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Saturday, February 28, 2009

Hot Night

The temperature keeps going up, and at 1 am I decided to try something stupid - turn on the old air condition. After all, we now have more solar panels than when I first tried it out. It hardly cooled the room down, and after half an hour, all our power was used up, and all the lights and the fan went out. Great job, Claudia! I had to suffer the remaining night, not even having a fan in this intense heat. I woke up a lot, and was glad when the power came back on at 8:30 am.

Kid Time

I followed through on my resolution and spent time playing with the kids. We played two different card games, me and five of the children. Unfortunately Bakary was too small to play (on the very left). Besides Bakary, there was (from left) Dramane, Jérémie and Amadou, and Moise was taking the picture.

We had a great time together. It ended when Paul came back from having run errands.

Today, the electrician installed some lights in the dining hall. PRAISE GOD! Finally! So on Monday I'm going to start teaching the literacy class again, and at night; that works better for me than the morning.

And tonight, it was our first time doing our little time together inside with LIGHTS rather than sitting outside with the flashlight. Yeah!

I've had it on my heart to read a certain book to them for a long time. I knew now was the time; it's a book on the blessing of a father. So I started reading it to them tonight, and several listened very carefully. Then I prayed over them before they went to bed.

Back in the house, it was time for our family meeting. I have a little booklet with a verse for every day and something to pray over your children every day. I had asked them to memorize last night's verse during their devotional time this morning. Some did better than others. Then I read tonight's verse and prayed over them. Then the nightly hug before they go to bed.

I had a few minutes to talk to Paul who is dealing with some difficult things right now. I offered doing some TPM sessions with him, and he was glad to accept. We'll do the first tomorrow, hopefully. I also want to tell the street children and our new children about TPM, so that they can also be healed from their many wounds.

Today we gave our new day guard Moussa some clothes, and I took a new picture. He's actually not 18 years old quite yet.

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Friday, February 27, 2009

Missing Five Of My Kids

34°C (>93°F) in my bedroom now.

Thank you for praying for me regarding the discouragement. Not long after posting my blog last night, I felt my spirit lift, and I can only make your prayers responsible for that. I felt my resolve rise... no, we should thrive, not just survive! I decided to only make small goals, and my first goal is to spend an hour a day of quality time with my children.

I also realized that part of my pain is grief. Grief over losing Sekouba (18) yet again, and not even having had a chance to say good-bye. Sekouba was my very first street kid, and always had a special place in my heart. He really was unique in many ways. After one year with me, he left in Sep 2006. Two years later, he came back and became our night guard, then day guard. And now he's gone once again - he left just two days before my return, and I find myself wondering where he went, how he's doing, and whether I'll ever see him again. Even though he's done bad things, that does not change my love for him.

Sekouba is not the only kid I miss. I also miss Saloum (19) and Fousseni (17) who both moved out beginning of January and returned to their families. They lived with me for two and a half years, and they've left behind two empty spots. I miss them, and am looking forward to seeing them again. I just had all their grade reports, having to sign them, and saw that both have improved their grades. Way to go! However, the kids told me tonight that Saloum hasn't been to school in a few days.

And finally, I miss my precious little ones who I love like my own (picture from Dec 19). Hama and Sarata left us with their parents last September. I pay for them to be able to go to an International English-speaking school, and every Friday, they do a presentation, and I go to be there and see them and then take them home. Today there was no presentation, and so I asked their parents if they could come to our place instead.

So Jean picked them up at 11, and 40 minutes later, I took them into my arms, holding them and not letting go. It was so good to see them! And they were so happy to see me! Paul told me every time he saw them they were asking for me. Unfortunately, I didn't have more than 10 minutes to hold them before they had to go again. Sarata told me that their parents had had a row today. She didn't tell us more than that. The 10 minutes went by so fast, and I told them I'd be there at their school next week, and that I love them.

Kid Quality Time

I had gotten up early this morning, but had to lie down for a nap in the early afternoon. I then did my workout which really helped my overall well-being. I was done by the time my kids came back from school, at 5:30 pm, and took action for my new resolve to become reality.

I went outside and asked the kids whether they wanted to play with me, and they said yes. (The two boys that left never wanted to play with me.) I asked what they wanted to play - one of the board/card games, or with the Nintendo. They went for the Nintendo. So four of them came over to my living room, where the Wii Fit was still on. I have some other group games as well, but they wanted to do the balance games on there. And so we spent nearly two hours playing together, which was wonderful.

It had actually gotten later than planned, and I had to tell them to go and do their homework. There wasn't much time for that left.

My Street Children

Jean went to pick up the street kids from the bus station, and I was shocked at how few there were. Where are they all? We only had half the number we had before I left.

I went outside to distribute their ID cards, and found out about some of the missing kids. Several have stolen from people in our neighborhood, and can therefore not come back here. How sad.

It was so good to see my children again! I can't describe to how how my heart felt as I saw these kids I love so much. I told them I just wanted to hug them all, and then hugged a good number. Hugging is not done in their culture, so it's weird to them.

I told them how much I've missed them, and they told me they missed me a lot to. They asked why I came back later than planned, and I explained it them. I told them I don't want to break down and have to leave Mali forever, and they said they don't want that either. They also asked when we continue with the literacy class, and I told them I was hoping next week, and maybe we'd do it in the evening instead of the morning now. All we need is some light in the dining hall!

I then got the JESUS FREAKS book out again - as in the old days - and read the next story of someone who was martyred for Christ. We are half-way through the book, but I have it on my heart to read a book on Fatherhood to them, since they need that so much.

That reminds me - my kids gave me some drawings today that they made for me. One of them was a bridal couple, and it said HAPPY WEDDING. :-) Jean had also asked me on the way home from the airport where their Dad was. Soon, kids, soon!

Tonight Moussa - our new day guard and former street kid - was included in our family meeting. I prayed over all my kids, and then I told Moussa he could sleep in the older kids' room. I had planned for him to sleep in the staff room, but Jean wants the room to himself. So since we have some free beds, it's okay for now. I gave Moussa his "moving in kit".

Doctor Dupont

Dupont has shown himself really faithful, coming regularly to treat our street kids and kids, and all for free! He's not Malian, and doing a great job. He's a great blessing.

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Thursday, February 26, 2009

Discouragement Prevails

I got up at 11:30 am today, not having fallen asleep until 2 am. Tomorrow I'll set my alarm; I hope I can fall asleep earlier today and get over this jetlag.

I continued working on the stuff from my absence, which took some time. I also took some time to work out - something that's important for my health.

I've been very discouraged all day today. In the evening, I spent some time talking with Paul, who's also encouraged, and ended up encouraging him which also lifted my own spirit somewhat. Paul also said he's now living one day at the time, and I feel the same way. Let's make it through today! I feel like this is a crucial year - it will either break us or make us. It will either be over, or there will be a breakthrough, because we cannot go on like this much longer.

We have 3 empty beds in the house right now, but for the first time I'm not sure we should fill them because it would mean more expenses.

I was ready to face the street kids tonight, but there is something going on in town where they get money, and so there are only very few spending the night here tonight. Paul said, they are waiting for me to start teaching them to read and write again, and then they won't miss another night, since they are required to not miss more than one class to stay in it. Right now, I don't feel like I have the energy to teach them. We'll see.

I also decided it was time to do our family meetings again tonight. As I looked at my 7 boys, I felt so much love for them, and wished I'd spend more time with them. Why is it so hard? (One thing is the language barrier.) The meeting itself was rather discouraging, and didn't last long. Our new day guard Moussa didn't participate, nor the driver Jean, but I didn't have the energy to call for them.

Sunday is the first of March, and Enoch will come for his money. I pray the US money arrives on my account soon, or I won't have anything to give to him.

I'm gonna make my way towards my bed - it's 33°C in my bedroom (i.e. 91.4°F). I wished I could buy a new air condition to make sleeping easier. This is only the beginning of the hot season, and it's gonna get hotter!

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

First Day Home

After 10 hours of sleep, I woke up at 1 pm - wow. That was not planned, but I'm thankful I got to sleep that long. I had a hard time falling asleep (jetlag), which I didn't until 3 am.

I got up, and spent some time with God, trying to draw close to Him, as my heart was somewhat heavy. I didn't really succeed.

Then I started putting away the unpacked stuff. At 5 pm, I first went outside and hugged my 7 children. I gave the two kids the gift from their US sponsor, which made them happy. Then I gave them some gifts I had brought for them.

I went to work, tackling the accounting first. So many expenses! I asked some questions of Paul, and then got to spend a little time with him, just talking.

He's pretty discouraged, and I can't say that I'm very encouraged myself right now. I told him we'd make it through these hard times. Right now, it's survival we're after.

Paul's health has also not been good over these last few months. He frequently has days of vomiting or diarrhea, and I don't like it. I wished he could go to Wichita. He said he'll go and have some medical tests in the near future.

I saw in the accounting that he's given money to the government official and policemen who came a few days ago. He told me they accused us of not paying taxes, and so he had to pay the money for their coming out to the property. Paul said they'd be back. Great.

