The picture is of me with my host family. Those are some of the kids from the family. They are so sweet and funny.
Today was a rough day as well.... I think part of it has to do with the fact that I am sick and have no loved one to tak care of me. I know that God is, but I still miss the home comfort.
Today we went to the Hotel that we went to on Wednesday, but this time it was like a surprise birthday party for Claire, the Projects Abroad worker. It was alright... I felt like I had a fever though and was terribly homesick. I'm starting to have a tough time fitting in/ feeling like I belong... Then finally I went to the bathroom and had a huge moment of tears, in which I called nick and he made me feel better. So then I layed in the sun and fell asleep for a while.
I still feel really sad. I need MASIVE prayers for my heart to be relaxed and happy. It is so discouraging here, expecially on Fridays, when I guess its mass for all of the Muslims, so a recording of a prayer is played throughout St. Louis over and over again for about 2 or 3 hours straight. That last hour, for me was spent praying that God would keep me focused on Him. Its also discouraging because most of the other volunteers swear a lot and I feel like they stereotype me as the american, so I get this feeling that they dont like me at all...
My heart is aching, I need lots of prayer PLEASE!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
:)
It is funny how some days you just don't want to do anything and you can tell it is just God just telling you that you've got to get going.... and that you need to rely more.
I can tell that God is changing my heart. In good ways, certainly!
I woke up feeling miserabme today, not wanting to do a thing but sleep! I read Nick's letter (thanks Bub!) and I started to cry, because of sadness! And I had no voice at all.
On the walk to school, I was praying fervantly, asking God to just make the day seem possible for me to get through. My heart was filled with sadness, and I wanted to go home.
It was when I was able to get online during a break to check my emails, that God sort of shouted at le, yet comforted me at the same time. I had three wonderful, encouraging emails from my family! I love you guys so much! While I was reading them my eyes filled with tears, but happy...ish tears! Because while I was reading them I felt God squeeze me and say, you can do this...
I know i can do this! My day has turned around. I have my voice back, I set up a day where I can do a certain planned activity with the children in my school, I enjoyed the afternoon sun from the Son, and I am relaxed and feeling loved by the Lord and by you!
I greatly thank you for all of the prayers and I thank God for forming my heart and keeping my eyes fixed on Him every mpment of the day!
So today was my first bargain moment with a Senegalese citizen! I was by myself and he came up to me speaking french... I was like, I dont speak french, and he said OH! Where you from?
After some time of chatting and trying to convince me to look at his work, I decided to go and have a look, since he spoke english well! His work was beautiful, all made out of wood. He asked me what I would give him for this one piece (can't tell what it is because it's someones surprise : )) qnd I said about 2000 CFA. He laughed and said usually its about 20000CFA. I kindly looked at him and said no thanks.... duh! It was sort of small!
Then he told me that since I was here volunteering, a nice sister, and that I had little money, he would lower the price to 10000 CFA. I still said no because I only had 2000CFA with me, and the budget that I made for myself only allows me to spend 5000 a day, so after some persistence he said that he would sell it to me for 2000CFA and 10 AM Dollars, which turns out to be 6000CFA, I believe, so WALAA! I baught something for 6000 that originally cost 20000 all on my own! : ) Mom, you should be so proud!!! haha!
Anyways, at school today I played Duck Duck goose with 5 and 6 year olds and they absolutely loved it! They had never heard of it before! They were so cute! They were the kind of kids who like to hold your hand when you walk! It kind of brightened my day!
Sorry for being random...
I should go now though! There is a social at 8 pm for two girls who are leaving this weekend and I have to get dressed still!
I love and miss you all!! Like unbelievably(?) so! But its day 7! And you know what that means.... 2 weeks left : ) : ) : ) : )
Getting srtonger in the Lord each and every day...
Love,
Lindsey
I can tell that God is changing my heart. In good ways, certainly!
I woke up feeling miserabme today, not wanting to do a thing but sleep! I read Nick's letter (thanks Bub!) and I started to cry, because of sadness! And I had no voice at all.
On the walk to school, I was praying fervantly, asking God to just make the day seem possible for me to get through. My heart was filled with sadness, and I wanted to go home.
