Carrie Ingram - First Year Missionary

It's Hard to Say Goodbye

Sun, 4 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It has been a wonderful week full of laughs and many tears. I have been all over the country and doing all types of things, but this has been an amazing week! I just pray that as tomorrow is our last day here, that the Lord will give me a peace and remind me that while I am leaving, He is staying and is still at work here!

I will write a better description of this week once I am home, but here is a brief overview.

Saturday: I went with one of my students, Magamase, and Michelle up the mountain looking for Nondumiso, a different student. She has very poor vision and so I was looking for her to take to clinic. Magamase accidentally took us on the wrong koombie, so it was an unsuccessful adventure.

Sunday: Church at Mbabane Chapel, a place I have grown to love!

Monday: Went up the mountain with Allison and Magamase, and successfully found Nondumiso, and got permission to take her with me to clinic the next day. We got to walk across a crazy wooden bridge in the process.

Tuesday: Took Nondumiso with me to clinic and discovered how awful her vision is. Dr. Pons saw her and prescribed glasses, so soon she will see much better. Also said goodbye to St. Theresa's Clinic, and the Children's Cup Clinic and Care Point. I hope to visit again, and will miss these people.

Wednesday: Ran errands all over the place. Got to hang out with the beautiful children at SACRO for a while!

Thursday: Went to Good Shepherd Hospital in Siteki with Amber. It was an adventure just getting their as May Day is a holiday and there weren't many koombies. This is practically on the other side of the country and it was beautiful. Once we got there we were able to observe cataract surgery and also got to visit the children's ward. It was an amazing experience. Also we got to visit Dr. Pon's house which is a beautiful old farm with guest houses now. It was a huge blessing.

Friday: Went to SACRO all day and got to just love on the children. It was a wonderful day full of many tears. I also got to inform 6 little boys that their school fees for next year were covered and that they would be able to go to school. It turns out that with your support, I was able to raise more than enough money for Ezulwini Catholic Primary School fees, and was also able to support the remaining kids at SACRO who didn't have sponsors. This was amazing.

Saturday: Our family ministry kind of fell through and so at the last minute we all decided to go up the mountain and bring the kids down to our house (many are students at ECPS). We ended up having over 25 kids at our house watching movies and drinking hot chocolate all afternoon. It was so much fun.

Sunday: Today was our last day at church and it was sad to tell everyone goodbye, but we have been greatly blessed by the church family at Mbabane Chapel.

This was my week! Pray that everything goes well tomorrow, as I try and take Nondomiso to get glasses. Also please pray that the Lord will be with us as we prepare to leave this country. Thank you so much for your support. This may be our last update from Africa. I can't wait to see you in less than 2 weeks!

Blessings!
Carrie

Beautiful

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uniformed. ... Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. ... All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. ... If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. ... Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all thing, endures all things. Love never ends. ... So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." Portions of 1 Corinthians 12 and 13

For the last 8 months I have been living amongst a diverse group of people. Whether I look at the first portion in South Africa as a member of a team of 34 or this semester as Team Kenya with 13 and our extended family of the Swazi Team with 15, I see the beauty of the body of Christ. Last night was our last big family dinner, where our team goes over to the Swazi Team house in Manzini for dinner and worship. As I looked at everyone I realized the beauty and precision with which the Lord builds His body. When we walk in our identity and have the same spirit, and above all love, the Lord moves mightily. Each of us are unique, each of us were brought to Swaziland for a specific and different purpose. And I am thankful to be surrounded by people who not only rejoice in what God has called them to do, but also rejoice in what God has called others to. It is a beautiful thing. I have been so blessed by this family!

Here is just a glimpse at the beauty of my brothers and sisters on Team Kenya:

dD: Pastor at the church under the tree, blessing and loving women at the market into a passion for the Lord! Has powerful visions and dreams for those here and prayers powerfully for them and speaks His truth into their lives.

Nicole: Teacher to some of the most challenging students at Mahlanya Primary School, challenging them and loving them pointing them to Jesus and showing them that they are valued and able!

This is Nicole with some of the children she walks with to the care point on her way to school.

Allison: Teacher and beloved friend to students at Mahlanya Primary School, showing them the compassion of Christ and giving everything she has to love them and bring them to Jesus.

Here is Allison with some of her students!

Teresa: One of the funniest women I know, who is also so wise and so giving. She has loved and taught young women in a high school that they are important, valued, and loved by the Lord, and also loved on the women at the market. She has been all over the place, and has brought the joy and hope of the Lord to each place.

Amber: She is gracious, compassionate, powerful, and persevering, and has shown this by ministering to the children and mothers at the hospital and being broken for them each day. She has experienced the death of so many children and has continued to love and serve and allow God to be her strength.

Here is Amber with Mcosili an abandoned boy at Mbabane Government Hospital.

Chelsea: Teacher Chelsea is loving, challenging, and such a dreamer. She is the one who introduced me to Ezulwini Catholic Primary School. She taught English to grade 6 and 7. This was a huge job, and she gave it everything she had. She became not only their teacher, but also their friend. She also works with youth at her church and speaks truth. She dreams beautiful dreams and has the faith and the power to do great things!

Abby: She is real and honest and this spirit has enabled her to connect to the girls at the high school who she taught and also to the women at the market that she has loved on and encouraged. Her life is a testimony to the love of God and this has encouraged women here and has reminded me the importance of living life with people as a testimony to the Father!

Melissa: She has the heart of the Father. She has ministered with Amber in the hospital and also at an orphanage, and she is amazing! After loosing child after child and being frustrated and angry, she continues to love and continues to persevere. She allows God to be her strength and even though it hurts to love so much, she does it! Even when she doesn't understand, she keeps going and loving: she personifies the statement, "Love never fails".

Tessa: Full of love and dreams. Her voice speaks truth and is encouraging and powerful! She gives all that she has and more, and trusts God for the rest. She loved on children at a drop-in center for vulnerable children in a very powerful way. She spoiled little kids in a way that beautifully displays the heart of the Father!

Here is Tessa and Lindo, a beautiful girl, at the SACRO drop-in center.

Michelle: A true heart of compassion combined with wisdom and power to work to change things. She loves on the children at the drop-in center as well. Teaching them, serving them, and praying on their behalf-- believing more for them, and allowing God to take them there.

Here is Michelle in Zinhle, a beautiful girl at SACRO.

J.B.: A heart for people. Able to build relationships with anyone, and willing to love the unlovable. Playing soccer with kids, men, everyone; encouraging and speaking truth to men in the bus ranks and youth in the church; and loving and blessing the homeless. He goes when he doesn't feel it, he perseveres despite challenges and trusts God to move! It is a powerful thing!

Michael: Personable and able to make friendships with everyone. Able to preach and speak truth to all people, and also willing just to listen. Goes where he is needed and gives what he has. He uses what he has or where he is to allow God to move.

Cassie (our leader): Giving and serving and obedient to the Lord. Willing to persevere when it is hard. Fights the fight and continues in the face of attack! She loves and encourages especially through sharing what the Lord is doing in her life. Has a beautiful excitement for the things of the Lord!

