WIRED at Christmas!

For me, being in Burkina at Christmas time does not at all feel like it should.  But the good news is that all the festivities that are happening because it’s Christmas have been fantastic!  We have had Christmas concerts and Christmas parties and movies and singing.  Its all been very fun!  On Wednesday we had the annual Wired Christmas banquet.  I had the whole youth group (38 people came!) head out to the Chinese restaurant downtown for dinner.  It was so great!  They all wore such fancy clothes and we had such a great time all eating together and hanging out.  After dinner we headed to the Nehlsen’s house for dessert and some games, pictures, and the final revealing of who every person’s Christmas angel was.  It was so much fun – and while I was looking around I could see that every kid that was there was having a great time too!  That made me so happy! 

The White Queen

The new Alice and Wonderland is one of my favorite movies.  I honestly could watch it over and over (and sometimes I do).  I love the White Queen, played by Anne Hathaway, who always walks around with a lovely smile on her face and her arms high in the air all proper and such.  This woman cracks me up.  She talks with her little accent while taking care of everyone she sees and leads her kingdom with such elegance and manner, all the while happy and joyous.  I laugh because I am so not like that and yet I can be.  The White Queen is genuine - and so am I.  I love my job.  And I have been known to walk around humming a joyous tune and genuinely happy.  Joyful really.

But some days are just harder than others.  And if I walked with my arms in the air, today would certainly be one where they would be down by my side. Thankfully though, I am not a White Queen who has to be proper and perfect all the time, but rather - a real person who can put her hands down and have a hard day. What's amazing about all of this is that in the hard times I still love my job (well so far!) and I am still joyful (thank you Holy Spirit).

For those of you who are curious today was just...life.  Its hard being the only youth leader for a youth group.  It's hard to be a youth leader during finals week.  Its also hard to learn French. But praise Jesus - tomorrow is a new day, and so is the next one. :)

French

My French teachers have not showed up to teach me in the last 3 days - I hope they haven't given up on me :(

I did get a text message saying one had malaria though.

Encouragement!

Yesterday I got a TON of encouragement cards from Mercer Creek Church - the Ellensburg CMA and my original home church.  It was amazing - reading each one just made my day, week, month!  I am so grateful to have so many people praying for me!  Thank you!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

As I was sitting at a table celebrating Thanksgiving with 20 people that I didn’t know just 3 months ago I couldn’t help but think about how strange this year has been.  Last year I had no idea I would not be with my family for Thanksgiving this year.  In fact we were making plans for what we would be doing for Christmas next year.  There was talk about doing something different – like Hawaii or Europe!  Of course that was me mostly talking; really I love my family so much and I would be totally and completely happy spending Thanksgiving and Christmas with my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and my cousins.  Which is why this year is so strange.  But yesterday looking at these people at the table I couldn’t help but be so grateful.  God is so good!  He has brought me to a place with people I truly love – already.  Somehow God has changed my heart to be content and okay with this new change.   But it’s more than that too.  I really love it here.  Which is so weird!  So again, God is so good. 

When I was thinking about what I am thankful for this year I couldn’t stop – I am thankful for everything!  I really love my job.  I really love that I get to spend time with the teenagers here and make deep real relationships.  I really love that God is working through me – and there is no denying that because I couldn’t do this without him.  So when thinking about what I was thankful for this year, there was one that stuck out extra.  I am thankful for you who helped me to get here.  So many of you are praying for me and so many of you have sacrificed money so that I can live here.  Thank you so much.  I cannot say it enough – thank you for supporting me and loving me so much.  Your sacrifice means the world to me.  I am so blessed!  God is so good.  

Nerts

One of my favorite games is Nerts - thanks to my friends back at home. Well my friends here know the game!  So last night instead of worship practice, since we cancelled WIRED on account of Thanksgiving (which only a handful of my students celebrate because there are not many Americans), we played!  It was so much fun.

Also - the other night we were just standing around outside of the school and someone said "Lets play Big Booty!"  This is a game we always played with the Redding Young Life kids - I assumed no one here would have ever even heard of it.  But they did and we played!

Its things like this that make me love it here and not feel so homesick.

Sweet Caroline

I randomly watched a video of when I went 80's dancing with my Redding, California Young Life friends.  In the video we were dancing and all out singing to Neil Diamond's song Sweet Caroline and so this entire day I have been singing it.  I think I may have been driving all my frisbee friends crazy but it was a great memory and a great song! :)  Chris Feild, one of my co-workers quoted What About Bob saying "there are only 2 types of people in the world - those who like Neil Diamond and those who dont."

Here is Ryan and Danny singing it out! :)  Miss you guys! 

An update on my week.

I have had a fantastic week!  I have never had so many amazing deep conversations in one week – I bet I had more than 15 so far!  And it was just fun and so much of this week was spent with the youth!  It was a week where I felt like I was really doing my job.  Also so many people were so encouraging to me this week - I really feel affirmed - which is always nice.  