It was when I was able to get online during a break to check my emails, that God sort of shouted at le, yet comforted me at the same time. I had three wonderful, encouraging emails from my family! I love you guys so much! While I was reading them my eyes filled with tears, but happy...ish tears! Because while I was reading them I felt God squeeze me and say, you can do this...
I know i can do this! My day has turned around. I have my voice back, I set up a day where I can do a certain planned activity with the children in my school, I enjoyed the afternoon sun from the Son, and I am relaxed and feeling loved by the Lord and by you!
I greatly thank you for all of the prayers and I thank God for forming my heart and keeping my eyes fixed on Him every mpment of the day!
So today was my first bargain moment with a Senegalese citizen! I was by myself and he came up to me speaking french... I was like, I dont speak french, and he said OH! Where you from?
After some time of chatting and trying to convince me to look at his work, I decided to go and have a look, since he spoke english well! His work was beautiful, all made out of wood. He asked me what I would give him for this one piece (can't tell what it is because it's someones surprise : )) qnd I said about 2000 CFA. He laughed and said usually its about 20000CFA. I kindly looked at him and said no thanks.... duh! It was sort of small!
Then he told me that since I was here volunteering, a nice sister, and that I had little money, he would lower the price to 10000 CFA. I still said no because I only had 2000CFA with me, and the budget that I made for myself only allows me to spend 5000 a day, so after some persistence he said that he would sell it to me for 2000CFA and 10 AM Dollars, which turns out to be 6000CFA, I believe, so WALAA! I baught something for 6000 that originally cost 20000 all on my own! : ) Mom, you should be so proud!!! haha!
Anyways, at school today I played Duck Duck goose with 5 and 6 year olds and they absolutely loved it! They had never heard of it before! They were so cute! They were the kind of kids who like to hold your hand when you walk! It kind of brightened my day!
Sorry for being random...
I should go now though! There is a social at 8 pm for two girls who are leaving this weekend and I have to get dressed still!
I love and miss you all!! Like unbelievably(?) so! But its day 7! And you know what that means.... 2 weeks left : ) : ) : ) : )
Getting srtonger in the Lord each and every day...
Love,
Lindsey
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Struggling...
Hey guys,
New prayer request... sorr for being so needy... : \
I have one of the worst colds ever, and I think I might even lose my voice! I don't know how it will work with teaching and all, but please pray that God will make me feel better, or at least make this good in a way?
Anyways, today after school, it has been pretty relaxing... I havent done anything but walk around Sor, attempting to go fruit picking (but there was no fruit to pick...) and going to the Flamingo restaurant laying in the sun relaxing and eating ice cream : )
I love that part! I've gotten to know some of the volunteers really well, and for that I am thankful, but they are totally different from everyone in New York!
I've gotten asked what kind of new animals I am seeing here? Nothing really new, although today at school I did see a small lizzard hanging around. There are SO many goats and some horses. It's actually kind of sad, because I saw one the other day all tied up and being carried of to its death... if you know what I mean...
HEY MOM and DAD! I had fish today for lunch. It was mixed with other things though. It was interesting... I try to avoid it as much as I can, which is very possible! : )
Nothing luch else has happened today. I might take a nap too : )
I miss sleep!
Talking about the smell earlier.... It smells so different here! Actually kind of dirty and filthy. Sometimes like dead fish, other times like.... BO.... haha. I'm almost immune to it!
I miss you all very much! THank you for you prayers and support! It means so much!
One of these days i have to bring my camera cord to put pictures on... Sorry!
I should get going now!
I love and miss you all!
God Bless!!!!!
New prayer request... sorr for being so needy... : \
I have one of the worst colds ever, and I think I might even lose my voice! I don't know how it will work with teaching and all, but please pray that God will make me feel better, or at least make this good in a way?
Anyways, today after school, it has been pretty relaxing... I havent done anything but walk around Sor, attempting to go fruit picking (but there was no fruit to pick...) and going to the Flamingo restaurant laying in the sun relaxing and eating ice cream : )
I love that part! I've gotten to know some of the volunteers really well, and for that I am thankful, but they are totally different from everyone in New York!
I've gotten asked what kind of new animals I am seeing here? Nothing really new, although today at school I did see a small lizzard hanging around. There are SO many goats and some horses. It's actually kind of sad, because I saw one the other day all tied up and being carried of to its death... if you know what I mean...
