Tower of Babel, and made it beautiful with laughter.
PS If you're interested in learning more about Coeur Ouvert and child sponsorship through CMF check out http://cmfi.org/whatwedo/childsponsorship
Monday, June 9, 2014
Abengourou rhymes with Kangaroo
Bonjour from Cote d'Ivoire!
(as you can see, I don't actually know French but I am trying...)
I've been here in Abengourou, Ivory Coast, for a few days and am getting settled. My teammates and I are staying in a house right next door to the missionaries. I struggle to even call it next door because it's pretty much the same property but it is divided by a half wall. We share the house with one other young woman who's doing a longer internship/exchange program with CMF. The missionaries (Andy and Stephanie Gable) have 5 kids that run back and forth between the houses and are generally bunches of fun and laughter, they love have visitors so that's lucky for us.
Since we arrived right in time for the weekend and today is Pentecost (Ivorians celebrate all the holidays), we have spent the past several days slowly experiencing life before beginning at the clinic and with CHE tomorrow. I've felt all weekend that I should write, but I haven't really known what, or how to say it. I mean, I do already have stories, but to know what's important to share now and what should be saved is proving to be a challenge.
I guess I'll begin with Moringa, since I'm sure I'll talk about it a lot so you should be familiar. Moringa is essentially the superman of plants. It's good for everything, and every part of the plant can be used. It's rich in vitamins, minerals and is one of few, if not the only, plant that contains all the the essential amino acids. Its said to help with tons of health issues, including but not limited to diabetes, asthma, stomach ulcers, the list goes on. The stems can be fed to livestock, as a natural way of beefing them up. In fact, don't give it to pregnant animals because the baby will simply grow too large and will cause problems during birth. Having Moringa in a field helps maintain proper levels of minerals in the dirt.It can also be used to clean water, it causes all the dirt to clump together leaving the top clean. Anyway, short story is that this single plant is the healthiest plant in the world and the ultimate supplement.
In Djoula (a tribe language) Moringa means "Tree of Life" and that may not be so far from the truth. It seems this plant is good for everything, and the more research occurs the more good stuff is discovered. I haven't told you my favorite part though, If you look at a map of the world with the places that Moringa grows best, then compare it with a map of the world with areas of greatest malnutrition highlighted you'll find that the maps look almost exactly the same. Moringa grows where most other things don't, and it grows incredibly well. It's like God knew and provided an all-purpose plant for his people so that they could still get adequate nutrition.
I'm learning more about the wonders of Moringa everyday, but really, through Moringa, God is teaching me about His provision a little more everyday.
xoxo Courtney
(as you can see, I don't actually know French but I am trying...)
I've been here in Abengourou, Ivory Coast, for a few days and am getting settled. My teammates and I are staying in a house right next door to the missionaries. I struggle to even call it next door because it's pretty much the same property but it is divided by a half wall. We share the house with one other young woman who's doing a longer internship/exchange program with CMF. The missionaries (Andy and Stephanie Gable) have 5 kids that run back and forth between the houses and are generally bunches of fun and laughter, they love have visitors so that's lucky for us.
Since we arrived right in time for the weekend and today is Pentecost (Ivorians celebrate all the holidays), we have spent the past several days slowly experiencing life before beginning at the clinic and with CHE tomorrow. I've felt all weekend that I should write, but I haven't really known what, or how to say it. I mean, I do already have stories, but to know what's important to share now and what should be saved is proving to be a challenge.
I guess I'll begin with Moringa, since I'm sure I'll talk about it a lot so you should be familiar. Moringa is essentially the superman of plants. It's good for everything, and every part of the plant can be used. It's rich in vitamins, minerals and is one of few, if not the only, plant that contains all the the essential amino acids. Its said to help with tons of health issues, including but not limited to diabetes, asthma, stomach ulcers, the list goes on. The stems can be fed to livestock, as a natural way of beefing them up. In fact, don't give it to pregnant animals because the baby will simply grow too large and will cause problems during birth. Having Moringa in a field helps maintain proper levels of minerals in the dirt.It can also be used to clean water, it causes all the dirt to clump together leaving the top clean. Anyway, short story is that this single plant is the healthiest plant in the world and the ultimate supplement.
