Life's Detours

As I was falling alseep last night, I was contemplating the changes in my life. What brought this on? Well, I'm selling my bass clarinet and last night I was cleaning it to get it ready for ebay. As I was holding the instrument, I kinda got sentimental. It felt like yesterday that I was putting together the instrument to go practice my scales and music for college. In fact, it's been almost 4 years of which my bass clarinet has been in a closet. The whole thing got me to think about this journey called life that I've been on. God's plan for my life has always been for me to preach the Gospel in the remote areas of Africa. Did His plan include a bachelors degree in music education? Maybe not. perhaps it was one of those detours we take without sometimes realizing it. You know those. The ones where we make decisions without consulting God. The cool thing to know is that in the end we still get to our destination. Perhaps we took the longer route. Sometimes a detour can actually be a harder drive then the original. Maybe there ends up being more traffic, or the road itself is full of pot holes. Lots of things can happen. But you can trust that in the end, you are where God has planned, as long as you keep your eyes on Him, trusting with all your heart and walk in faith.

Happy Thanksgiving

I know it's been awhile since I've updated but I wanted to take some time this evening to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. I pray that each of you were able to celebrate with family and friends and take time to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. I am thankful for so much, the list is endless. For God, family, friends, co-workers, and especially my amazing support team. I'm also thankful for this specific thanksgiving as my younger brother has flown down to florida to join my sister and me for the holiday. It's been a great holiday and I look forward to continue the holiday weekend with wonderful sibling time. Blessings to each of you. I'll be updating more often from now on.

Trekking Around the USA

I've been back in the USA for 2 weeks now and I would love to say that I'm done with airplanes for awhile (especially after that crazy delayed flight in Atlanta) but it wouldn't be true. Currently I'm in Florida at the Overland Missions offices preparing for 15 weeks of support raising. In order to return overseas, I have to be fully funded by January 15th. It's a lot of work but God's favor is upon my life, as is yours. On Oct 8th (tomorrow), I'm heading to Chicago. I have a cousin who is getting married on Saturday and then I'll be meeting with friends and contacts to share about the ministry. Although I do have to jump back to Florida for a 2 day training seminar for support raising. From Chicago, I have no clue where I'm going or even when. No limits, no boundaries! :)

Looking forward to seeing all my Chicago family and friends!

Goodbye Africa, Hello Ireland

So tonight is my last night in Zambia for the year. I cannot believe how fast this last month has gone! I'm still sad about leaving so early. Most of you know that I usually leave at the end of November/December but this year is much earlier. Why? Mainly, support raising. I am focusing and believing God to be fully funded in January. After that I'll be in the UK for 6 weeks to train volunteer to run our new remote office and then back in Zambia in March. 2010 is going to be a busy but fruitful year!

On my way home I'm going to be visiting a friend in Ireland for a few days. I've never been there before and it was free to extend my layover in the UK. I'm excited for the chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty that the Lord has created.

I'll be back in the USA as of Sept 22nd. Please feel free to give my cell phone a call, the number is still the same. Blessings!

Made it home!

Sorry I didn't update this sooner but I made it back to Zambia safe and sound. I had 10 days on the island of Zanzibar and spent those days visiting friends that I hadn't seen in 3 years, helped build a chicken coop, and reassessed how our expeditions are running on the island. God is doing a mighty work there and I'm so excited to see what God is going to do through the believers.

The base is quiet at the moment. There are about 20 of us now on the base, but soon the september amt class will be arriving. Expeditions are pretty much done for the year, except for one team in Malawi in November. It's a pretty cool team as it's in partnership with Joyce Meyer Ministries, who is holding a conference in Blantyre. Unfortunately I won't be there to help run it as I am leaving africa on september 15th. That's right, 3 weeks. Am I excited? No. Why am I leaving? It's time I finally focus on my support raising and get fully funded in order to do the work I'm called to do. I know that many think that this is the worst year to support raise because of the economy. However, my God is greater then the economy! I have no choice to be back here in March and in order to be back I must be fully funded. Let's believe together that God is going to provide miraculously. :)

Look for my august update this week!

