So the summer has quickly come to an end and there are no words to describe the most incredible experience I have had so far. The Lord is good. He is faithful. The last month in Kenya was spent seeking the Lord and His heart for His people. The last weeks of camp many of the campers were hindu or came from a Muslim background. Many of the children believed they could follow more than one god. How do you confront a person who has been taught that their whole life. Is there an easy way? Do you just try to avoid the subject? No, you seek the Lord for guidance and wisdom to speak in love and in truth. I sought the Lord hard because at no time did I want to speak out of my flesh. The Lord proved himself faithful once again. The last week of camp I worked with the Kenya girls which are the oldest cabin. They were from the ages 15-18. What an amazing week! There were 13 girls. Let me tell you these campers were seeking truth because beginning the first night they asked deep questions. It was awesome because it made me think as well as see how the Lord works in you when you allow Him to use you. None of the kids in the cabin were strong believers. That was the last week in camp and it ended so well. I had many deep conversations with many girls and we talked about many different circumtances. It was good! The week after camp was over we stayed in Nairobi a few nights and then went to Hells Gate. Hells Gate is a National Park that has beautiful rock climbing sites and hiking. It was awesome! There were so many zebras, giraffes, and baboons! Then after a couple days there we headed to the Mosai Mara which is where we went on Safari. AMAZING!!! We saw Lions, Lionesses, Cheetahs, Baboons, Rhinos, Elephants, Zebras, Wildbeasts, Buffalo, Hippos, Alligators and I think thats it. It was great!
All in all, my summer was incredible. I was definately stretched and was able to see what really matters in life. I love Kenya and I hope to go back some day. I am excited to see where the Lord will lead me from here because I know everything that happens in our lives is a preparation for what the Lord has in store later. He is faithful and He loves His children. He wants the best for us. He is GOOD! As for now, the Lord has brought me back to America so this is where I need to be to serve Him. I want to thank all of you who have kept up with my blog and for investing in me. Thank you for supporting me and for praying for me faithfully! I would love to share more personal stories so if you would like to hear just ask away!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Africa is so beautiful!
WOW! A little less than a month left!
So the past three weeks we have been traveling doing village ministry. We went to orphanages, Western Kenya, and Uganda. God has been faithful through out this trip. He has led people to the Lord and shown His power and Majesty. Western Kenya was a 6 hour bus ride. We went and stayed in different homes that were made out of mud. These people were the most generous people I have ever met in my life. They really dont have a lot either. There is no electricty or running water, and yet they gave so much. They really blessed me by their faith and generosity. I have definately been stretched out of my comfort zone which has been really good. This trip has also caused me to see how the Lord is ALL we need. This life is but a vapor and HE is the only one that can satisfy you in every way. During our trip to Western we played with kids from different orphanges, put gutters on churches and went door to door and prayed over families and their homes. These people are the happiest people ever. They welcomed us and were so excited to have visitors. They say that having visitors is a blessing from God. Wow. When we arrived to one of the orphanages I got off the bus and wwalked down to this dusty road and all I could hear were children singing we are happy today we are happy today because we have guests and they ran to us like a mob. I thought I was going to get trampled. It was so funny! The feeling I had was just overhwhelming I definately felt the love of the Lord through these children. The last place we went during this time perios was Uganda. LONGEST BUS RIDE OF MY LIFE! But it was woth it. It was just out of pleasure. The team and I went and rafted the Nile River. It was gorgeous!!! Also the biggest and longest rapids I have ever seen. It was awesome! It was also good just to rest and fellowship with the team. We stayed their 2 days and traveled 2. On one of the days off I rode a bota bota (motorcycle) to town. It was AWESOME! How often do you get to ride on a bota bota with no helmet to town in the dirt. It felt very freeing. I went to the town called JINJA, and they have little markets and such. It was cool. Well,
So the past three weeks we have been traveling doing village ministry. We went to orphanages, Western Kenya, and Uganda. God has been faithful through out this trip. He has led people to the Lord and shown His power and Majesty. Western Kenya was a 6 hour bus ride. We went and stayed in different homes that were made out of mud. These people were the most generous people I have ever met in my life. They really dont have a lot either. There is no electricty or running water, and yet they gave so much. They really blessed me by their faith and generosity. I have definately been stretched out of my comfort zone which has been really good. This trip has also caused me to see how the Lord is ALL we need. This life is but a vapor and HE is the only one that can satisfy you in every way. During our trip to Western we played with kids from different orphanges, put gutters on churches and went door to door and prayed over families and their homes. These people are the happiest people ever. They welcomed us and were so excited to have visitors. They say that having visitors is a blessing from God. Wow. When we arrived to one of the orphanages I got off the bus and wwalked down to this dusty road and all I could hear were children singing we are happy today we are happy today because we have guests and they ran to us like a mob. I thought I was going to get trampled. It was so funny! The feeling I had was just overhwhelming I definately felt the love of the Lord through these children. The last place we went during this time perios was Uganda. LONGEST BUS RIDE OF MY LIFE! But it was woth it. It was just out of pleasure. The team and I went and rafted the Nile River. It was gorgeous!!! Also the biggest and longest rapids I have ever seen. It was awesome! It was also good just to rest and fellowship with the team. We stayed their 2 days and traveled 2. On one of the days off I rode a bota bota (motorcycle) to town. It was AWESOME! How often do you get to ride on a bota bota with no helmet to town in the dirt. It felt very freeing. I went to the town called JINJA, and they have little markets and such. It was cool. Well,
Monday, June 21, 2010
I dont think we realize how GREAT our God is...