In Djoula (a tribe language) Moringa means "Tree of Life" and that may not be so far from the truth. It seems this plant is good for everything, and the more research occurs the more good stuff is discovered. I haven't told you my favorite part though, If you look at a map of the world with the places that Moringa grows best, then compare it with a map of the world with areas of greatest malnutrition highlighted you'll find that the maps look almost exactly the same. Moringa grows where most other things don't, and it grows incredibly well. It's like God knew and provided an all-purpose plant for his people so that they could still get adequate nutrition.
I'm learning more about the wonders of Moringa everyday, but really, through Moringa, God is teaching me about His provision a little more everyday.
xoxo Courtney
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
5 Days. Go.
Five days ago I arrived at Pre-departure Orientation. The journey of this summer was just beginning and tomorrow the next step is taken as I, with my 3 teammates, board a plane. All these months of preparation, raising support, prayer, it's all for this moment. All the anticipation and excitement for these next 2 months has come to a head and I can hardly wait for tomorrow.
Here at PDO I have met not only my team that will be serving in the Ivory Coast, but 40 other men and women who will be serving in countries all over the world. A week ago I was nervous about meeting these people, but I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity. These past five days have been some of the most encouraging of my life. Few things are so incredible as being among people who love the Lord with their entire heart and have a passion for sharing that love with everyone they come in contact with.
In addition to connecting with such beautiful brothers and sisters in Christ, the past several days have been full of training for the field, lessons in team building, spiritual warfare, culture shock, safety and travel advice. We've played card games and eaten yummy snacks. The best part, beyond all shadow of a doubt, has been hearing each and every person's story. Nothing is so powerful as the way God works in our lives and nothing is so encouraging as to hear about that work in other's lives.
Sharing your story can be a little scary, it's a vulnerable and honest moment. I encourage you to be willing to share. I encourage you to ask someone else to share.
If you're joining me in prayer this summer I ask that you pray specifically for the other teams today. CMF has interns serving in Kenya, Germany, Thailand, Asia, Indonesia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Ivory Coast. We serve an incredible God, may this all be for His glory.
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him." ~Colossians 4:18
Here at PDO I have met not only my team that will be serving in the Ivory Coast, but 40 other men and women who will be serving in countries all over the world. A week ago I was nervous about meeting these people, but I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity. These past five days have been some of the most encouraging of my life. Few things are so incredible as being among people who love the Lord with their entire heart and have a passion for sharing that love with everyone they come in contact with.
In addition to connecting with such beautiful brothers and sisters in Christ, the past several days have been full of training for the field, lessons in team building, spiritual warfare, culture shock, safety and travel advice. We've played card games and eaten yummy snacks. The best part, beyond all shadow of a doubt, has been hearing each and every person's story. Nothing is so powerful as the way God works in our lives and nothing is so encouraging as to hear about that work in other's lives.
Sharing your story can be a little scary, it's a vulnerable and honest moment. I encourage you to be willing to share. I encourage you to ask someone else to share.
If you're joining me in prayer this summer I ask that you pray specifically for the other teams today. CMF has interns serving in Kenya, Germany, Thailand, Asia, Indonesia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Ivory Coast. We serve an incredible God, may this all be for His glory.
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him." ~Colossians 4:18
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
This shall be called: The way we love, or the body of Christ
As I write this it is 1:45pm and storming in the Ivory Coast and I will be there in a week. I head to Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) tomorrow. I spent much of yesterday working on packing and will finish that job up today. It's crazy and suddenly so real.
