The Post That Has No Name

I don't know what to call this post yet, but give me a second.

...

Just kidding, I i still don't know what to call it.


I haven't posted anything on my blog in a really long time; I remember always wanting it to be better (and, actually, hating the zebra background but being unable to find anything better). I remember loving the responses that I got, even though there weren't many comments. More than anything, I loved looking at the statistics and seeing the audience spread across the globe. I was an awkward highschooler who was happy to have any readers and nothing was better than seeing the countries that the readers were from; not only Namibia and the United States, but Russia, France, South Africa, Latvia, and several others. I loved learning about what people love to read (which, by the way, is not this post, because there are no photos and it is not arranged in an oddly satisfying list of information).


However, when I left for college, I found it harder to write anything. I had all these ideas for better posts and I wanted to make a prettier, more exciting blog out of this. Maybe I will someday, when I get my head around everything that I'm doing (ha.) or at least feel more like a grown up (when does that kick in?) or just maybe when I've sorted exactly what it is to be a grown up missionary kid.


Which is complicated, by the way; sinking into my existence as a repatriated adult MK. My life isn't so exotic. My window panes aren't dusty. My feet don't ache from hours of dance. I no longer wake up to the cries and happy sounds that little girls make when they're getting ready for school or to the light of the Namibian sun as it rises to bake the roof of our house. I miss youth group and music and teaching dance classes, but I miss being Ousie most of all.


And it isn't all gone, by the way (I'd like to end on a happier note). There's a reason I cannot prioritize blogging anymore! I'm learning great things and it's all coming at me at eighty words per minute (which is my typing speed, by the way), at the speed of whipping pirouettes (which I can barely do anymore), and I feel like a child with a whole lot of big, grown up decisions on the table in front of me, but it's so exciting. I have places to go, things to discover, people to love - a future, but also a past I'm still connected to.


And I'm praying all the time that I never forget where I am from.

Seven Tips on Fasting

I've been learning a lot about fasting lately - recently, a friend of mine was hospitalized after a terrible accident. I spent the day fasting ... it was only a partial fast, I had a long, busy day ahead of me and I knew that if I didn't eat anything at all, I would get grumpy and ridiculous and depressed all at once.

But what is the point of fasting? A friend of mine asked me that once about a year ago.  I pondered it again yesterday as the deep anxiety and sadness weighed on my heart; I was fasting  to help me focus, to express myself, and to sacrifice something to God ... all at once.

After a long time mulling over exactly what it means to fast and what the point of it might be, I thought I'd write about what I've learned; here are seven things that are important to keep in mind during a spiritual fast!








.1 Keep your motivation in focus at all times.

Don't let other purposes creep into the fast; there have been times I've halfheartedly done a fast that I kept up to help me lose weight at least as much as I did it as an act of worship. After a while, I realized there was something very wrong about this. 

First of all, you have to fully understand your own passion that first drove you to sacrifice your time and food-energy for God. If your sacrifice begins to twist into something focused on yourself, it starts to seem purposeless; don't get me wrong though! Occasionally, a liquid fast is fantastic for your physical health, but don't start something for God, then get lost along the path for any reason.



.2 Baby steps are more effective than leaps.

I would suggest that you always set small time limits on a fast, regardless of whether you're experienced in spiritual fasting  or not. Taking the fast one meal - or even one hour - at a time makes every decision to keep going more personal; every  milestone you hit will remind you once again to pray ... even if all you say is, 'God, this next hour I'm fasting again for you to show my passion/dedication ..." and so on. 

This method also eliminates guilt when you crack for that chocolate chip cookie after only five hours without eating; what we often forget is that a small but heartfelt sacrifice is better than none at all. I even believe something like eating plain rice for breakfast (in stead of your usual coffee, cereal, and fruit) in remembrance of the poor in third world countries counts as a beautiful and effective fast in the Lord's eyes. 


.3 Make prayer the central part of your fast.

Want to set food aside for a while without spending any of your day in prayer? I personally believe that that's nothing but starving yourself. Even busy people find the time for what's most important to them - pray as you work, study, or clean, if only for a few minutes at a time! If prayer is made the most central part of your sacrifice, then the more difficult parts of the fast will be easier to overcome.

.4 Pay attention to body cues.

If you feel sick, take a break. It's simple. The problem is, sometimes that's easier said than done; most of the hardship of a fast is a battle of the mind. Sometimes, it's harder than you expect to resist when faced with a sugary craving ... but to force yourself to eat something healthy when you can feel yourself going downhill. 

Anyone facing extreme dizziness, trembling, or a racing heart should stop or pause their fast to take care of their bodies; God may ask for sacrifice or self-control, but the point of a fast is never to make yourself ill. 

Don't be upset if you have to stop! If you're still determined to continue the fast later, pick yourself up again, keep yours eyes on the goal, and restart when you feel prepared.


.5 Fasting is not for everyone.

If fasting begins to do the opposite of its purpose - it begins to distract you from your prayer time or passionate focus on God - discontinue the fast. There's little point in it if it doesn't better you spiritually. And don't forget - it's also just fine to start again another time.


.6 Don't forget less common forms of fasting.

As in ... every other fasts that do not involve good.

God honors sacrifices of other forms too, of course! If you like, you can sacrifice time on your phone, laptop or TV, create isolation or rest time for the sole purpose of prayer, or anything else you might pick. Just find things that really mean something to you or will symbolize your serious commitment to seeking out wisdom or blessing from God. 