It started with school being canceled on Tuesday.  It was a Muslim holiday called Tabaski where they kill all the goats in a sort of sacrifice.  Everyone takes off work and school to celebrate and looks forward to it (maybe like our Thanksgiving with more of a religious purpose).  So I had an impromptu movie night at the Shafto’s house on Monday night since they could stay up late.  Their 2 kids are in the youth group – Robbie is one of my student leaders.  Also on Monday we celebrated Lorinda’s birthday at a nice French restaurant downtown! 

Tuesday was a great day too – the holiday canceled my French so I hung out at the Nehlsen’s house for lunch and stayed there all afternoon.  I also went to the Wolters house and worked on my talk for Thursday’s youth group.

My llama meeting was a ton of fun on Wednesday for two reasons: 1 – I love hanging out with my student leaders, and 2 – I actually made the meal!  I cooked a whole chicken (which means I cut off the neck and took out the insides) in the crock-pot.  This is my first time ever doing it so I was nervous but I didn’t hear too many complaints when the time came to actually eat it.  After the meeting I ended up going to the Nehlsen’s again to hang out with Kari and stayed long enough for dinner.  I am starting to feel bad because of the amount of time I spend there and the amount of times they feed me. 

I was able to go to the girl’s soccer tournament at the international school on Thursday.  Both my girl student leaders – Kari and Liesbeth are on the soccer team as well as several other youth group girls.  It was fun to see them play – I had a great time watching and talking to parents: It felt so American!  (Well besides the fact that the other school was all black and most of them didn’t have shoes)  Youth group was a lot of fun too – we are doing a Christmas angel exchange so everyone brought gifts and was excited to see what they were getting.  I am not a part of it but someone gave me earrings and I have no idea who!  It has been driving me crazy!  My talk on faithfulness went pretty well – I made a huge point of talking about how this series isn’t about being perfect all the time but its about God working in us.  Then I talked about faithfulness in terms of being faithful to God and faithful to each other.  Oh also side note: I woke up to my bathroom flooded and unsure of how to actually turn the water off…

Yesterday after French I took a short break and relaxed in the afternoon.  Kari stopped by and then I went back to her house again – the Nehlsen’s fed me yet another meal! J Amy is working on her masters and wanted me to proofread her paper so I spent most of the evening doing that (it’s a long one on Education of girls in Burkina Faso…very interesting).  After that we watched a movie with Kari, Peter (Kari’s brother) and Robbie.  By the time it was finished Amy had convinced me to stay the night because driving back on my moto that late may not be so wise.  Basically I had a sleep over with my students which was pretty funny and I laughed to myself as I fell asleep on the couch. 

Today no girls showed up for Bible study (if you want you can pray about that…they wanted it but no one comes…) so I am updating you.  This afternoon I am looking forward to teaching my English class and maybe, just maybe going to bed early.

Here is a picture of Micah, Nathan, and Robbie at worship practice last week.  Liesbeth is not pictured but she plays the violin most weeks. 

Elections

Hundreds of moto's, people on horseback, and people singing and throwing out flyers in support of the current president had traffic stopped after church on Sunday.  Elections are coming up soon and so demonstrations and talk in support of Blaise Compaore are becoming quite frequent.  

Night at the LOC

Last weekend I stayed out at the LOC.  My totally, completely, legit, co-workers with Envision - the Feilds - let me come out and stay with them for the night.  (I have a ton of co-workers with the CMA but the only other Envision missionaries with me are the Feilds.)  They live at a church plant, Christian school and Compassion site and they happened to have a short term team visiting from the States.  They have 5 kids and only one is in my youth group - he is a 6th grader.  The rest of the kids are in elementary school or not at all.  They are an awesome family and have helped me a TON in adjusting and living here.  

Because a short term team was visiting, the Feilds had some guys come who knew how to play the jimbay.  They gave us a little concert and taught some of the team how to play.  We also had an authentic African meal and we learned how to dance.  

I took pictures today!

This is Kari and Liesbeth laughing during our llama meeting.  We have them every Wednesday - one of the highlights of my week.

Robbie, Kari, Micah, and Liesbeth.  The 5th llama leader, Kevin, was sick this week.  These are basically my best friends here - they are an amazing group of kids!  

This is Janaya Holbrook.  The Holbrooks left Africa today to go back to the States.  Janaya and her sister Hannah were the girls who met me at the airport when I first arrived.  Their whole family is simply amazing and I am certainly going to miss them.

Okay the internet isnt uploading the rest of my pictures fast enough and I am getting sleeping - its after midnight!  SO I will upload more soon!  

Goodnight! 

Why you shouldn't lie to students:

There is a festival of sorts going on in Ouaga currently called SIAO.  It’s basically a big fair with a TON of venders selling stuff from all over Africa – its pretty sweet. 

