returning...

In less than 24 hours I will be taking off for the continent of Africa--specifically Niger. Although I'm not too nervous now, I know by morning I will be. Flying 20+ hours internationally by myself is a bit daunting. I think I'm more nervous, though, about returning to the continent of my birth. It hasn't really sunk in. I won't be going home, but I will be getting closer than I have been in 6 years. I've changed quite a bit since being gone and I'm a little nervous about how I will react to the Nigerian culture.

Here are some ways I've changed:

When I left Africa I was 16. Now I am 22.
When I left Africa I had braces. Now I have straight teeth.
When I left Africa I had poor eyesight. Now I have contacts.
When I left Africa I disliked the cold. Now ... I still dislike the cold.
When I left Africa I was in high school. Now I have 5 weeks left of college.
When I left Africa I was super tan. Now I am white 10 months out of the year.
When I left Africa I was bitter and angry. Now I have grown to love and trust my Jesus more deeply.

I'm sure there are more changes than just those listed, but that gives you a general idea.

See you all in Niger!!!

Memories in the Making

I have two days left of student teaching at Maize High School. Time has flown by, but last night I managed to take the evening off and attend the regional soccer match at MHS. The soccer team at MHS is quite stellar and I was looking forward to attending--especially since several of my students are on the team. However, I was not looking forward to attending by myself, so I called my cousin, Troy Wiebe, and he drove all the way out to West Wichita to accompany me!

I had a WONDERFUL time.

I pointed my students out to Troy and was then informed by him that I was looking at the wrong team. From that far away they all look alike, right?! :)

It was quite chilly out, but Troy, being the kindhearted gentleman that he is, bought me hot chocolate and sat on the left of me in order to block the wind a bit more. I'm pretty sure I talked his ear off the entire game.

One of my students scored. I was proud. (Yes, I was looking at the right student this time!)

We won 3-0!!! Go Eagles!!!!!

I was going to take a picture of both of us at the game for this very post--even had my camera in my purse--and then I saw some high schoolers right below us on the bleachers doing the exact same thing. That's when I realized I could do without a picture. The one you see is from google. My apologies.

My feelings by the end of the evening:
- I still love the sport of soccer.
- Troy is great.
- I am so thankful for cousins.

for Melissa...and for Rennes!

I found this picture while sifting through my French textbook.





I'd say for once, the textbook got it right!

Today

Today I said goodbye to Dad.
I have had the immense privilege of leading Cru with him for 4 years.
He always fills up my car with gas when I come home to visit.
He is my favorite speaker.
He has more nicknames for me than I can keep up with.
My friends love him.
He makes up songs.
He loves to sing.
He is a man of integrity and passion.
He is choosing to follow the Lord's calling and work with Muslim university students in Niamey, Niger.



Today I said goodbye to Mom.
She makes home a special place.
She is the queen of couponing and always sends me home with gifts!
She always smiles.
My friends love her.
She loves to sing.
She makes beautiful cards.
She is truly a woman of excellence as described in Proverbs 31.
She's the first person I call when there's a problem, when I'm stressed, or when I just want to talk.
She is choosing to follow the Lord's calling and work with Muslim university students in Niamey, Niger.


Being a missionary kid, I do not have one central place to call home. Home has always been wherever my parents are. They are the two people on this planet that know and understand me better than anyone else. Today, I said goodbye to both of them. Although not moving with them, I feel uprooted once again.

Ebenezer: Till now the LORD has helped us. (1 Samuel 7:12)
He who has helped thee hitherto,
Will help thee all thy journey through.