Oh Liberia-o...

      A lot of this past week has not been blogable (is that a word?). A lot has happened over the past week from safety scares to just Liberia being Liberia. I got to hang out with the kids more last week, specifically the older girls at Francis Gaskin's. The girls sewed on Monday and baked on Friday. They baked cassava bread and coconut cake. They were both really good. I am still struggling with understanding Liberian English and the Liberians don't understand me very well either so this makes for some very interesting games of charades and most of the time ends in neither of us understanding and just laughing it off.
     God has really been teaching me a lot over the past two weeks. He really has been teaching me about totally trusting in Him through all situations. This is what I read in my Jesus Lives devotion by Sarah Young.... "I want to make your life a glorious adventure, but you must stop striving for a lifestyle that feels safe. I know how ambivalent your heart is in all of this: You long for the adventure that a life abandoned to Me can be, and at the same time, you cling to old ways because change frightens you. Though you feel safest when your life is predictable and things seem to be under control, I want you to break free and discover the adventures I have planned for you. The greatest adventure of all is knowing Me abundantly: discovering how wide and long and high and deep is My Love for you. The power of My vast Love can feel overwhelming. That is why many people choose to limit their knowledge of Me, keeping Me at a distance. How this grieves Me! People settle for mediocrity because it feels more comfortable. Meanwhile, they continue to battle fear. Only My Love is strong enough to break the hold that fear has on you. A predictable lifestyle may feel safer, but it can shield you from what you need most of all--Me! When unexpected events shake up your routine, rejoice! This is exactly what you need, to wake up and point toward Me. Recognize that you are on the threshold of a new adventure, and that I will be with you each step of the way. As we venture out together, cling tightly to My hand. The more you abandon you can experience My Love."
       And that devotion has pretty much summed up the last week of my life. Please pray for the kids and the people I am working with this week as I am beginning health screenings and the sort this Wednesday. I am also taking some of the kids to the clinic later this week. Pray for the ORR team as things are wrapping up here during this really wet rainy season. Also for guidance and wisdom in the next few weeks.