HEY MOM and DAD! I had fish today for lunch. It was mixed with other things though. It was interesting... I try to avoid it as much as I can, which is very possible! : )
Nothing luch else has happened today. I might take a nap too : )
I miss sleep!
Talking about the smell earlier.... It smells so different here! Actually kind of dirty and filthy. Sometimes like dead fish, other times like.... BO.... haha. I'm almost immune to it!
I miss you all very much! THank you for you prayers and support! It means so much!
One of these days i have to bring my camera cord to put pictures on... Sorry!
I should get going now!
I love and miss you all!
God Bless!!!!!
Your Comments make me smile
: ) It's true, they really do! It's so great to hear from you guys, and I look forward to it every day!
I am at school right now, so I'll try to make this short, but I will probably try to get on again after I get out!
This morning I helped teach two classes. The first were around 6 or 7 years old and they are learning about animals. I got to write on the board and helped them determine wheather the animal lays eggs or not. I feel so silly, because I don't know if some do or not! Oh well! And then the second class is 8 to 10 years and we played go-fish with the alphabet (Thanks mom!!) and then played a clapping or song game aith the alphabet as well! I think it's so funny that not even the brits here know about go-fish! They think I'm crazy!.... I don't blame them though ; )
I really do enjoy this school that I am at! The kids are so sweet! Sometimes though I feel that my teacher is too physical with the kids in punishing them. I hope and please pray that I can show God's love to these kids and the teachers!
Today a few of the volunteers are going fruit picking, so I might go with them! And we went to this really cool hotel with a swimming pool and restaurant yesterday! It was so nice and quiet, awat from the beeping and the smell was so fresh and clean because it was right on the ocean! I got to have spaghetti, french fries, AND chocolate ice cream! : ) It made me really happy!
I should get going, I will come on later, I'm sure! Have a wonderful day!!!!
Love and miss you too!
I am at school right now, so I'll try to make this short, but I will probably try to get on again after I get out!
This morning I helped teach two classes. The first were around 6 or 7 years old and they are learning about animals. I got to write on the board and helped them determine wheather the animal lays eggs or not. I feel so silly, because I don't know if some do or not! Oh well! And then the second class is 8 to 10 years and we played go-fish with the alphabet (Thanks mom!!) and then played a clapping or song game aith the alphabet as well! I think it's so funny that not even the brits here know about go-fish! They think I'm crazy!.... I don't blame them though ; )
I really do enjoy this school that I am at! The kids are so sweet! Sometimes though I feel that my teacher is too physical with the kids in punishing them. I hope and please pray that I can show God's love to these kids and the teachers!
Today a few of the volunteers are going fruit picking, so I might go with them! And we went to this really cool hotel with a swimming pool and restaurant yesterday! It was so nice and quiet, awat from the beeping and the smell was so fresh and clean because it was right on the ocean! I got to have spaghetti, french fries, AND chocolate ice cream! : ) It made me really happy!
I should get going, I will come on later, I'm sure! Have a wonderful day!!!!
Love and miss you too!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Day 5...16 more to go?
Hey Friends!
First of all I wanted to thank you for all of the letters that I have found in my suitcases. I have been reading one each morning and it has just been so encouraging and uplifting to hear from sombody from home. I love each and every one of you so much and thank you for all of the prayers.
Alright, now that I have more time I can tell you more about things going on.
The family is soo nice and friendly. There are so many people coming in and out, it's hard to actually know who is the family. So pretty much if they say 'ca va' to me I consider them my family! They do enjoy, however, trying to teach me french, and making fun of me if I say something wrong. I'm used to it already so it doesn't bother me!
The food is really good here, mostly just varieties of rice and different meats. BReakfast is usually some bagguette and butter, and then lunch is at 3 aith dinner anywhere from 8 to 10. Everything is so different here it's crazy! But for lunch yesterday we had some rice with a certain kind of spice on it, and then fish and vegetables. The family eats on a big mat on the floor with this huge bowl aith everything mixed together. The maids use their hands, but everyone else uses spoons. (We each have our own place at the bowl). For dinner lastnight one of the people from projects abroad came as a guest, Claire is her name, and she's so nice! So the fa,ily was quite dressed up and we had cooked potaoes, some kind of sliced onion, and fish with sacue on it. Very good, although after I had an experience where I got a bone in my mouth, i tried to steer away from the fish... since the whole fish was in there: X BLAH! haha!
