Healing 2 The Nations International ~ Dr. Claudia R. Wintoch ~ Blog September 2010

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Thursday, September 30, 2010

Two Days Of Tears

After a time of great joy Tuesday night, the past 36 hours were a time of pain. But sorrow may last for the night, and joy comes in the morning. It's always darkest before daybreak, and I'm still expecting encountering God in the days to come. I'm so hungry for Him. I HAVE to meet with him in a fresh way! It's ironic that I've been happier with my life than ever, and at the same time I've been in a spiritual desert. Though his tangible presence is mostly absent, I still feel so much in His perfect will, in His hands. I know there is a purpose in this, and I trust him completely. From time to time He gives me a little drink, like at the prayer meeting in Kansas City, or the first conference night.

Yesterday morning Joseph Garlington was preaching again, and it was really awesome again. I love that guy! I then went home for lunch break. The shower was not repaired, thought that had been promised.

At 2 pm I was back at church. They had a prophetic presbytery for the church staff. Che & Sue Ahn, Joseph Garlington and Larry Randolph prophesied over one couple after another. It was precious. I found myself wishing I'd be in that chair. It also made me realize how precious it is to be a part of a church family, how blessed ministers in the US are. It made me realize how alone I am, without prophetic input or a spiritual home where I can receive instead of always giving out.

After 90 minutes of listening, they said they would now line up everybody else who works for or at the church, and then I heard my name as an exception to join the others. I was thankful. We all kneeled on the floor, and two of the pastors, Che and Larry, walked by, laying hands on every person. I could not keep back my tears as I felt the pain of being all alone.

I was a mess when I left and returned to the hotel, where I was busy with computer stuff. The internet connection is extremely slow at the hotel, making it hard to get anything done.

At 7 pm I was back at church for the evening session. As soon as we started worshiping, the pain was back. The pain of having no spiritual Mom, no spiritual Dad, no one who truly cares, no human being to turn to when in crisis. I thought of my spiritual Dad who I lost 3 years ago now, and my spiritual Mom who I lost over a year and a half ago. And the Lord has not given me new spiritual parents, nor a husband.

After worship, Che Ahn came up to speak. I'm at his church twice a year, so I hear him quite a bit, and had heard most of what he was sharing. I was tired, and bored, and towards the end, I decided to leave and return to the hotel. I was glad it had stopped raining for a short time, so I could walk home without getting wet.

This morning I was looking forward to sleeping in, as I was skipping the morning session. My alarm went off after 9 am, and I had sure needed the extra sleeping time. Time went by very fast, and before I knew it, it was 11 am and time to leave with Debbie. It was raining hard again. I once again asked at the reception about my shower being repaired, and hoped they would get it done.

Debbie and I left to drive to Bank of America, about half an hour away. I enjoyed talking to her, though the intense rain had her concentrate. We found the bank, and as soon as we entered, our weird experience started.

First, no one was there, then the employee was in tears and excused herself, then the lady at the teller was extremely unfriendly, and then the guy very unfriendly and unhelpful as well. I was shocked. I guess I've gotten used to the friendliness of the south.

I was shocked to find out I could not add Debbie to my personal account, because I have two other people on it, and we would all have to be together. Great. Can't take anyone off either.

As for the ministry account, I was able to put Debbie on in, but that automatically kicked out the other two. Wonderful :-(. Now our new secretary was on, but the card Paul has in Mali does not work any more. We do need a third card.

After our frustrating experience, we returned to the church. We got a little lost, but eventually found it. We picked up Debbie's husband, and their 80-year-old friend, and went to a diner. When we walked in, I thought I had stepped into a movie. It looked like we had entered the fifties. I was disappointed with the food, though, while I was listening to their elderly but very energetic friend talk most of the time.

At 2 pm we returned to the church for Larry Randolph's session. I was pretty tired, but enjoyed listening to him. Two thirds into the meeting, I got so tired that I decided to return to the hotel for a break.

When I got to my room, the first thing I did was to check the shower; it was still not fixed. I'd had enough, and so I started moving my stuff to the other room where I had showered, and then returned the room key. They didn't even say anything.

I was finally able to take a bath in my own room, choosing that over a much-needed nap. Then I wanted to get some stuff on the computer done, but couldn't even download my emails because the connection was so slow. Very frustrating.