This is my team, my family, a body of Christ! I am blessed to see people walk in their identity and so thankful that above what part or role they play, they love! I am also so thankful for the whole body of Christ. The fact that brothers and sisters all over the world serve the same God; this is amazing, beautiful, and powerful! May we unite in love and grow in unity and fight for His kingdom to come! I thank my church, my community, my family, and friends who together form amazing bodies of Christ! What a beautiful thing, to work together with a single purpose, filled by one spirit, and known by love! I will miss my family here, but know that God has brought us together for a powerful purpose, and though we might now share a house in a month, we will still be united!

Would I climb a Tree?

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"He entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, Zachaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.' So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.'" Luke 19:1-6

This week a lot of us said goodbye to our current ministries as schools closed for their holiday break. Therefore, many of us had parties at our various locations. On Wednesday, I had a party for my students. I wrote all of them personal notes, baked cake, had popcorn (puff corn), and projected "Chronicles of Narnia" for them. It was a lot of fun. I dearly love these students and loved being able to give them a fun morning. While showing the film, the above scripture came to mind.

We were only able to show it to my class at first because the classroom couldn't hold more students. But that didn't keep other students from watching the movie. There were children hanging inside the windows, standing on stools outside to see in, and one student even climbed a tree to catch a glimpse of the movie. This reminded me of Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was small of stature and couldn't see over the crowd, but that didn't keep him from seeing Jesus. Likewise, this student wasn't in grade four, and couldn't get up to the window to see, but that didn't stop him. My prayer is that these students would be even more excited to find Jesus than they were to see the movie. We showed Chronicles of Narnia so we could share about Jesus and remind them that we came to love them because Jesus loves them. They know all about Jesus, but it isn't personal, powerful, or loving. So please keep these children in your prayers! Let's fight on their behalf, that the intimacy of the Father would captivate their hearts.

And I pray that I will always be willing to climb the tree!

Pictures

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sorry, you will have to tilt your head. This is the picture of the student as he was climbing the tree outside the classroom in order to watch the movie.

The Fourth Grade students watching "Chronicles of Narnia".

Grade 4 A students (kind of).

Grade 4 B students (kind of).

Me, Ndumiso, Siphesihle, and Nondumiso after school. (These are some of my 4 B students).

Assembly at Ezulwini Catholic Primary School. From the second line from the right and in for four lines are my fourth grade students.

Nana (the 4 B teacher that I work with) and I after class on the last day of school.

No Disclaimers

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Lord is powerful. The Lord is good. The Lord is faithful and worthy, and the list could go on forever. I cannot describe the greatness of His name or His character. But one thing I can say, is that He needs no disclaimers. He needs no ifs. His covenants are always true. We may think that things are conditional, but the Lord's love is unconditional and His character never changes. This is what the Lord has been teaching me.

Life often seems to be based on circumstances, but God is bigger than this. When God made His promises to us He knew what tomorrow held! Nothing surprises Him and He is above all and in all. Do I understand bad things? No. Do I think that He causes evil things to happen? No. But I do know that He sees and knows and is continually there for us.

I look at people like Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (also known as Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego). In Daniel 3 we read about their experience in the fiery furnace. They did not conditionally serve God. They did not say that if the Lord delivered them they would serve Him. They knew that the Lord made no disclaimers on His promises, and therefore they had no disclaimers in their lives. They did not know His plan, but they knew His heart. Therefore, they replied to the threat of the furnace, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." And God met them in this place and delivered them for His glory.

I examine the finite understanding that man has of God in the book of Mark in the tenth chapter. Here I see that the disciples could not grasp the magnitude of Christ. After addressing the rich young man, this is what Jesus said, "How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!' And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.' And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, Then who can be saved?' Jesus looked at them and said, With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.'" God knows how hard things are. He realizes that the things He desires for us are impossible if we are apart from Him, and yet He beckons us anyway. Why? How? For His glory and by His power. Nothing is impossible for God, no fine print needed. It is simple and it is true.

We each have a calling on our life. We each have a name, an identity in the Lord. There are mountains in our path and dreams that are bigger than us, and God has called us here. He knows that we can't do it, I think that is why He has brought us here. He asks us for faith, for faith to Claim this for Him, for faith to walk in who we are and testify to who He is.

The Lord selected and gifted individuals in order to construct His tabernacle as recorded in Exodus. These passages have comforted and challenged me in new ways. In Exodus 35:30-35 it says, "Then Moses said to the people of Israel,'See the LORD has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting stones for settings, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver--by any sort of workman or skilled designer." You see, God asks us to do things that are beyond ourselves, but He also equips us to do these things. The pressure is not on us. By faith we walk in His calling, and in humility we walk without disclaimers.

I was recently convicted of the disclaimers that I speak about my life. The Lord told me a long time ago that I was His beloved physician. He told me that I was to pursue medicine and that this was part of what He made me for. He gave me details and left some things up to faith. However, when I speak with those around me, I place disclaimers on my life. I often say, "If I get into medical school," or, "I am working hard and hope to...". These would be o.k. statements if the Lord had not spoken clearly to me in this area. But He has. Therefore, my attitude should be, "By His grace when I get into medical school..." and "With His help I work hard to pursue His calling". You see nothing is impossible for Him. I pray that I grasp this and walk in it, and I pray that you also will receive His dreams for your life and dare to allow Him to do the impossible through you!

Join me in praising the Living God who delights in making the impossible possible!

It Matters to This One

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This week I was reminded of a story Ive heard in church several times.

One day a little girl went out onto the beach only to discover that thousands of starfish had been washed up onto the shore and were unable to return to the ocean. She immediately began to throw them back into the ocean one at a time. A little while later, a man came walking down the beach and stopped when he saw her. He asked what she was doing, as she couldnt possibly help them all. She replied, maybe not, but it matters to this one.

Sometimes I feel just like that little girl! Every day I hear of kids who are hungry, people who are sick and dying, abuse and neglect, people who just need a little help, and I am trying to throw them back into the water with Gods help. I continue to try and seek the Lords heart in this, and am learning to trust all of these things to him. I may not be able to help all of them; indeed, the Lord is not calling me to help all of these situations, but when He calls me to throw one back in the ocean, I know that it will matter to that one!

So this week, the Lord placed on my heart a God sized vision. On Wednesday, I was testing my childrens vision when the headmaster came in asking for certain kids to come to his office. After a few minutes they returned to class only to get their backpacks and leave. I asked another student what was happening and they told me the students had been sent home because they had not paid their school fees. You see, there is no free education in Swaziland, and many children cannot afford the costs. Often the school lets them come for a while but then they are sent home before examinations, meaning that even if they have mastered the material, they will have to start over next year. Exams start today. My heart broke when I saw many of my students go home, and thought about what that meant for them. What would they do if they are sitting at home all day everyday? Would they be safe? What will their future look like? What would the Lord have me do? So I asked to see a list of all of the students who were unable to pay, and also asked to see how much they owed. The next morning I was given a list of 127 students, and I didnt know what to do! I had no idea that this many had been sent home. As I copied the list I became overwhelmed once again by Swaziland. The school fees that they owe now totaled over 4,000 American dollars, and what was the Lord asking me to do. I went back in to talk with the headmaster and just felt like I was supposed to stand in the gap for these little children. I hate being seen as the white American with money when I come as an ambassador of Christ, but I also remember that Jesus said to help those who are less fortunate. All of a sudden I found myself saying that I would try and find sponsors for all of the children, and by the end of the day the headmaster had agreed to allow the children to come back to write their exams and I would pay the school as soon as I got the money.