Last night I went with some of the youth to check it out and buy some fun stuff.  While we were walking around we ran into this ladies selling t-shirts and fun African looking souvenirs (which is basically what everyone is selling…).  They were selling this cloth book cover/protector for small books and there was a book inside of it to display it.  I opened up the book and it was written in Chinese characters.  Micah and Robbie asked if I could read it so I told them I could.  They were pretty doubtful but I was fooling them.  The lady selling it was looking at me knowing the truth and so while laughing she reached over and turned the book over in my hands because I was holding it upside down!

I have never seen those boys laugh so hard! 

Tonight

Well since I have internet I may as well keep you updated :)

This evening WIRED went very well!  This year we have Llama team challenges - the llama leaders (student leaders) have small groups called llama groups and so in continuing the theme of llamas the Llama team challenges developed.  Basically Kari leads games and the small groups compete for some unknown or undiscussed prize or glory at the end of the year!  We had a fun night of charades (how to you act out grace?).

After singing/worship I spoke on kindness - We are going through a series on the fruit of the Spirit.  I shared a story about how a man helped me change my tire on my birthday, in the rain, in Seattle, on my way to pick up Hannah K from the airport.  Then we talked about how Jesus shows kindness and tenderness when he healed individuals by looking at them, seeing them, and touching them.  I have been continuing with the idea that when we remember what God has done in our lives, spend time in the word and just get to know God that we cannot help but be changed - and that is the Holy Spirit working in us.  So in motivating people to be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, and now kind, I am saying "please get to know the God of the universe and let him work in your lives to bring about those things."

After the talk we prayed for three of our students who will be heading back to the States next week.  Its hard to see people go but I am getting the sense that it happens a lot.

Small groups ended our night - I have not heard how they all went.  I had the guys discuss how they can be tender - it will be interesting to hear what they came up with :) I encouraged them to look at Jesus - he is a kind and tender man/God after all!

Everyone hung around for quite awhile after youth group got out and now its odd that its so quiet.  When it ends every week and everyone goes home its a hard adjustment to go from LOUD to stillness.  But its nice both ways.

INTERNET!

Its not fast, and its not perfect...but its in my house people!

Yippy for Presents!

I got stuff from you guys!  Thank you so much!  The package that was put together by my Lewiston family made it (well half of it).  Thank you all so much!  It was such a blessing to get some great and much needed things!  I am excited to eat peanut butter, make tacos, make ranch dressing, sleep better, print things, use the projector and so much other stuff!  Also, thank you Franklin team (all of whom most likely do not read my blog) for buying things that didn’t arrive – that was a surprise and you did not have to do it!

In other news: we played underground church last Friday and 50+ kids came – most of them I had never met before!  It was neat seeing some new faces and maybe some will come to youth group this week!  We also had a great time running around in the dark and “torturing” people by making them count coffee beans, eat old sardines, run in circles, and sing embarrassing songs.

Normal

I am back in Ouaga and no longer on vacation.  BUT I am glad to be here!  This week is a "normal" week!  But its also going to be a fun week!  I have some neat things coming up!  The boys Bible study is having their first meeting tomorrow and the girls are having their first on Saturday.  We are having some sort of outdoor game event at ISO (the international school) on Friday.  Also there is some teams coming in this weekend and so I will get to meet the previous WIRED youth leaders!  I am excited about that!  Should be a busy and good week!

And side note: I got a package in the mail from Mandy! Thanks so much for the fun Halloween decorations!

October 21 update!

Greetings from Bobo –

This week is October break for the international students who go to ISO (basically the whole youth group).  I was invited to go to Bobo with the Steve and Amy Nehlsen and their two kids, Kari and Peter, for a mini-vacation.  Kari and Peter are in my youth group and so it has been fun to get to know them better.  Steve is the field director for the C&MA here in Burkina and so while he and his wife Amy have been visiting varies ministries and encouraging people, I have enjoyed taking a break from my own ministries.  It has been a fantastic week – I met the rest of the C&MA missionaries and enjoyed fantastic meals at each ones home.  We also went to some waterfalls with the Oberg’s, Hull’s, and Schaeffer’s, and I have enjoyed the C&MA guest house here in Bobo (good internet, AC, and comfy beds!).  The Oberg’s send their greetings to the Lewiston and Ellensburg Church.  We were reminiscing about how great God is to work me coming out here – when the Oberg’s were at the Lewiston church in March I had no idea where I would be but they encouraged me a ton.  Just a few weeks later I found out about this job and now here I am in Africa eating in their home.  So awesome! 

And God has already been working a ton while I have been here.  We had a girl come to know the Lord a few weeks ago in the youth group!  She and her family are here with the US embassy and she started to come to youth group this fall.  It has been so neat to see her open up and grow in the Lord and to see how God is not only working in her but her entire family!  I have been so encouraged the last few weeks with WIRED.  We have had some awesome small group times and the series we are in, the fruit of the Spirit, has been really “fruitful.” Haha! It is fun to talk about how God works in us through his Spirit – I have been saying that its really a miracle how we can love, find joy, and have peace in the chaos of this world.  Most of these kids don’t know where they will be in a year but God does know and that’s an awesome thing to encourage them in.  