I called our attorney who told us that we do not have to pay taxes. Not for construction either, which is what they claimed, since we are a church. We do have to register our "employees" which is something I found out not too long ago and haven't tackled yet. The attorney said he'd help us, and I'm gonna meet with him next week.

New Day Guard

In the course of the day, I had the idea of making one of our older, regular street kids our new night guard. When I bounced it off Paul, he said he'd had that same idea.

Moussa is the logical choice. He's one of the kids we baptized in November, and his life has truly changed. He's 18 years old, and he's starting tomorrow.

He will share a room with Jean (our driver) which is a prayer request. Jean wants the room to himself, but we don't have that luxury.

Since it's my first day, I let Paul do the street kid stuff tonight. I did say hello to a few. Now it's 10 am, and I'm aiming to go to bed early, and get over jetlag quickly. Also, I'd like to make the effort of making sure I get my 8 hours of sleep each night, which won't be easy.

Please pray for us.

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Tuesday, February 24, 2009

From Cincinnati To Paris

I finished my phone calls and emails, and walked to the gate to board the plane to Paris. There weren't very many people, and I ended up having two seats to myself. Yeah! I already knew that is was a Delta-operated flight, rather than Air France, which was disappointing since Air France has individual entertainment, while Delta only has the big screen. I had a meal, and watched the movie (it was okay), then I decided to try to get a little sleep. I lay down on the two seats - a little too short, so that I frequently had to change position. I did get a little sleep, though not much. 90 minutes before our arrival in Paris, they served us a bagel with cream cheese - I guess I found something I like about international Delta flights :-).

I arrived in Paris at 9:30 am local time, which was 2:30 am for my body clock. I walked out the exit at 10 am, looking around for my friend who had said she'd come spend the several hours in Paris with me. Since I didn't see her, I sat down to wait. At first I was reading, but then I got really tired and tried to nap a little.

Time went by, and it got uncomfortable. I tried to call my friend several times, but her phone was off. After 80 minutes of waiting, I decided to give up and go to the lounge where it would be comfortable, including internet and food. I'm sorry I didn't see her; something must have come up.

From Paris To Bamako

The big frequent flyer lounge only has two (curved) beds, and I got one of them! Yeah! I got some food and logged onto the internet. And indeed, there was an email from my friend, that she missed the bus to come to the airport.

I had four hours in the lounge, and used that time online as well as getting a nap in. Finally it was time to go to my gate. I settled into my seat, and called my brother who hadn't returned my call yet. I got to talk to him before we took off.

The plane was pretty full. The flight to Bamako is five and a half hours. I finally got the individual entertainment system, and it even was the new one, with more choices, and pause and rewind buttons. I watched two movies, had my last Western meal, and got a nap in.

At 9:25 pm we landed in Bamako. When we left Paris, the temperature in Bamako was 37°C (99°F), now it was only 30°C (86°F). We deplaned; the familiar heat, smells, and sights welcomed me. I was home. I was the first one through immigration since I had already filled out a blank form in advance, and everybody else had to do it right there. And then I was waiting at the carroussel, with my guy who'd carry the luggage. I recognized him - that shows how much I travel.

It took quite a long time for my three suitcases to come out, but they were all there. Praise God! Now the last hurdle - customs. They screen all suitcases leaving the airport with an x-ray machine. There was a long line. And indeed, they pulled my two suitcases aside - funnily enough not the box. It was not the customs guy, but the one from the health department who asked me what food I had in there. I didn't even have much, and was surprised they had picked that up. I didn't really know what to say, and he told me to open the suitcase. The first thing I found was candy for the kids. I showed it to him, and then he said, it's okay, and let me go.

We walked outside where all the people are waiting, and I spotted Paul in the crowd. Jean (our driver) was there as well. I greeted them, and we walked to the car, putting the bags in the back of the truck. I sat in the front with Jean, and Paul in the back. He was very quiet, which I mentioned to him. He told me he was not feeling well, from Sunday's accident. And so we rode home silently for most of the time.

After a 15-minute drive, we were home. Our night guard Jean-Marie let us in, and our dog Uppy ran outside; I hope he let him back in later. We carried everything inside my living room, Paul took the food money for the morning, and everyone said good-night. It was 10:30 pm.

Not being tired at that moment, I started unpacking. And then my cat came out, and she was pretty approachable. Usually, her anger comes up on the next day or two, and then she wants nothing to do with me. We'll see. I brought some cat food, and she was very happy to get that.

After having unpacked, setting up my computer in its spot and getting on line was the next thing to do. And so here I am writing. Everything is covered in dust and pretty dirty, so I'll have to tackle that tomorrow.

It's just after midnight here now, which is 6 pm in Kansas City. Please pray for a good night's rest, and that I'll get over the jetlag quickly. I've asked Paul to tell the kids not to make noise tomorrow morning. The heat is also a factor - I have to get acclimated again, and still, it's hard to sleep when it's so hot.

Thanks for praying - the first day is always toughest!

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Monday, February 23, 2009

Leaving Kansas City

What a hard departure!!!

Since I had done much preparation in advance, I was done packing pretty early last night, and not stressed at all. I went to bed at a decent time, and the alarm woke me this morning earlier than I would have got up. But I had enough time for everything - so I thought.

I finished packing, and weighing, and taking stuff out, and weighing, and putting stuff back in, and weighing, until it was 52 pounds. That would have to do. Then Paul came on skype, and I ended up talking to him for 15 minutes - that was not planned, but I'm so glad I did. He had lots of bad news to pass on to me, and I'd rather know the stuff before arriving, to prepare myself for it, and being surprised and shocked after my surprise. See the email update I just sent out for details - click here.

Having hung up, the stress started! I moved as quickly as possible, getting ready and loading everything into the car. My hosts weren't home. It was 9:30 when I left the house - the time I should already be at my friends' house which was 20 minutes away.

Once in the car, I was able to relax, and the news from Mali started to sink in. Not good. Was this ever gonna end? Will it always be so hard? Will I always need to get refreshed every couple of months, so that I make it through the next few months in Mali?

I got to my friends' house where we quickly loaded my stuff into their car, and still had to wrap the box well so that it makes it in one piece to Mali. I also had to leave some stuff at their house until next time I come to the US, because I was able to get my bags down to the 50 pound limit each by leaving some stuff here.

We finally got into the car and started driving towards the airport. My heart was heavy, and I shared the news with my friends. Tears started to flow as well. We were heading to a place to have breakfast together before going to the airport. However, somehow it didn't work out, and after some driving around, we decided to just go to the airport and get me checked in, and then sit down for breakfast.

Good choice. I had been praying for favor at the check-in, and the guy was very nice. He didn't say anything that one bag was 52 pounds, and so I "just" paid the $200 for my third suitcase. I was relieved this was done, and we went to the restaurant together.

The time for breakfast was over - we had to have lunch. I'm really upset with myself that I didn't take a picture there - I have not taken a good one of them this whole time!!! Unfortunately my mind was totally elsewhere. The one hour we had together passed far too quickly.

We walked towards security, and to my great surprise, the line was very long. Together we stood in line, moving closer to the guard. It was time to say good-bye. My heart was heavy, and any words to say gone. I love these friends so much, and now it was time to separate once again. I hugged each one, as tears came to my eyes. It was back to emails. It was back to Claudia being by herself, being the oldest, and being the one in charge, responsible for all. Of course, GOD is the one in charge.

The busy-ness of security (no special security check this time!) distracted my mind from the pain of leaving my friends. I found a seat to sit down and wait for boarding. I didn't have to wait for long.

The flight to Cincinnati was nearly 2 hours long. I closed my eyes, being tired, and also remembered my special moments with God, drawing close to Him to find hope and comfort in His arms. It helped. I also took some time reading.

Arriving in Cincinnati, I had four hours before my flight to Paris. That suited me well, since I was overdue writing an email update. I logged on, wrote it, and sent it out. Yeah!

And now I have another hour to take care of emails and phone calls before I leave the country.

Thank you, USA, for being such a blessing to me and to the world!

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Sunday, February 22, 2009

Christ Triumphant Church

My last day in the US, and my last time at Christ Triumphant Church. Pastor Alan had asked me in advance to share what's going on in Mali, something I hadn't done before.

Worship was wonderful, and again I went to Mali in the Spirit. And then my heart just started breaking, realizing that I was coming back empty-handed, with no money, and having no clue how I'd feed them. What was I gonna tell them? I just looked at my Austrian bank account, and I don't think it's ever been that far in the red since I left for Mali nearly 6 years ago, so that's not good at all.

In any case, the tears started flowing, and then friends of mine asked me to join them for communion. In CTC, you can take communion any time during worship. Communion didn't help, the tears kept coming, and my heart kept breaking.