So that's what the food is like... YES, mama and dad, I did try the fish...
We also had Mango lastnight, which was sooooo good!!!
In St. Louis there are three parts. I am on the middle island, and then there is a different island with fancy hotels, and then there is Sor, which I feel is the poorest part. Each Island is connected by a bridge. The Island I am on is very nice. There are a lot of goats. It's easy to get lost, but if your lost, its only for an hour. Everyone is so nice here too. For example you would be walking down the street and you pass a stranger who sees you looking at them, they say ca va! (which means how are you), and you say ca va bein, which means the same but with good at the end.Then they ,ight start a whole coversation with you, shaking your hand, sometimes showing you their stuff that they are selling. Sometimes they even know that you don't speak french and in that case they try their hardest to make you understand them and feel welcomed.
To get to St. Louis, I had to get in a snall car meant for 7 people, but had 8 in it plus luggage and things! Imagine, welcome to St. Louis, stuffing into a car when it is about 80 outside, 90 inside of it with no AC. Yes. Welcome to St. Louis. haha! On the way to the airport I think I will opt for a private taxi...
The school I am at is sooo beautiful! As soon as I get a picture I will try to put it on here to show you! The kids are very respectful there, but still silly kids. I love them already! I wish I had to go there 5 days a week because its so nice and it keeps me occupied, and my mind off of missing you at home!
I went to a dancing lesson lastnight with Claire and Helen. It was a lot of fun! I nice work out... and the dancing is really cool, but the teacher is really strict! I might try to have someone record us dancing so I can show you it!
Today around 1:30 a lot of the volunteers are planning on going to the nice island to go swimming and tanning at a really nice pool there! I can't wait because its really nice weather! Plus, I need to get some color on me because I look like a ghost compared to everyone else here! Aw gee, I might come back very tan!!!
Also tonight, and every wednesday the volunteers get together and have a quiz night where the losing team from last week asks random questions about anything they want to the other team. I guess it's really fun, so I'm excited for that!
I should probably get going! I am having fun here and starting to enjoy learning new things, but I still miss you all a lot! I really can't wait to come home and sleep in a bed that is comfy and take a shower where I know that cockroaches won't jump out and scare the sillyness out of me!! But I will learn to deal with it because I know the senegalese have to all the time.
Thank you again for the prayers! Please continue to pray and I plan on keeping in touch with you guys daily, if not every other day!
I love you all very much!
In Christ's Strength
Lindsey Lu : )
First of all I wanted to thank you for all of the letters that I have found in my suitcases. I have been reading one each morning and it has just been so encouraging and uplifting to hear from sombody from home. I love each and every one of you so much and thank you for all of the prayers.
Alright, now that I have more time I can tell you more about things going on.
The family is soo nice and friendly. There are so many people coming in and out, it's hard to actually know who is the family. So pretty much if they say 'ca va' to me I consider them my family! They do enjoy, however, trying to teach me french, and making fun of me if I say something wrong. I'm used to it already so it doesn't bother me!
The food is really good here, mostly just varieties of rice and different meats. BReakfast is usually some bagguette and butter, and then lunch is at 3 aith dinner anywhere from 8 to 10. Everything is so different here it's crazy! But for lunch yesterday we had some rice with a certain kind of spice on it, and then fish and vegetables. The family eats on a big mat on the floor with this huge bowl aith everything mixed together. The maids use their hands, but everyone else uses spoons. (We each have our own place at the bowl). For dinner lastnight one of the people from projects abroad came as a guest, Claire is her name, and she's so nice! So the fa,ily was quite dressed up and we had cooked potaoes, some kind of sliced onion, and fish with sacue on it. Very good, although after I had an experience where I got a bone in my mouth, i tried to steer away from the fish... since the whole fish was in there: X BLAH! haha!
So that's what the food is like... YES, mama and dad, I did try the fish...
We also had Mango lastnight, which was sooooo good!!!
