30th birthday redo with the santee stewarts

prayer updates

please pray for pastor kefas and the pattens as they start a church plant in lagos, nigeria
*protection from sickness, accidents, robberies
*rest despite all-night vigils held by muslim neighbors during ramadan

"i wait for the lord, my soul waits, and in his word i hope" psalm 130:5

been back in the states for 24 days now. still digesting my 14 months in nigeria, catching up with friends and family, and job hunting...like so many others. there are many ministry needs here in my home church, cc yuma. there are also weekly opportunities to stay connected with missions in mexico, but i'm praying for the lord to clearly show me where he wants me to serve. willing to go, but willing to stay too! just awaiting orders, but until then...

"indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame." psalm 25:3a

"wait for the lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the lord!" psalm 27:14

"but for you, o lord, for what do i wait? my hope is in you." psalm 39:7

feeling at home with sisters, annie and deb, and with dad and mom

and with chris, paige, lauren, charlie, uncle patrick, and bret

reunited with friends in hungary like the fosters

and friends like shaun and megs

prince and florence lawrence

we danced and danced...

we laughed and laughed...

we sang and sang...

niki was looking "take away" along with 10 other bridesmaids

goodbye to the lovely kiddos at the abuja children's home

chidara and jeni

patience and niki

The Delayed Answer to Prayer

So, after 7 months serving here alone, God has seen fit to answer my greatest longing and the request of many in my home church...having another woman in ministry. Nurse Agi returned in April and then Lauren came just a few weeks ago. This is how I always pictured doing ministry here. I guess, the Lord knew that I need some work first. BUT now I'm thankful for their encouragement and companionship in service to our Jesus as we co-labor together for His glory and His kingdom.

Jeanette's Visit

Back in Nigeria

Thanks for your prayers for safety in travel back to Abuja, Nigeria...our layover in Lagos was dicey, but we made it through (albeit, with $40 less than before) ! Prompts us pray for the Lord to convict hearts of so much corruption and dishonest gain. Josh and I returned on Sunday afternoon where his fiance and some of our friends met us a the airport. It has been sweet reunions over the past few days! There are many great changes that have taken place, and we are all excited about the changes the Lord wants to do in and through us. Slept through the night finally so maybe I'm on the road to recovery from jet-lag. Jeanette Lange arrives tomorrow morning, and we'll have a full schedule for the next five days as we prepare for a three-day women's conference where she will be teaching five sessions on being a godly woman, mother, and wife. Soooo excited to host her in my lonely flat! I am anticipating much encouragement from her since that's just who she is...my encourager! Thank God for her and for her visit to Africa!!!

Testifying of His Goodness

Love, love, love testifying of God's goodness and protection with His kids! I jumped at the opportunity to share pictures and to describe life in Nigeria with 90 public school children on Wednesday, then to about 30 Jr. and Sr. High students at a Christian school today. The students were very inquisitive especially about the Jos riots. I love telling them about the God I serve Who reaches out to a lost world, while still so many are struggling to reach out to God through their actions.

My niece, Lydi-bug, is full of surprises. She's saying over 20 words and even has her own language. Her parents and I have encouraged her by responding to her babbled communication.

Still in the States

Just returned from the CC mission's conference which was amazing! Had such a great time catching up with friends and was so encouraged by the speakers. Less than two weeks away from returning to Nigeria, I'm jazzed. I'm excited to get back in the game and finish well.