The other day, at church, I shared with the congregation the mission I'm joining in the Ivory Coast this summer. In turn, they prayed over me. I don't know if you've ever experienced that, but it's incredible. When you're surrounded by this community... when the weight of these people is on you, yet they lift you up... when you hear them whispering prayer, words of care and support... I don't know how else to to explain it but to say that is the body of Christ. I hope you all experience that sometime. I'm getting on a plane to the Ivory Coast, but I couldn't make it without everyone else, I can't do it alone. After each service people would come to me, asking questions, granting encouragement, and most importantly, promising prayer. Most of these were people I'd known my entire life, but some know only my parents, and one was actually a visitor. I can't begin to say how much this all means to me, how loved and full I felt. Looking back, however, I feel a little conflicted. You see, I think this is how the body should always act, not just with people that are going overseas on a mission trip, but with everyone. We should always be listening, we should always be encouraging, we should always be praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Because wherever you follow God's call on your life will be full of temptation, and wherever you follow God's call will be dangerous. Wherever you follow God's call important, and good. So encourage your family of believers, pray for them. Remember that your call, be it school, or work, in the United States or Timbuktu, is vital to God's Kingdom. Be the body of Christ out there.
The other day, at church, I shared with the congregation the mission I'm joining in the Ivory Coast this summer. In turn, they prayed over me. I don't know if you've ever experienced that, but it's incredible. When you're surrounded by this community... when the weight of these people is on you, yet they lift you up... when you hear them whispering prayer, words of care and support... I don't know how else to to explain it but to say that is the body of Christ. I hope you all experience that sometime. I'm getting on a plane to the Ivory Coast, but I couldn't make it without everyone else, I can't do it alone. After each service people would come to me, asking questions, granting encouragement, and most importantly, promising prayer. Most of these were people I'd known my entire life, but some know only my parents, and one was actually a visitor. I can't begin to say how much this all means to me, how loved and full I felt. Looking back, however, I feel a little conflicted. You see, I think this is how the body should always act, not just with people that are going overseas on a mission trip, but with everyone. We should always be listening, we should always be encouraging, we should always be praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Because wherever you follow God's call on your life will be full of temptation, and wherever you follow God's call will be dangerous. Wherever you follow God's call important, and good. So encourage your family of believers, pray for them. Remember that your call, be it school, or work, in the United States or Timbuktu, is vital to God's Kingdom. Be the body of Christ out there.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Countdown, Fear?
The countdown has begun. In 9 days I will be joining the other CMF interns and short term missionaries at Pre-Departure Orientation in Indianapolis, we will be there for 6 days before hopping on planes to our various destinations. So, in other words, 2 weeks from tomorrow I will be on a plane and arriving in the Ivory Coast. Wahoo!
As I talk to people about this mission, I'm often asked if I'm scared, or a comment will be made about how brave it is to go so far away. If I'm honest, I don't really know how to respond, I'm really not scared. (and if there is any fear, its solely in the area of fundraising. I'm scared to death of not raising enough money because asking for that money is so hard for me, I digress.) I understand where fear could come from, and why maybe I should be more intimidated, after all, I'm going to Africa-the other side of the world. We constantly hear in the news about fighting, kidnappings and all sorts of tragedy. I will be working with HIV patients, and others with who knows what kinds of disease and infection, I guess that should be a little scary. It's the unknown, a different culture, different language, different food.. but I'm excited for these, not scared.
For me, to travel across the world to serve people feels like I'm actually going home. For as long as I can remember I've dreamed of this. I think when you've felt God calling you someplace for your whole life, to finally follow isn't so scary as the thought of not going is. Maybe the fear is still lurking in my subconscious somewhere, or God knows the possibility of such fear, because everywhere I turn I seem to be reminded of a few truths.
1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to "cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you," in 1 John 4 we're told that perfect love casts out all fear. I could name verse after verse with these themes, in the book of Joshua God is constantly reminding him to "be strong and courageous" and not to fear. I've been told that we are told not to fear 365 times in the bible, I personally haven't counted but if that's true I think it's pretty cool, one time for every day of the year (except on leap years, I guess we just need to remember all the other days being told not to fear on that extra day).