The youth group also went on a medical outreach trip last Saturday.  We went to a village about an hour outside of Ouaga.  I posted some pictures on my blog.  This was an awesome time to get to know kids more and serve along side of them.  Money that was raised from the 30 hour famine the kids did last spring, paid for 300 kids to have physicals and receive treatment. 

In other areas of my life here: I have started French.  I have it three grueling hours a day.  Actually its not that bad, my teacher is AMAZING!  Its certainly hard, I don’t have it yet, and I cant find enough time to study BUT as of today I can say hello, how are you, and I am already starting to understand a considerable amount!  Praise Jesus!

I have also started my English class!  I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it but my first day was so much fun (they may or may not think I am a little crazy).  There are about 16 adults who all have the most difficult names to pronounce but instead of being offended they totally laughed!  The students come from different backgrounds – some come from Christian churches but many do not.  We ask for prayer requests at the end of class and spend some time in prayer. 

Lastly, I have finally started to settle in.  Sadly, Sarah has left, but she left me (basically) prepared to live on my own as a single lady in Burkina (Thank you Sarah! You are missed though).  I moved into my new place a few weeks ago and things are working out fine.  WIRED meets there every week – which is great.  And I am enjoying living on my own. 

I just looked at the prayer requests from my last update and God has already answered them!  Thanks for praying everyone!  I got my schedule worked out, French isn’t as hard as I thought (although I didn’t speak it instantly…better keep praying for that one!), and God has been softening the hearts of the youth!

As for current prayer requests:

I need some more youth leaders – Pray that God brings them.  Currently its Matt and I but Matt’s well drilling ministry is taking him away for the next several months so that just leaves…me.  I know that God has people in mind – we just need to find them!

Pray for the youth still – changed hearts and closer relationships to God, each other, and the leaders. 

Pray for the llama leaders (the student leaders) – they are amazing kids, but carry a lot of weight.  Pray that they can find time in their crazy schedules to slow down and spend some time with the Lord.  This is another reason why we need some more adult leaders – I want the student leaders to get something out of youth group as well. 

Pray also for me.  Safety as I drive on the streets, energy and knowledge to do all I need to, strength to encourage these kids, and courage to learn French, approach kids, speak truth, and be vulnerable. 

Thank you guys so much for your support, encouragement, prayers…everything!  Thank you!  And thanks for reading this VERY long update… J

Love you!

-Hannah

Bobo

Hey everyone!

I am in Bobo for the week - I came with the Nehlsen family.  The kids are on fall break and invited me for a nice mini-vacation.  I grabbed at this opportunity to see more of Burkina and see the only people that I kinda know in this country - the Oberg family.

We got here on Sunday and it has been amazing.  We are staying at the CMA guesthouse - which is very nice.  It certainly feels like a vacation here - I slept with AC for the first time since I got here, I have had every meal cooked for me AND the internet is pretty fast!  Plus I am using wireless for the first time inside a house - that means no mosquito bites while using facebook! :) haha

Yesterday we went Banfora to see the waterfalls.  The Oberg's, the Schaeffer's, the Nelsen's and I loaded up and drove the hour there.  It was a fun, bumpy ride through sugar cain fields and mud!  We got to the place where the waterfall is and trudged through (I guess) a flooded forest/jungle type area.  We hiked up some rocks and saw the breathtaking waterfall!  I will certainly post pictures...hopefully soon!  It was a great day.  Everything was too flooded to actually go swimming but in an area that was overflowing a bit we sat on "mini" waterfalls and cooled down.  Overall it was such a great day!

I will be here in Bobo until Friday.  We have more swimming on the schedule, as well as a dinner planned with all the adult CMA missionaries, and some touring of the booming village of Bobo!  Overall I am already glad I am here and looking forward to the rest of the week!

Pictures from Yako medical trip!

Kara testing a boy's eyesight

Matt (one of the youth leaders) is cleaning out a boy's ear

Holbrook's waiting for the children's urine test results :)

We helped over 200 kids get physical's in Yako yesterday!  We would get a child and walk them through the different stations.  The first station was the urine station - we had to get the kids to pee in a cup (difficult let me tell you) and then we took it to get the results.  After that we took them to get their eyes checked - another difficult thing!  Then we took their measurements and sent them to the doctors!  There were so many kids who were healthy but there were also a ton who needed their ears cleaned, glasses and medicine.    

It was a really amazing experience and I enjoyed the time to get to know some of the youth!  It was also fun to see them do so much great work.  Helping so many kids - all of whom have nearly nothing - was really good for me and them.  I am glad that we do things like this!  

Youth Group this week!

Power Cut

The power went out at 6:30-ish this evening (nothing unusual there).  So I lit candles and went into my room to read.  I was keeping cool by my battery powered fan.  Well, I needed some water an hour later so I went into the kitchen.  Much to my surprise the kitchen light was on!  Who knows how long I was sitting in the dark!  Oh Gosh!