The Spice Islands of Africa

Off the coast of Tanzania are the Spice Islands of Africa, associated with the Spice Islands in Indonesia. They are made up of 3 islands, Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia. They were once ruled by Arab sultans who ran the spice trade in this area. Spice trade is still a main source of income for the local people, as well as tourism. The islands are predominately Muslim, and only about 1% being Christian.

I share this with you all as I prepare to travel to Zanzibar on Monday. I was there for 3 weeks in 2006 and have been invited back to stay with the pastor and his family that Overland Missions works with. I will be traveling with Kelly, one of the AMT graduates, and our plan is currently in God's hands. We have an invitation to preach at one of the churches on the island, but other then that we'll see what God has in store.

I'll try and update while in Zanzibar and keep you all posted on what God is doing. Please pray for us as we embark on 54+ hours of travel (one way).

African Lullaby

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to go to the Chobe Game Reserve in Botswana for an overnight safari with the AMT students. Who wouldn't want to go sleep with lions?! Yes, I am that crazy. :)

We spent the day driving through the park and seeing tons of elephants, giraffe, cape buffalo, zebra, kudu, and impala. No signs of lions though but we pressed on in hopes of even a glimpse of them. The evening came so we headed to our campsite, which was in the heart of the game park. When we arrived at our spot, we noticed that we'd be having some company duringthe night. In front of us were hundreds of elephants. As you looked farther down the road, you could see hundreds of cape buffalo heading towards us also. The sunset was beautiful and as we settled down for dinner around the campfire, we were surrounded by the noises of Africa. The crunch of the elephants and buffalo as they passed us by were our evening lullaby as we went to sleep.

The next morning we headed out early still in hopes of seeing lions. We were told about the area that they claimed as their territory and went there in hopes that they were around. About 30 meters away from our campsite we saw their tracks from their travels during the night. Most likely hunting the animals or getting water from the river. Unfortunately, that's all we saw of them on this trip. Maybe next time we'll have better luck. It was an awesome experience though and once I won't soon forget.

Christmas in June!

Last month our USA offices shipped a 40 ft container jammed packed with all sorts of goodies. Today, it finally arrived. I arrived back to the base after picking up my western zambia team from the airport to find our main center packed full of couches, tables, chairs, bins, etc. We even got a whole new industrial kitchen shipped over! It was like Christmas had come early!

I'm heading out with my team on Sunday and will be gone until July 3rd, without internet contact. I'll be updating the blog and writing a newsletter when I return. Please keep the team in your prayers as we minister in areas that are in desperate need for the Gospel.

The Whirlwind

They came in like a whirlwind and were gone before I knew it. My June VF Team has officially ended and all 21 of the team members have returned back to their homes. It was an amazing time of ministry, both within the team and in the villages. I saw such an awesome change in the lives of these young adults, as well as within every person we ministered to in Sikachapa Village. My newsletter will be going out tomorrow with photos and testimonies. I also hope to update my website with photos as I go through the thousands (literally!) of photos I received from the team members.

June Vic Falls Expedition Begins!

My team has finally arrived (minus 1 who arrives tomorrow)! Right now I can hear them laughing together on the couches as they get to know one another. 20 people from the USA and UK all united for one purpose: preach the Gospel! How cool is that?! Tomorrow is orientation, seeing victoria falls, and preparing the trucks. On Friday we'll leave for 8 days in the villages. Please pray for us and for the ministry that we'll be doing. I'll update when we return. Blessings!

On The Zambezi

Last week Joe, Jack, Pastor Jeff, and I went out on the zambezi to test out of zodiac raft and to teach me how to drive it. We had some problems with the engine but managed to still take the raft out for a spin. Here are some photos!

Revelations of a 3 Year Old

After breakfast this morning, I was setting up the chairs for our church service when my little friend, Sunda, (a zambian girl that was adopted by a missionary couple that works with us) ran up to me and hugged my legs. "Laura, you're a princess!" I was a bit confused at first why she decided today I was a princess. Then she went on to tell me that I was wearing a princess dress (I was wearing a skirt and shirt for the sunday service) and had me spin around for her. "See, Laura. You're a beautiful princess." She ran off to where her parents were practicing for worship and I was left thinking over her words. Sunda is completely right. I am a princess. We are all princes and princesses of the Most High King. We are so beautiful in the eyes of our Father and should take joy in the love that He pours out on us. So go twirl in your dresses, sing and dance before the Lord. We are princes and princesses!!!