I think there's more though. I mean, if I should be scared to go to the Ivory Coast (a pretty stable country in Africa right now) because I might get hurt or sick or kidnapped, or killed... well couldn't all those things happen if I stayed home? I mean, I live in Cincinnati. People here are hurt, sick, kidnapped, and killed too. I don't mean to take away the significance of this brokenness, or to say it doesn't matter, just that we live in a broken, sin filled world. I'm not afraid of what the world can do to me.
Recently I was reading in the book of John and something that Jesus said jumped out at me like it hadn't before. John 18:36 is often quoted, where Jesus says "My kingdom is not of this world" to Pilate. But just a chapter before Jesus is praying in the garden and he prays "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world" (John 17:15-18). The way I see it, we're here in this world of pain and sickness, of kidnapping and killing, but that's not the whole story. The story is that God saves and though I may not be safe in the Ivory Coast, I am saved in Him. As Mr Beaver says in the Chronicles of Narnia about Aslan, “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you."
So am I scared? My answer is no, I'm not scared. I'm not safe either. But I believe with all my heart that God is good and it is my prayer that no matter what happens, all I do will bring glory only to His name. I pray that if I do get hurt, sick, kidnapped, or killed, that in someway my injury would cause people to look to the Lord. This world isn't my home.
So in 9 days I will go to PDO, in 15 I will go to the Ivory Coast. You can pray for safety (my mom would like that), but more importantly pray that I would be the Lord's vessel, that I may be used by Him.
PS I do still need to raise about $500 by tomorrow. So if you're able please visit www.cmfi.org/supportintern click on my name and you'll be taken to a age to make a financial donation. Thanks again!
 |
| Q.Where is the Ivory Coast? A. Circled in red, my friend! |
For me, to travel across the world to serve people feels like I'm actually going home. For as long as I can remember I've dreamed of this. I think when you've felt God calling you someplace for your whole life, to finally follow isn't so scary as the thought of not going is. Maybe the fear is still lurking in my subconscious somewhere, or God knows the possibility of such fear, because everywhere I turn I seem to be reminded of a few truths.
1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to "cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you," in 1 John 4 we're told that perfect love casts out all fear. I could name verse after verse with these themes, in the book of Joshua God is constantly reminding him to "be strong and courageous" and not to fear. I've been told that we are told not to fear 365 times in the bible, I personally haven't counted but if that's true I think it's pretty cool, one time for every day of the year (except on leap years, I guess we just need to remember all the other days being told not to fear on that extra day).
I think there's more though. I mean, if I should be scared to go to the Ivory Coast (a pretty stable country in Africa right now) because I might get hurt or sick or kidnapped, or killed... well couldn't all those things happen if I stayed home? I mean, I live in Cincinnati. People here are hurt, sick, kidnapped, and killed too. I don't mean to take away the significance of this brokenness, or to say it doesn't matter, just that we live in a broken, sin filled world. I'm not afraid of what the world can do to me.
Recently I was reading in the book of John and something that Jesus said jumped out at me like it hadn't before. John 18:36 is often quoted, where Jesus says "My kingdom is not of this world" to Pilate. But just a chapter before Jesus is praying in the garden and he prays "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world" (John 17:15-18). The way I see it, we're here in this world of pain and sickness, of kidnapping and killing, but that's not the whole story. The story is that God saves and though I may not be safe in the Ivory Coast, I am saved in Him. As Mr Beaver says in the Chronicles of Narnia about Aslan, “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you."
So am I scared? My answer is no, I'm not scared. I'm not safe either. But I believe with all my heart that God is good and it is my prayer that no matter what happens, all I do will bring glory only to His name. I pray that if I do get hurt, sick, kidnapped, or killed, that in someway my injury would cause people to look to the Lord. This world isn't my home.
