Another African Adventure

Well friends its that time again, time for another lively update on the life and happenings of Aly as she tries her best to serve the Lord in Malawi.

Last week I sat down several times to post, but because it was Ogles' birthday this weekend much of my week included "secret" plans. Okay well, in all reality there is no such thing as a secret between Ogles and myself, we live in the same room. BUT we both did a really excellent job of pretending that she had no idea and that I was truly being stealthy. It was quite an exciting week as Michelle and I joined forces to make Ogles birthday FANTASTIC! I am a firm believer in the "Birthday Week." Birthdays only come once a year so we have make the most of them. I think we succeed in making a fabulous birthday week. It started Monday with a bad day a shopping trip. Ogles had a bad day. Michelle and I were doing just some grocery shopping when we decided that we would try and surprise her. AND WE DID!!! It was great there were flowers and laughing and crying and if I remember a lack of dinner, but I don't think that anyone really cared. Tuesday we did something I think just a failed attempt at getting a gift, but oh well. Wednesday we skipped Bible study to have birthday pizza and our own Bible study which was great. Thursday we went shopping again this time determined to come home with something. We went to the market which is always fun and usually stressful. But it worked out nicely we came away with everything we needed plus a little bit more! Friday night was the first not of "Allison's Birthday Weekend Extravaganza!" and she slept through the first 4 hours of it. Oh well. We went to the basketball game... and they won! I think it was because it was Ogles' birthday , but who knows. SATURDAY! Saturday was excellent we slept lateish.. and then made cookies and cupcakes all morning. Later we went to lunch with fun friends, sat in a fuel queue and then spent the evening watching movies and doing nothing. Only after, what is probably the best rendition of "Happy Birthday" that will ever be... EVER. Sunday morning we woke up early and Allison and I kept the nursery at church which was eventful. Michelle and I made a super fabulous lunch and then we took a picnic to the most beautiful place on Earth (Maybe I can post a picture) and had tons of fun then we watch more movies, stayed up too late, and were quite sleepy when it was time for school on Monday. But all in all it was a weekend well spent and another year of Allison excellently celebrated!

This is the most beautiful place ever! 

OOOO Pretty! I really love it here! 

Other than spending an insane amount of time thinking about how to best celebrate Allison not much has happened. We've reached (and surpassed) our six month mark which is something I'm not certain I thought would happen. :D Obviously it has not come with out its ups and downs, but I think that the good is outweighing the bad. I think until recently I was stuck in a bit of a funk. I was homesick and tired. I didn't feel like I was any good at was I was doing and I was just really unhappy. Praise the Lord he sent with me a great friend who was quick to tell me and I think that I've been able regain sight of the reason I'm here the hope and joy that I have in Christ. I really cannot think of a better way to be spending my time right now. And, after giving it much thought, I am still very convinced that this is where God has called me to serve for this time in my life. I know that that won't make all of the hard parts of being here go away, but  it does allow me to remember to cling to my Savior, my Provider in everything that I do.

I am currently still in need of $600 a month to live here. I have been blessed to this point with one time gifts that have helped cover the costs of living and other necessities, but as I've said I have now reached the six month mark and the need for monthly donations has become apparent. If you would like more information you can contact me directly or you can give through the ABC website. There is a link to the right of the page.

Prayers are also needed. Pray that I will continue to have faith in God's provision, timing, and plans. Pray for the Missionaries at ABC and the country of Malawi. Pray that in everything I do here Christ would be glorified.

Until next time...
"Why am I so discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again- my savior and my God. " Psalm 42. 5-6