After the announcements, pastor Alan came up to preach, and he called me forward to share. My heart was still heavy, but I believed God had a purpose in doing that to me. I shared what I was doing in Mali, and then shared what was on my heart. My voice was breaking up as I did. I really hate talking about money when I share about the work in Mali, so that was so not me, but it sure was God. Pastor Alan responded by saying they had several projects going on, but encouraged people to give anyway. He told me to stand at a certain spot, and asked people to come forward and pray for me. One after another, people came to pray and to put money into my hands. My heart was so touched by all that. Pastor Alan and his wife Carol were praying for me, and other people around me as well. I had a hard time trying to listen to everyone at once, which wasn't really working.

Then pastor Alan preached his sermon, which was good. After the service, several people came up to me to talk to me. One in particular was a French lady who's lived in the US for a very long time. She was really touched and felt God tugging at her heart to go to Africa/Mali. Others came up to encourage me, or express admiration, or the desire to support me. Let it be, Lord!

I was curious how much money had come in. They had not counted it yet, only the cash which they gave me right away. That alone was very much appreciated and needed!!! I thanked pastor Alan for the opportunity to share, and for encouraging people to give. He's a special man of God, very precious. I said good-bye to him, hopefully until the summer.

Then we were finally able to leave. I had a lunch appointment with a couple from the church. We went to... where else... Applebee's for my last meal out in the country. I had the same meal as always, and talked to my friends, who have a huge heart for Uganda where they go regularly to visit.

Last Theophostic Session

I returned home to continue packing. When I got there, my hosts wanted to introduce me to their guests, and so I spent some time talking with them, which was good. Time was going by fast. I had about an hour left to pack, before having to leave. I kept filling my bags and box, and weighing them, which really was exercising! After having weighed all three, I realized that I could possibly get them all down to 50 pounds, and therefore not have to pay for one overweight bag. That would be great. So I kept taking stuff out, and reweighing, which was pretty tiring. In the end, I had a 50-pound box and a 50-pound bag, and it was time to leave.

I arrived perfectly on time for my last TPM session at 5 pm. The pain of leaving of last night or lack of finances of the morning was gone, and I felt pretty upbeat and joyful, and ready for the session. Last night I had been worried how the emotions of leaving would distract me from a session, but now I was amazed at how that worry was unfounded.

We spent some time with small talk, and then got down to business. I haven't counted how many sessions we've done since I came to the US, but it's quite a few. In the last session, we had left things undone, and I was hoping for completion and closure today. And I was not disappointed. It was a wonderful session, with a glorious ending. I was waltzing with Jesus, clothed in a bridal dress, just like the final scene of Cinderella dancing with her prince. And they lived happily ever after ;-).

After the session, Tom had some good news for me that blessed me even more. I felt overwhelmed by the goodness of God. Words really cannot describe how awesome He is. And I felt so blessed to have amazing friends like Tom & Luanne. What a gift!

I love them so much, and didn't even want to leave and go home :-). A few more minutes of fellowship and talking, but I needed to go home. It was nearly 9 pm.

Back home - a 15-20 minute drive - it was time to say good-bye to my great hosts, since they won't be here in the morning. Then it was more packing. I will have to leave some books and other stuff here until next time so I stay below the 50 pounds with all three bags/boxes, but it will save me much money.

Well, now it's after midnight, and my last night in the US is about to start. Please pray for a safe journey home, for favor, protection, strength, good weather, all bags to arrive safe and sound, and no problems with customs. Please pray for the time of transition which is always the hardest. Pray for grace to deal with what I find back home, and love to pour out of me to Paul and the kids.

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Saturday, February 21, 2009

Last Moments Of Fellowship

Yesterday I forgot to mention I dream I had the night before. I dreamed that we were given a bus, and we had a bus driver as well. Let me add, that our street kids in Mali have been praying for that, for a bus, so we can pick up more street children to sleep at our place.

Today my first appointment wasn't until 2 pm, which allowed me to go to the gym in the morning - probably for the last time. I also did some more packing.

At 2 pm I met with my friend Elisabet at a pizza buffet place. Though I've changed what and how much I eat, I wanted to have pizza one more time before leaving the country. We had a great time there, but didn't stay very long.

From there we went to the thrift store, where Elisabet has taken me before on a previous trip. I wanted to see if I could find any dresses for Mali, and I got one.

Then we went to another store, where Elisabet bought some more stuff. Time had gone by fast, and we already had to say good-bye. We had only seen each other twice.

I went home, where I was glad to lie down for half an hour. Then it was already time to leave again to meet with my friends Cliff & Julie.

We met at Starbucks, and talked for an hour. Cliff & Julie minister in East Africa, and Cliff was actually the first person visiting me in Mali, two years after I had moved there. I greatly enjoyed talking to them.

From there, we all went to World Revival Church for the evening service. We were a little late, but worship went for a long time. I joined right in, and enjoyed the time with the Lord as we expressed our longing for Him and more of Him with the songs. I was also going off to Mali as we sang, and during the rest of the service, including the sermon. On every trip this happens, God taking me to Mali and showing me things, usually at the HIM conference in California. On this trip tonight was a first.

Prayer time came, and I was looking forward to getting prayer one more time. I was hoping pastors Steve and/or Kathy would pray for me, but it didn't happen. I still got good prayer. As I was lying on the floor, I realized that I hadn't spent as much quality time with God on this trip as I had hoped.

As I got up and went to my seat, I was sad that this was my last night here. I talked to my friends Cliff & Julie, and to J.D., knowing it was the last time, and it made me sad. Once again it was time to say good-bye. I so love these people! It was 10:30 pm when I finally gave them my final good-bye hugs and walked away. I had tears in my eyes as I left and drove home. I just hate those good-byes! I hate not seeing my friends. I hate being alone in Mali, without friends. And I hate carrying all the responsibility. Why do I have to be the top person? Whoever made me the leader? (God, of course.) I'd be very happy being a second in command. I'd love being shadow to some great man or woman of God, like Papa Bill or Jill Austin (both of whom I've lost). But for some reason God chose otherwise.

And for the record: I AM looking forward to going home to Mali! But it's always a dual thing. The transition time is what is really hard.

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Friday, February 20, 2009

Theophostic Session

It was time for another TPM session, the previous to last. I'm eternally grateful to my friends here who sow into me and the work in Mali by ministering to me this way so that I can get more healed and be more effective in Mali. I enjoyed a short time of fellowship with them before the session. The session went well, and was unfinished, so I hope we'll get it all done on Sunday, during my last session. I'm leaving the US on Monday.

I returned home where I changed to go to the gym. I always walk there, and thankfully it was much warmer and sunny today. I enjoyed my time at the gym - I won't be able to go there much more, maybe one more time.

Dinner With Friends

Back home, I continued a little more with packing before it was time to leave for my dinner appointment. I was going to meet with some old friends, David & Sharon, who I hadn't seen in a while.

I got there on time and didn't see them anywhere, so I sat down at a booth and waited. After a few minutes, I decided to call Sharon to make sure there wasn't another Applebee's on the same road. She told me she was also already at the restaurant. Really? Finally we realized we were sitting in the same restaurant, in different booths! So I got up and walked over to where she was. How funny.

We sat and talked for a while, while waiting for her husband David. I had skipped lunch and was pretty hungry. Finally David arrived, and soon received our food, and kept talking. After we were done, their daughter Crystal also arrived. Crystal is in nursing school, and interested in going to Africa. I'd love to have her!

It was a wonderful evening. I returned home, where I did some serious packing. It's gonna be costly to take all this stuff back home. The third suitcase costs $200, and one of the bags will be over 50 pounds, which means $175. It's really ridiculous, especially that being a Platinum frequent flyer has no advantages at all there.

Please pray for a financial miracle. Our situation is pretty bleak right now.

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Thursday, February 19, 2009

Friends

Morning passed quickly, and I soon left the house to meet with my friend Dawn at noon. The plan was to spend some time with her, and then go to the gym, before the service in the evening.

It was great to see my precious friend again. I lived with her and her family during my second year in Kansas City. She became very sick a few years ago, but was doing better now.

Our tradition has been for me to invite her to Arby's, but now that I'm watching more what I eat, we went to Wendy's instead. We sat down with our food, and caught up on each others' lives. We had a great time sharing with each other. Time went by fast.

I had something to pick up at Tom & Luanne's house, who also know Dawn well, but they haven't been in touch. Since all this was in the same kind of neighborhood, I asked Dawn if she wanted to come along and say hi to them, and she agreed.

Only Luanne was home, but my heart was rejoicing, watching them talk with each other. We couldn't stay for very long, Dawn having to go home too, and it being later than I had planned for myself. I dropped Dawn off back at her house and said good-bye until next time.

Then I went to the nearby post office to mail a letter. Only one person was taking care of customers, and the line was long. I had to wait 30 minutes in there! That had not been planned.

I thought I might as well stop at Target and get another storage box, since I have found out that the one I bought is too big for the airline to accept. I found the right box and went to pay for it. I was shocked as he told me what I had to pay, and asked a second time. I payed the $51 for the 90 qt. storage box, and then left it right there, quickly going back to where I picked it up from to check - $12.99. That sounded more right. I returned to the cashier, who sent me to reclamations. When they scanned the box there, nothing came even up! They tried different things, to no avail. Finally they sent someone to go look up the price. I kept telling them it's $12.99. Finally, when the guy didn't come back and I was getting impatient, they simply refunded the money to me and gave it to me for $12.99.