Friday a beautiful student in my fourth grade class, Nondumiso, had returned to school with a huge smile on her face! She has captured my heart and I continually pray that the Lord would have his hand on her life and bring her up as a mighty woman of God. She is smart and is such an amazing girl! And it matters to this one!

My teacher, Nana, and I have been able to have many conversations as we teach together. When I began to talk to her about school fees she was so grateful that I was looking into helping these students. When she asked me if I was going to pay for them all, I reminded her that I did not have the money. She looked puzzled, and I replied that I serve a mighty God and he was leading me into this decision and so I was taking a step of faith trusting that He will provide. So that is what I am doing! I am trusting the Lord in the midst of feeling crazy, and know that nothing is impossible for Him!

So I ask you to pray over this situation. I am looking for sponsors for many children at Ezulwini Catholic Primary School. These students are from grade 1 to grade 7. Most of these children have some kind of parents, but their families just cannot afford school fees. What the children owe right now averages to $35 per student. If you are interested in helping us out, or would like to know more, please contact me or my mom, Kathleen Ingram. My e-mail is ingraca@auburn.edu, my mothers e-mail is atiad81@earthlink.net. The Lord is already providing some money, and I am excited to see the Lord bring the rest of the money in! All of the money will go directly to the school, and I am able to obtain receipts, and can even send you a picture of a child and a thank you letter, as this will be a great blessing to these children! Isnt it great that we serve a big God who cares for each of us. I know that this is impossible for me, but I rejoice in the fact that nothing is impossible for Him!

Thank you for your prayers! They keep me going in this hard place!
by His grace,
Carrie

Give Thanks to the LORD!

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I wrote the previous blog yesterday afternoon, and then last night received two successive calls from my mom. The first phone call informed me that $1,000 had already been raised, and we just rejoiced in the way that the Lord was providing. We continued to talk and catch up and then said our goodbyes. Within an hour, I received a second call from my mother. She had just been informed that another $2,000 had been raised. Yes, from Wednesday to Sunday the Lord provided $3,000 and it isn't over yet. There are so many details I could write about, how the Lord's timing is always perfect, how the Lord provides and intricately works all things together for His good. But, instead I just want to praise my God. For He is good, and big, and faithful, and nothing is impossible for Him. I am overwhelmed by His goodness. When I first took the step of faith, I was certain that He would provide. However, as I thought about what I did, I questioned my actions. I wondered if I was crazy. So now I stand so blessed and so excited to testify about the power of my King! I pray that He will continue to open the floodgates of Heaven and provide beyond what we can imagine. I pray that the Lord will receive all the glory and that this will start a revival at school. There are already several students who have been so thankful and so excited about being able to stay at school, and we in turn get to tell them that it is all because a God loves them so much that He brought nations together to provide for their fees. So please join me in praising our God, and to all of you who have supported these students, this is the heart of God, and thank you for being obedient to His calling!

"Give thanks to the LORD for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords for his steadfast love endures forever, to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever... It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever, and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever; he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever." Psalm 136: 1-4, 23-26

So I give thanks to the Provider of all good things, for His steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the orchestrator of great works, for His steadfast love endures forever. To Him who remembers the orphaned and the poor, for His steadfast love endures forever. To Him who calls a simple girl to take a step of faith, for His steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to Him who is faithful, for His steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to Him to whom nothing is impossible, for His steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the one who has the whole world in His hands, for His steadfast love endures forever! Give thanks to the Lord of Swaziland and America, His steadfast love endures forever!

What a mighty God we serve!

If I Could See

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Isnt it funny how so much comes down to perspective. Thursday, Chelsea and I went walking back into the community near our house hoping to run into our students and hang out with them. Before we had gone too far down the dirt path, we met a group of girls from our school. We walked with them to their homestead singing and talking, and just having a good time. We met her family and after a while the mom told our friend to take us to the shop. Chelsea and I agreed not knowing what was in store for us. We began walking back from where we came from but then turned down a different little path. We walked and walked and walked seemingly going nowhere. Finally, after a long hike uphill we got on a dirt road. We continued walking and talking with these girls and after a few more turns we finally came to the shop. We literally just looked at the shop and then kept going. Chelsea and I had no idea where we were at this time. We just kept following our friends trusting that these little ones knew where we were. While passing a homestead we were invited in and when they asked us where we lived, we could only reply, I think near here. Needless to say this brought about a good bit of laughter. We continued on our way and after chasing goats and a little girl catching a giant grasshopper for dinner, Chelsea and I began to get a little nervous that we wouldnt make it home before it got dark. We asked the girls if they were taking us home, and in return they raised their eyebrows. This normally means yes, but it wasnt the firm answer I was looking for. Right when I was sure we were lost, we emerged onto the main road... on the other side... two houses from where we stay. I was amazed! If only I could see!

This might sound crazy, but this is exactly what the Lord has been teaching me! The Lord has been showing me that first I must desire to see through His eyes! He sees all, and understands all! He determines my path and therefore I might not always understand what is going on, but I can be confident that He is in control. My thoughts are so limited, but His are infinite, and if I walk in faith, he will lead me on His path. Just like the little girls led me on an amazing adventure through their community, He will lead me safely home and I dont have to know the way.

Of course I desire to have my mind set on Him, and I desire to know the way. But I must be willing to have faith and be obedient either way. This Holy Week was wonderful, and as I looked through the scriptures one thing stood out. In a short time span Peter goes from proclaiming Jesus as the Christ to rebuking Him for speaking about his coming death and resurrection. Peter went from having his mind set on the Lord to having his mind set on the things of man, and is sharply rebuked. But Peters mind couldnt comprehend Jesus death and resurrection. Likewise, my mind finds it hard to understand many of the Lords paths in my life. Sometimes I dont know how I got to Africa, but then I marvel at the work He is doing. So I ask for the Lord to give me grace to see through His eyes, and remember that I serve a living God! My God died and rose again! He has risen! He has risen indeed! I cannot understand it, but I see it through His eyes, and nothing is impossible for this Lord!

I pray that we will all receive His spiritual eyes so that we can walk in the power of the resurrection and can walk secure knowing that He directs our path!

May you have a very blessed week!

Carrie

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Lord has greatly blessed me during this past week! He has heard my cry for encouragement and strength and has lavishly lifted my head! I cannot begin to describe how wonderful my week has been, and so I want to give glory to the Lord at this time!

Clinic went really well, and I was able to contribute more than I usually do.

I taught science class this week, and the students were amazing! They had a lot of fun and I could just feel the Lord loving them through me. This was nothing big for American students, but I think it was a new experience for them. They were able to learn hands on, and it was such a joy to be able to provide them with this opportunity. I am so blessed to begin to be able to see relationships developing and to be able to just continue to love on them and speak truth into their lives.

