Live by faith, not by sight.

Well, today was my first day as the official home school teacher of one of the missionary children on the team, Dara!

My morning started off on an interesting note when I awoke from dreams of a Scooter’s carmelicious and a Relevant Sunday service. If anyone can figure out how to package me up one of those delicious treats and send it my way, I’d be very much appreciative! My dream was so realistic; I could taste the smoothness of the espresso, the cold of the whip cream, and the warmth of the perfectly steamed milk. It was even a medium, a 16 ounce, my favorite size. Ah, it was, of course, too good to be true. As for my dream about Relevant, I hope and pray that the faces I saw in my dream really will be there one day!

After rising to reality, I walked over to the Skinner’s house to begin the school year. It was my first time walking that distance, and I was so proud that I could navigate the entire way. I knew that they lived on a hill, but that hill seemed much more like a mountain as I climbed it with five books on my back. A nice way to get a little extra morning exercise, I guess.

The day went smoothly and filled me with so much excitement for the year! There is just something so strong that ticks within me about education. I crave it! So, having the opportunity to do some teaching is such a blessing.

I realized last night that I still have a long way to go as far as acclimating myself to Africa. It’s usually just when I think I’m adjusting that I’m not. Yesterday, I found a gecko in my room. I’ve been trying so hard to keep those squirmy things out and alas to no avail. I purposefully keep my door closed and quickly shut it behind me when entering and leaving. It was a crushing blow to find the lizard in my room. Low and behold, the faithful young man who lives behind us came to save the day when I called for him. Through what seemed like a treacherously long search for the little monster, we found him. He was, not so kindly, escorted out of my bedroom and not welcomed back!

This week is really kicking off my daily life here as my schedule is filling up with homeschooling, discipleship meetings, and language learning. I would really appreciate prayer for clarity on how to best focus my time while I’m here.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly as I should.” Ephesians 6:18-20

I don’t know all of the details of what I’m doing here, but I would love prayer for strength that no matter where I am I would be able to speak fearlessly and in truth the gospel message.

“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Luke 12:11-12

“This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:17

I pray that no matter where I am or what I am doing that it would all be out of love.

"We live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

I have faith that even though I can't see what God is using me for that I am bringing glory to Him.

I also have faith that even though I can't see it now, I will have that caramelicious in my hand as I walk into Relevant Community Church one day. Until then I'll keep dreaming :)