The day wasn't going as planned! I couldn't believe how late it was already! Arriving home, I had to make a decision - going to the gym really quickly, or not going and not stressing out over it. I decided to stay and take a bath. That was probably my last bath for quite some time, since I don't have a bath tup in Mali.

The plan for the evening was to go to World Revival Church. On Thursdays they have their prayer time, and I haven't gone to that since leaving for Mali nearly 6 years ago. So I went, greeted some people I know, and stayed for most of the meeting, leaving early. On my way home I stopped at Best Buy, getting there just before it closed, and making my last purchases.

Three days left!

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Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Brainstorm Meeting

Wow! I just got home, and I'm so full of God! Still, let me start in the beginning.

Another chance to sleep in - yeah. Time went by really fast as I took care of emails and other things. I decided to go to the gym in the afternoon. I had a 1 pm appointment, that I moved forward to 1:30 pm.

I went to World Revival Church to meet with J.D., the leader of the network, and talked with him for 90 minutes. I worked with J.D. for some time while I lived in Kansas City, and have always greatly appreciated him. He's a unique person with a unique perspective who has a lot to give. I enjoyed talking with him, and he gave me lots of helpful advice and tips that got my creative juices flowing. I realized though that before we can do most of those kind of things, we need to have our corporate bank account up and running, which will take a few more months.

Back home, I changed and walked to the gym. It was so cold and windy, I was sure glad not to have to run outside! I did my half-hour running program, and then returned home. You're supposed to let your muscles have some rest between intense workouts, plus my time was limited. Back home, I had some dinner, and got ready for the evening meeting.

The Father's Love

I got there a few minutes before it started. It was the second of ten weeks of this class on experiencing the Father's love. Two of the three leaders are good friends of mine - Tom and Steve. Tom was the one teaching tonight.

Steve did the same thing he did last night. He introduced me and said a few things about me and the work in Mali. It was very humbling listening to him. Was he really talking about me? He then passed a paper around for people to sign up to get my email updates, and to my great surprise, another 10 people signed up! Wow! Some of the people who were there tonight had also been there last night.

Then the meeting started with a time of worship, listening to a CD. I enjoyed God's presence. After a few songs, Tom started his teaching on Father issues. He would teach and do little ministry things alternatingly, which was cool. It wasn't just pure teaching, but application right away, so that the Father could come and minister to His children wherever they needed it. The meeting lasted two hours.

By the time it was over, I was so full of love for the Father, and so full of joy and excitement because of my amazing Father, it was amazing! What a testimony to the healing God's done in my heart! Just talking about Him for two hours lifted my heart. I felt like a little girl, with the most amazing Father in the world!

The whole night, I didn't feel any pain anywhere as he was teaching on Father issues. Yeah! The only pain I had was that of missing my kids, longing to be with them and not be a passive or absent Mom (he was talking about passive/absent Fathers) to them. Very soon I'll be reunited with them, and I have all the intentions in the world to spend quality time with them.

Another really awesome thing happened. Tom was leading this time for us to connect with the Father, and I had this awesome vision/experience with Him. If you want to hear it, let me know. After that, I could only smile the rest of the evening, being all giddy like a happy, little girl.

After the meeting was over, I talked to the lady who had sat next to me for some time, and then she asked me to pray for her, so I did. God really came down and touched her, and the anointing hit me as well. It was wonderful! Then another person asked me to pray for her, and another, and another. Some for healing, some for other stuff. As I prayed for healing, I could feel the heat on my hands, and the people could feel it on their bodies. As I'd pray for them to be filled with the Spirit to overflowing, His presence would come down like a river and fill them, and I'd get some of it too. It was so beautiful! I just wanted to jump into the river, just let go and enjoy it, just dance with my Daddy!

I also got to pray for all three of the leaders, which was an honor and joy! Yeah, God! How I love this place in God where there is fullness of joy and love for Him that cannot be expressed with words!

All the way home, I sang love songs to Him in the car, being physically "bound" to the car seat :-).

How I enjoyed the meeting! How I love hearing about and talking about the Father! How I love ministering His love, and praying for others! I wished I could do this all the time. I made a few connections, so we'll see what the future brings.

News From Mali

I talked to Paul today. He had bad news for me. Sekouba (first street kid and day guard) was caught stealing from us. He sold a bag of rice, and tried to convince one of our street kids to sell our computer speakers (the kid refused). That's serious stuff for someone who's supposed to PROTECT us and the property. Please pray for wisdom so I make the right decision as to how to deal with this situation.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Gym

Finally a chance to sleep in! I didn't even hear my hosts leaving at 8 am, and the garage is right beneath me, with the door going up and then down.

It felt good to have slept long, and I took the morning slowly, having my first appointment at 1:30 pm. Not having had time for my workout yesterday, I was looking forward to continuing with my running program. I decided to go to the gym I got the free week-pass for.

Since it's closeby, it was logical to walk there. When I got there, there was only the same guy I had met there on Sunday, plus another employee, no customers. I was told it's pretty new, plus people are working during the day, so I had it all to myself!

I told the guy that I had never used a treadmill before, and he quickly showed me the basics. I was curious to use it. It had its own TV screen with a good number of channels, so you don't get bored running - that's definitely an advantage to running on the street.

So I started my program - 1 min running, 2 walking for half an hour. Honestly, I still could not run more than a minute if I wanted to. I didn't think it was weird at all to run on the treadmill. I liked knowing what speed I was running/walking at, and I sure was glad when the half hour was over.

Then I went over to the weight machines. I got so excited as I went from machine to machine. I haven't done this since my time in Austria early last year! I love it! I decided not to overdo it, plus I needed to watch my time. I felt really good as I put my coat back on and said good-bye. I told the guy how blessed I was to be able to come here.

I walked back home where I enjoyed a shower, a quick meal, and got ready to leave.

Unexpected Blessings

I met with my friend Steve at the IHOP coffee shop at 1:30 pm. Steve is one of my "silent friends" and a great supporter. I'm always blown away by the way he talks about me to others, and he always tries to connect me with people when I'm with him. He did so again, as he knows a lot of the IHOP people.

While talking, he asked me to come along to his dinner appointment, because he wanted me to meet these people. He also asked me to come along to the class he was teaching at night. I had no other appointments, and agreed.

We went to this little house, where I met two of Steve's friends. We had dinner with them, and enjoyed talking. It was a good first contact. Since Steve had his class, we couldn't stay more than an hour.

We drove to the house where the class was to take place. Steve is part of an inner healing community that does Theophostic Prayer Ministry (TPM), and was teaching a basic class on TPM with over 25 students, many of them from the IHOP community. We got there an hour early, and I helped Steve set up for his class.

The class started at 6:30 pm. Steve introduced me and said a few things about what I do. His words were very kind and humbling. Then we watched one of the TPM training sessions on DVD, as well as a demonstration session. There were several question and answer times, and I added what I know to the discussion. I actually enjoyed that, and could really see myself doing this if I lived in the west again. But of course I get to this this in Mali - I just don't have people to teach it to (yet).

Ten minutes before the end Steve surprised me yet again. He said that he wanted for everyone to pray for me and bless me and prophesy over me. Wow! I sat down in a chair in front of everyone, and one after another prayed or shared a picture, vision or word, and it was all taped. It was awesome, humbling, such a blessing. I'm so amazed at Steve's heart for Mali and me, amazing.

People were leaving, and I was blown away to see that 13 people had written down their email addresses to get my updates! Wow! I talked to a few people, and was once again surprised to hear that Steve had actually talked about me to people. One lady said to me that she never thought she'd actually get to meet me in person. Wow.

I was very blessed when I left there together with Steve who dropped me off at my car. He said I was welcome to come to tomorrow night's meeting on the Father Heart of God. I said I'd see if I could reschedule my dinner appointment for another day.

On the way home I stopped at my friend Tom's house who has the technology to copy the tape onto the computer and make an mp3-file out of it. I gave the tape to him and enjoyed talking with him for a few minutes.

So I returned home really late, and chose not to stay up too late. Another chance to sleep in tomorrow, yippee!

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Monday, February 16, 2009

Ministers' Meeting

A couple from CTC invited me to come along to a ministers' meeting this morning, and I was glad for the opportunity. We met at 9:15 am (an early morning for me), and I got into their car with them to go to the meeting that was taking place at a hotel.

I was amazed at how many pastors and leaders had gathered - maybe 70 - from the whole region. It was organized by the "Midwest Ministers Fellowship". We got there about half an hour before the meeting itself started. My hosts introduced me to a few people. Then worship started. They did wonderful songs that just made it easy to come into His presence. It was wonderful. Then they had us pray in small groups for a few minutes. We first prayed for a healing for someone - yeah, I love it - and then they prayed for me.

We sat down for the teaching part. They had a guest speaker, someone from another pastors' fellowship, who speaks to pastors all the time, and I enjoyed all he said. It was really good.