Bible Study has also been challenging and has been such a blessing to me! The Fraser's have been so hospitable and have spiritually fed and encouraged me. I was especially confronted this week by who I love more. The Lord reminded me that I am to love him first and always. So when I get home sick, I have to seek the reason for it, and make sure that my heart and focus remain on Christ!

We were also able to watch a movie on the projector and it was a great night of family fun! We made pizza and just got to be a "family". It was so nice!

Church was great and again challenged me to make Christ the Lord of all areas of my life! The Lord has been calling me to a deeper level of sacrifice and faith, and as I continue to press in deeper, he meets me with His power!

I also found out that my parents are coming to see me in April, and this makes me so excited!

I could continue, about the little ways the Lord has blessed me, but know that He hears our cries and is quick to answer. I praise Him for His steadfast love and faithfulness.

On a different note, please keep the nation of Swaziland in your prayers as workers are striking in certain areas and there is a lot of dissatisfaction with the government at this time.

Happy Easter! I pray that the Lord will richly meet you during this holy week! I am so thankful that I serve a living and active God. May He be exalted this week and always!

This is Swaziland

Sat, 8 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Beautiful mountains, roadside markets, speed bumps without number, cows everywhere, noisy bus ranks, hospitable people, and many other things are Swaziland. This is what you see at the surface. Once you begin to go deeper, you realize some of the harsher realities of this society. It doesn't take long to discover that everyone in this country is touched by AIDS. Whether they have it or someone in their family has it, its effects go deep. Orphans are everywhere. Children are raising children, grandparents are raising their grandchildren as the parent generation is dying. School is expensive, and hope is waning as situations look bleak. Jobs are few, church is often twisted, and daily survival is often the goal. Science class teaches about appropriate touches because abuse is so common. Two children at one care point were raped last week. Two teachers who work for this organization are fighting for their marriages in spite of their husbands lack of faithfulness. Witchcraft and fear reign over this country and spiritual warfare is so very real. This is just a glimpse of this country. These people are beautiful, but they are in bondage to so many things. It is easy to say that it is hopeless, but this too is a lie. Nothing is too hard for the Lord, and so I will continue to pray, knowing that this is the most powerful thing! I have been struggling to continue without seeing fruit. I have been fighting for faith, and the Lord is answering my prayer! He has encouraged me this week through the story of Joseph. In spite of the situation looking bleak, Joseph kept his faith. The Lord was with him and he was successful in all that He did. Even in prison the Lord was with him. And the Lord was also preparing for the future. In spite of it looking hopeless, Joseph continued, and through him the Lord spared His people. And in hindsight Joseph was able to see the hand of God in every moment. It was hard, and it was painful, but it was not pointless. I am here, and I am walking with the Lord, and He is moving! And because I am here, you are reading this, and you are praying, and the Lord is moving through your prayers! So keep praying, and in faith wait to see the Lord move and provide! Thank you for your partnership! The Lord is big! Thank God He is God!

Let the Lord Build It!

Mon, 3 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The wise man built his house upon the rock.

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builder labors in vain. (Psalm 127)

If I take things into my own hands it will be fruitless and tiresome.

In spite of the fact that the Lord is the creator of all things, is the Mighty Savior, is God with us, and is greater than anything I could imagine, I like to think that in my hands things will work out. He is working on me, drawing me into him, and telling me not to worry. Again, I am having to learn to rest in Him first, and let Him build. Maybe He will ask me to help; maybe He will ask me to enjoy His work, or maybe He will ask me to watch and learn as the Master builds! But the one thing I am sure of is that if the Lord builds it, it will be strong and secure. If the Lord builds it, the truth is nothing can bring it down. The storms may come, and the waters may rise, and things may look hopeless, but the Lords buildings are unshakable.

Praise God that He is the perfect contractor and builder. He pays attention to detail, is alway on time, and not only is his work beautiful but it is eternal and precise. My time in Swaziland is flying by! As the weeks continue to pass, I know that only through Him will there be any fruit. And whether I see fruit or only in faith trust that fruit is produced, I know that if I allow the Lord to build it, my efforts will not be in vain but will bring glory to His name. I am then challenged to in faith trust the Lord with everything. My life, my family, my friends, my ministry, my future, my present, everything... and know that with the Lord as my builder, there is nothing to fear, and in faith their is much to hope for!

May the Lord greatly bless you this week, and may He be the builder of your paths!

Join the Awakening: Discipleship & Missions

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Awaken to the Adventure

Disciples aren't born; they're made. It's a process that takes time, discipline, and God. In reality, it looks more like waking up than attending a class.

As part of The Awakening, you can undergo a discipleship program like no other, experiencing four months of intense training in another country to prepare you for the ministry that awaits you for the rest of the year.

Join The Awakening

Your mornings will be spent in training and your afternoons ministering in local communities, activating what you've learned. In the context of experiential learning, you will be discipled by mentors who want to see you grow deeply in your faith.

You will be part of a community of other individuals who share your passion and desire to come alive in Christ. This time will challenge and stretch you in new ways, and you will never be the same.

Become a part of The Awakening in either Latin America or Africa and discover your role in the kingdom of God.

You were made for greatness, to experience the abundant life and freedom that Jesus promised. As they awaken, current participants are saying:

I don't think that I will ever have such an opportunity to give up all of myself and all of my expectations as I do here. (Emily Tissot, Latin America)

The Bible study has... turned into a church. So, we have church at noon Tuesday-Friday under the tree in front of the market. I love watching as people just bring their stool/chair/water container... and join in the singing. We are going through the book of Galatians, and it is cool to see how freedom is effecting their hearts. (Denise Eckert, Africa)

For more on The Awakening, visit the First-Year Missionary website.

Looking Up

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I am living in one of the most beautiful places I have seen in my life. I look out the back door to our house only to see beautiful lush green mountains. Exotic flowers bloom all around, and amazing tire swing trees abound. It is simply amazing. Yet sadly, there are days when I dont realize the beauty that surrounds me. There are days when I feel weighed down and burdened, and I dont notice the good things. I was reminded of this the other day while walking to one of my ministry sites. If I keep my eyes on the dirt road beneath my feet, on the trash scattered along the path, on the 500th speed bump in 500 yards, I miss out. I must look up in order to see the beautiful mountains that surround me. While they remain majestic beckoning me to look up, ultimately it is my choice to acknowledge them or to stare at my feet. So I began to think, how this parallels in my life. I go out into ministry, or school, or just every day life, and I stare at the problems. I have 82 students in my class who still count with their fingers, there are child prostitutes at this school, another AIDS patient was diagnosed at the clinic, another child is hungry, I have to study for the MCAT, I have to register for classes from Africa, is my application complete, the list can go on... and I can miss out on what God is doing. You see Africa is not void of God. I didnt bring God with me, I simply was called to join Him in what he is already doing. And if I get bogged down in the muck of the world, I cant join him. He is majestic! He is not hiding himself. He is active and present and is beckoning me to him, but I must look up to find him. I must look up to him and allow him to lead me through this world. It is the simplest of concepts, and yet I find myself slow on the learning curve. A few weeks ago, I opened my blog with this same verse, and yet it is perfect and so I am going to use it again: But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33. I am excited to seek first my God, and in faith walk in His power, love, and authority. I choose to look up and find Him. And then, I choose to walk in the freedom of faith, trusting not in my abilities, or what I see, but trusting that He will bear the fruit of his work through me in His time. The burden is off, the scenery is breathtaking, and the company of the Lord is indescribable.