So in 9 days I will go to PDO, in 15 I will go to the Ivory Coast. You can pray for safety (my mom would like that), but more importantly pray that I would be the Lord's vessel, that I may be used by Him.
PS I do still need to raise about $500 by tomorrow. So if you're able please visit www.cmfi.org/supportintern click on my name and you'll be taken to a age to make a financial donation. Thanks again!
Monday, May 12, 2014
Announcements and diving in.
Hello there, friends!
I've been pretty busy these past couple weeks with wrapping up this semester of college and I'm pleased to announce that I am now a senior nursing student at Milligan College! This is so exciting and crazy for me, it appears that real adult life is right around the corner (or 362 days away.. but who's counting, right?). The overwhelming thought is not having any idea where in the world I'll be living a year from now, the exciting part is trusting God with that. I'm always up for a good adventure!
Speaking of adventure, I have a couple other pieces of exciting news. 1. My visa for the Ivory Coast has been received! 2. I have my plane tickets to and from the Ivory Coast! This is getting real, folks. I know now that I'm not only allowed in the country, but I also have a way of getting there (and my mom is pleased that I have tickets home ;) ).
Thank you all for your support, you rock! However, I still have about $1000 to raise, so if you were wondering whether I need your help, the answer is a resounding yes! It's been so awesome for me to see God working through his people to pave the path for me to serve in Africa, and I firmly believe that he will continue to do so.
I was reading in the book of John the other day and a particular part jumped out at me, I had to laugh a little bit at the mental image. In chapter 21 John shares this story of an interaction with the resurrected Christ. We have Peter, John, and a few other disciples that decided they'd like to go fishing (these guys had grown up fisherman so I get the sense that this was an incredibly calming and homey action for them). They fished through the night and didn't catch anything, which is kind of a bummer. Then, they hear this guy yelling at them from the shore, telling them to caste their nets on the other side, the disciples look at each other, shrug, say ok and do what they were told. Then John looks at Peter and says "isn't that the Lord?" and this is were is gets awesome. Peter grabs clothes (obviously he was the kind of guy to take his shirt off while fishin') jumps into the water and starts swimming to Jesus. At this point I imagine the other disciples looking at each other, mumbling something about Peter being crazy as they go about turning the boat to shore. I love how Peter was so excited to see Jesus that he couldn't wait another moment to get back to him. He dives right in, doesn't wait for the comfortable and safe boat to take him back, he just has to get there as fast as possible. The story continues with the boat arriving at shore and Peter jumping back in to help with the fish. I think this man was literally too excited to know what to do with himself and I bet he looked crazy.
I hope my life resembles Peter's in this way, so that my actions of love and desire to be with Christ appear a little insane.
I've been pretty busy these past couple weeks with wrapping up this semester of college and I'm pleased to announce that I am now a senior nursing student at Milligan College! This is so exciting and crazy for me, it appears that real adult life is right around the corner (or 362 days away.. but who's counting, right?). The overwhelming thought is not having any idea where in the world I'll be living a year from now, the exciting part is trusting God with that. I'm always up for a good adventure!
Speaking of adventure, I have a couple other pieces of exciting news. 1. My visa for the Ivory Coast has been received! 2. I have my plane tickets to and from the Ivory Coast! This is getting real, folks. I know now that I'm not only allowed in the country, but I also have a way of getting there (and my mom is pleased that I have tickets home ;) ).
Thank you all for your support, you rock! However, I still have about $1000 to raise, so if you were wondering whether I need your help, the answer is a resounding yes! It's been so awesome for me to see God working through his people to pave the path for me to serve in Africa, and I firmly believe that he will continue to do so.