Well I have been in Kenya for about a month now. The second week of camp was amazing! I was with girls ages 12-14. A little more work than a younger group of girls, but God is good. He moved mightily in the lives of these girls. The end of the week they received Jesus into their heart. What a humbling experience to know that you are being used by God. Wow! This past week the team and I went to Mosai land. It is like a desert. There is no electricity or running water. It is near mount Suswa. You literally have to go on a dirt road for 2 and a half hours. It was VERY BUMPY! and dusty haha! The Lord blessed us with wonderful weather. We also saw Zebras and giraffes on the way. We built a greenhouse while we were there and showed the people how to filter their water in order to have drinking water. We stayed in tents on the Bishiops land. He is known as the superintendent of the Asseblies of God in that area. It was awesome. Although the language was a barrier we worshipped the Lord and prayed over one another together. The spirit moved so mightilty. We also visited churches there and the school. The kids were beautiful. They were in awe of our non skin haha! The Lord has overwhelmed my heart with his love. I feel so priveledged to be used by my savior. This weekend we have been staying in Nairobi. Tomorrow the team leaves to Western Kenya for a week then to Uganda for a couple of days to raft the Nile! Pretty excited! Please keep praying for me. Your prayers have envouraged me and have been felt! Thank you for your support through out my trip!! Miss you all!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Camp Session 1!!
Well I have already been here about a week and a half and God has been rocking my world. Last week was staff training and it was great getting to know the people that I will be serving with this summer. Its great to see how God has been orchestrating this summer and this team before we even knew we would be in Nairobi. We have been to town once and it was great! There are alot of missionaries here, which I have never been surrounded by so many in my life. It has been a blessing to see their heart to serve Jesus, no matter where. As a team we went rock climbing, not as easy as I thouhgt but I did it. I also jumped off a 44 ft swing, built by Winshape. It was pretty sweet. The night sky here is beautiful, the stars, sunrises, and sunsets, God definately knew what He was doing. He is so good!
This week I am a counselor of 5th and 6th grade girls this week and they have been a blessing and have taught me so much already. Its amazing How God can use children to minister to adults just as much as adults to children. WOW God is good! Its definately been on the go since I got here but God is good give the strength I need each day to have the energy to love on the kids. Our theme for this summer's camp is overcome. John 16:33. Please read it and be encouraged. Its amazing. Well my friends I am trying to give as much info as I can, and as time permits. Until next time....
Please keep me in your prayers!
This week I am a counselor of 5th and 6th grade girls this week and they have been a blessing and have taught me so much already. Its amazing How God can use children to minister to adults just as much as adults to children. WOW God is good! Its definately been on the go since I got here but God is good give the strength I need each day to have the energy to love on the kids. Our theme for this summer's camp is overcome. John 16:33. Please read it and be encouraged. Its amazing. Well my friends I am trying to give as much info as I can, and as time permits. Until next time....
Please keep me in your prayers!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
First Post! ahh!
So I have never had a blog before but I really feel this will be the best way to communicate with everyone who desires to have an update on my trip and everything the Lord is doing!