Also, please check out Michelle Goette's page. She is an FYM in Swaziland as well, and was originally on the Swazi team. Her family is considering adopting children from her care point, and I would love to have you join us all in prayer for them. Thanks!

What a Week!

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Tuesday was a great day working at St. Theresas clinic. I love just helping them out, and showing the love of Christ. I hope that I will be able to build relationships with some of the repeat patients, and am excited to continue to learn from a Christian physician! After clinic I was able to sit and visit with a little boy and his family outside on the street. They had already seen the doctor and were waiting on the father/husband to finish up with I guess paper work. I shared my lunch with them, and learned their story, and told them that they would be in my prayers, and then they were off. I pray that these little moments, are moments that will impact the kingdom!

Wednesday through Friday, I helped out at the school. I am started to get to know the students and love helping out especially in math class. The teacher, Nana, that I work with, is great! I really think she may be the best teacher there, but they are not taught concepts and so they are not reaching their potential. It was very frustrating to see very smart children unable to answer simple problems because they are only taught to repeat and memorize information. I am trying to take the time to help them one-on-one so that they can learn the material and move forward! Pray for direction in teaching, as well as in building these relationships. My first step is to learn all their names, all 82 of them. Then I hope to start something during lunch, maybe tutoring or Bible Study. I am excited about this opportunity!

Have you ever met a Prime Minister? Well, I can now say that I have. After teaching on Friday, Chelsea and I went to the local grocery store to develop pictures of my students, this is how I am trying to learn their names. We decided that while we were out running errands, we should stop and have a little Chinese food. While in the Chinese restaurant, we saw a police officer walk in followed by a Swazi man in traditional clothing, followed by many more police officers and a few other people. We began to guess as to who this man was, and while Chelsea jokingly swore that it was the King, we couldnt come up with his identity. Our waitress came over to deliver our food and told us that it was the Prime Minister. We got a little excited at this point. Long story short, after a few conversations and a little debating about cultural appropriateness, we ended up meeting the Prime Minister and having our picture taken with him. Its not everyday that you meet a Prime Minister, and yet at the same time, it was just another day in Africa!

Saturday we went and played with the students at Allison and Nicoles school. I participated in a very intense game of net ball, followed by a very poor game of basketball. It was a lot of fun, but I am tired! Then I sat with a few girls and just talked to them, and learned about their stories and their lives. I loved being out there, and hope to do it again sometime soon!

This was my week at a glance! Tomorrow we head to South Africa to renew our VISAs, and then we start another week! The Lord is teaching me many things, and I hope to post about this soon! I hope that you all had a wonderful Valentines Day (we did!) and that you were able to feel the love of Christ!

Blessings,
Carrie

Seek First the Kingdom

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:33-34

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

There is a nonexistent rural care point in Malkerns. To get there we take two kombies (public transportation) and then we walk down a dirt road past several homesteads. You walk past the former care point where you can still see the old structures and continue until the road comes to a T. You go to the right and continue straight for another ways. The road starts a rapid descent where you are literally walking down "stairs" although there aren't any stairs. You jump across a little creek and then make the ascent and climb straight up. This feels like Africa. For the majority of the walk, you see only fields and trees and scattered huts. Follow the path until you come across a small mud hut, and that is where we went. Make (pronounced mah-gay... meaning mother) Dludlu formerly worked for the care point, and we wanted to talk with her about the orphan situation. Melissa and I were escorted up to her house by a lady we met along the way. Make Dludlu invited us in, and we sat on her leather couches and asked her our few questions, and found out that there are about 50-60 children who are not in school and who would greatly benefit from a care point. She told us that they have the land but do not have the structures or the backing to run a care point. Her family is poor as well, and her youngest daughter was running around without clothes (probably by choice) while two of her other children were there as well and were not at school. Her husband was preparing to go to Mbabane to work where he sells millie (corn) bread for a living. The situation is a little overwhelming. Here two girls sit trying to start a program to feed children not only physically but also spiritually, and how does that work? Where do you start? Where can the money come from? What can we do in order to make this work even when we go home? This community has already been disappointed once through a failed care point, and we do not want to do that again. Excited and overwhelmed, we head off to make calls and set up meetings in order to see what needs to happen.

We had a great meeting with a man who works with Children's Cup. He was very helpful, but it also confirmed the enormity of this task. Not only do we need the physical support and organizational backing to keep it going once we are gone, and not only do we need to make sure that this can last for many years, but we also would need to figure out the cultural leadership and gain approval and support from the entire community. I left and just wanted to sigh. Where to go from here?

Three of us on the team: Amber, Melissa, and I, have a heart for this situation, and yet this can't be an internship for various reasons. I was feeling very down about this situation and overwhelmed, but then the Lord continued to remind me to seek Him first. He beckoned me to come! He has been romancing my heart and drawing me closer into his presence. It has been amazing to rest in Him. I can't do anything for this care point, but I can rest in the power and majesty of my King and allow Him to work through me as He wills. I ask for your prayers for these children and this community. We are seeking His will and waiting on Him. He is good! He is love! And my hope is in Him and not in me.

This country is full of need. There are thousands of hungry children. Thousands dying from AIDS. Thousands orphaned. It is tragic, but thankfully we serve a God who is bigger than all that. So I pray and wait and go in His power. I expect Him to meet us, and can't wait to testify about the things He is doing! Let us praise Him for His greatness, and always seek first His kingdom!
Seek F

It's A New Week

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

    I am so excited to start this week! I am finally settled into a few internships, and have a peace about where I am. I feel that the Lord has really provided for where He would have me serve. I praise Him for His blessings and provision, and am continually astounded by the way He moves! Nothing is too big for my God, and nothing is to small for Him! So here is what my weeks will look like:

Monday: An "off" day, a day of rest and communication.
Tuesday: 8-1:30 I will work with Dr. Pons at an eye clinic, helping out at St. Theresa's Clinic        which is understaffed and serves the poor.
         2-5: I will work with Teresa, a nurse with Children's Cup, at their care point clinic. I        get there a little early and get to love on the kids at the care point and get to know them        and encourage them. I am hoping to be able to develop good relationships with them and        disciple them for a little while.
Wednesday: 8-2 I will be teaching/helping in a 4th grade classroom for a school on my street. I        am working with a good teacher who has two classes of about 40 + students. This school        is unique in that many of the kids are orphaned or underprivileged, but they also test        rigorously to get into this school, and so all these kids are very smart and pretty well        behaved. If you want to know more about this school, look at Chelsea Geyer's blog from        my team, she teaches there everyday.
Thursday: 8-1:30 I will be back at St. Theresa's clinic gathering data for Dr. Pons, so that he can        evaluate the clinic and see areas that need improvement and components that are working        well. I will also be around the staff and getting to know all those who are working there.
         2-5: Back at the Children's Cup Clinic.
Friday: 8-2 Another day at School.
Saturday: We do ministry together as a family. This changes, but for the past two weeks we have    been visiting patients at the hospital.
Sunday: 10:30 I go to church at the Mbabane Chapel. Then the evening activities vary.