Wants vs. Needs

There's a lot of places in the world I'd like to be right now, at this very moment. In Burbank, IL (just outside of Chicago) my little baby brother (not so little anymore and hasn't been a baby in a long time) is graduating high school. Steve and I are very close, although being gone for so long has put a bit of strain on the relationship, as one would expect. I only seen him maybe twice a year and every time I come home I feel I've missed out on a lot of stuff in his life. One year I cam home to find that he now towers over me and even had facial hair. When did the little kid that I used to put make-up on (telling him it was indian war paint) grow up? He's really one of the coolest kids I know. This year I missed out on a lot in his life, although I was home when he got his drivers license. I didn't get to see him off for prom and now I miss seeing him finish high school. Sad day!

I'd also love to be in Nyawa village right now. The pastors conference is going in full swing and I know that lives are being completely changed. I can't wait to hear the testimonies when Pastor Jeff gets back tomorrow. I was originally planning on being there but after being out in the villages for a whole week last week, I couldn't justify being away from the base for another 4 days. You see my short term teams arrive a week from monday. At the same time my team arrives, we have another team arriving to travel to Angola for ministry. There are 4 trucks that need to be prepared, supplies to be sorted and purchased, ministry to plan, and everything else in between. :::insert deep breath:::: Everything is going to get done but I need everyday to do it.

So am I where I want to be? Not exactly. Am I where I need to be? Exactly! God has us where we need to be, which isn't always where we want to be.

P.S. The testimonies from the week in the villages, as well as from the pastors conference will be in this month's newsletter. Subscribe on my website to receive it!

So It Begins...

Over this past week, we've had multitudes (or so it seems) arrive on our base. We've more then doubled our numbers of people living here on the base overnight. Our May Advanced Missions class has arrived and made themselves at home here on the Rapid 14 Base in Livingstone. I'm not teaching AMT this year but am helping out with their expedition in the villages this week (leaving tomorrow actually). I spent today with my friend Rachel, her and her husband are the directors of the AMT, running around town getting food and supplies for 6 days in the bush. I cannot express how excited I am to be doing ministry in the village again. I'd rather be in the villages then anywhere else in the world. I love getting to know the people, sharing in their lives, and sharing with them on the love of God (by example and teaching). We're going to be doing some cool things in the village this week, even helping them harvest peanuts from their crops! Please be praying for us as we go out- this is the first time for majority of the students to be in third world villages. It'll be an experience that will change their lives as much as it will change the people we minister to. I'll post an update when we get back from the bush!

A Day in the Market

Every monday our staff does the weekly grocery shopping. This includes a trip to Maramba market, a local "you can find everything here" market here in Livingstone. Picture crowds milling around, the smell of dried fish wfting through the air, stands filled with vegetables, food, clothes, etc. Flies hover over the dried fish and seem to follow you when you walk by. The local drunks propose marriage every 15 minutes and every taxi cab driver asks if you want a life to town (despite seeing you climb out of your vehicle). Ah, the joys of maramba market, where every day is a battle to get the local prices (they like to charge us muzungus a bit more sometimes). I know this market well, since I've been shopping here for the last 3 or 4 years. I've probably had more marriage proposals then any woman should. ;-)

Today was successful though. I fought maramba and I won! We went earlier then usual and found the market not as crowded and too early for the drunks to be out. One woman tried to charge me more for tomatoes then usual but I skillfully, and politely, talked her down. We found everything we needed and even had time to run to a few different stores before heading back to the base. I'm finally getting good at this africa thing!

Zimbabwe is Post-Poned :(

Well I had posted in this month's newsletter that we were planning on holding a pastors conference in Zimbabwe. I just received an email from our contact in the area we were traveling to. He said that they need a few months to plan for the conference so May is no longer an option. :( I'm pretty bummed. Looking at my schedule, May is the only free time I have so it might be delayed until next year. I love Zimbabwe; the people there are fantastic. Every time I look across the gorge and see that beautiful country, I pray for the pastors and churches there. They are the representation of God's love in a country that has been kicked down and spit on by the government. I look forward to the opportunity to go back and minister to these leaders, but only when God opens that door.

