Throughout the course of this trip, we (my team and I) have found that being a missionary is nothing like we thought it would be. We can all confess that we thought coming to Africa would be this mountain top experience. We would come to Africa, and we would completely change and crazy stuff would happen, and we would CHANGE THE WORLD. Wow. Good thing we didn’t have expectations huh! Haha. There were a few things that did change us, sooo many actually, but never in the way we had expected. First, we came to Africa, yes, but life goes on. We have really hard weeks, we have really tiring weeks, and we have weeks were things just didn’t go well. It’s a part of life. We had to learn that being Radical for Jesus doesn’t mean that you are always proclaiming and preaching the word. Love each other, sit with people and live with them and disciple them. We learned that there is just as much greed, pain, hunger, and strive here, as in America, just in different ways. We learned that, even though we were called to mission in Africa for a short period of time, our lives are filled with ministry, each and every day. It was funny to see how we would have ministry days, and we would have “days off”, but often times, God changed around our schedule. “God, this is my day off, give me a break” I found myself thinking, until I realized how dumb that sounded. And sometimes, days when I would be ready to go and change the world, God would quiet my soul. He’s funny that way. I think the best thing we learned, is that we can’t change the world, God can. Most of us came right out of high school, the oldest being 24 years old, we kind of have this idea that “the world NEEDS ME” but in reality, the world needs Jesus. We are just his vessels. Although some of the pictures I have here are from our outreach ministry, many of the pictures are of my teammates. We love goofing around, and sometimes, this was the best ministry. When you live in this sort of community, you see the best of people, and the worst. We get to see each other grow in our relationships with God, and we get to cry on each others shoulders when we just can’t take it anymore. We convinced each other not to book a flight home in January, and we……well sometimes we cleaned each others diarrhea pants when Malaria hit…… now that’s what I call love. I’ve been a person afraid of confrontation before this trip….but I’m telling you now, watch out. I’ve learned that sometimes, trying to just through your problems under the rug can get very dangerous. We’ve faced the worst types of problems, stuff that our parents would have sent us home for if they knew, but we have grown in maturity and persevered through pain and struggle with strength and wisdom we can only claim from God. We’ve gained weight, yes, lots of it. If you’ve been praying for food, please stop. Haha. I can’t even express how awesome it has been to be with this group. These people in these pictures are my dear friends. I’ve only known them for 7 months, but they know me better than a lot of people I’ve known for years. These people discipled me, loved me, laughed with me, made fun of me, prayed with me, and ministered to me. THIS is MY TEAM….
Jess and I
My team! (As dressed up as we get!)
Lake Victoria! Just about to aboard the Ferry!
Kathleen and I, so excited to be off a bus!
Kids at Smile Africa in Uganda
Tororo, Uganda I’ll be there this week and the next!
some of the girls out to eat!
Performing the “Everything” skit in Rosinga Island outreach.
(Below)Kathleen and I with our Piki Piki driver Sammi.
Giraffes! Just like me….
Brother Kyle, the lone man of the group.
The team! On Safari
I always knew I was a dancer
Out to eat in Nairobi! (YAY FOR WESTERNIZED FOOD!)
Cookie Sundue! So impressed.
Jess and IMy team! (As dressed up as we get!)(Above) KC and I on the African savana… so cool! In a tree-restuarant behind (uganda)
Lake Victoria! Just about to aboard the Ferry!Kathleen and I, so excited to be off a bus!Kids at Smile Africa in UgandaTororo, Uganda I’ll be there this week and the next!some of the girls out to eat!Performing the “Everything” skit in Rosinga Island outreach. (Below)Kathleen and I with our Piki Piki driver Sammi.Giraffes! Just like me….Brother Kyle, the lone man of the group.The team! On SafariI always knew I was a dancerOut to eat in Nairobi! (YAY FOR WESTERNIZED FOOD!)Cookie Sundue! So impressed. I hope you enjoyed the pictures! Im sure there will be more to come. I love you all and I miss you more than ever! Only a few weeks now til I get to see your faces! Please pray for endurance and strength as we finish our time here. Pray for a smooth transition into westernized society, and good health as we travel and say goodbye to our friends. Thanks so much for your love and support! Blessings.
Alison
I was thinking as i read your experiences that i hope you kept a journal!!!What a wonderful way to see what another part of the world really is like.Just look at the smiling faces and to have so little.I think it says “ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE”.But we don’t neccesarily believe it as we go about gathering all our frills.I do prefer living in the U.S.A.EVEN WITH OUR FAULTS.As i said before,i look forward to hear you tell about your 9 months away from home and all your frills.Love you. Aunt Audrey
Thank you for all you have taught me. Thank you for being God’s instrument to the world. Thank you for being Alison. I love you and praying you finish as strong as you sound. Come back…give yourself time…talk if you need and be silent when you need…you have a lot to digest…take the time Alison. Let your mom hold you and hold you and hold you…don’t worry about the rest of us. your family is first. Soon and very soon.
all my love and admiration (with a lot of jealosy thrown in ) Gini
Beautiful!!
Your writing is amazing, God is clearly speaking to your heart and you are listening!!! I am praying for smooth closure and safe travel . . . see you in just a matter of weeks!!!
Counting down the days little girl! Thanks for sharing all the pictures and stories. Praise God for all He has shown you and taught you. We love you so much and are praying for a great few last weeks with your awesome team. Please give them all my love.
mom
Alison, WOW – what a letter and photos. Tears come to my eyes easily now when I think of you and read your blog. Your letter is thought inspiring: so full of wisdom and maturity. I am so proud of the the courage in your heart to be willing to follow Jesus to Africa, endure hardships/diseases unknown and learn to live in a community of strangers to do something that matters. Your mom and I have watched your writings, scouring the words and photos for as much meaning and understanding that can be gleened. We have seen an unfolding of a new woman of God – how cool is that. We welcome you home with open arms. We have undoubtedly changed (a little) but not like you. Your home will feel different mostly because you have changed so much. We thank God! for how he has protected you, opened your heart and taught you so many things. I am so AMAZED BY and PROUD of you! All my love – DAD.
Alison, my goodness, your words are truly written by someone who has learned that it always about God, no matter how much we think we can plan or just think we know. It has been such a privilege to pray for you the last 8 months or so…wow! God has brought you through so much, and seeing the pictures you posted of your team(family), and the beautiful children…brought goose bumps..can’t wait to have you over when you get home and settled, to hear about everything. You just look so happy in all the pictures…Thanks for sharing on your blog, so we could follow your mission, your heart, and feel a little bit a part of it. Love, Deb
Yay for pictures! These are great! I’m glad you guys had a blast on your safari. I love this quote: “I think the best thing we learned, is that we can’t change the world, God can.” Great lesson. I couldn’t have asked for a great realization. I’m so proud of you guys.