Debbie was so kind to pick me up before the evening meeting; it was still raining. I was looking forward to worshiping God, feeling joy in anticipation. I went forward again, as Sean Feucht started worshipping. However, while I'd had good intentions, the pain was still there. I tried everything. I surrendered to God, thanked God, and told him I trusted Him that He had my best interest in mind. I told Him I'd embrace my singleness, and the calling to show the world what God can do through one single person. I thanked him for this unique and difficult calling.

I returned to my seat. They then did a quick ordination, and continued with more worship. After the offering, Che was going to come back to minister. Where I am right now, I'm just tired of listening to preaching. I'm looking to encounter God, and can't take another sermon of words only. I miss Jill Austin's meetings where you'd ALWAYS encounter God. And since I've heard Che so many times, I really wanted to return to the hotel.

Since it was still raining, Debbie and her husband were so kind to drive me down, before returning to the meeting. I really appreciated that.

I kept struggling with the slow internet connection, and got as much done as possible. I'm very much looking forward to the meetings tomorrow. I have three days left, with 6 meetings, and all I want is to worship God and enter into His presence. And I know He has good things prepared for me. Hallelujah!

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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Transfer To Hotel

After a short not very restful night I got up and had my cup of tea, but no food! Terri was at work, but Carol was there. We spent some time talking, and did have a little food later. Then we left to stop at a grocery store, before she'd drop me off at the hotel. I wanted to buy some groceries for my 6 days at the hotel. I enjoyed buying all the beautiful fruit and whole wheat bread.

We continued on to Life Center and the hotel that is right next to it. It was nearly noon, and I was really hoping they'd already let me into my room, rather than letting me wait until 3 pm, the normal check-in time. I was relieved it worked out, since Carol had to go to work. The room looked pretty nice, though it smelled musty. I was also told that the treadmill was not working; that didn't make me happy.

I connected to the internet which was nice; but it's very slow. At times I can't even download my emails! I unpacked and settled in, and then went to the fitness room, using the elliptical machine. I was looking forward to taking a beautiful bath upon my return. I tried, but the knob to turn on the water did not budge at all. I wanted to call the reception, but not dial tone. I then saw that the phone was not connected, and there was no cable. Great.

I went to the reception desk and was told, they'd send someone to fix the shower. It was getting late, and I had an appointment at 4:30 pm, and really needed the shower. I was glad when they knocked on my door. The guy tried to turn on the water, but couldn't do it either. He said he'd send someone tomorrow, and gave me a key card for another room to go have a shower there. Great! He actually offered that I could move there, but I had little time and didn't want to move all my stuff. I chose to trust it would be fixed in the morning.

New Ministry Secretary

At 4:30 pm I met my potential new secretary in the lobby for the first time, as well as her husband. I had very much looked forward to meeting her. She had been so kind to print out some additional folders for me.

We got into the car, and left for the nearby Applebee's, my favorite restaurant. There we were finally able to sit down and talk. We had so much to talk about! I enjoyed getting to know her and her husband. I had already known she was "the chosen one", and that was confirmed immediately. So may I introduce you to the new ministry secretary, Debbie Schada.

And this is our new ministry address:

PO Box 277
Bethel, PA 19507

Please take note of the change. All mail will be forwarded from the Florida address, so do not worry about your mail not arriving.

We had a wonderful time at the restaurant, and time just flew by. It was awesome to hear how God had called her to clearly to become our secretary. And she's highly skilled! I'm in awe that the Lord sent us the perfect person to go with us to the next level! Hallelujah!

Life Center Conference

I was SO EXCITED to be back at Life Center. This is my third time here. I felt like I was coming home! I got my name tag, and got a great seat in the third row on the aisle. I happened to see Charles Stock (the pastor) walk by, and was so excited to see him again. He's such a reat man of God, such a Father. I wished he were my spiritual father. I also saw Anne, his wife, a few minutes later.

I was so full of joy, tired or not. When worship started, they encouraged people to go forward, and I did (I usually don't). I enjoyed worshipping God so much! Charles was so sweet to introduce me to Joseph Garlington, the speaker for the night, when he arrived. That was really precious.

As we entered the slower part of worship, Holy Spirit just started filling me, as I was loving on Him. The weight of His presence made me bow, as I could not stand upright any more, and so I finally lay down on the floor in his sweet presence, and He continued filling me. It was so beautiful! I just wanted to stay there, but Charles came up to move the service forward to the next thing, and I had to return to my seat. He's so beautiful! (God, that is)

Charles was so kind to make me stand up and welcome me, which was very much appreciated. Joseph then came up to preach on the Holy Spirit. I had heard him only once before, and that was about 8 years ago, and I could not remember it. I loved listening to him preach! He was funny and really good. It was awesome!

