life is still happening

The past week has been a blur, I'm not sure how things go so fast.  For example – every 2 weeks I change my contacts for new ones (I know so random) but today is the day for new contacts and I honestly feel like I just changed them yesterday.  Not to mention how fast 5 months has flown by.  Seriously how is this happening?

The SFR is over and our visitors have returned home, or on to the next field – they left us with some encouragement and ideas for the future.  For me, my job has changed slightly – but really its God answering more prayers.  Crazy.  Envision is still developing so much and I am some what of a trial run because I am the first intern to come here under that role.  Praise the Lord I always have the youth as the job I cannot take my eyes off – but there are some exciting things that I will be picking up.  They have asked me to help more with teams that come in and Envision is hoping to send more interns out and would like me to be a host and to help them transition into being here.  So if you are interesting in coming to Burkina for any amount of time – 2 weeks or 2 months…or longer – come!  Ill help you (and I could sure use you in the youth group – especially some guys). J  Our field is going to shrink drastically this summer because 3 missionaries will be going home for their year in the States.  The Ouaga team will literally be 5 missionaries – it will be a huge transition but I am excited for the responsibility. 

This week has been quieter for me because several of the youth headed to Ghana for MUN (model United Nations).  Three of my llamas – Kari, Robbie, and Micah all headed down so that changed youth group quite a bit.  I had to pray about the jealousy I felt for them going – they all got to go to the beach and play in the ocean!  And Kari told me she went to a real MALL!  Okay so I am still a little jealous.  I am certainly going to see if they will need a chaperone for next year!

Youth group went well last night though – I separated the boys and girls and we looked at verses of who God is and compared that to who we think God is.  I ended with bringing everyone together for a few minutes and said that how we perceive God is not reality because he is SO much more than we can understand.  But how God perceives us is reality, even if we don’t see ourselves like it – we are still children of God.  I know there are a few in the youth group that don’t know Jesus so after I read John 1:12 – I invited anyone to talk to me at any time if they want to see themselves as a child of Jesus and just invited them to believe.  No one talked to me afterwards but I'm praying that what they got from small groups and my little invitation well stick with them for a while. 

This week I also subbed for third grade – oh man was that hard.  I have a new appreciation for all the elementary teachers out there.  I also know why I am not one J I just couldn’t get them to be quiet.  It was so hard!  I also have no idea if they learned anything from me.  After school the elementary principle asked if they scared me off – I told her no (for some stupid reason) but really I don’t know if I can do it again.  I think Ill stick to the teenagers. 

Last Sunday I went – for the first time – to church by myself!  I drove all the way out to Ouaga 2000 where the Clousers lead a small church.  Steve Clouser gave the sermon in French and I understood more than I have yet!  It was so exciting!  I still cant speak French but man I am starting to understand so much. 

Lastly – Brandon Heath came out with a new cd last month called Leaving Eden – I would highly recommend it.  

Oh also - its starting to get hot...

A post for Kandice

She graciously pointed out I haven’t blogged in a week – ish.

Speaking of ish – I read a children’s book called Ish when I subbed for third grade this week.  It was actually a very cute book and I feel like I could relate to it.  It just talked about how this little boy whos brother made fun of his drawings but his sister loved his drawings and said that they were kind of like what he had hoped they would be.  She said that his picture of a vase was vase-ish.  I feel like often times I am in the ish category.  I'm learning as a go and things turn out kind of like they should be (although I'm not entirely sure anyone knows how they should be).  Youth group is youth group – ish, my French is French – ish J and so on…  things look different here for many reasons.  I'm the only leader, I am new, its hard balancing middle school and high school, French is sooo HARD, really I could go on an on.  But the book ended with the boy continuing to draw and paint and write and appreciating the beauty of ish.  And for me, really I just need to keep going, keep learning, keep following and listening to the Lord, because its his opinion that matters and what the world says things should look like – God sees differently.  