   This is the basis of my time here. I have also made some friends at a local market and am trying to find some time to spend with them.

   Please keep these ministries in your prayers, and pray that God will open up relationships and conversations to be able to spread His Good News and His love and truth. Many if not all of the Swazi people have heard of Jesus, and many believe in Him to some extent, but this nation needs truth, freedom from sin, and discipleship. Thanks for your prayers!

A Matter of the Heart

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This week has been full of ups and downs. I have visited the Children's Cup Clinic twice and am very excited about the work that they are doing there. I am trying to find ways to encourage and support them. They treat many different conditions and love and give compassion through this service! It has been a blessing to see the way that Teresa, the nurse, loves the children and is Jesus with flesh on.

Then on Wednesday, I watched a little girl named Pepe. She is a little girl with HIV who is very sick. She and her brother have been living with their father, but he is unable to give them proper care. Her brother is now in the hospital, and Pepe is very sick with not only the virus but also with other problems. She can't keep food down because she is coughing so hard and she is therefore loosing precious weight rapidly. Because they were so sick and were likely to not make it very long if they remained at home, Children's Cup is caring for them now. Today they are trying to find a home for them, and I pray that it all works out. But to get back to the day, I was watching her so that Susan and Teresa with Children's Cup could go to work.

Pepe is 12 years old but because of AIDS looks to be around 6. Her eyes show the wear of her life, and she is in so much pain and hurts so much on the inside as well. She is given great medical treatment through the Baylor clinic, but the treatments cause her stress and it leaves her feeling bad. As I watched her, I realized that this is the state of Swaziland. Beautiful children are suffering from a horrible disease. She never asked for any of this in her life, most of those she has loved have been taken away in one way or another, and it breaks my heart. I ask that you lift her and all those like her up. Pray for comfort and healing, pray for peace and hope, and pray that the Lord will reveal his love to her. My prayer is that she would know the love of Christ and know that she is special! My heart is hurting for all those suffering in this nation, and I know that only the Lord can heal this land! Join me in praying for this nation! 2 Chron. 7:14

There is an AIDS clinic on Monday that I will be helping with, please keep it in your prayers as well! Also please pray for discernment about a project in the rural community that we might join in! May the Lord bless you all! I would love to hear how things are back home, so update me if you have a chance.

Blessings,
Carrie

E-mail and Internships

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hello Everyone,
I have been spending this week trying to find the right internship for the time I will be spending here. I really wanted to do something around health care, but didn't know anyone. So I started e-mailing and talking to everyone I could think of. It has been interesting and has required trusting the Lord. I had a peace about pursuing this ministry opportunity, but also wanted to get started. And yesterday, the Lord began to open doors. I had received the name of a nurse with Children's Cup, who works with various clinics. I called her, and she has invited me to work with her. So next Tuesday, I will be going with her to see a clinic in Manzini. God worked out the details of transportation too, as I can't get to Manzini, but because she lives in Mbabane (a nearby city), I can ride with her. This would only be two days a week, but I am excited to see where the Lord will lead me for the rest of my time. We also finally got water and electricity in our house, and are all clean and ready to get going. Last night, we also had dinner with the original Swazi FYM team, and then had family worship. It was a wonderful night, and we are all getting excited about what is in store for us. Another possibility is a trip to Mozambique, but I will send more information about that if it is confirmed. Thank you so much for your prayers! They are moving mountains! Please continue to pray for all of us as we seek the Lord's will for our time here. The Lord is opening incredible doors for my team, but pray that we will all get settled in soon, and ready to run! Please pray for the Swazi people, for their hearts to be receptive and ready to get deeper with the Lord. Also pray for this team as we try to make every moment count, pray that we will have spiritual eyes to see the things the Lord is doing, so that we can join Him in them. Your support means so much to me! Please let me know how things are going at home, as I would be blessed to keep you in my prayers!
by grace,
Carrie

Address

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Here is my address... if you would like to send letters!

c/o Julie Anderson
Carrie Ingram, Team K
P.O. Box 5526
Mbabane, Swaziland

Update

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hello Everyone,
The entire team is now together, and we are excited to be reunited! Tonight we are going to have a great meal at an AIM staffer's house and will get to see the other team as well. Our lights are now on thanks to Michael and dD, and we are hoping for water soon! I want to ask for your prayers as I work to find the right internship. I visited a school this morning, and it looks like a great option, but I am praying for a Christian physician that I might be able to work with. I have e-mailed several organizations and am leaving the rest to God. Thanks for your prayers!
Carrie

Life in Ezulwini

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hello Everyone,
We moved into our new house on Saturday and are really enjoying being in "our home". We have unpacked and are beginning to purchase the things that make a house a home. Yesterday we went to church and ran a few other errands. The church we went to was the one I attended a few years ago when I was here, Pastor Walter's, and it was great to see old friends (and children who don't remember you, but who changed your life forever!). Today, we rode public into the city (Mbabane), and are learning our way around. Things are going well, but I would appreciate your continued prayers as we begin to try and figure out internships and make other decisions. Also please keep Michael, Tessa, and Chelsea in your prayers as they are driving themselves into Swaziland tomorrow. Also pray for J.B. as he flies into Swaziland on Wednesday. And then all our team will be here! Thank you so much for your support! I look forward to posting soon about where the Lord leads me in ministry! I have to go, but thank you for your prayers! Keep me updated as well!
by grace,
Carrie

I'm Here

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I am here to testify to the power of prayer and the goodness of God in an everyday kind of way! After missing my connection in Amsterdam, I spent the afternoon showering, eating, and using the internet before boarding my flight to Paris. That was a short and rather interesting flight, but nothing too spectacular. I had a very short amount of time to catch my connection to Johannesburg and so worked to get there on time. I got my boarding pass and realized that I was sitting in a very low numbered row. I thought that will be nice because I will not be the last person getting off the plane. When I actually found my seat I was surprised and very thankful as it was a business class seat. For those of you who don't know the difference between the classes (besides the price tag), the seats are bigger and recline all the way back (with a footrest), the food is great, the service is wonderful, and everything you could possibly need is there for you. I was able to get a decent amount of sleep and am now safe and sound with my team in South Africa. We will all be driving to Swaziland tomorrow, so please keep us in your prayers and pray that the vehicles continue to run and work for us, and know that your prayers and powerful and effective! It is exciting to be back here again, and I look forward to the next time I can update you!