The only negative thing was that I had been having problems with my one contact all day, plus I was very tired. At the end of the service, they did a fire tunnel, which was wonderful. But I was ready to return to the hotel afterwards.

Debbie and her husband were so kind to drop me off, which I really appreciated. It was nearly 11 pm when I got to my room. I got online, struggling with the slow internet connection, and went to bed at 1 am; once again too late.

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Monday, September 27, 2010

Time With Precious Friends

I set my alarm to be able to say good-bye to my pastor-friend. I'm not a morning person, and I was pretty tired, as I said good-bye. His wife stayed. I packed up and finished online stuff, and then said good-bye to his wife as well. At 10:30 my good friends Carol and Terri showed up to pick me up. They came to Mali for two weeks a year ago.

It was raining really hard as we made our way towards Harrisburg. On the way we stopped at a grocery store. I was so tired, I just wanted to get home. Once we arrived at Terri's house, she was so kind to cook lunch for us. It was great. Then we went to the store - twice - to buy a cable to connect my laptop to her TV so they could see Mali pictures on the big screen. We spent quite some time watching video clips and looking at pictures, and they enjoyed them.

Since they didn't want to see the movie I would have like to see in the theater, they bought some cheap movies to watch. We also ordered pizza for dinner. The first movie was pretty boring, and we finally gave up on it and put another one in. That one was a romantic comedy, and it was good. I enjoyed the movie, and the pizza. Terri had to go to bed earlier as she had to get up early to work, so Carol and I finished the movie without her. Then we went to bed as well. I had been VERY tired all day, and was looking forward to it.

However, I was not feeling well because of the pizza. I even felt nauseous and got back up. I walked around in the living room, and even outside, trying to feel better. I scolded myself for eating something this unhealthy after weeks of eating well, and felt I deserved the punishment for it. Why put this poison into my system? I finally went back to bed, though I wasn't feeling much better and eventually fell asleep. I won't be eating pizza again any time soon!

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Sunday, September 26, 2010

Mount Rock Church

I was pretty tired again when I got up, but was thankful I did not have to be at church as early as the pastor and his wife. At 9 am the pastor came back to pick me up and take me to church. We got there early, and they had already made my video presentation work. A table was set up to put my DVDs and folders on. Then the pastor told me he had prepared some stuff, but he would probably just have me talk. He wanted me to talk about my calling and said he believed people would be called into missions as I'd talk.

At 10 am they started with a time of worship. The pastor was on the stage, and his wife playing the flute (picture). I was in the first row, and took my shoes off to worship freely, though I was very cold. I had to cover my arms because of it for much of the time.

After announcements and testimonies, there was another short time of worshiping God with songs. Then the pastor gave a very short introduction, and they showed my video. Then I came up to talk. I had about 50 minutes, and just shared my story, encouraging them that God could use every single one of them as well to do great things for Him.

When I first started talking, it was tough-going, but after a while the anointing started flowing and it became easy. I could see God touching people as they were listening, and could feel His presence ministering to his people. All the more I was able to pour out my heart. I told one story in the end of how God broke my heart for the unreached people when I was a young believer, and as I did, He broke my heart again and my voice was breaking up.

Then the pastor came up and made an altar call. People started lining up, and I prayed for one after another. It was a very precious time of seeing God touch His people, heal hearts, encounter them and confirm His calling on their lives. I love it! Praise God!

From the church we went to a little Italian restaurant where we had lunch together with another family. We had a good time. Back home we had a little free time, and I did some catching up online. At 4 pm we had to leave.

My hosts dropped me off at a couple's house because they wanted to spend some time with me. I had talked to the lady at church in the morning. Now they were telling me how they felt God calling them to Mali. So they told me more about themselves, and asked me many questions. We also looked at our base on Google Earth, and I noticed that the pictures had been updated; they're a from the beginning of this year.

Time was going by so fast, and at 5:30 pm we finally left the house to go to the nearby campgrounds where there was a church picnic. I was excited about these new friends, and hoping it would work out and soon. Could they be the answer to the prayer for more Westerners so we can start another children's center?

At the campgrounds we sat down to eat and talk more. Time went by fast, and so it was time to go home pretty soon. Back home I sat down with my hosts for a while to talk one last time. They are wonderful people, and I'll definitely be back. After they went to bed, I went online to do computer stuff, and copy teachings onto my computer that they had given me. It was way too late when I went to bed.

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Saturday, September 25, 2010

Quiet Day

We had a beautiful breakfast out on the porch. The weather was gorgeous. I was really tired, and wondering why. At 11 am I lay down and had a nap which helped a little.