I was reading in the book of John the other day and a particular part jumped out at me, I had to laugh a little bit at the mental image. In chapter 21 John shares this story of an interaction with the resurrected Christ. We have Peter, John, and a few other disciples that decided they'd like to go fishing (these guys had grown up fisherman so I get the sense that this was an incredibly calming and homey action for them). They fished through the night and didn't catch anything, which is kind of a bummer. Then, they hear this guy yelling at them from the shore, telling them to caste their nets on the other side, the disciples look at each other, shrug, say ok and do what they were told. Then John looks at Peter and says "isn't that the Lord?" and this is were is gets awesome. Peter grabs clothes (obviously he was the kind of guy to take his shirt off while fishin') jumps into the water and starts swimming to Jesus. At this point I imagine the other disciples looking at each other, mumbling something about Peter being crazy as they go about turning the boat to shore. I love how Peter was so excited to see Jesus that he couldn't wait another moment to get back to him. He dives right in, doesn't wait for the comfortable and safe boat to take him back, he just has to get there as fast as possible. The story continues with the boat arriving at shore and Peter jumping back in to help with the fish. I think this man was literally too excited to know what to do with himself and I bet he looked crazy.
I hope my life resembles Peter's in this way, so that my actions of love and desire to be with Christ appear a little insane.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Hugs from God
My roommate and I say that the sunshine is a hug from God, sometimes when we're walking and it's sunny we just stop and let the rays of warmth and light embrace us. This week has been full of hugs from God for me, full of gifts reminding me that he is good and he will provide a way for me to follow his call.
So, I few things happened this since my last post that I would like to update you on. I got all my paperwork together and sent in to apply for my visa. On Monday, I was full of anxiety over reaching my goal of 50% funding for The Ivory Coast, I could hardly breathe I was so stressed. I kept praying and telling myself to trust God, to turn all my anxiety and fears over to him. By Tuesday afternoon it had happened, the goal was reached and exceeded. I started crying because God did exactly what he said he would do, he provided want was needed when it was needed. So thank you, all of you who were praying for this and all of you who have support me financially. Thank you for letting God use you and joining me in this ministry. I'm currently 56% funded, which is awesome but also means there's still work to be done before I can board that plane.
So, I few things happened this since my last post that I would like to update you on. I got all my paperwork together and sent in to apply for my visa. On Monday, I was full of anxiety over reaching my goal of 50% funding for The Ivory Coast, I could hardly breathe I was so stressed. I kept praying and telling myself to trust God, to turn all my anxiety and fears over to him. By Tuesday afternoon it had happened, the goal was reached and exceeded. I started crying because God did exactly what he said he would do, he provided want was needed when it was needed. So thank you, all of you who were praying for this and all of you who have support me financially. Thank you for letting God use you and joining me in this ministry. I'm currently 56% funded, which is awesome but also means there's still work to be done before I can board that plane.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Without Borders, Thank you, Shots
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
These lyrics have been ringing in my head for the past couple weeks, they have become my prayer. I'm starting to get nervous about going to the Ivory Coast. My whole life I've said that I wanted to go far away, wherever God calls me, but that's a scary thing when it's right in front of you and you're taking steps into the dark.
Thank you thank you thank you to those of you who have supported me financially! I want to personally give you a all hug right now, I simply can't say thank you enough. You rock.
To my prayer warriors, you also rock! There's no way I could do this without you. A week from today 50% of my funding is due, I'm not there yet. This has been a challenge for me, I've always hated making money an issue, but it's the way our world works. I'm totally trusting that God will provide, but I believe he provides through his people. So please pray that he will raise up more people to help pave the way to Africa.
Today I went to the Washington County Health Department and got the immunizations needed to go to the Ivory Coast and to return home, so that's exciting and painful stuff! I had a nice little chat with the nurse there about where and why I'm travelling, it was cool to share with her the work that CMFI is doing around the world. That's all for now!
PS here's a link to the song I quoted in the beginning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy9nwe9_xzw&feature=kp
PPS once again here's the link to support me financially, just click on my name
www.cmfi.org/supportintern
Friday, March 21, 2014
Hello again. Côte d'Ivoire.