4/28/09

My Morning Workout

I love Africa. I love when reality sets in and I rediscover this beautiful contintent. One thing I hate in Africa are babboons. When my teams come in, we have a rule concerning these creatures... don't go near them. This morning I was walking from the shower to my tent, when I stopped to chat with Bev, one of our new volunteers. Suddenly a troop of babboons come up from the gorge behind my tent and start walking to the main center. Without even a second thought, I dropped my shower supplies, grabbed a rock, and took off running after these things. They took off running and went back down the gorge. It wasn't until that point that I realized what exactly I had done. Do as I say, not as I do, right? Not! I just have to shake my head and thank God they didn't feel like attacking back. Where was our mighty babboon killer dog, Scooby? In the village visiting his dog girlfriends. The lemon! ;-)

In regards to the rural pastors conference we had over the weekend- it was a huge success! My newsletter will be going out in a few days with the testimonies and photos from the conference. Subscribe on the website if you don't receive them, or send me an email! Blessings!

Anticipating the work of God

So these past two weeks seemed to fly by. I'm completely readjusted to Zambian life, which isn't hard once you've been working here for the past 3 years. 3 years... wow. I still can't believe how fast it's all flown by. God is doing such amazing things each day of my life and it just keeps getting better and better. I had a great talk with Jack, my expedition intern. Jack is from the western province of Zambia and has been working with us for almost 2 years. We were driving back from town and just sharing with each other what the Lord has been speaking to us about for this year. Jack has started a youth movement within the area called Youth On Fire. He holds meetings in the villages in the area and just completely opens up the the youth about the love of the Father. Such awesome things are happening in these meetings. Jack and I are both in agreement that this year is just going to blow us all away. I don't know what exactly God is going to do but I'm sitting on the front of my seat in complete anticipation of the heavens opening up and God's love, mercy, grace, and power falling and hitting each area we minister in this year. Please keep the ministry in prayer for this year as we watch God use us in awesome ways.

Back in Zambia!

Thanks for your prayers, everyone! I made it to the base safe and sound, with all of my luggage. What a great feeling! As the plane landed I was greeted by the sight of villages tucked into the green landscape of Zambia. It's so beautiful at this time of year, with the trees full of leaves, grass is tall and green, riverbeds flowing with water. I've already begun unpacking and sorting all of my belongings. I had to kill the spiders that moved in and chase away the lizard that was clinging to the inside wall of my tent. I think I'm critter free now and look forward to falling asleep to the sound of the Zambezi rapids echoing in the gorge. I'll take some photos of the property and post them for you all soon!

Greetings from the UK!

Hello! I'm writing to you from Portsmouth, England where I have been for a week now. I can't believe how quickly it's gone by, but I've loved every minute of it. I was representing Overland Missions at Family Church's Empower Conference. There were over 300 people attending the conference and it was a great opportunity to share with people about missions.

Tomorrow I am flying to Africa and will arrive in Zambia on Saturday. I am very excited about going back and seeing what the Lord is going to do this year. Please keep my travels in your prayers, and that none of my luggage gets lost or stolen (a common occurrence traveling through Johannesburg).

My monthly newsletter will be going out once I get settled in Zambia. If you do not currently receive it, please sign up on the main page of my website.

Last Post from the USA

So this is my last post from the USA for at least 6 months, if not more. The last two days are so hectic with running around, multiple Wal-Mart trips, meeting with as many friends as possible, calling everyone and their Mom. The best feeling in the world is the moment you step on the plane, find your seat, get your carry-ons stowed, and just sit. I just like to take a deep breath and relax into my seat. The weight of stress just seems to melt off. You can no longer worry about anything you forgot to pack, if there was anything you missed at the office. All you can do is sit back and enjoy the ride!