For lunch we went out to this little Italian place, which was nice. In the afternoon I had more time to rest and work on my computer. I also spent some time talking with my host. And then the day was already over! Nothing dramatic to report!

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Friday, September 24, 2010

From Missouri To Pennsylvania

I had gone to bed late, and woke up before my alarm went off. It gave me more time to finish packing and not be in a rush, but I was sure tired all day.

At 10 am I left the house where I wrote my book and where I've spent my last three weeks. It took me an hour to drive to the airport, where I returned the rental car. I took the bus to my terminal and checked in. Then I went through security, and settled down by my gate. I still had plenty of time, and enjoyed the free wireless internet. Just as the time of boarding had come, we were told our flight was leaving from a different gate. So everyone moved to the other gate, where we still had to wait for a while before we could finally board. The plane had arrived late, and so we also left about half an hour late.

We arrived in Detroit with a delay of only a few minutes. However, time was short, and I could not believe it when I had to LITERALLY go from one end of the airport to the other. We arrived at gate A1, so the first gate at the end of the A terminal, and I had to pass all the A gates, go to the C terminal, and then go to the end of the C terminal where there was a cul-de-sac and my gate. Unbelievable! I walked as fast as I could and made it. However, no time to go to the bathroom or fill my water bottle, and I was really thirsty.

It was a very small plane, as it was only a one-hour flight. Again, we left late, as there was some maintenance issue, but were able to make up for much of the time, only arriving a few minutes late, just after 7 pm. As I walked towards the baggage claim, I saw my hosts right away, a wonderful couple that is pastoring a church in Chambersburg. My bag was the first to come out, and we went to the car. We had a one-hour drive ahead of us. However, we got stuck in traffic because of construction, and so the trip lasted for an hour and 40 minutes. I thought we'd never arrive! Thankfully we had a good time talking, but I was still glad when we arrived at their beautiful house. We kept talking for a while before I went to my room to get online and unpack. It was close to 1 am before I went to bed.

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Thursday, September 23, 2010

Last Few Days In Kansas City

This past week has not been too great. Several canceled appointments or people not being there, and too much time at hand now that I'm done with the book. I always need action ;-). I didn't even go to the gym every day, but only every other day.

Tuesday night I went to Faith Bible College where I got my doctorate from and sat in the class my former Bible School professor is teaching there. It was only 50 minutes long and only remotely reminded me of our former school days.

On Wednesday I went to a pastors' luncheon at World Revival Church which was nice. Then I went to Bob Evans with Cliff and his wife Julie to talk about his visit to Mali in November. We had a great time. Later at night I went to the gym for the last time.

Today I did some organizing and packing and last shopping before going to the first session of a conference tonight. It was an old friend who was teaching, and it was nice to see him and his wife again after 5 or so years. He prophesied over me that three important people were coming, and one person would pay for the whole project we need money for. May it be so!

Back home, it was time to pack seriously, and I'm going to bed way too late (which has been rare!). I have to leave for the airport in the morning and start my journey to Pennsylvania where I arrive at 7 pm. I'm ready for new adventures!

Back Home In Mali

I'm amazed that after three weeks of being gone from Mali, I'm still getting good reports of everything going well in Mali, the kids behaving, and everything working the way it should. Praise God!

This picture shows Paul doing a Bible quiz with the kids. The other one shows Daouda with the toy cars they're making out of sardine tins and bottle caps.

Keep praying for Paul and Christian in Mali! Paul is dealing with the schools right now, trying to pay all the tuition and get everything ready for October 4th.

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Monday, September 20, 2010

Post Book-Writing Slump

I finished the book on Thursday and was in a celebrative mood. Unfortunately I was the only person around. And the my lunch appointment on Friday fell through, and I was again the only person around.

On Saturday I finally had lunch - with another friend - which was nice. I had a day of rest the remaining day. I realized how tired I was. It's as if the anointing that was on me to write was lifted when I was done, and now I was the pre-writing Claudia again, tired and in a spiritual desert. Friday and Saturday had seen quite a few disappointements, which did not help either.

Sunday morning I drove to Topeka - a 90-minute drive. I attended the service at the church whose pastor is on the board of H2TNI, and was glad I did not preach for a change. I did give a short update.