The Latest Adventure

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hey Everyone! Please be praying for me as my travel plans have been complicated by the snow in Atlanta yesterday. My flight boarded on time yesterday, but then we sat on the runway for 6 hours before the 7 1/2 hour flight to Amsterdam. I then missed my connecting flight but they have me set up to now fly to Paris and then to SA. The Lord is really taking care of me, and things haven't been stressful, but I would love your prayers in this time. Pray that He will use these extra flights to bring glory to his name! Thanks for your support, and I will try and keep posting regularly! Soon I will be in Swaziland (I think!). Blessings, Carrie

On My Way to Swaziland

Wed, 9 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

So it is now official! The Kenya team will be in Swaziland for this next semester. We all still have a passion for Kenya and are praying continually on their behalf, but are also transitioning into seeking God's heart for Swaziland. Yesterday I changed my flights, and was able to do it all for nothing. The Lord definitely provided for me in this situation! I am so thankful that it is all resolved! I will now also do a shameless plug for Northwest/KLM airlines and Capital One Rewards, they were a huge help to me yesterday! I am now leaving on Wednesday the 16th, and will arrive in South Africa on the 17th. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support! I have been so blessed by everyone's encouragement! Please keep me updated on everything that you are doing and any ways that I can pray for you!
Blessings,
Carrie

News on Kenya

Sat, 5 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As most of you know, I was planning on spending next semester in Kenya as a continuation of the FYM program. We were all very excited about this chance to follow God into the slum of Kibera. However, due to the continuing violence over the elections, this trip is for the time being canceled. I ask for your prayers for the Kenyans. Pray for their government, that they would resolve the conflict and restore order and democracy. Pray for the economy as the violence has destroyed markets and the instability has hurt all aspects of the economy. Pray for the people, that they would be peaceful, and would find God during this time of unrest. I ask that you would pray earnestly for God's presence, for his protection, mercy, and grace! If you are interested in supporting the Kenyan people during this time, AIM is taking donations in order to purchase food for those in Kibera. You can access this page through the AIM homepage at www.adventures.org. Also I encourage you to read the news on Kenya and pray through the information that you receive! This is a tragic event, and as the church we have so much power through prayer! I recommend reading the news from BBC and CNN.

This also means that our team will not be returning as expected. I am waiting on new updates on the status of our trip, but for now, we will be going to Swaziland instead of Kenya. Please pray for us as we all try to process the situation and are dealing with a wide range of emotions. Pray for guidance and provision for all of us, and for discernment for our leadership! I will try and keep you all updated about the situation, and thank you for all of your support!

Praise God that He has the whole world in His hands!
Carrie

A Week in J'Bay

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Hello Everyone,
I am in my last week here in South Africa. We start debriefing the trip tomorrow, and I am full of mixed emotions. I am sad to say goodbye to some friends that I have made in J'bay, and I am sad to say goodbye to my friends on other teams, but I am also excited to come home and see everyone! I am just trying to remain focused on today and living each day in the Lord's power.
This week I have been spending a lot of time in a coffee shop called Kaluso's where Allison and I have been getting to know her and encourage her. Her and her daughter Hope are amazing, and it has been a priviledge to get to know them. I praise God for this relationship.
The classes have been so challenging, and I am excited to apply the things that I have learned. I thank Ben, Jim, Greg, and Nate for coming to Africa and pouring into us.
I will be home in 8 days, and then I will post a few more great stories and some pictures. I hope that you are all having a wonderful Christmas! Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we prepare for coming home and adjusting to life back in America.
Blessings,
Carrie

Rainbows, Beached Whales and the Like

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This is just an update about the nature of South African beaches. A few days ago, we had the most beautiful rainbow over the ocean. It was amazing, and it was such a powerful reminder to me about the covenant nature of our LORD!

Then yesterday before dinner, our leaders threw us into the van and drove us down to see a beached whale. It was crazy! I now smell like dead whale water and the tuna fish for dinner didn't go down too easily. But it was awesome to see this giant creature. I think a lot of animals died recently during a big storm, and are now washing up on shore.

Also there are huge jellyfish and Portuguese Manowars all over the shore and you have to be careful where you step. I think the Lord is just loving on me and showing me the greatness of his creation! I just love seeing all these animals and feel like I am back in organisimal biology.

When I get home for Christmas I will post these amazing pictures! Please be praying for us as we enter a time of intense study and preparation for Kenya. We are also trying to build relationships and minister one-on-one here in the community. I am excited to see the Lord move here in these last few weeks!

Jeffery's Bay

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We all made it all safe and sound here on Saturday night. It only took us 14 hours, this was great because we were afraid that it would take at least 20 hours! We are staying at UCSA which is a camp center similar to the Spring Fling location for all of you who ever got to experience that. We are less than a 5 minute walk from the beach and are being spoiled by the most amazing beach I have seen! This is the location of major surfing tournaments. I am already a little burned, but I have put on sunscreen today. It is beautiful and it is so nice to rest in the majesty of our Lord! Yesterday we were able to shadow some of the J'bay team in their ministries and it was awesome to see what they are doing. I went to an afterschool program in the township here. It is overwhelming how this beautiful beach town is right next to a very poor township. It is a challenge to see this. Then, tomorrow we start classes and I am being trained in leadership. Please pray that our speakers make it here as they have just missed their connecting flight. Thank you for your prayers, I am so blessed by your support, and I am so excited to prepare for Kenya. Merry Christmas!

A Day by Day This Week

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This week was full of so many different things that I thought I would just give a description of each day.

SUNDAY we all went to different churches. I went to Pastor Peter's church in Atteridgeville. Pastor Peter is a pastor from Kenya who serves a new church in the township where we have all been ministering. Some of my teammates met him the other day and he invited them to church. We were excited to make this friendship with this man from Kenya. This service was amazing. The church is in a little yellow tent that has a big tree under it in the heart of Atteridgeville. There were probably about 30 people there and it was very much alive. It started with amazing praise and worship and prayer, and then Pastor Peter introduced us and let us lead the service. J.B., Chelsea, and I shared a little about what the Lord has been doing in our lives, and then Michelle and I took the kids outside for children's church (which we just decided to have) while Michael preached. Children's church was amazing and we learned about the love of God and what that means for us. After that we went back and Pastor Peter preached a little, and then we prayed for individuals in the church. It was so awesome to see this little church grow in number of believers as a man named Victor accepted Christ. We then asked if the kids could come up and present what they learned. So all the kids came to the front and sang "My God is so BIG so STRONG and so MIGHTY, there's NOTHING my God cannot do for YOU!" And also shared their memory verse which was 1 John 4:19 "We love because God first loved us!" They are such awesome children! t was such an encouraging day and I was so blessed by the fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

MONDAY we went to a Lion Park. We had planned to go to Sun City, but at the last minute changed plans. This is a place similar to a game park where you can drive through different sections and see lions and zebra and giraffes and all types of animals. Then you also get to go into an area with baby lions and pet them. This was pretty cool even if you could only touch their backs and tummies (a.k.a. don't pull their tails or pick them up...etc.). It was a pretty day and it was nice to relax and do something different.