After the teaching, it was time for lunch. The hotel had set up a buffet. I enjoyed talking to the couple that had brought me to the meeting. I've "known" Lee & Doris since my early days in Kansas City, but it was never really more than hello and good-bye. Now it seems that God is connecting us more, and that's a huge blessing. They lead a ministry for physical healing, and Lee expressed interest in coming to Mali. He has such a father's heart - I know it would change my kids forever.

We enjoyed talking during lunch, and then it was already time to leave. They dropped me back off at my car, and I went on to my next appointment.

Intercessory Group

After that appointment that didn't quite go the way I had expected, I returned home where I had little time before having to leave again. I had been invited to join a small intercessory group tonight. In the past, I would usually go to that group when in town, thought its "affiliation" has changed a few times over time.

I found the location, and only a few people gathered; we were 5 people including me. For 90 minutes or so we prayed for the city, the different ministries represented, and they also prayed for me. One of them said Psalm 20 was for me, and its words really did resound within me.

I got back home earlier than expected. It's been a busy day, with no time for my running program, but besides the frustrations of the afternoon, it had been a good day.

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Sunday, February 15, 2009

Christ Triumphant Church

My alarm woke me early, and then I had breakfast with my hosts in Overland Park, and my last chance to talk with them before leaving. They are wonderful people, and I had a great time with them. I loaded up the car, and left on time to drive to CTC. In fact, I arrived there early.

I got "my" seat, and talked to a few people before the service started. Worship time is wonderful at CTC, and I enjoyed God's presence. Pretty early into it, the youth pastor's wife came up to me and prayed for me. I was surprised and blessed. Then later during worship, a guy I know came to me and felt led to break a spirit of poverty over me and the ministry. I'll take it! Cool.

Moving To 4th Home

Someone pointed out to me who the couple is that I was going to be staying with. I thought it might be that lady, and was proven right. After the service, I went him them, following them home. They are nicely located geographically, and have a nice house. They are a wonderful couple, 81 and 77 years old, who often have visitors in their house. She had prepared a wonderful home-made meal, and I was invited to join them. I enjoyed the good, health food the younger generation would not cook any more, and the conversation.

This is now the 4th home I'm staying in just in Kansas City, and the last one until I leave on Monday. So I was kind of glad to settle in again, after just spending one night in another home last night, and the night before in yet another home. I enjoyed unpacking, and just relaxing for a few moments. I was thinking of going to the IHOP service at night, and I needed to continue my running/walking program. But first I tried taking a nap.

After half an hour of resting, I got up, ready for my 30-min walk. I decided to walk to Pricechopper (a grocery store) since I needed a few things. The internet said it would take me 13 minutes one way, so that was perfect. I got my sports clothes and shoes on, and off I went. I went along the main street, and saw a fitness center/gym a third of the way to the store. Cool. I was wondering whether I should drop in and inquire about their deals, but continued on.

I found Pricechopper, and walked around in there for quite some time, buying different things. I had two plastic bags as I started my walk back home.

As I approached the gym, I decided to drop in. I had nothing to lose. It was pretty empty. One of the employee's opened the door to me, and greeted me warmly. I told him I happened to walk by, and that I was only in town for one week. He said he could give me a free one-week pass. Wow! I was excited! This whole time I have wanted to go to the gym, and here there was one around the corner, and FREE. Yeah, God!

It's only small, but has the main equipment. Excited I walked back home. This walk had been my exercise of the day.

Back home, I enjoyed time to myself and online, and ended up not going anywhere, but just relaxing the rest of the day. A part of me wanted to go to the IHOP service, but another part wanted just a few hours alone at home. Pretty soon, I'll be back in action, without any such opportunities!

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Saturday, February 14, 2009

Last Hours In Wichita

I had to set my alarm for a skype board meeting of H2TNI that was from 9-10 am. Then I went running, doing day 3 of the running program. It was sunny, but extremely cold.

Then I went with my host Karen to Walmart where her husband was working. He works at the photo lab, as you can see on the picture. We did our shopping, and then returned home.

My hosts for tonight were not going to be home before 8 pm, and so there was no point in leaving Wichita before 5 pm. Dr. David had talked about showing us his new clinic that is under construction, and when I talked to him on the phone, he said he and his son were actually there at that moment. So I got into my car to drive there; Karen & Tom could not go.

I was blown away when I saw the size and beauty of the building! No comparison to their current location! It's right next to a hotel and a lake. David gave me a tour of the building, telling me where everything was going to be. The grand opening is in less than two months, and there is still lots of work to do. Still, it's very impressive; I love all the huge windows.

The building has two levels - downstairs for the clinic, and upstairs for a spa. The picture of Dr. David and his son is upstairs, while the other picture is downstairs.

We also went to the lake, and I heard about the landscaping plans. It's gonna be beautiful once it's all done! David & and his son then had to go off to a basketball game, and I returned home to pack.

Overland Park

I loaded up the car, and then had to say my final good-byes to my wonderful hosts Tom & Karen. I left Wichita at 5:30 pm, to start the three-hour drive to Kansas City.

I was praying and praising God for most of the trip, having a great time. I've now gone 4 times back and forth to Wichita, that's 24 hours of driving in total!

I arrived at my hosts' house just after 8 pm. Since Overland Park is in the west of Kansas City, I saved much driving time. This couple is friends with a friend of mine, and that is how this came about. They have a beautiful house, and gave me a warm welcome. I then ended up talking with them for a few hours, enjoying the fellowship. They are pretty amazing people, with a huge heart for and calling to Zimbabwe. They told me I could stay more than one night, and I think I'll take them up on the offer.

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Thursday, February 12, 2009

"Lazy" Day

I didn't think I had anything to write today. It really was a lazy day, leaving the house for 30 minutes only once (see below), and this is so not my nature that I don't like it. I love action, being busy, having something to do. And in fact, there ARE things for me to do, and I DID some things.

My heart kind of grew heavy in the afternoon, for two reasons. One, because I'm supposed to leave Wichita tomorrow, and have no clue where I'm gonna stay. A few minutes ago I got a note from a friend's friend in Overland Park who said I could stay with them for a few days.

Two, I hate saying good-bye to people and places I love. I've found precious friends in Wichita, and soon it will just be Claudia & Jesus again. I don't like that. I realize that however close friendships are, however precious people are to you, in the end the only one with you is Jesus, especially when you live the way I do. I pray one day that will be different - with a husband and staff that you have true friendship with, being in the same geographic location.

Running

I finally found a program to help you slowly build up your running skills, and today I did day 1 of week 1 of that program. You run for 1 minute, and then walk for 2 to start with, doing a total of 30 minutes. At first I wondered whether I'd be able to do the whole 30 minutes, but it actually didn't get that much harder as time went on. I did it, and felt great! Of course it helps that it was sunny, though not very warm. Hopefully I'll be able to continue this in KC; unfortunately there's no way I could go running in Mali, but then, I'll have my Nintendo Wii Fit back anyway.

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Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Last Day At Hansa

I had an early appointment, at 9 am. So my alarm woke me way too early, but what a difference to when I first came here a few weeks ago! I remember how very tired I was when getting up. This morning, I even ate my whole sandwich for breakfast!

I was sad that this was going to be my last day at the Hansa Center. I've come to love the place, the doctors, staff, and treatments. It was quite a journey, working through my predispositions and preconceived ideas as a result of what I've been told over the years, but searching it out, looking at the science, seeking counsel of people I respect, and talking to Dr David who so clearly loves Jesus, settled it for me. Unfortunately not all my friends were able to respect my conclusions, which was painful. It always hurts to lose close friends.

The first thing on my agenda today was to do a CRT which is a diagnostic test that tells you the state of your health. I had done one on the very first day Jan 19th, and was curious what this one would look like in comparison.

What were the results? On the whole, it showed much improvement which was great to see. That doesn't mean that everything is working perfectly again, but I'm on the road to that goal. There were also a few surprises for the doctor, since some things were not resolved or not as resolved as he thought. In summary, I was content and am confident that my health will only get better in the months to come. When I come back some time in the future, I want to have an even better test result!

I'm leaving here with plenty of natural remedies to take, and made sure I have enough of everything for the next half year, though it's all costly. Last night I was a little worried, looking at our finances, but it's as if God gave this amazing encouragement to let me know He's taking care of us (see below).

One last time I went through the cycle of treatments. I took a picture of the infrared sauna. I loved sitting in there, warming up, and reading a good book while listening to worship music. I actually got to read quite a bit with the different treatments which was a blessing in itself.

It was 2 pm by the time I was done and ready to leave. I hugged the wonderful assistants Katy and Karla, saying good-bye, and we'd stay in touch. And then this amazing divine appointment happened...

Divine Appointment

I was standing at the reception, waiting for my receipt and stuff, when a man walked into the clinic. Dr David greeted him warmly, and then told me this was the man who's led some people to the Lord while in his clinic. Then he introduced us to each other, and actually said some nice things about me to the man. He even told him, mine would be a good cause to support. And then the man suddenly said that God is speaking to him to give me 25% of what is on his account, which was $1000. I was blown away! He wrote the check, and asked me whether I had a flyer. I gave him one, and promised to put him on my mailing list so he could stay updated.

