God gave me the idea through some missionary friends here. They had a Christmas party for their Senegalese friends, gave them presents, and presented the gospel. When my friend was telling me about what this, I really felt like God was saying this was the opportunity I'd been asking for. I could do the same thing with my Senegalese family. I was already planning on giving them gifts. Why not share with them the greatest gift I've been given? The greatest gift they will ever be offered?
I was still nervous about this because my language skills are lacking, especially in religious terminology. After trying to translate what I wanted to say on my own, I asked one of the missionaries here in Senegal to help me. It was a learning experience for me both in language and in asking for help.
As I worked to learn what I would share with my family, I really tried to think about the words. What did they mean? As I shared about God's heart hurting because of our broken relationship with God as a result of sin, my heart hurt. My heart hurts because I know the God who came down and mended that broken relationship, but they don't. What I feel is nothing compared with what God feels, though. He longs for them to come to know Him more than I ever could. It's comforting to know He's in control.
The day I went to share with my family, I was nervous. I knew this is what God wanted me to do, but how would they react? Would they ask questions or interrupt? Memorizing something for a speech is one thing. People don't generally interrupt those. But with this, they could interject at anytime.
Well, worry never pays, so I prayed about it. God is faithful! Normally the tv is going and kids are making all kinds of noise, but it was really a very quiet day. In fact, as I was getting ready to share the tv kept freezing up. It stayed that way the whole time I was talking. The baby didn't make any noise. And, the three women and the teenage girl in the room listened respectfully. Though I don't think they really grasp what I was telling them, they heard the good news. I keep praying that God will bring things back to their minds as they use their Christmas gifts. I believe this has also opened a door for me to share more Bible stories. Pray with me as God works here among my friends.
One of my roommates gave her this nickname. She said that everyone's got a relative who's a little nutty (except for me, of course!).
Pop was excited to get his baby powder and pictures. Okay, so maybe he really didn't care about any of that. He was happy, anyway!
Look at that snowman! It's a work of art, if I do say so myself! And, I do! Though it may look small and feeble, it made it an hour and a half car ride home without coming off. And, it was still there the next morning. That's craftsmanship!
This masterpiece is not my own. One of my cousins braved the snow to make this angel. I, on the other hand, was not even thinking about lying down on the cold, wet ground. Look how thick that snow is! In Texas! It was so beautiful!