Moped!

This is on Sarah's moto before she left - I dont have an updated one on the current moto I will be driving!

My current moto is a moped because of an incident that happened a few weeks ago.  We asked our old guard to get the motorcycle running.  Well he couldnt get it started so he asked a neighbor for some help.  They got it running and the neighbor took off on it.  He ended up running into 2 parked cars and injuring himself and my moto!  So until it gets fixed I will be driving this one.  Its a good one to learn on because I dont have to shift or anything.  I like it.

Moto

Ha!  I had an interesting day on the moto!  This morning I successfully made it to Lorinda's house!  I crossed 2 pretty busy streets safely!  BUT on the way home I ran out of gas.  Thats right...basically the second outing and I had to push the moto home.  Thankfully it happened on my street and my day guard saw me and came running to take it from me.

Anyways, I sent him to go take the moto and fill it up with gas.  An hour later he returns with some strange young man saying, through motions, that there is dirt in my gas tank.  I was so confused I call Judy and she talked to both of them for me (I really need to learn French).  She said that the other guy is a mechanic and he needs to take my moto and fix it.  SO I gave him some money and watched as he drove off on my moto, money in hand.  I said a quick prayer hoping he would return.  Several hours later both him and my day guard come back but the moto is not running quite right.  So through motions again, I gather that he wants to take me back to his shop and fix it. I actually got on the back of my moto and let a stranger drive me to his shop!  Thankfully the shop (which is basically a pile of tires and tools on the side of the road) was only a block away.  I sat in the shade while he fixed it and met another African man who spoke in ENGLISH to me.  I was so excited but sadly it ended with him asking me if I was married and for my number... I just laughed and said see you later.

My moto is running fine now, although I should check and see if gas was ever actually put into it.  I think from it sitting for so long without being used and running it all the way out of gas it just needed some cleaning.  Hopefully that is the end of that.

English Class

I just finished teaching my very first English class!  I had 12 students, all at a fairly high English speaking level - which is good because I am unable to help them in French.  The class could be as large as 16 students but I am thankful that they did not all show up today.

I can already tell that I am really going to enjoy teaching English.  Its fun having an interaction with locals because most of my ministry is with foreigners.  I love it!

Class went pretty well - it is hard teaching English though!  We went over health issues today - it was ridiculous!  Two of the sentences I had to read were: "I've been feeling so tired lately, and I have to go to the bathroom a lot" and "My stomach has been hurting me terribly for the last 12 hours, I have been vomiting and I have awful diarrhea too.  Do I have the flu?"  I certainly heard some laughter...  It was also interesting trying to describe words.  I mean...how do you describe tingle? It was hard!

Overall though - I really enjoyed myself and am looking forward to teaching this year!

Hello Mandy!

I am dedicating this post to Mandy!  She has my blog set as her homepage :) haha I love it!  I got to talk to her on skype today :) It was glorious!  The internet worked just well enough to see her face and everything!    You are looking beautiful Mandy!!  Thanks for praying for me too!

And for the rest of you - Thanks for being my supporters and praying for me...I am just feeling so thankful!

I had some success today - I drove to the Holbrooks house on my moto all by myself and youth group went well (in my opinion)!

It has been a good day.

Stupid Internet

Internet has not been working great.  I am sure it is because I sit outside and steal the wireless from the neighbors though.  It works well enough for getting emails, checking Facebook, and getting on my blog but as for skyping home and uploading pictures onto the blog...Its not doing so great.  Which has been frustrating because I havent been able to talk to anyone, let alone my mom and dad for several days.  God gave me a good enough connection on Sunday to talk to my dad before he left for China on Monday - so that was good.  I will certainly praise Him for that!

My new place, and possible blog titles

I have moved!  I am now officially on my own...Oh Lord Help ME!

Sarah is leaving tomorrow and as of Friday I have been staying at Pete and Alice Brokopp's home.  I only moved a street over and up a little so thats nice - I don't need to learn a new neighborhood or anything.  The house is pretty big for just me but I am already taking it over!  I made one of the bedrooms a TV room and office so far.

The youth group will meet here, my Saturday English class will meet here, and my French lessons are located here as well.  So thats nice.

Trying to figure out things like power converters, the gas stove, and numerous other things is proving to be more confusing than I had hoped but in time I should be able to figure it all out.  Food and cooking should be interesting too.  I don't know if i mentioned the difficulties of cooking from scratch and with different ingredients...it will be interesting!  I feel like my blog could simply be about trying to cook and it would be interesting.