Crazy Beautiful

The past week has been a crazy beautiful one.  The strategic field review, or SFR, is in session, creating a bit of excitement in the CMA realm.  This field review looks at the work that has been happening in Burkina Faso.  This is really a good thing because its important to see what God has been doing here and to see if we are moving in the direction that was intended or if we, at some point, have gotten off track.  With me being so new - my role is simply observation.  I am thankful for that because I am excluded from the intense interviews and deep questions!  But the meetings, meals, and the opportunities to meet some CMA bigwigs have added to my schedule.  So, again, the past week has been a crazy beautiful one.

On top of the SFR, I also planned a youth event and a surprise Birthday party.  That, along with youth group, meeting Pete (the person who hired me), and babysitting the Feild kids - I am dead, and its only Monday.

The youth group had a great time playing a new game on Friday - Quick Sand (Matt made it up) and after that everyone snuck over to my house to surprise Kari Nehlsen for a Birthday Party.  It was fun just hanging out with all those youth.  We sat around in my house and played Catch Phrase - I laughed so hard and I got a bit competitive.  I use to not be so competitive: I blame Kandice and Mandy for bringing out this intense side in me.

Saturday was my last official English class for level 4B English.  They were not ready for it to end - and I know they are not ready for the final exam this next Saturday.  It will be interesting to see if any of them actually pass.  Since Thanksgiving I have had very few students coming because of holidays, finals, and traveling.  So many of them missed class that they didnt realize that the end was near!  I am sad its coming to the end as well - I just now feel like I am starting to get to know a few of them.  But I am sure I can continue on with them while I am here.

Sunday I ventured out of the CMA and went to church with the Shafto's.  They are here with the IMB.  It was a great experience going to another church here in Ouaga.  It was different to the CMA ones but still very much reaching people for Christ!  I love that I get to work with so many people from so many different organizations.  God is alive in all them.

Today, the CMA folks have headed to Bobo for the rest of the SFR meetings.  I am staying with Peter and Kari Nehlsen tonight and subbing for Karen Wolters tomorrow.  I am looking forward to some "contact work" in the school!

Orodara New Years Retreat!

In the past the youth group has often gone on a New Years camping retreat with kids and parents.  So continuing in the tradition we had one this year as well.  I have never planned a whole retreat before and I can say that it was successful but I certainly didn’t do it by myself.  In fact, Robbie’s mom – Kathy Shafto, did the most work and I am so thankful that she was here to help.  Also, we had a guest speaker (I didn’t even have to prepare talks!) name Zac who grew up here in Burkina, who talked to the kids about radical living and love for Christ.  He really inspired the youth that came! 

We had an amazing time.  It was really great for me to spend more than just a few hours with the youth.  It was also so amazing to get to know whole families.  We played some fun night games, ate great food, had a water fight, went to the waterfalls and domes and had some fun roasting marshmallows on a bonfire!  

Group photo!

We thought just maybe if we pushed hard enough we could push the rock over...turns out you cant.

We walked to the waterfall from the domes on a water pipe that was cool because of the water in it!  

Looking for shooting stars!

Much of the time was spent singing songs and listening to the talented boys - both with worship music and completely ridiculous songs about anything and everything.  

Update on random things going on:

1. I gave the cat away.  I got a cat when Skip and Judy left a few months ago and decided I didn’t want it any more.  I know that sounds horrible but it never stopped meowing and I'm pretty sure it was prego.  Just so you know: I made sure it went to a home that doesn’t eat cats. 

2. My toe.  I mentioned that the kickstand on my moto tried to take my toenail off.  Well this week the cut around and under the nail itself has been healing nicely but my toenail is slowly turning darker.  Robbie said his turned black and then fell off – I really hope mine doesn’t turn black and fall off.  Sick. 

3. French.  I always say it’s coming but so slowly.  Well today I can say slowly in French – lentement!  Jackie, my teacher, took me on an outing.  We walked pretty far to this leather shop and talked in French the whole way.  Then she bought me a leather change purse and dinner!  Then we walked back home.  It was one of the better French lessons I have had so far.  I also learned how to say sentences with the word “if” in it, which is “si.”  I feel like that will come in handy.

4. Youth group.  We started a new series where I pick a song and talk about it – my goal is to hit different topics such as: relationships, self image, hope, and anything else I can think of.  Yesterday was the first talk but we only had about 10 students come because of a concert for the arts at the international school – so we went to ice cream instead.  It was great!