TUESDAY I went back to the hospital and visited Vanessa and Victoria again. I just got to sit and encourage them. Victoria is such a beautiful baby girl and I just pray that the Lord will heal her. She is still not doing well and requires oxygen. The doctors have not been able to figure out what is wrong with her and so she was supposed to be transported to a different hospital on Wednesday. I brought Vanessa the Bible that I had promised her and we talked about different scriptures and about what the Lord had for her. Please just pray for truth in her life as there are areas of ancestral worship that are still a vital part of her beliefs. Vanessa was very tired and so I watched Victoria for a while so she could take a break, and I just got to hold her and sing praise songs to her, and pray for her. It was a great time! Then right before visiting hours were over, Victoria's father showed up and I got to talk with him. He was very curious as to what I was doing in Africa and why I was so excited about the Bible. He believes in God but doesn't think that the Bible is God's word or that Jesus did all that he said he did. It was a great conversation, and I challenged him to simply ask God to show him the truth. I said what does he have to lose? I think he thought I was a little crazy, but I also think he respected what I had to say and what I was doing. This conversation also allowed me to more directly speak to Vanessa about her beliefs, something that had been complicated by various distractions during our times together. So I praise God for all that he did in this relationship, and trust these three to him, asking that he move in a powerful way. I really hope to stay in contact with Vanessa and can't wait to see how the Lord reveals himself!

WEDNESDAY I learned a few dramas for our ministry in Kenya. Angel taught us some new ones that have worked really well in different locations. One is about the battle between Jesus and satan, and I am an angel in this drama. The other drama is about a girl who is in chains to sin and then how Jesus sets her free. In that drama I am a demon. They are going well and we continue to practice the other dramas we have learned in the past. Doing dramas is definitely not my strong point, but I am excited to get them good so that we can use them in Kenya, where the people really like them.

THURSDAY was a wonderful Thanksgiving day! It started very early for a few of us who were doing a program at the elementary school that we have been visiting. I got up at 5:15 to get ready (there were about 100 people on the property and I just wanted to get ready and be out of the way of other's preparations). I finished getting my thoughts together, and then, Allison, Amber, Chelsea, Rice, Angel, and I headed off for school at 7. The program, we thought, was going to start at 8 but ended up being at 9. So we got some kids to give us a tour around the school, had some tea in the teacher's lounge, and got to talk with different kids. It was a lot of fun just to hang out with the students. The grade 7 girls asked a million questions about America and loved seeing my driver's license, student ID, passport, a dollar bill etc. Then we headed in to the assembly ready to start our program. They led some songs (which was amazing to see all the kids singing and dancing to these great songs) and then gave out the end of the year awards and did birthdays. Then we did a program. I started by explaining a little about what was going on in America on that day, and gave a brief history of Thanksgiving. We all shared what we were thankful for, and then Chelsea transitioned into Christmas by saying how thankful we were for Christ. Yes! We did a Christmas program on Thanksgiving! We then learned our memory verse, which Amber taught us, followed by Rice and Angel leading a few songs. Then we acted out the nativity story with a few of the students. I was a donkey (how do I always get these parts?), Allison narrated and was the inn keeper, Chelsea was a shepherd, Amber was a wise "man", and Rice was an angel. Angel then talked about how Jesus was the ultimate Christmas gift. We ended singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" (and missing our families a little because of singing it!). Then their program ended with a house cup... yes Dad... they have houses at this school and they get a cup based on how many points each team has earned. There are the green and yellow houses. I can't remember which house won but it was cool to see the kids so excited. That was the program. We all rushed back to the house and then got ready for a wonderful Thanksgiving. Corrie's (a Real Life Swazi participant) family flew in to surprise her and then took us all out to this restaurant where they had prepared Thanksgiving for us. It was awesome. There were about 80 of us from FYMs to Real Life to Alabanza staff, area kids, and the Discipleship team from Swaziland (Ncobile, Zwagale, Cynthia, Musa...), it was great! After that, we just got to relax and catch up with our friends who have been in Swaziland. I even watched "Father of The Bride" last night!

We are going to Jeffery's Bay on Saturday and please be in prayer for us as it will probably be at least a 20 hour ride. Please keep in your prayers our vehicles as we have had major issues with these combies since we have been here. While we're in J'Bay, we will be receiving teaching and training on leadership or discipleship. I have been placed on the leadership track and can't wait to start this program. We will also be doing a lot of ministry there, but I'm not sure what that will look like! We are excited, and I can't wait to update you from J'Bay!

EXCITING NOTE! Cassie, one of our leaders here, has decided to be our female leader in Kenya! We are all so thankful and excited about this, so please keep her in your prayers. Our other two leaders in Kenya will be Scott and Connie so pray for them as well, and we are excited to meet them in January.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for your support, for my amazing family back home, and my new family here. The Lord is too gracious, the blessings overwhelm me!

And to all you Auburn fans reading this: War Eagle! I say fear the second hand pretty confidently, I hope I'm right!

Ward 6

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

For the past week and a half I have been spending my time in Ward 6 at the hospital. It has been amazing to see the Lord show up. I have met many wonderful people and I just praise God for the way he is moving.

Mandigal and Sydwin are siblings who have been in the hospital for a while. They do not have a mother and their father could only come once a week because of work, and yet these children still had joy. Sydwin, the big brother, was so wonderful to Mandigal and by this week had become healthy enough to be in the same ward with her and cared for her. I just got to love on them, play with them, and pray for them. I just tried to bring some childhood into the hospital by making paper birds and other games. We made hats and colored and did everything else. I spent Monday and Tuesday with them and then Wednesday didn't go. I was praying that God would heal them and that they would be able to go home. On Thursday I went in and looked for them, and they were gone. At first I was sad, and then I rejoice that God had answered my prayer for their health! Praise Him!

Vanessa and Victoria are still in the hospital, and the doctor's still do not know what is wrong with Victoria. Her oxygen saturation is just very low even though she is on oxygen. However, because they have been in the hospital now for 2 weeks, I have been able to build a relationship with Vanessa and share with her about the God that I serve. I am bringing her a Bible on Tuesday and I pray that God will just reveal himself to her and free them. Please continue to pray for Victoria's healing, I believe that he is going to come in a mighty way!

Dimakatso is another lady that I got to speak with and build a relationsihp with. She also had a sick baby named Potlako. I met them last week when Dimakatso called me over to pray for her baby while I was leaving. I only got to breifly pray for them. Then I came back and Potlako was off of oxygen and doing much better. Thursday and Friday I was able to sit down and speak with Dimakatso more, and she said, when you prayed, I believed, and the Lord has made her better! I praise God for coming and healing! Dimakatso is a believer, but didn't have a Bible, and I was able to joyfully give away my Bible to her! She was so hungry for it, and I read her several passages and then wrote some down for her! She was so thankful! I am so excited because I know that His word never returns void! I also feel like she is called to go and heal in her home of Mamelodi (the township where I was earlier). I encouraged her in it and we exchanged numbers, so I hope that she will keep in touch with me. Please keep them in your prayers!

This might not sound like much, but the Lord is moving mightily in the hospital! Each day I have left feeling like I am glowing because I feel like I have been in the presence of the Lord! God is good and he is doing the unexpected! I praise Him and thank Him because he is so good and His love endures forever!

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that you all have a great time with family and friends (and hopefully great football too)! Drink some sweet tea for me, and eat a little bit of pie! We are excited to see our Swazi family then and can't wait to be all together again! I thank you for all of your support, and can't wait to share with you face to face all that the Lord is doing. I hope to update pictures soon, and then you can see some of my friends from the hospital. Blessings!
Carrie