Stepping Out of My comfort Zone
This past weekend I went to the woman’s retreat/camp at our church. I knew that going was what God wanted me to do, but I also knew how much I would be stepping out of my comfort zone (God seems to ask me to do this a lot). My comprehension of French is getting better, but now I was spending an entire weekend in French, without Joel’s help. I am accustomed to the heat here without AC, but now I had to survive it without fans. I am familiar with Senegalese culture, but this was FULL immersion. I often felt out of place, uncomfortable and unsure, but this weekend I was so touched to see how God is at work in our small church community here. As much as I don’t like stepping out of my comfort zone, it seems like God usually uses those times to show me how and where He is at work.
Highlights of the Weekend
I knew it was going to be a weekend unlike any other when the first thing that came out, after we all loaded up into the van, was the drum. The woman sang the whole way (1hr+) to the camp grounds.
There were 49 women present from 5 church (3 village churches and 2 in our town). The women spoke 3 different languages and were from very different walks of life, but we all came to worship the same God.
It was amazing to spend time with women from the village churches. Many of them have given up a lot to follow Christ and are very hungry to learn more from his word.
I prayed throughout the weekend that God would continue to help me know how to love the women of our church. It is not an easy or natural thing for me to do, because we are so different. Yet he is slowly teaching me how to love.
WOW!! It was an amazing weekend. I only wish that words could to justice to what God is at work doing here!
Pray With Us This Week
I came home from retreat and 7 hours later (at 4 in the morning) Joel left to help a family move down to Guinea. He will stay part of this week helping them unpack and set up their house and then he will drive back the mission vehicle on his own. This is Joel’s first time south of where we live, so pray for safety on a very unfamiliar road. Also pray for me as I will be home with the boys alone all week (after a very restful weekend :)).
I was struck by how much the women do hunched over. Food served on the ground. Pots and cleaning stuff on the ground. It made my back hurt just looking at it. (But I also wanted to be there)
Next time, get some shots of you holding your own on the dance floor. I have watched that dancing girl before. Miss her a lot.
Love,
Dad
Woohoo!! You go, Dancing Queen!!!!
I enjoyed seeing the sleeping quarters and comparing them to ours at Menuaca. Boy what a difference. We (Americans) don’t know the lap of luxury that we live in do we? Thanks for sharing these pictures and all your experiences both this weekend and all the time. You are amazing and are being greatly blessed by God. And you certainly are a blessing to us here at home.
Carolyn
I actually am amazed they have women’s retreats in Africa. I don’t know why but that seems so American to me. I am so excited for you because God is not only using you to teach African women but also to teach us back here in the USA at the same time.
Good for you to be willing to step out of your comfort zone taking the Lord with you.
Oh… how I enjoyed this post. Seeing the women in such colorful garb and picturing you all singing and dancing as you celebrate Jesus together… brought smiles to my face and joy to my heart. Sometimes when I am outside my comfort zone the most I receive God’s greatest blessings and treats. Praying for you this next week. Love the posts… keep em coming.
Lauri
Love to read your updates and see how God is streching you, helping you to adjust to life in Africa. Love your honesty as you share. Praying for you
I so enjoyed seeing the pictures from your retreat camping experience. I love the colors in the clothing. God definitely uses these experiences to help us grow in trusting Him and building the relationships with other women. This time of looking into God’s Word and praying together had to be encouraging for all. You and your family are in my prayers during this week with Joel gone. Love you.
Once again you have touched my very heart-strings. We ALL need to love, love, love all the women around us–even when we don’t “feel” like it. Thanks for sharing your heart with us.
Jane
God will bless us when we step out in faith.
You are my missionary girl hero for this weekend! Gold stars and sparkle dust all over you for this HUGE HUGE HUGE accomplishment. Way to hear God’s command and follow and step into this weekend. Way to handle the drums & food & language & culture & lack of privacy. Way to keep listening even when you didn’t understand. Way to take photos and capture it for us. You are THE GIRL!
Andrea