Although now that I think about it, there are a lot of topics this blog could be about that would make it interesting.  Here are some possible titles:
-My First Two Years of Youth Ministry: the Failures and Mess Ups of a 20 Something Youth Leader
-Learning to Cook in Africa: I Should Have Learned to Cook in America...
-Surviving Africa 101: I May Not Survive But If You Read This You Will
-Cultural Misunderstandings - Don't Shake With Your Left Hand

:)

Farm House

This week was the first official week that Wired moved into its new and current location: my house...aka Pete and Alice Brokopp's house. However I am going to try and see if calling it the Farm House will actually catch on.  I mean there is 2 cats and a turtle.

Wired went good, a few glitches though.  The powerpoint wasn't ready, the projector wasn't set up, and it didn't go as smoothly as I would like BUT it still went good.  About 25-30 kids came (the found the new place!).  I think that the more I am use to having it here and the more I am use to me being in charge the smoother it will go.

We are currently in a series on the Fruits of the Spirit.  So far so good!  Although I haven't seen too many fruits come out of it yet - I am hopeful!  I think God will do a lot of work through these kids!

Bites

Pray that the 30 mosquito bites on my legs were inflicted by cute, nice, friendly misquitos rather than mean malaria infected ones.

French has Begun!

My French classes have started.  It was a little overwhelming and very confusing BUT at least I am entertaining my teacher.  Or maybe I am just frustrating her.  Either way I laugh awkwardly and she seems to laugh as well.  It should be interesting but well worth it when I can order on my own or get my own groceries.

Mandy's Wedding and Half Birthdays

The hardest part about being gone is missing important things back at home.  Its only been 3 weeks (today) and I have already missed a huge milestone - Mandy's wedding.  BUT I know this is where I am suppose to be - but that doesn't make missing out on things any easier.  Meh.

ALSO - Sunday was my half birthday.  I enjoy celebrating it and getting gifts (although that has never actually happened before) and I didn't even notice it was September 26 until I was writing in my journal that night. Lame.

It may sound like I had a rough weekend :) but I actually had a pretty good one despite missing the wedding and my (half) birthday.  All the C&MA churches in Ouaga met together at Central church on Sunday - so it was a huge celebration with maybe 1000 people for a 4 hour service all in French :)  I also spent some time swimming, eating ice cream on a waffle (amazing!), Sunday frisbee, and a game night with some friends.  So it was still a good weekend.

Lastly - Shout out to my grandma Dyk!  Happy Birthday last Saturday!  It was great talking to you!!  I love you a whole lot!  And I miss you!

Youth Group in the Dark

This week the power went out during youth group (power outages happen quite frequently).  Games were interesting to play in the dark by candlelight.  Kari Nehlson leads games here and she is amazing – and although this game isn’t made to play in the dark – it added more challenge and I would say it was a success!

Prayer Meeting

This may sound really silly if any of the people I am working with here read this but I thought I would blog about it anyways.  We had prayer meeting on Wednesday night and while I was sitting there listening to all these different missionaries share their requests I couldn’t help but think about where I am.  When I was little missionaries would come to church and I thought they were AMAZING.  Honestly, they were my heroes!  And this thought crossed my mind: I am sitting with people I have looked up to my whole life and they are so real.  The C&MA missionaries here are amazing people.  They care so deeply for the people here, for their co-workers, for the world.  It is really a blessing to be able to sit in a see their hearts – and even pray for them.  

Dorcas House

This weekend I had the opportunity to stay the night at the Dorcas house.  The Dorcas house is a place that women who come from harsh backgrounds can come and learn about God.  They also have classes on how to cook, sew, make soap, and varies other things that they can do to better themselves and make a living.  The women’s ages are from 15 to late 20’s.  It was neat to see them worship God and tell testimonies about how their lives are different since finding Jesus and living in the Dorcas house. 

Check out this site for more information: http://www.burkinaalliance.org/DorcasHouse.html

the women singing and dancing after church

Youth Group

Last night was the first normal youth group for me.  It was really great!  I am pretty lucky because I have AMAZING llama leaders (student leaders).  They lead worship, small group, bring snacks, games, and are such a great help.  They also bring their friends.  I am looking forward to getting to know them more!  Wired (youth group), as a whole, is great too – such an amazing group of kids.  We had a lot of fun together. Last night was the last night for the topic of grace (although I think that’s something we learn everyday).  Matt (one of the leaders) gave an awesome message. 

The llama leaders lead the small groups.  Last night we had them all spit up into their groups to make a team “flag” and choose a team name.  Throughout the year we will have llama team challenges.  

Talent!

Last night the worship leaders came over to practice their songs for youth group (Wired) this week.  I was so impressed!  We have 2 kids, one a violinist and the other a pianist, that can play by ear!  The other two guys are able to play guitar.  I was pretty excited to hear them and it nearly brought tears to my eyes!

Things I have done Lately

I have been pretty busy since I got here – maybe not physically (although I have done a lot) but busy in just figuring things out and meeting people and just trying to make it so far.  It hasn’t always been easy, I experienced some homesickness already, but it has been good.  I can tell that everyone here is patient and caring and has no problem helping me and being here for me so that makes it nice.

But back to what I have been doing.