5. 30 hour famine.  Now this is going to be awesome!  The youth group raises $1000s of dollars every year and then we give it away to feed people!  This year we are looking to feed people, possibly drill a well, fix some things that need fixed – and MORE.  If you are interested in fasting with us we will be doing that on March 11.  If you are interested in donating money for our cause – I will certainly let you know via this blog and email. 

6. Thank you for those of you who let me know you are reading my blog – I will keep updating it for you! J

Christmas

Well Christmas in Africa is very different than Christmas in Washington.  The Nehlsen's let me spend it with their family and 2 nights before Christmas I was curled up on their couch next to the Christmas tree.  (Sidenote: the Nehlsen's have a couch from the states that is HEAVENLY, most Burkina made couches have straight backs and no stuffing...) Anyways - Christmas morning I woke up to a stocking of my own and some fun presents - even a few from my parents!  We were lazy the whole morning and then in the afternoon we went over to another missionary couples house - Ken and Gin.  They let us come and hang out and spend some time in their pool.  Unfortunately the water was FREEZING (although I am sure none of you would think so) so I didnt get too far into the water.  After spending most of the day relaxing, eating, and calling my family I went back to bed feeling very taken care of. 

The festivities surrounding Christmas were fun too.  I had a Christmas party with my French teacher and her other students - it was a fun experience with a Burkinabe band, yummy Burkinabe food, and a very interesting drive over there.  I was put into a taxi and dropped off at a Shell station.  Then stood there for about 5 minutes until a lady came up to me on a moto and told me to come with her (through gestures and fast French).  So I got on her moto and thankfully - she did drive me to the party.  But it was a bit scary there for a minute! 

The CMA also had an annual Christmas gathering.  We had a yummy brunch, traded gifts and played silly games with all the kids.  It was fun to have us all together.

Also, the day after Christmas the Nehlsen's had a carol sing.  I think this was the first one I have ever gone too.  It was a fun, interesting experience.  There were people from all sorts of different places all singing fun English Christmas Carols.  I loved hearing the different accents and meeting new families that I had no idea were living in Burkina!  It was great!

Overall Christmas was a lot of fun and even though I was missing my family I was thankful for the family God has given me here in Burkina...and who knows!  Maybe next year some of my family will join me here in Africa! :) hehe

Oops!

Just realized I forgot about my blog...haha I am so sorry!  I wanna say it will NEVER happen again - but it probably will.  I can say I HOPE it doesnt happen again.  So much has happened and I am not going to be able to update you on it all at once - besides, you wont want to read all that anyways!  And while we are on the topic - is anyone actually reading this anyways?  Just wondering... :)

So the rest of the Christmas holiday time was simply amazing!  It was hard not being at home - I sure missed my family.  But Cassie gently reminded me that the good news is that Christmas is about celebrating Jesus' birth and I can do that no matter where I am.  Thanks Cass :)

So I am now back on a "normal" schedule and enjoying it!  Its nice to be back learning French.  Its nice to have youth group going again - Oh how I missed those kids!  And its nice to know what I am doing everyday.  Although today I had an unexpected accident - while moving my moto I tried to take my toenail off with the kickstand.  Unfortunately, I am still in a ton of pain, on my way to an infection, and not sure what to do if my big toe nail does end up falling off....HELP!  I did get some good advice from Lorinda and I talked to my mom on the phone and she had me take some ibuprofen and wash it out with peroxide - by the end of the conversation the throbbing had subsided.  (It almost felt like she was here - although if she was here she prolly would have looked at it and said "Your fine" - its kinda a Dyk family thing...haha - love you mom!)

So also I wanna let you know that I am so excited for this year.  I feel like God is going to do some amazing things.  My heart feels huge and I usually have a smile on my face because of it!  I dont know what it is but I know God is going to work here - if not in the whole youth group at least in my heart!

Ill try to update you in the next few days with some other details - like the New Years trip and my Christmas in Africa.  If thats okay?!  (Again, just trying to get some feedback to see if anyone is reading).

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.