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