I went to a movie night put on by the youth at one of their houses – that was a lot of fun.  It was a neat setting to interact with them.  Plus one of them is very talented in some crazy fire throwing/spinning thing…I'm not too sure what it is but it was neat!

Saturday highlights included having pancakes at the American embassy rec center where I met some neat ladies and went swimming, having lunch at the Wolters home, and having dinner with Lorinda, a missionary here (I am being well fed).

Sunday was exciting!  I got to experience church here.  It included singing in French, followed by a sermon in French, and ending with hour long announcements in…you guessed it: French (needless to say I didn’t catch a thing).  In the afternoon I played ultimate Frisbee!  It was such a great way to hang out with the youth kids and their parents, as well as meet some new folks here (plus I have not sweated that much since high school sports!).  In the evening Sarah and I went over to the Nehlsons for a home cooked meal of sausage and mac and cheese.

Church

Ultimate frisbee!

Today was great too – I got some money (yippy!) and had a great home cooked Korean meal!  Now I am updating this and talking to my parents on skype!  

Whats it like?!

I want to briefly describe what I see for those of you who have no idea what Burkina Faso is like. 

Climate: hot and sticky, the air is heavy with moisture.  Its not miserable and the moisture makes it cooler.  I guess in October it will just be hot and dry. 

Vegetation: everything is green right now.  I welcome it since I left Cloverland when it was brown.  This too will change as soon as it gets hot in the next month or so.  Dust and everything brown will soon come. 

People: there are white people here but I only see them in the circle of the international school (ISO) and the missionaries.  Most everyone else is locals.  The Burkinabe wear long skirts that are usually made of the same material as their shirts.  There are a lot of people here too, you cant go anywhere without seeing several people.  The women have their little kids strapped to their backs and also carry large items on their heads.  There are people selling anything you can imagine everywhere. 

Roads: main streets are paved and FULL of people.   Most everyone drives motos but cars are here as well – I saw a hummer!  But there are a ton of Toyotas here too.  All the side streets are dirt and have HUGE pot holes.  Most are left to get bigger; some are filled with garbage.  I have been told they are worse right now because of all the rain.  Also – people drive a bit crazy…okay really crazy.  The Burkinabe don’t really look when they are turning and don’t stop at lights or stop signs. 

Ouagadougou and Ramadan

This morning is the end of the fast for Ramadan so Sarah and I decided to drive and see everyone in their nice outfits on their way to the mosque.  Unfortunately we were a little too late to see everyone (I didn’t get up until 10:00…time change is hard!) but I still got some good pictures!       

ISO and Wired

I went and checked out the international school (ISO).  It was neat to see where the youth group kids go to school.  Its pretty nice – a huge new building for the middle school and high school, lots of classrooms, a library, and really anything else a school needs.  Even a turtle!

We had youth group last night.  Its called Wired.  It was a game night and potluck.  It was so fun meeting all the kids and many of the parents!  They are a good group of kids.  Very fun, loud, energetic, and excited!  I can tell this is going to be fun!  We even had a whole lot of new people come last night.  It will take me awhile to learn everyone’s name but I am so excited to get to know all the kids!

Some of the girls playing Pitt

I am so thankful for my roommate Sarah!  She taught me how to drive a moto yesterday (although I have not been where a ton of people are yet since they are CRAZY!).  She has also taken me everywhere, answered all my questions, translates for me, even makes me food…the list is endless!  She is amazing!

No more cold feet!

So I made it! 

I am currently in Burkina Faso!  How great is that? 

I am currently feeling pretty good.  I was so awake and excited to be here last night but I feel asleep instantly!  I probably could have slept all day but I forced myself awake this morning and now I am doing great! 

Impressions: well its warm and humid – not too overwhelming: in fact I wasn’t hot last night at all.  And for the first time in quite awhile my toes are not cold.  However, as soon as I start moving I realize its quite a bit warmer than at home.  Everyone here is so nice and really excited for me to be here – that makes it so fun!  I met 2 really great girls last night and they said they couldn’t wait to meet the 6-foot tall farmer!  How funny is that?  The house I'm at is really great – very industrial maybe…if that makes sense?  All the floors are tile and the walls are hard, I guess cement?  Its really neat though.  Very homey and cute and I love it!  I am staying with a girl named Sarah – she’s amazing.  So helpful and she’s just trying to help me fit in and survive.  She has a dog named Snickers and a cat named Kit Kat. 

I am 7 hours ahead of my Washington/Idaho/California/Oregon people – just so you know.  

How do you pack for 2 years?

I leave in one week from today!  Crazy eh?  Things are getting a bit hectic - and I lost some sleep last night BUT I am still so excited to go - just nervous, sad, happy...I think I am feeling everything at once.  

I did get my visa and I did get my support: PRAISE GOD!!!

Both are like real live miracles that God totally did - I know he answers prayers but its still simply amazing every time he does.  So crazy how that works!