Dr David told me that he only comes into his clinic once a year. What are the chances of me just standing there at that moment? And then, he even found out he hadn't had to come since his order had been mailed out. Wow! Amazing God!

Dinner With Dr. David

The afternoon just flew by, and just after 6 pm Dr. David showed up at our house for dinner. He's good friends with my hosts Tom & Karen. Both of them had made a great effort at preparing a wonderful meal. Tom was outside (and it was colder today) grilling, and Karen prepared the rest. We had a great time eating and having fellowship.

After the meal we went into the living room where we continued talking. Again, time was going by far too fast. I'd had it on my heart for us to pray for David, and he was even excited about that. So he sat down in one chair, and we gathered around to pray for him. It was a precious time of God blessing David. After a few more minutes of talking, he had to go. What a blessing this man is!

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Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Dream

This morning I woke up from a vivid dream. Does it mean anything? Probably not. However, I wrote it down right away so I wouldn't forget.

For all those interpreters of dreams out there, here it is - at least what I remember:

I was on my way to playing tennis, in the car together with my mother and my brother. We got out and walked into a department store, where I looked at some clothes. Then I saw my mother move the store thermostat up to 632°. I went to the check out, where I told the cashier that I wanted to buy a house. The price was just over $50,000 (this is what my house we're building in Mali costs). All the papers were filled out, and my Mom came to join us. My Mom had to initial the papers in several places, then they were handing them to me. I told the lady that I wasn't quite ready to sign yet. I told her I'd take the papers with me and study them. I wasn't making any payments or commitment yet. Then I left the store, with a male employee accompanying me. As we said good-bye, I casually asked to know where the house was located. It was in the region. I looked at the address, and all I can remember is that the town was called Albatov.

After waking up, I looked up whether that word means anything, but it doesn't. I also did a search to see whether there is a town with that name in the US, but there isn't.

So, now your turn, you dream interpreters!

Hansa Center

My appointment was at 10 am, a reasonable time. I managed to eat a third of a sandwich before leaving, and took the rest with me.

The sun was shining, and the weather so beautiful, as I drove the few minutes to the clinic. This was my previous to last day at that place I'd come to love.

I had an hour with Dr. David, before going through the rotation of treatments. As always, we had a great time talking, and lifting up Jesus.

All in all, I spent four hours there today, since I had one additional treatment I had only had once before. I left at 2 pm to return home, postponing my trip to the store. I needed to get some food into my stomach!

Sadness & Joy

I had a wonderful salad, just the way I eat it in Mali, only the preparation being so much quicker and easier. The rest of the day then went by quickly. I had a disturbing and saddening email to deal with, wrote emails and made phone calls, and caught up on some stuff. Unfortunately I did not have what it takes to continue working on my book. However, by the end of the day, I felt like I had accomplished some stuff, and spent some good time talking on phone and computer with different friends.

Being by myself in Africa, I do not take friends for granted at all, but cherish every single minute I have with them while over here in the US. Those moments are so precious, and so fleeting. People are so very precious. God has made every and each person so unique and valuable and a blessing. I'm in awe at His creation. And blessed by the friends He has given me. Thank You, Lord!

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Monday, February 9, 2009

Turbulent Morning

Having gone to bed at 2 am after an upsetting incident, I was surprised when it was 10 am when I woke up. I hadn't planned to sleep that long!

I felt great, enjoying the nice place, and loving on Jesus. I finally decided to have a nice breakfast - something important when you aim to eat properly. I went to the kitchen and found (another) note from my host. Different instructions and directions, and the question when I was leaving since she has a friend coming in and needs the room. The message was clear.

My appetite gone, I returned to my room and started thinking this through. I was about to leave for Wichita, to return to Kansas City on Friday. Obviously, I needed to find a new place to stay. Should I leave my stuff here, and then pick it up upon my return to KC? Since she had made it clear that my stuff bothered her, it seemed smarter to just vacate the room completely now. But I couldn't take 3 suitcases/boxes with me to Wichita and back!

I frantically started packing to just get out of the house as quickly as possible. I was aware that my reaction to the situation was irrationally strong. The premise of Theophostic Prayer Ministry (TPM) is that any time you have pain that is beyond what is warranted, it's because you're tapping into lies stored in a memory from your childhood. And God allows this stuff to come up, because he wants to set us free.

I finally got done, and loaded up my car, driving away from this beautiful house that was not supposed to be a place of rest and refuge as I had thought. It was 12:30 pm, and the only friends where I could leave two of my 3 suitcases/boxes were not at home. Thankfully I reached them on the phone, and they told me I could leave the stuff at their house since one of their kids was there. I was relieved. Then I had a message that the dinner with Dr. David was tonight, and not on Wednesday. That meant I had to really get going to get to Wichita. So I was unable to wait for my friends to return home. Later it turned out the dinner is on Wed after all.

I unloaded the suitcase & box, and started my 3-hour trip to Wichita at 1 pm. Though I wished I had seen my friends, I also realized I really needed to go to Jesus with my pain. Well, I had a three-hour drive ahead of me!

I started worshipping the Lord, and thanking Him, and lifting Him up, and soon His presence and joy came, and I was entering right into where I was with Him last night, in that powerful encounter at church/at home. I ended up worshipping Him the whole three hours in the car! It was wonderful! I arrived joyful and at peace in Wichita.

I feel like I have learned some powerful lessons and matured these past few weeks - and it all started with my own sermon :-). Praise God!

Less Turbulent Evening

It was great to see my wonderful friends in Wichita again. They've been amazing, and most gracious hosts, and I believe I made friends for a lifetime.

I enjoyed taking a relaxing bath, and then checked my emails. I had the first email in weeks from my dear friends in Austria, who are adamantly opposed to the clinic here in Wichita. It made me sad to read their mail and think of this friendship I have lost/am losing, but at the same time I maintained my peace. Please pray for them, pray for truth to prevail, and reconciliation to happen.

The rest of the evening was spent having dinner with my friends, and enjoying the fellowship with them, and then catching up on emails.

God is so awsome!

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Sunday, February 8, 2009

Church & Friends

Church started at 10 am, and I got there just in time, finding "my spot" empty and waiting for me. Since these three additional weeks were not my plan, but God's idea, I have no other preaching invitations lined up. So I decided to go to "my local church" Christ Triumphant Church who supports me and is the mediator for donations.

Pastor Alan preached on governmental intercession - that is why that wall is built up behind him as an illustration of standing in the gap of the wall. I love pastor Alan - such a humble, compassionate man!

The service was over at noon, and my lunch appointment at 1 pm. As I drove to Applebee's (my favorite affordable restaurant in the US), my excitement of seeing my old friends again grew. It had been years since I last saw Peter & Val.

It was a wonderful reunion, as they walked into the restaurant to join me at the table. What a joy to see them again! For two hours we talked, exchanged, caught up. What a precious time! It flew by far too fast.

I've known Peter & Val since 2002. Peter was heading up the Healing Rooms a IHOP, and I was praying for people in there. I immediately connected with Peter, drawn by His father's heart, and touched by his real concern for me. That was the beginning of a life-long friendship. Four years ago I had the honor of traveling with him in Austria for a few weeks, and interpreting him as he ministered powerfully.

I reminded Peter of the prophecy he gave me back then - that I would be married within 4-5 years. So, this is the year! When we said good-bye, I told them I'll see them at my wedding next time!

Though we hadn't seen each other for years and hardly ever talk, it was as if we had never been apart. That's what true friendship is.

News From Home

Back home, I was finally able to connect with Paul again. We talked for half an hour before I had to leave. Everything is going well in Mali - expect for Abdias destroying his third pair of glasses in less than a year. I told Paul - no glasses for him for some time. Saloum and Fousseni, the two boys who returned to their families, are doing well. It's working out with their families - thank God - and they do come to do ministry with Paul. Great! Our youngest Bakary (4-5) is being transformed by God and has left the ways of the street behind him, no longer talking bad and insulting people.

And then Paul told me he had another dream. He prefaced it by saying he doesn't know whether it's from God or just because he's praying for me to find my husband. He dreamed that I had found my husband, and sent him a text message to inform him of that fact. Sorry, no text message in real life, Paul! Not yet, but may it be soon!

I realized something concerning Paul's dream from God three weeks ago when God told him I'd be staying in the US longer. God told him I would have a divine encounter during that additional time, but the correct translation from French is actually divine appointment. It seems that while I was thinking of a special encounter with God that I'm so hungry for, Paul was thinking it meant meeting my husband-to-be. Hm - I wonder which interpretation is right, or both?

Powerful Encounter

I just love the gentle leading of Holy Spirit - whether it's to stay in the US longer, or a place I should go or not go.

The logical place for me to go Sunday night was the IHOP service, since there is nothing else going on, and it's the only time I have to go there. However, I'd been feeling a "no" in my spirit, that I was not supposed to go there. Why not? What else to do?

