I'm not good at blogging, but I'm trying again

Several  years ago I began this blog. I wrote a few posts that you can go back and read if you want. I just skimmed over them and I think there are some nuggets there (or maybe I'm just sentimental). Over the past several months I've thought about getting back into blogging (or maybe it would be better to say I've thought about getting into blogging? since I wasn't consistent before. at all). I considered actually starting a new blog… but the reasons I’m not are as follows:

1.       I’m lazy

2.       I actually basically know nothing about blogs except that people write them and usually I just read them.

3.       I basically know nothing about internet or computers or technology, I get by but that’s about it.

4.       To actually post this I’m going to turn on my phone’s hot spot because I don’t have internet in my apartment, I don’t have the patience to do that long enough to create a whole new blog

I’m also emotionally attached to this particular blog. Or at least the name of it. I started other random blogs before this one, but this is the one that I can’t get over. A Thousand Sunrises. I say that to myself on a fairly regular basis, it’s my mantra. In a nutshell, I love sunrises because they are the start of a brand new day. They are a second chance, starting over, fresh, clean, beautiful. A Thousand Sunrises is the truth that even though I screw up every day, God’s grace covers me, and in Him each day is brand new.

With that said, here goes nothing! 

Really, it's not even my story

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.

"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

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

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

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.

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! 

Q.Where is the Ivory Coast? A. Circled in red, my friend!

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!