Also, I have received so many emails from different missionaries that are already in Burkina Faso just wanting to let me know that they are excited for my arrival and they are there to help me - it makes going not so scary!

So now I am spending the week packing - which leads me to the question: how do I pack for 2 years?  My mom helped me roll all my clothes real small, I think that has helped.  Now I am just trying to figure out what else I should bring and what I don't need to bring.  Its quite a process.  SO if you have any advice please let me know :)

Thank you for your prayers, emails, encouragement - everything!  You guys are my supporters and I would not be going to do what God has put in front of me without you.  

I truly look forward to keeping you updated!

Also - thanks to everyone that was able to make it to my goodbye party!  I had a blast and it was a blessing to see you all one more time before I leave!  Thanks!

Labor Day!

Alright...no turning back now!  I bought my plane tickets as of last friday.  This is HUGE faith because I do not have all my monthly support pledged.  I officially leave September 6 at 5:15 in the morning.  Labor day.
Prayer: everything falls into place before then....Lord willing :) Also pray that God is continuing to prepare me for what is ahead.

Online giving is now available!

If you are interested in giving me money there are now 2 options!!

The first option is mailing a check with my name on the memo line or in a note enclosed with the check to this address:

Global Ventures Office

The Christian and Missionary Alliance

PO Box 35000

Colorado Springs, CO 80935-3500

And the other option is to give online by going to this address:

http://www.cmalliance.org/give/designated

My Account name is of course: Hannah Greene 

My Account number is: 1-47650-41-10

Then continue on and follow the steps :) 

Things are coming along but I do still need some financial support.  Thanks for all of you who are already praying and giving!  I appreciate it all!!! This is coming together and its REALLY exciting!

how the heck did this happen?

I have motivation and time to explain a little bit about how this Burkina opportunity came about…so here it is:

Since I graduated in December I have been praying about the next step God would have me take.  I felt like God would let me know but I begin to do a little research to see what options were available.  I looked into Young Life international (which would be amazing), CAMA and a few other things but nothing was jumping out. 

In one day I received a few emails about the same opportunity in Burkina Faso.  So without thinking about it I applied.  After I applied I freaked out just a little because I realized I didn’t pray about it or anything – I just jumped on it!  But I was assured (thanks mom!) that this could be a door that God has opened and if he wants me to do it then it will work out.  AND it DID!  A week later I heard back from the Brokopp’s (the CMA missionaries currently in Burkina) and they told me they would love to have me come.  Now – several hoops have been jumped and things have been approved and the ball is rolling. 

Now that things are moving and I have had time to pray I will say that I am confident that this IS what God has for me – I have faith that my funds will come in, that my prayers will be answered, and my prayer support for the next two years will be strong!  

Transportation!

God has been answering prayers so quickly that I cant even keep track of them all!!  The newest one is that he has provided me with transportation while I am in Burkina!! J I have been told that there are 2 motorbikes available and I can have my pick!

This is HUGE for me because last summer in South Africa I had to rely so much on someone driving and getting me for ministry – its nice to know that I am free to get where I need to when I need to!  PRAISE JESUS!

NEWS

Some of you already know but for those of you who dont: I am moving to Burkina Faso, Africa! :)
I will be updating my blog more and more in the next few weeks and then keep it updated while I am there.  For now I am just posting my support letter - soon I will give MORE details!

GET EXCITED!

“Hannah! This is EXACTLY what we have been praying for!  YOU ARE GOING!”

 – Mandy, my roommate from Redding

Dear

Mandy said that after I called to tell her about the opportunity to be the youth leader of a youth group at an international school in Burkina Faso, Africa.  Now, nearly a month later, I'm sitting here writing to tell you that I have been accepted to fulfill this position and am planning on heading there in September. 

This position is through the Short Term Missions Office of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.  I have been asked to be the youth leader of a youth group that many of the CMA missionaries in the region send their kids.  Along with being the leader of the youth group, I will also teach English and learn French.  There are endless opportunities to serve God in a country where Islam is the predominant religion.  I am thrilled to take part in God’s ministry in this country and serve him in whatever other ways he would reveal. 

I am writing you because I need your support.  I have currently committed to being there for 2 years and I know that I am going to need your prayers.  Please consider praying for me as I prepare to go to Burkina and while I am serving there.  Financially I am going to need help as well.  I know that the missionaries in Burkina would love to provide for my finances but that is not possible for them.  So, I am raising support both spiritually and financially.  The complete cost of living in Burkina (and learning French) will be $1,400 a month.  Please consider supporting me monthly.  

I wanted to thank you for the support you have given me.  You have played a part in God’s plan for my life already.  I would not have been able to graduate from Simpson University had it not been for your support in sending me to South Africa for my internship last summer.  Also, I know that you have prayed for me and encouraged me for many years now and that has shaped who I am today – Thank you.

Blessings to you!

·  Please follow me online at: http://backroadsunset.blogspot.com/

·  And for more information or to talk to me personally email me at greenebean55@hotmail.com