And then they announced at the morning service at CTC that there was a healing service tonight; they do that once a month. And I immediately knew that's where God wanted me.

So I felt a keen sense of anticipation as I drove the half-hour to the 6 pm service. What was God up to? Was He going to heal me on the spot?

When the service started at 6 pm, I was shocked at how few people were there. Are there no sick people around? Well, maybe it was going to be good to be such a small, family-like group.

One lady led worship for 15 minutes, which was wonderful. Then an outside pastor did a half-hour teaching on healing. Then Lee, who was leading the meeting, said that we should just all pray for each other, since he knows us all. Body ministry!

Lee is the founder and leader of the Heartland Healing Rooms. He and his wife Doris are an amazing, wonderful, older couple that has been a part of CTC ever since I started coming in 2001. I knew them a little, but we've barely talked over the years. However, Lee would always greet me and acknowledge me, and I talked to him a little at my first service at CTC, just after having arrived in town. Tonight, he also greeted me warmly before the meeting. They are sure a unique couple.

So it was time to pray for healing - something I love, and so I was actually looking forward to praying for others for healing. I prayed for an older lady, and it was wonderful to see God touch her. Then another lady joined us, and we prayed for her. Then the two of them prayed for me. Some of what she prayed missed the mark, but then she prayed for a husband for me. Surprise, surprise! Afterwards she asked me whether that made any sense to me. :-)

When we were done, I walked over to where pastor Alan and Lee and some other people were praying for someone, and joined in. When we were done, Lee and a lady started talking to me. They asked me what I needed healing for, and I told them. Then they started praying for me. Lee took my hand and prayed with authority and insight. I could feel the power of God flowing. As he prayed, His presence and His joy filled me, and all I could do was smile. I started trembling, and then taking deep breaths, then trembling, and so on. It kept alternating, and then a surge of His power made me go down on the floor. That big smile was just plastered onto my face, as I was so full of joy and love for Him, and I continued alternating between trembling and deep breaths. Repeatedly people would lay their hands on me and pray a little, which was increased the presence of God. It was so wonderful, so awesome, so glorious! It reminded me of the "old revival days".

I just wanted to stay in this place, but it finally got real quiet, and I wondered if everyone had left. So slowly, reluctantly, made myself get up. And Lee & Doris were still there, sitting and waiting for me. That blessed me. It had also blessed me that they had actually taken time to pray for me. So often when I come to the States, I want to be prayed for, but can barely find anyone to do so, and definitely not more than the two minutes at the end of the service. That's simply a statement of fact, with no value attached.

Before getting up, I was thinking how much I'd like to get together with Lee & Doris to talk, and so I had the opportunity to voice that wish, and they said yes. They were so sweet, asking me whether I was able to drive. I told them, I'd go straight home, and continue with God there.

As I drove home, and continued loving on Jesus, God continued touching me, even in the car while driving. I was crying because of His goodness and presence, and still the power of God would "hit" me physically. I couldn't wait to get home.

I went straight to my room, and positioned myself before God, and He continued to come. I spent about another 1+ hour with Him that way, and it was glorious.

What did He do? I'm not sure. Maybe He healed my body. He sure filled me with His presence and joy, and that in itself is fruit enough. I was with HIM - that's all I want.

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Saturday, February 7, 2009

Healing & Challenge

I was looking forward to another theophostic session and more inner healing, as I prepare myself for marriage, and more effective ministry back in Mali. Thankfully my session was only at 11 am, which allowed me to go jogging for a few minutes.

I'm so thankful for friends like Tom & Luanne who truly love me - just as I am. That seems to be so rare these days. I know they are friends for a life-time. I've known them since 2001, when I came to Kansas City, and connected with them right away. I need to take their picture!

After a short time of fellowship, it was time for my session. Once again I went into a traumatic memory, and felt like God was going to the very core of my being to undo the damage done. It's amazing how God does this! I love it!

I was full of joy and so in love with Jesus as I returned home. Little did I know what challenge was awaiting me there.

When I came back from California last Monday, I moved in with this older African-American school teacher that I didn't know. It's a beautiful place, and the lady very sweet. However, I had spent all week in Wichita, and now I came home to learn the house rules. She had been in my room, and told me she has a cleanliness tick, and food was not allowed in my room, nor stuff that was lying around, and so she had acted in my room. I didn't like all of this at all, and memories from my teenage years were triggered. Therefore it affected me more than it should have. All I wanted was to move out.

Instead I threw myself into the arms of Jesus to get His perspective. Some time later the whole issue seemed so small and ridiculous, making me wonder why this had been such an issue. When I left my room again and saw my host, I just felt love for her and our relationship was in order, as if nothing had ever happened.

World Revival Church

Picture from Jan 24.

I was looking forward to going to WRC tonight, hungry for God, and telling God on the way, all I wanted was to meet with Him.

I got there before the service started, since I had noticed that the sanctuary is pretty full now. I got a better seat that way, though it still wasn't very far up front.

I talked to a few people I knew, and was even asked to give a testimony as a graduate of the school who "does the stuff" today. I asked them to wait until next weekend or the week after, since I had only just come back and this was my first service.

The worship time was great, and the sermon on the glory of God - exactly my topic. I enjoyed it, and couldn't wait for the prayer time. Pastor Steve was praying for people, but unfortunately I was too far in the back, and so he stopped praying before I had received prayer. Oh well. God's presence was so thick anyway, and He was filling me with His glory without anyone praying for me. They had few women praying, and so I finally returned to my seat instead of continuing to wait. I was a little disappointed, though, since I had wanted a glory impartation from pastor Steve. Still, I believed I had received directly from God, and drove home contemplating the amazing goodness and beauty of God.

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Friday, February 6, 2009

Hansa Center

Today my appointment was already at 9 am - that meant the alarm waking me up out of wonderful sleep at 7:45 am. And I had even gone to bed before midnight last night - that's rare!

I was tired, but not as tired as I was two weeks ago when I first came here. I definitely have more energy now. Still, I did not feel like eating at all, yet, I dutifully made myself a sandwich to take with me.

I got to the clinic a few minutes early, before the doctors arrived, and decided to eat a few bites of my sandwich. Since this is kind of an inside joke between Dr. David and me, when he arrived, I told him with a wink that I was having breakfast, and he answered, there won't be a reprimand today then.

I then finally took some pictures - high time. Dr. Samantha was also there, and so it was the perfect opportunity to take a picture of both of them.

Then it was time for my treatment with Dr. David, and first of all, I took a picture of him in his treatment room. You can see part of all the remedies behind him.

As always, I had a great time in there, enjoying my conversation with Dr. David, and being given more remedies to reach my optimum health according to God's plan for me (as they would say). At one point I was so overwhelmed by the goodness of God, that He would have brought me here and care for me like that, and make me healthy and beautiful, that I thought I'd break into tears any moment. What an amazing, wonderful heavenly Father I have! I have to admit, I've been filled with joy at times this week like I haven't had it in a while.

Today I gave Dr. David the introductory book explaining the basics of Theophostic Prayer Ministry (TPM). This whole time, I've been comparing the treatments here with TPM, and been amazed how some of this seems to be the medical explanation of what's going on in TPM sessions. I knew Dr David would love the book. In fact, I think he and Ed Smith (founder of TPM) would get along really well - because of their minds, but they've also both suffered attacks from Christians for what they do.

I went through my typical sequence of treatments, and left the center earlier than usual, at half past noon.

Miracles Do Happen

I've always been someone who loves sport. As a teenager, I ran skiing races, and I have a good number of trophies from that. A little time later, dancing became the center of my life, and I performed with different groups (tap-dancing, ballroom dancing), trained for competitions in ballroom dancing, and did rock'n'roll acrobatics; I also have a few medals from that season at home.

I would always say - any sport BUT running. I've always hated running, and never understood why people would go jogging. Running voluntarily?

In fall, I purchased a Nintendo Wii, after the great things I'd heard about Wii Fit. It was a challenge getting the balance board over to Mali, returning from my emergency medical one-week trip to Austria, but I succeeded. Well, I absolutely LOVED it, and started having fun working out 60-90 minutes every day. One of the options on there is jogging. Simply out of curiosity I tried it out, and it wasn't bad. So I'd actually start jogging (in front of the TV) every day, and building up my stamina. I was totally amazed that I could actually LIKE jogging!

Well, this is not the end of the story. Having left Mali a month ago, I'm so craving working out, missing it like crazy. I've wondered if I could go to a gym here, but it's just too complicated with me moving from town to town every few days. So I went to Walmart yesterday and bought myself some running shoes. The temperatures have gone up big time, and you'd think spring has come. It was so beautiful outside, and so I went for a run! The first in my life, since you run on the spot with the Nintendo Wii Fit. I soon realized how out of shape I am again, after a month of hardly any exercise, but I ran my few minutes, and today I went outside and ran twice a few minutes. Coming home from the clinic, I went running in Wichita, and when I returned to Kansas City at 9 pm, I also went running for a few minutes. I intend to do that every day, and gradually increase the time I run. I'm so excited! It's a cheap way to exercise.