Well, I'm not at the moment yet. I'm still in the midst of hectic packing and finishing projects. This is probably my last day I'm spending in our offices here in Florida. Tommorrow I'll devote myself to getting packed as early as possible so I can enjoy the evening with friends. My next post will be coming from Portsmouth, England!

Google Earth: Key Tool For Missionaries

As I was sitting here wondering what I should blog about, I decided I wanted to share more about the planning that goes into leading an expedition. I've been asked countless times about how Overland Missions finds rural villages. Aside from local guides, we use Google Earth. Yes, there is more to this program then just finding your house! :)

When planning for a expedition in the southern province of Zambia, I often start by locating our base. Here is a screen shot of where we're located.

From there I can look at the villages we've already been to in the different sectors we have running. If you're not sure what I mean by sectors, I can explain. "We divided sections of the world into 10,000 sq. mile sectors and made a focused strategy that uses each one of Overland Missions departments to recon, plan and execute the task at hand. Each sector is managed by a missionary couple that make a five-year commitment to the area." (taken from www.overlandmissions.com). These sector managers are in charge of running every project within our organizations, from evangelism, to discipleship, to humanitarian aid. They are aided by our expedition teams, staff, and volunteers.

Back on subject! :) Once I've determined where teams have already gone in, and projects are already actively running, I can find villages in the areas that we have yet to go to. Believe me when I say there are millions! I can actually find the dirt trails that we would take with trucks using Google Earth to map out our route to these places.

On the left is an image of an unknown village. This image is incredibly clear. This village is in the western province of Zambia. The western province is the most remote and unexplored area in Zambia. It's also set in the middle of the floodplains. During rainy season this entire area is underwater because of the Zambezi River. This village is semi-nomadic because of this. They move their homes when the river rises, and move back when the river is low. To get to this village, we would use our zodiac rafts and travel by river to them. There are not many who travel to these villages because of the fact that it is very challenging. I'll be leading a team in this area in late June, where we will be utilizing the river, as well as roads to get to these neglected areas. We partner with local pastors who desire to church plant among these people.

Not every village is this clear in Google Earth. In all actuality, most of them aren't. On the right is another image of unknown villages. These villages are in the southern province, and are unknown to us, as of this moment. We have done work in the surrounding areas and will probably visit these areas this year. All of the tan areas you see are homes of the locals. Huts can be located here, as well as plowed fields. This area is largely populated, especially compared to the nomadic village shown above. Each area presents it's own challenges and advantages. These aren't know until a recon is done before the team arrives. I usually go out on my motorcycle where I meet with the village leaders to assess if Overland Missions is needed in their area. The farther you get into the rural areas, the more neglected and isolated these villages are. God gave us this technology so that none can remain unreached. The Apostle Paul could never have dreamt of doing what we are now able to accomplish for the Kingdom.

Please pray for our teams as they begin to fill. If you're interested in joining a team this year, please sign up on www.overlandmissions.com. See you in Africa!

What Does Laura Do When In America?

As you can tell, it's been awhile since I've updated. Some of you might have been wondering "What exactly is Laura up to these days?" That's a great question, and the answer is: Tons! Before I left Zambia in November, I couldn't believe how long 3 1/2 months in America sounded. Little did I know how fast it would go by. I have 5 weeks until I depart for Portsmouth, England, with arriving in Zambia 9 days later. The time is flying by and there is still so much to do. For instance, I have been in the Chicago are for the last 2 weeks working on support raising for my 2009 budget. On Feb 10th, I'll head to Philadelphia to speak at Valley Forge Christian College about missions in two of their classes. From there it's back to florida until March 11th.

I have to say, even though seeing friends and family has been great, I am looking forward to being back in Zambia. I've received reports from our staff members in Zambia that the rains have been favorable and that the corn harvests will be great this year. This is well needed after hardly any harvests last year. I know 2009 is going to be packed full of hard and fruitful work. I am looking forward to the new expedition leaders being trained, the ministry teams coming to serve God, and the new projects being launched within Overland Missions. Please keep the ministry in your prayers as the staff and I prepare for the ministry projects not only in Africa, but around the world.

What Does It Take?

What does it take to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth? It's take all that you have, all that you are, and all that you're not.

Ponder on that for awhile... I am! :)