After the service I drove to my friend's house and had lunch and a beautiful afternoon with them. I interrupted my healthy eating with a lovely concrete from Sheridan's (and paid the price on the scale). At 7 pm Chuck Pierce did a meeting, and I went there - by myself. The place was totally packed, but I was lucky to find a seat. I was extremely tired, though, and had a hard time leaving my eyes open. Plus, it was all about Topeka, so after an hour, I decided to go home.

Back home, I got my computer out and caught up on reading emails. There was no internet connection, so I was able to do that in peace, without new emails coming in, and I got caught up nicely.

On Monday morning another friend came over to the house. A young man who spent one month with us in Mali in 2008. We had a great time talking. It was nearly 11 am before I left Topeka to return to Kansas City.

After lunch back home, I was eager to get back to the gym after two days without doing so. I had a wonderful time of working out, and burned more calories than usual. It felt great!

In the evening I went to a prayer meeting. In the beginning, God unexpectedly started touching me, his presence increasing. It was so awesome. I had to kneel down and then lie down on the floor, it was so awesome! I felt like God was up to something, but then suddenly his presence lifted and did not come back. It left me wondering, but I had sure had a wonderful few minutes with him.

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Thursday, September 16, 2010

Book-Writing

I have great news: I have finished the book!!! Praise God! I'm blown away that the Lord gave me the grace to write the whole book in 10 days of full-time writing. I'm sure glad it's done now. While it's not perfect, I'm happy with the result. Now I can't wait for it to come out, so that everyone can read it.

I was in such a mood to celebrate. Now that the writing is behind me, I can start getting together with friends and having fun. I'm really looking forward to that.

It was too bad I had no one to celebrate with. I went to the gym, and then to Walmart, and bought myself an iron skillet and a good cutting knife, both of which I had wanted to have for a while. I also bought a good number of $5 DVDs for my kids.

Back home I had dinner, a relaxing bath with the bubble bath soap I had bought, and watched a predictable movie. What a relaxing night!

Back Home In Mali

A new picture of my house! The roof is done, but no work is happening right now.

The pictures below are from last Sunday. I'm so proud of 13-year-old Jérémie who preached in our village chuch in Dara where Paul is pastor! Go, son, go!

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Sunday, September 12, 2010

A Day Off

Yesterday I finished chapter 4, and was very happy with the result. I wrote 27,000 words last week, which is more than half the word count I have been told to produce. I had a sense of accomplishment and relief once I was done, and went to the gym to work out. In the evening I went to World Revival Church for the service.

Today was a very busy day; I was gone all day, 13 hours straight, but it was sure worth it. I started out at Christ Triumphant Church with a beautiful service, where God surprised me. At the end of the service they announced an exciting new endeavor the church was launching, and then prayed for people's dreams to be resurrected. I was blown away when God spoke to me about expansion, telling me specifically what to do, and my immediate reaction - besides excitement - was to wonder how we'd do that without more people working with us. It's in God's hands, but I'm sure excited.

I received prayer together with most people, and left at noon to get to my next appointment. I was looking forward to spending the afternoon with my good friend Elisabet. She took me to my favorite restaurant - Texas Roadhouse. I decided not to worry that much about calories and enjoy my special food. It was awesome, and I had a great time catching up with Elisabeth.

From there we went to the mall, and looked at some clothes - not something I usually do, but Elisabet is an expert. But both of us left without having bought anything. At least I got those new pictures taken. Thanks, Elisabet!

I then got into the car to drive to a house church meeting at 6 pm. I was pretty tired by then. I hardly knew anyone but met a couple of new people. Finally the meeting started, and I just enjoyed God's presence while the tiredness sure had a hold on me. I was glad when I got to go home. It had been a long but good day.

Back Home In Mali

Today they were finally able to go to the village of Dara again as the rains have eased up a bit and the water levels have gone down. I love this picture of Christian and some of the boys.

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Friday, September 10, 2010

Full-Time Book-Writing

I have now completed five days of book-writing, and intend to finish chapter 4 and with it the first half of the book tomorrow. I want to thank everyone who had been praying for me while writing, because I have been blown away by the grace I've had to write, and how easy it has been. I expected it to be much harder, and am so thankful that the Lord is flowing through my fingers as I type.

This week I have focused on why change the world, and us having to know Jesus as a prerequesite. Then talking about discovering and pursuing your destiny, and the biggest part was on keys to the preparation process which include humility, dying to self, giving, purity, holiness and cleaning up your life. This next week I'm going to get into the deeper and very personal stuff, so please do continue praying for special grace to share from my heart.

Other than writing, the only thing I have done all week is go to the gym every day, which has been wonderful. I have gone in the afternoon after completing a chapter, and I have gone in the morning when I was too tired to write, but I have made it every day and never regretted it. I also enjoy eating healthy and having such a variety of food to choose from.