Dinner In Topeka

After running, a sandwich, and packing, it was time to leave Wichita once again. I loaded up the car and said good-bye, and see you Monday, to my wonderful hosts again. I had a 130 minute drive ahead of me. There was a wind advisory in effect, meaning, a warning because of strong winds. The whole time I could feel the wind pulling and pushing the car, it was amazing. One time I stopped, and the wind nearly knocked me off my feet when I got out of the car. I was amazed how strong it was!

I arrived in Topeka on time for my 5 pm dinner appointment with some of my favorite people - Tom & Debby; I wished I had taken a picture! We spent two wonderful hours talking together, and time just flew by. Far too soon it was time for another good-bye. Sigh.

It was past seven pm and the sun had gone down. I had another 90 minute drive ahead of me to return to Kansas City. The winds were still strong, and as I've been doing, I was listening to preaching/teaching while driving.

As I said, I got home before 9 pm and went running for a few minutes. Then I had a wonderful bath in the most amazing bathtub I have ever been in. It even has a jacuzzi! This house is so beautiful, I nearly feel like in heaven! I so thank the Lord for giving me a refuge like this!

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Thursday, February 5, 2009

Hansa Center

Yesterday morning I left Topeka and my friends at 8:30 to drive to Wichita. My appointment at the Hansa Center was at 11 am, and I got there just minutes before that. I always spend 3-4 hours there. Yesterday, as well as today, I was treated by Dr. David.

Dr. David is a remarkable doctor and Christian man, and I greatly enjoy talking to him. He's developed many of the methods he uses, and according to his brother, he's a genius, and I tend to agree. His book BEATING LYME'S DISEASE is brilliant, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to know what they do there, and how it works. I read the first edition, not the current second one, but for me it removed any shadow of doubt that this could be New Age or occult. Of course, New Age people are drawn to these kind of things, and they WILL bring spiritual components into it - as Dr. David brings his Christian faith into it. He sees himself as a servant of God, the clinic as God's clinic, and Jesus the one who does the healing. I've now had the privilege to spend quite some time talking with him during my treatment yesterday as well as today, and it pains me what he has to go through because of Christians who ascribe what he does to the devil. At the same time, I do wished Dr. David took a bold stand as a believer and not use inclusive vocabulary with the goal to not scare away the unbelievers.

I think that a few decades down the road, these methods and treatments will become mainstream and acceptable; any new technology or discovery needs time to be accepted, and of course there are powerful lobbies out there, huge money-making industries like the pharmaceutical industry. If I had not come to Wichita, to the clinic, and talked to Dr. David, and read his book, I'm pretty convinced I would still be against alternative, biological medicine. I was taught a certain way, and I believed it. However, my box was burst, and my horizon widened. Just because something is new or foreign or unknown to me, doesn't mean it is not from God or bad. Our God is so much greater than we can think or imagine, and definitely than our little box custom-made for Him.

So, I enjoyed the typical series of treatments yesterday and today. I have 3 more days to go, probably - tomorrow, and then Tue and Wed. Today I finally took a picture. It shows Karla and Katy, the two wonderful assistants.

I had some interesting information tonight, finding out that top Christian leaders in the body of Christ have come to the Hansa Center and be treated. I actually know their names, and they have stayed with my current hosts as well. How cool is that!

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Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Theophostic Session

I had a wonderful night in the big, great bed of my new host. I woke up rather early by myself, and took it slowly. I wanted to go to the bank to do some business stuff, but arriving there, there were too many people in line, so I turned around.

So I arrived at my friends' house a little earlier than planned. We had some time just talking and fellowshiping, which was wonderful. Then we started the TPM session. It's my fourth one since coming to the US less than a month ago. I'm so thankful to my friends for taking the time to minister to me.

Once again, the Lord took me into a deep, traumatic memory, and gloriously resolved it. It's so amazing how Jesus or the Father come with His tangible presence and replaces the lies and pain. I was so overwhelmed by His goodness, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

After the session, I had lunch with my friends, which was wonderful. Tom & Luanne are on the top of my list of most favorite people in the world!

Driving To Topeka

I returned home, and started considering my options as to whether to drive all the way to Wichita, or visit my friends in Topeka. After some phone calls, it was decided I would go see my friends in Topeka and spend the night there.

It was later than expected - 4:30 pm - when I left Kansas City. I had a 90 minute drive ahead of me. I was pretty tired, but enjoyed listening to preaching while driving. I arrived at my friends' house just after 6 pm. It was great seeing them again, including their little baby. We enjoyed an evening of fellowship together.

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Monday, February 2, 2009

Return Flight To Kansas City

Our scheduled departure time from home was 10 am. My crying of my host's grand-daughter woke me up long before necessary. I had most of my packing last night, and so I had plenty of time this morning. My host made a wonderful breakfast, and I got to spend some more time with the little 5-year-old. She was sad I was leaving, and I told her I'd probably be back in the summer.

We left home after 10 am to drive the 50 minutes to LAX. I've greatly enjoyed staying with Linda and her family. They are an amazing family, and great hosts. I enjoyed our conversations. I'm glad I can stay with them again in the summer.

I was dropped off at 11 am, and checked in. And then, once again - singled out for the special security check. This is getting old! At least they weren't as particular as in Kansas City, and so I was surprised when they were done quickly.

I still had plenty of time until boarding, and used it to make some phone calls, calling friends I haven't talked to yet.

We left LA on time, arrived on time, left Salt Lake City on time, and arrived in Kansas City on time. Wow! When did I last have all my flights on time??? Long time ago. This was the perfect airtravel trip!

Having read the first half of the 400 page book on LYME'S DISEASE on the way to California, I read the second half on the way back. It's an excellent book! And it's not just on Lyme's disease, but on healthy living and on restoring your health. In the second half there are several chapters on healthy living from a biblical perspective. Reading all that, I don't know how anyone can doubt that Dr. David is a Christian. He also explains all his methods and treatments he developed in this book; great, easy to understand, scientifically explained, all based on the Christian faith. It doesn't take any more for me to be convinced. In fact, I often think of Theophostic Prayer Ministry, and how what I read would even be a scientific explanation of what's going on in a TPM session. I highly recommend the book - unfortunately it's expensive; the first edition is sold for staggering prices on Amazon, and the second edition can only be bought at the Hansa Center's website, it seems.

I arrived in Kansas City at 8:15 pm local time - and my luggage as well :-). I sure prefer having a friend there to greet me, but it was also nice to have the car right there at the terminal. Unfortunately I had parked it at the expensive parking lot, and not the long-term parking lot. When I paid the fortune, the lady was very sympathetic to my plight. Well, ignorance doesn't spare you the consequences!

I drove the 40 minutes to my new host's house. She was already expecting me. She's a sweet, older, African-American lady, an elementary school teacher, who's done IHOP's senior 3-month program.

I settled in, and soon got tired. And so I went to bed pretty early - looks like I'm right back in this time zone!

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Sunday, February 1, 2009

Harvest Rock Service

Last night I slept really well, and I was glad that we wouldn't leave the house until 10 am. However, someone in the Kansas City time zone called me early on my phone, and then the dog kept wailing...

The service started at 10:30 am. Steve Chua was teaching his last session. It was good as always, and I listened intently while keeping my eyes closed. I couldn't help it ;-).

After the service, one of the ushers came up to me. I know him just from seeing him every time I come. This summer it's 4 years that I come here twice a year. So he comes up to me and asks whether I'm the missionary from Mali. He then tells me that he's seen me over the years, and he's so blessed by me, that I have such a humility, and he fees like he wants to pray for me regularly. Wow! Now I was the one greatly blessed. I gave him my brochure.

Walking out into the lobby to wait for my host Linda, it was my only chance to talk to Steve. I've known him since the trip with Todd Bentley in 2003. He's a great guy, with a great ministry. He always has great, practical advice when I talk to him. I'm sad I didn't get to spend more time with him, and our mutual friend Ray.

Teatime

My host Linda then invited me to join her family for traditional teatime they do ever year the day of the Superbowl (biggest American sporting event of the year). I felt honored. It's actually a little flower shop in Pasadena. I've never been to a place like that. It was a great cultural experience, and I enjoyed the fellowship with the ladies.

Linda had an errand to run, and I took advantage of staying in the car for a nap. I sure needed it!

Chuck Pierce

We were back at the church at 4 pm, only to find closed doors. It was another 90 minutes before the service. So Linda walked me around the huge property, telling me inside stuff only people from the church here would know. It's a gorgeous campus! Of all days, it was today I forgot my camera at home!

Half an hour later we were allowed inside, and I got a good seat for myself, and one for Andrew. I talked with a few people until the service started.

Worship was absolutely wonderful, and I just enjoyed loving on Jesus. Then Chuck Pierce came up to continue from last night. It was good as always, though there were less directives for the time ahead than I'm used to. Maybe he did that last night? It was mainly about California tonight. I need to listen to last night's CDs.

After the service it was time for good-byes again. I hate those. Then we headed home. Once again my visit to Pasadena and HIM was over - until the summer.

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