Question 10

"What has been the most powerful thing you've seen God do while ministering in the villages?"

It's hard to narrow this down to one thing because God has done so much in the lives of the people in the villages that I've been to. However, the first testimony that comes to mind happened a couple of years ago. We were holding a women's conference in Nyawa Village- Zambia. About halfway through the 2nd day of the conference, an old woman shuffled into the church and sat at the back. During the break, she came up to us and through an interpreter share her story. Her name was Sophia and she lived in one of the surrounding villages. She had heard about the women's conference but feared she wouldn't be able to walk the distance. Her feet had been in pain for years, so bad that she could only move around her home. However, her desire for the Lord was far greater then her pain. She walked, using a long stick as a cane, for several hours to reach the conference. Sophia then asked us to pray for her. As we did, she said she felt fire rush through her feet and the pain was completely gone. She had tried everything before this day- clinics as well as the witchdoctor. Nothing had worked until she turned to Christ. Her life was completely changed!

Question 9

"What do you miss the most from America while in Africa?"

I don't usually start missing things until about 6 months into being back in Africa. It usually starts as cravings for different foods. Sometimes it's the desire to talk to my family and having limited phone and internet access at that moment. Other times it's the ease of running errands in America, good roads, and easy access to different products that I might need for something. No matter how frustrating things can get, there's still nothing else I'd rather be doing and no where else I'd rather live then in Africa. :)

Question 8

"Where do you do your shopping?"

Doing grocery shopping is always an adventure in Zambia. There are two main markets that we

do our shopping at, which are very different from each other.

The first stop is Maramba Market. It's a local zambian market in a township in Livingstone where we buy a lot of our bulk produce from. Here we get our tomatoes, cabbage, onions, beans, and yummy (not!) dried fish. You never know what your experience will be like in the market. Some days, everything goes smooth and uneventful. Other days, your battling crowds and even turning down multiple marriage proposals before making it back to the truck with the groceries.

Our other grocery store is called Shoprite. It's located on the main road in town and is in a small strip mall, where my favorite cafe, Kilimanjaro, is located. This is where we get a lot of the dry and pantry goods for the base. You never know what's going to be in stock in shoprite. The majority of the food is shipped in from south africa, which raises food prices quite a bit... especially canned goods. On good days you can even find oreos and chips ahoy cookies!

Question 7

"What has been your most embarrassing moment in Africa so far?"

I hate to admit that I've had a few and have learned to laugh at myself...a lot. :) One such moment was this past year. I had just dropped two of my friends at the airport and went to do some errands in town before heading back to the base. It was during hot season so I was in a skirt, since jeans are unbearable in 120 degree heat. While loading groceries into my car, a strong wind came up from under my truck and blew up my skirt. I quickly did my best Marilyn Monroe impression in the crowded parking lot. However, I was definitely facing the wrong way. Upon hearing laughter breaking out, I quickly jumped into my truck and drove swiftly back to the base in embarrassment, leaving the rest of my errands for another day. It's always an adventure!

Question 6

"What is one thing you've had to learn being a missionary that you never expected?"

This is a hard question. There are so many things I've had to learn

from culture studies to digging a huge truck out of the mud. I think the most unexpected skill, however, has been learning to cook for large groups. Before joining Overland Missions, I was never much of a cook. My main diet during college was the classic ramen noodles and $1 slice of pizza from the pizza place next door to my apartment. However, I can now whip up a mean chicken curry and even bake your birthday cake using only a campfire. A skill I've never expected to have but that comes in quite handy.

Question 5

"What type of accommodation do you have in Zambia?"

My "home" on the base has changed quite a bit over the last 5 years. The majority of it has spent living in two very different types of tents. For the first 2 years, I stayed in a little 3-man "A" frame tent, which was quite cozy. There wasn't much room for anything but my sleeping mat and clothes, but it was home. As our base grew, new tents were built for those staying long term on the base (staff and amt students). They're called safari tents and are the 5 star equivalent of tent living. I lived in this for 2 and half years and loved it. My tent was on the edge of the gorge, had a bed, and even wicker wardrobe. Every night I would fall asleep to the sound of the Zambezi river. This past year, I was extremely blessed to be moved into a real house. Solid walls and all! While I loved my tent, it's great to have a place that feels more permanent and like a real home. I'm still working on decorating it, which will be one of my personal projects when I get back. However, I still use tents whenever staying overnight in the villages. Don't want you to think I've gone soft! ;-)

Question 4

"What is it like to support raise?"

Support raising is a foreign concept to the world. The idea that one

would have to raise their own salary for a job doesn't make sense to many. To me, it makes perfect sense and I wouldn't have it any other way. In a way, it's similar to investing in a company. Only, no matter what amount you invest, every one gets the same return- the Gospel preached in unreached areas. I love my support team and I love what the Lord accomplishes through us. I don't go into the villages alone. Every single person who is on my team is there with me. In God's eyes, we are all equals. We are all accomplishing what He's called us, His children, to do: go into all the nations to preach the Gospel and make disciples.

Of every ministry experience I've had, I think that support raising has grown my faith the most. It actually comes easier to me to believe for someone to be healed then to be fully funded. However, God has never once let me down. ALL of my needs have been met and I've never gone without. I'm working on raising the last portion of my monthly budget so I can return to africa right now. There's been days of discouragement and days of joy. Never once have I doubted that God will provide. I know with all of my heart that this is what He's called me to do. I know with all of my heart that He will always provide for His purposes. God wills it!