Back Home In Mali

On Wednesday Paul, Christian and the kids drove to the village of Goro where we planted a church a few years ago. It's one of the village churches that our village pastor was responsible for but simply abandoned. They were so happy to see us come, and that we would not let them starve spiritually. Paul told them they'd come back two weeks later to do a service, and they were overjoyed.

They were only there for about 90 minutes, so they were gone all day, going from challenge to challenge, driving there and back during rainy season. The bus got stuck several times (see picture), and one times severely where it took them forever to liberate it. The police also bothered them at the check-points as vehicles like our bus are usually used for public transporation (though those are green). Once they started playing the drums in the bus, they were waved through at every checkpoint.They were pretty exhaustedby the time they came back home.

On Thursday, Paul finally had the much-needed conversation with the village pastor who we have just stopped working together with, losing 5 churches in the process (though he had already let those churches die anyway). I was very saddened to hear that he still thinks it's okay to steal and lie. He admitted to having spent all the money we gave him to feed widows and visit the village churches and faked his end of the month report about those churches. We also found out that he went to the church in GOro telling them to give him a part of everyone's harvest because WE wanted to do a feast with it. Thankfully they didn't. Also, he was upset with us for not giving him a car, since we had only given him a bike, and then a motorcycle. He said we were not taking care of him, and so he had no choice but to take the money for the widows and churches, including the money we gave for the roof of the church in Goro, and eat it himself. I could go on and on. It's just heart-breaking. The most shocking is that he thinks what he is doing is okay. Now that he is not with us any more, he will move on to the next network. Lord, have mercy on the church in Mali!

In the afternoon the leader of CBN Africa came by our base with a little group of people; he is based in Senegal. They did not have much time. Paul gave them a tour of our base, and since Jérémie had not done his teaching of the day in the morning, they all sat down to do it right there and then, including the street kids outside that were waiting to come in for the night. I heard that Jérémie did an outstanding job.

What is really comical is that one of the missionary ladies who came and barely spoke to Christian had the impression that Christian was really in bad shape and in need of "white" company. Christian was very surprised when he heard that, but the good thing coming out of it is that he'll meet up with some other missionaries soon. Keep Christian in your prayers!

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Sunday, September 5, 2010

Christ Triumphant Church

I was looking forward to going to CTC this morning, though I already knew the pastor wouldn't be there. I arrived just in time, and enjoyed the time of praise and worship. The youth pastor was preaching, and he did a great job. The service was already over at 11:30 am, and there weren't too many people I knew around since it was a holiday weekend in the US. I got talking to my friends Lee & Doris and their friend, and was invited to join them for lunch which I gladly accepted.

And so we went to Panera's Bread together. I was proud about my healthy choice as I came to the US with the intention of proving that it IS possible to lose weight here, and so far it's going well. I greatly enjoyed the time of fellowship with my friends, and time went by far too quickly.

I returned home and had some rest before going to the gym. My plan for the next three weeks is to do only two things (at least during the week) - write my book and work out. I had a wonderful workout, and was overjoyed when I found out afterwards that I could come for free the whole three weeks. Praise God!

Back Home In Mali

I brought back good American corn from my last US trip, and we planted it. We've watched it grow through rainy season which was great, and today the time had finally come for the first few cobs to be harvested. Too bad I missed it.

So they had corn for dinner tonight. Christian showed them how to boil it in water (rather than grilling it), and it looks like they all loved the sweet corn which is so different from Malian corn which is corn we in the Western world only feed our animals.

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Saturday, September 4, 2010

Back Home In Mali

I enjoy talking with Christian and Paul and the kids in Mali every day so far - and with video! It's wonderful to actually be able to see them! Christian finally got his Malian clothes. Aren't they handsome African brothers?

On Wednesday - my first day away - our music teacher came back to pick up with weekly lessons; after quite a long break. The kids were breaking the instruments, and so I was fed up with constantly repairing them. We're giving it a new try, and some of the kids who had quit and some of the new ones are getting started now. We have a multi-talented teacher who can teach all three - guitar, keyboard and drum set.

We had an Austrian visitor with us for three days which was nice for Christian and the kids; a student who was referred to me by the Bambara professor at the university in Vienna. I think he was glad to start his 3 months in Mali this way.

They had a good service today, with Paul preaching; unfortunately Christian has been sick again. A good number of the kids wanted to go out and evangelize again, and so they did. I miss them, and Paul has been telling me that they miss me!