In St. Louis there are three parts. I am on the middle island, and then there is a different island with fancy hotels, and then there is Sor, which I feel is the poorest part. Each Island is connected by a bridge. The Island I am on is very nice. There are a lot of goats. It's easy to get lost, but if your lost, its only for an hour. Everyone is so nice here too. For example you would be walking down the street and you pass a stranger who sees you looking at them, they say ca va! (which means how are you), and you say ca va bein, which means the same but with good at the end.Then they ,ight start a whole coversation with you, shaking your hand, sometimes showing you their stuff that they are selling. Sometimes they even know that you don't speak french and in that case they try their hardest to make you understand them and feel welcomed.
To get to St. Louis, I had to get in a snall car meant for 7 people, but had 8 in it plus luggage and things! Imagine, welcome to St. Louis, stuffing into a car when it is about 80 outside, 90 inside of it with no AC. Yes. Welcome to St. Louis. haha! On the way to the airport I think I will opt for a private taxi...
The school I am at is sooo beautiful! As soon as I get a picture I will try to put it on here to show you! The kids are very respectful there, but still silly kids. I love them already! I wish I had to go there 5 days a week because its so nice and it keeps me occupied, and my mind off of missing you at home!
I went to a dancing lesson lastnight with Claire and Helen. It was a lot of fun! I nice work out... and the dancing is really cool, but the teacher is really strict! I might try to have someone record us dancing so I can show you it!
Today around 1:30 a lot of the volunteers are planning on going to the nice island to go swimming and tanning at a really nice pool there! I can't wait because its really nice weather! Plus, I need to get some color on me because I look like a ghost compared to everyone else here! Aw gee, I might come back very tan!!!
Also tonight, and every wednesday the volunteers get together and have a quiz night where the losing team from last week asks random questions about anything they want to the other team. I guess it's really fun, so I'm excited for that!
I should probably get going! I am having fun here and starting to enjoy learning new things, but I still miss you all a lot! I really can't wait to come home and sleep in a bed that is comfy and take a shower where I know that cockroaches won't jump out and scare the sillyness out of me!! But I will learn to deal with it because I know the senegalese have to all the time.
Thank you again for the prayers! Please continue to pray and I plan on keeping in touch with you guys daily, if not every other day!
I love you all very much!
In Christ's Strength
Lindsey Lu : )
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
hello friends!
Hey guys!
sorry I havn't gotten on here to write! I've been occupied with other things, but here I am! Apologies for any typos because their keyboards are a bit different! It' been a rough, long start. I miss you all so much and can't wait to come home already. It's been very difficult to adjust to everything here, and I know that's the way it is, but I feel like it's taking a little longer than usual.
I have meet all the volunteers that are here in Senegal. They are all very friendly and nice. They are nearly all British which is really cool but I'm starting to even think in their accents! When I'm with them it keeps my mind off of things, so that's nice. Lastnight we went out to dinner at the Galaxie and then went to this dance show. The dancing was quite interesting but the music was very good! I think you would have enjoyed the drums, Nick!
I did finally start my placement today! The school is small but very beautiful! It's right on the river too! The teacher I'm working with is really nice! His name is Mr. Brown. They also have internet there that I can use for free! So I will continue to write more there! I work on Tuesday, thursday and Friday, and then on Mondays I will go to Sor and work with hi, at a different school!
I'm out of time so I will write more later! Sorry! I love and miss you all very much! Thanks for praying!
Your Lu
sorry I havn't gotten on here to write! I've been occupied with other things, but here I am! Apologies for any typos because their keyboards are a bit different! It' been a rough, long start. I miss you all so much and can't wait to come home already. It's been very difficult to adjust to everything here, and I know that's the way it is, but I feel like it's taking a little longer than usual.
I have meet all the volunteers that are here in Senegal. They are all very friendly and nice. They are nearly all British which is really cool but I'm starting to even think in their accents! When I'm with them it keeps my mind off of things, so that's nice. Lastnight we went out to dinner at the Galaxie and then went to this dance show. The dancing was quite interesting but the music was very good! I think you would have enjoyed the drums, Nick!
I did finally start my placement today! The school is small but very beautiful! It's right on the river too! The teacher I'm working with is really nice! His name is Mr. Brown. They also have internet there that I can use for free! So I will continue to write more there! I work on Tuesday, thursday and Friday, and then on Mondays I will go to Sor and work with hi, at a different school!
I'm out of time so I will write more later! Sorry! I love and miss you all very much! Thanks for praying!
Your Lu
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