First of all, I want to begin with how the Lord called me to Kenya. It started in December 10, 2009 (my birthday). I was worshipping the Lord in my car and I heard the word Africa randomly! The song I was singing along to was called Send us to the Nations, so I thought it was just my mind wandering away. I kindof dropped the thought and forgot about it for a while.
In January, I heard Africa again, but I didnt think anything of it. Then one night I was having a conversation with a friend and she started telling me about a trip that she had last summer in Africa through Camp Blue Sky. Thats when I began to question the consistency of the topic. That night a few of my friends and I had a worship night together and I was seeking the Lord, and thats when He just made it crystal clear. He bolding said, "Nicole you are going to Africa!" I was in total shock! I just said ok Lord, I'll go! I called my parents right then and told them "Im going to Africa!" They were in total suprise! I didnt know why or when I just knew God would lead the way.
That weekend, I applied to be a counselor at Camp Blue Sky which is located in Nairobi, Kenya. I was stepping out in total faith. My friends, I have never had something happen in my life so smoothly and so blessed by the Lord. I got an interview a week later and accepted right away. I had to raise $4,000 and I knew I didnt have it. I told the Lord, "Lord if you want me to got then you will provide, and have this trip paid for by the time I step on that plane to head to Kenya.
God has provided EVERY PENNY!!!!!! Over 100 people donated money and decided to invest into me and the ministry that God has called me to do this summer. HE IS SO GOOD!! There were eight year olds empting their piigy banks, people who were non- believer decided to give all the change they had, Muslims gave over a hundred dollars, and not to mention that half of these people did not know me but they stepped out in faith with me and were very generous.
If you know me and my past, you would know Africa was the last thing on my heart. I always said, "Africa is not for me, it's just not on my heart to go there or to be a missionary" I dont know if this is a once in a lifetime deal, or if the Lord is preparing me for something overseas but all I can say is if this is what it means to seek the Lord, to know without a doubt that you are in His will just by seeing how the doors open so smoothly, and His blessing over everything you put your hands on, THEN IM IN!!
This year has been an AMAZING journey and I cant wait to see more of the Lord's work in my life!
I pray that this will not just be another testimony you hear, but that this will cause you to hunger and thirst more for our Creator and king.
First of all, I want to begin with how the Lord called me to Kenya. It started in December 10, 2009 (my birthday). I was worshipping the Lord in my car and I heard the word Africa randomly! The song I was singing along to was called Send us to the Nations, so I thought it was just my mind wandering away. I kindof dropped the thought and forgot about it for a while.
In January, I heard Africa again, but I didnt think anything of it. Then one night I was having a conversation with a friend and she started telling me about a trip that she had last summer in Africa through Camp Blue Sky. Thats when I began to question the consistency of the topic. That night a few of my friends and I had a worship night together and I was seeking the Lord, and thats when He just made it crystal clear. He bolding said, "Nicole you are going to Africa!" I was in total shock! I just said ok Lord, I'll go! I called my parents right then and told them "Im going to Africa!" They were in total suprise! I didnt know why or when I just knew God would lead the way.
That weekend, I applied to be a counselor at Camp Blue Sky which is located in Nairobi, Kenya. I was stepping out in total faith. My friends, I have never had something happen in my life so smoothly and so blessed by the Lord. I got an interview a week later and accepted right away. I had to raise $4,000 and I knew I didnt have it. I told the Lord, "Lord if you want me to got then you will provide, and have this trip paid for by the time I step on that plane to head to Kenya.
God has provided EVERY PENNY!!!!!! Over 100 people donated money and decided to invest into me and the ministry that God has called me to do this summer. HE IS SO GOOD!! There were eight year olds empting their piigy banks, people who were non- believer decided to give all the change they had, Muslims gave over a hundred dollars, and not to mention that half of these people did not know me but they stepped out in faith with me and were very generous.
If you know me and my past, you would know Africa was the last thing on my heart. I always said, "Africa is not for me, it's just not on my heart to go there or to be a missionary" I dont know if this is a once in a lifetime deal, or if the Lord is preparing me for something overseas but all I can say is if this is what it means to seek the Lord, to know without a doubt that you are in His will just by seeing how the doors open so smoothly, and His blessing over everything you put your hands on, THEN IM IN!!
This year has been an AMAZING journey and I cant wait to see more of the Lord's work in my life!
I pray that this will not just be another testimony you hear, but that this will cause you to hunger and thirst more for our Creator and king.
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