In Kansas City

Last night I had nearly 8 hours of sleep, though I went to bed a little late. I still didn't feel that great because of the cold, and was pretty tired, though I stayed home all day until 6:30 pm today, doing work on the computer. In the evening I went to church again. Unfortunately I was tired from the get-go, so I didn't get as much out of it which was unfortunate. I went to get prayer at the end of the service, and then went straight home. Hopefully I go to bed a little earlier tonight.

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Friday, September 3, 2010

Ending The Nightmare

After 7 hours of sleep I got up a little earlier than planned, but I was ready. It was really cold in my room, and so I put as many clothes on as possible. After a good time of Bible-reading, I got started doing some work. Yesterday I reserved a rental car in nearby Lee's Summit for pick-up at 11 am, and my host was so kind to agree to take me there. I was hoping we'd leave on time. I called the rental agency since there was some confusion with their address, and I'm glad I did because she gave me a crucial hint as to finding them without which I couldn't have done it.

We left just before eleven, and went to my bank first. There were still a few concerns, the first being getting the money together and onto the ministry account - the only card I have since my new Austrian card hasn't arrived yet. I used my European ATM card to make a withdrawal yesterday, and needed to do so again today. I was shocked though when the amount I was able to withdraw was much less. Would it be enough?

I deposited the money, asked for the balance, and it was just enough to cover the car rental. Relief! Now there was only one worry left - could I use this card instead of the one used to make the reservation?

My host dropped me off at the rental place that was just down the road from the bank. And it all worked out! A stone fell off my chest - as we say in German. I was so glad when I sat inside the car, ready to take off!

One of my supporting churches was just down the road, and so I decided to stop by and say hello to the pastor. We had a good time of talking, and I found out a few interesting things, good and bad. Then he was so kind to give me next month's support already. Thank God, as I had no money whatsoever, and the ministry's secretary is only returning from her 3 weeks away this weekend.

I finally returned home, hungry, sick, tired. I had taken medication in the morning before leaving since I felt so sick. Once home I got some food, and then talked with my team and kids in Mali which was wonderful. In the afternoon I continued to do some work.

World Revival Church

Though I was tired, I was looking forward to going to WRC, the church where I did my school of ministry years ago. I left home at 6:30 and arrived there at just the right time. I saw a few people I knew which was nice, and then got a decent seat.

I enjoyed the worship, but it wasn't long before one of the staff members came up to me and told me that the pastor wanted to me to give a testimony regarding the school of ministry. I was already struggling a lot with jetlag, being very tired, but agreed.

And so I went up the stage with about 8 other people who testified, and went second. I felt like everybody could see how very tired I was, but they didn't know I had only just arrived in town. I felt like the testimony went well and I said what they had expected.

At 8:45 pm the sermon started - and it lasted 85 minutes. Unfortunately I could barely keep my eyes open as I was so tired, and listened to most of it with my eyes closed. I went forward for prayer with everyone else, but didn't stay long. When I was done, I got my bag and went to my car, without talking to anyone else. I just wanted to go home and sleep.

I got home around 11 pm, had a little something to eat as I was really hungry, and turned on the computer. I ended up going to bed later than planned.

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Thursday, September 2, 2010

Starting With Frustration

My start to these two months of writing and spiritual refreshing has been very rough and full of frustration. At least I had a very good night of sleeping 8 hours - a perfect first night to work on overcoming jetlag.

In the morning I had a meltdown after talking with my host and finding out I'd be stuck at home all day, and that there was still no answer. I also called the post office to see whether my credit card had arrived, but no such luck. I lost it and broke into tears, and had to apologize to my host later. I was pretty down.

I was considering my options, but there was no easy solution. Earlier I had talked to Christian in Mali, to keep him up to date, and they had their weekly prayer meeting where they prayed for my situation. I believe God answered their prayers because it's around that time I regained composure and felt better.

I ended up reserving a car at the rental agency I'm a gold member of for pick-up tomorrow morning. The challenge is that I don't have my Austrian credit card yet, and the American account doesn't have enough money as 3 weeks are pretty expensive. But I think I have found a solution - I sure hope so.

The next question was how to get to the rental agency. I kept waiting and waiting for my host to come home, and even called her and apologized on her voicemail. Around 6 pm she finally came. Some time later she, her daughter and myself left to go to Walmart which was quite a long trip. I was glad I was finally able to buy some groceries and other necessities. On the way home - around 8 pm - I started getting really tired. I was glad when we were back, and only had a little bit to eat before going to my room, where I got a little more work done, trying hard to stay awake. I need to go to bed at "normal" times to get over jetlag as quickly as possible.