Hey Friends! I haven't blogged in awhile but here's to getting back into it! I'm going to be using this blog as a platform for all of you to follow, and know how to pray for me as I prepare for, and embark on, a pretty big adventure.
So here's the deal, this summer I am going to Abengourou, Ivory Coast. Below is a part of the support letter I sent out kind of giving the basic info on the trip:
So, without much ado, I'm asking that you do a couple things:
1) I ask that you pray. Pray for the people of the Ivory Coast, pray for the people I will come in contact with, pray for the ministy I will be working with, pray for the other interns I'll be travelling and working with, pray for the Gable's that I will be staying with, pray for me and my heart, and also please pray about whether you'll be able to financially support me in this mission.
2) Support me financially. While I firmly believe God is leading me to serve in the Ivory Coast that does not mean it's easy or that it's free. I'm in the midst of raising nearly $6000 to cover the expenses. This is an overwhelming number but we serve a great God and I have faith that he will provide (maybe though you?!) every penny of it. Seriously, don't think that maybe your gift is too small and won't make a difference, because it will. This is something I can't do alone.
3) Follow this blog! I will do my best to update you on where I'm at through my preparations and while abroad. I'll try to give you specific things to pray about regularly and maybe post an occasional picture or two ;)
Thanks so much for joining me on this adventure!
Courtney
ps here's a link to where you can go to support me financially! All you have to do is open the link, look to the right of your screen where it says "support your intern" click there, find my name (Courtney Blair, Ivory Coast) and click "give." Thanks again!
http://www.cmfi.org/REACH
So here's the deal, this summer I am going to Abengourou, Ivory Coast. Below is a part of the support letter I sent out kind of giving the basic info on the trip:
Many of you know the call to adventure and missions
that has long been on my heart. You know my dream and desire to follow the
Lord. It is one thing to dream and talk about answering that call and another
to actually doing it. I decided to stop dreaming and talking and start doing. This
summer, I serve as a REACH intern with Christian Mission Fellowship (CMF)
International in Ivory Coast, a country in West Africa.
At the end of May, I
will be joining other interns from around the country for a Pre-Departure
Orientation to serve overseas. My team of 4 will then journey to the Muslim
community of Abengourou, Ivory Coast for eight weeks, where we will serve
alongside CMF missionaries and Ivorian nationals. We will minister and show
Jesus to them through Community Health Evangelism (CHE). CHE is a program that
seeks to transform the lives of individuals physically, emotionally, and
spiritually. We will specifically work in a local HIV/AIDS and maternity clinic,
where I hope to use some of the nursing skills I’ve been learning at Milligan
College. We will also be educating and training church leaders in the area
before closing out our internship in Indianapolis for a time of debrief before
returning home. I’m excited to see how the Lord will work in and through me
this summer. So, without much ado, I'm asking that you do a couple things:
1) I ask that you pray. Pray for the people of the Ivory Coast, pray for the people I will come in contact with, pray for the ministy I will be working with, pray for the other interns I'll be travelling and working with, pray for the Gable's that I will be staying with, pray for me and my heart, and also please pray about whether you'll be able to financially support me in this mission.
2) Support me financially. While I firmly believe God is leading me to serve in the Ivory Coast that does not mean it's easy or that it's free. I'm in the midst of raising nearly $6000 to cover the expenses. This is an overwhelming number but we serve a great God and I have faith that he will provide (maybe though you?!) every penny of it. Seriously, don't think that maybe your gift is too small and won't make a difference, because it will. This is something I can't do alone.
3) Follow this blog! I will do my best to update you on where I'm at through my preparations and while abroad. I'll try to give you specific things to pray about regularly and maybe post an occasional picture or two ;)
Thanks so much for joining me on this adventure!
Courtney
ps here's a link to where you can go to support me financially! All you have to do is open the link, look to the right of your screen where it says "support your intern" click there, find my name (Courtney Blair, Ivory Coast) and click "give." Thanks again!
http://www.cmfi.org/REACH
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