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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Traveling To Kansas City

After very little, uncomfortaable sleep we were woken up over an hour before landing in Paris to be given some tea and cookies for breakfast. It allowed me to finish watching my good movie (Iron Man 2).

We arrived in Paris with a one-hour delay, at 7 am local time (5 am Mali time), and I was glad I had plenty of time until my connecting flight. Unfortunately we weren't docking at the terminal, but walked down the staircase to the tarmac. It was 12 degrees Celcius outside. I stopped and waited for my new friend who had sat quite a bit further in the back. The bus took us to a gate, and we were in the terminal. After some time of walking, it was time to say good-bye as we had to go in different directions.

Everything was pretty empty at the airport, and so I got to the frequent flyer lounge rather quickly. I found a comfy chair, and then a bed, and had some delicious French croissants for breakfast. Unfortunately the internet was down at first, but soon restored. That way time passed by pretty fast, plus I enjoyed a phone call with my Mom and with my brother. My brother had just found out that their second child due in December is also a boy.

I arrived at the gate at 10 am, but the plane was late. I sat down, and the tiredness finally overwhelmed me. We boarded with a half-hour delay, and I was not happy when I found out that I had a first-row seat (my travel agent knows I hate those), and then in shock when there were no individual screens! Normally it's only transatlantic Delta flights that don't have them, not Air France. Well, I knew it would mean more rest since I wasn't able to catch up on watching movies.

So I ended up watching the first movie on the big screen which was good, and the second one I already knew. So I did some sleeping and some prep work for the book.

But the worst of all was the cold! I had vents by my feet, and the cold air was constantly blowing on me. I tried to cover up my feet with the thin blanket, but it would always slide, plus it was too thin. I had a second blanket to cover my body, plus I had my jacket on. Still, my nose started running like crazy, and by the time we arrived in Atlante 8 hours later, I was already all red in the face.

When I got off the plane, the heat struck me, and I was glad. Not too long later, I was really hot. I was standing in line at immigration - and the line was extremely long. I haven't seen it this long for the first time. I stood there forever, wondering whether I'd miss my connection to Kansas City. Finally it was my turn, and it was pretty fast. It was the first time I didn't need to fill out the green form, nor give my thumb prints, just the other four fingers.

Next I picked up my bag that was already waiting for me, and went through customs, before putting it back on the belt. By this time my need to go to the bathroom had become very urgent, but no bathroom there. Instead I had to get in line at security - another VERY LONG line. While in line something I saw scared me into believing I needed the boarding pass for my connection flight. I stayed in line anyway hoping it wasn't true as I would have missed my plane for sure, and couldn't have waited any longer for a bathroom.

I rushed out of security, quickly checked what my gate was, and took the train to the according terminal, pretty much the furthest away possible. At least the gate was not at the very end. I stopped at a bathroom though I was in danger of missing the plane, but when I saw the line I left right away and continued to the gate. I was relieved to see that boarding was only just starting. I wanted to get my boarding pass so I could still go to the bathroom, but they were in no rush. When I finally did get it, I boarded right away, deciding to use the bathroom on board.

I put my stuff down on my seat and went to the back of the plane. Both bathrooms were occupied. Unbelievable! I was so relieved when one person came out a short while later! Then I made my way back to my seat - against the stream - and collapsed into my seat. That had been close, and no fun at all!

I was very much weighed down by the lack of knowing whether I now had a car to use in KC or not. Months ago it was yes, then a few days ago 'don't know yet', then yes, and in Paris I had a 'don't know yet' email again. And I had no money to rent a car.

I got some sleep on this 97 minute flight, couldn't even help it. Once in KC, I knew I had about an hour to wait till my friend would show up to pick me up. So I settled down where the seats were, and dozed off. My friend arrived a little earlier than expected, and had even parked his car. I was glad he was there. We put everything into his car, and off we went on the long ride from the north of KC to the south of KC. It was good catching up with him, and I was very thankful he had taken this time to help me out.

I arrived at my hosts' house just after 7 pm local time. The landlady was here and greeted me warmly. We talked for a little while, and I found out that she still couldn't tell me whether I could use their car or not. That was not the news I had hoped for, and so the weight stayed on my heart, or even increased.

I then went to my room, got online, did a few things. After a while I got pretty tired, and at 11 pm I went to bed. I was glad about that, since it increased my chances of getting over jetlag quickly.