As long as you keep in mind that fasting is a form of worship, you really can't go wrong! Personally, I tend to stick with liquids that I believe will give me enough energy to keep going without any serious calories (e.g., apple juice, green tea, carrot juice, non-fat milk). Otherwise, if I'm particularly committed, I'll only drink water - I do this in small steps to bring to the surface of my heart the emptiness or ache I feel over a particular tragedy. The physical reminder gives me the strength to keep praying. One night, in stead of doing a food fast, I stayed awake several hours later than I was used to being awake (at the time) and prayed non-stop. I kept awake until I felt a spiritual 'break through' and was able to go to sleep in peace ... not just because I was tired, but because I felt like my prayers had been powerful and effective. I saw answers and tangible evidence of that breakthrough within days.


.7 Pay attention to words from God or breakthroughs in prayer.

Last but not least. This one is particularly important, of course! More often than not, fasting brings us closer to God and opens our hearts to the spiritual world. I don't exactly understand the chemistry behind this, but I've heard it from others and I've felt it myself; for those of you who haven't experienced anything while fasting, I personally feel as though I make a breakthrough in prayer immediately after I break my fast, more often than not. Again, I can only imagine why this is, but God speaks to people in a variety of different ways and during different times. 

If you're working or busy while you fast, make certain you have windows of time to soak in the presence of God. 

In fact, for many of us, just setting some time aside for prayer and fasting becomes a basic lesson on just how to savor the presence of God; an invaluable lesson you'll never forget.

The Deal with Good Byes

I've said good bye to a lot lately - people, places, old comforts - without any true promise of seeing or experiencing their presence again. I have had to move on from dying relationships, leave behind sweet places I couldn't live at forever, and do what I could to let go of material comforts that faded, were eaten up, or were just too heavy to bring in my suitecase with me across the ocean.

The truth is, I hate to cry in front of people. I really do ... but the dignity I protect is a luxury I cannot afford when I've said the number of hard good byes that I have. I always wanted to say that letting go of people got easier as I got used to it, but I can't seem to callouse my heart enough. I wonder if anyone can.

But here I am; after stretching seasons, cycles of tears and laughter, quiet nights alone and slow mornings where I have little motivation to get up and live ... I am alive and I am thriving. I am in a country I have never called my own ... with friends I never would have met otherwise, particular, simple joys I never would have known elsewhere, and a blossoming peace in the solitude and among the questions. I have no doubt God will take care of my family and I; my faith has held strong! And now, after the many good byes I have suffered with, the seasons of testing, adjustment and faith, I find myself looking at a completely new, fresh, and exciting life ... just breaching the horizon.

　
　

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
John 14: 18, KJV

My Mom's Birthday!

Why am I sharing the birthday letter I wrote to my mom, you ask?

Well. I'll tell you. It's because my mom - also basically my teacher, role model and friend - is really wonderful and I wanted the internet to know how much I love her. I get told all the time (I literally mean on a daily basis) that we look exactly alike and that I act, sound or even write like my mom does. All of this makes me proud, 'cause if I turned out to be the gracious, child-lovin', Jesus-chasin', advice-givin' kitchen master my mom is, I would be delighted.

Beware; this is completely full of randomness and bursts of love.



Dear Mommy,

Happy (insert number of choice)th birthday! Hopefully this gift is exactly what you asked for. Please wear to Church next week!   (Side note: among some sweeter things, I bought my mom a pirate eye patch from the party section the other day. Just a little bit of Graham weirdness.)

Thank you for inviting me to come to the conference  - I had a great weekend with you and I would do it again, even with the neck/ back pain!

I meant what I said yesterday! I'm glad I can talk to you as a mom and as a friend, particularly as I get older and  need a mature opinion in certain situations. You've done a great, great job at more than just raising me.  And 19 + years of work have paid off, Mom! I'm fabulous.

So here's to the perfect day (and year ... and life) for my beautiful, awesome Mom. May you live at least another ... 58 years. Yep. That'd be great.

I love you!

Sincerely,

Kailey

One of Them

The people who help you up
And the people who hug you till your tears are dry
Are the people who feel you -
The people who burned with you when the match was struck;

People who are burned already.

The truth is that ache is unavoidable,
But ache is what gives us power.
When you’ve fallen, you haven’t lost;
Not nearly as much as you’ve gained.
Those who fall are those who will fall over and over again
Everyday with their friends who suffer beside them.

Yes – everyday. Every friend who feels the repercussions of divorce,
Every soul that wastes away slowly under the increasing pressure of depression,
Every child who’s been left without a mother,
Every mother left without her child,
Everyday and everyone.

The tears of an angel harvested
By the man who promised her the stars,
The sweat of a child, terrified
Of the sound beating he knows is coming,
The sleepless weeks of a mother
Who misses the son she lost to tragedy,
The dark circles on a good heart
Whose hands are tied as they watch their house fall.

You know them all -
And all of them personally.
You know their ache and the sound of their breath
When it hitches, even though they’re too tired to cry.
You remember and you feel it -
Like the slit never healed,
Like the devil never left,
Like the shadows never fled,
Like the coffin never closed,
Like the bruise never changed,
Like words are still ringing,
Like the blow is still stinging,
Like the orphan is still waiting,
And the gates are still locked shut.

But every time you fall with them
(And fall with them again and again),
You remember;
Cuts do close!
The devil grows tired.
The sun chases the darkness over the far, far horizon.
You can silence the words.
There are good people in the world
Who will come and save us from abandonment ,
Who come and lift us from tragedy,
Who can feel with us and breathe with us and pray with us
Until the locks fall and the gates crumble -
And you remember,
You are one of them now.

The Ultimate Care Package Guide

This post is for those who want to know what to send to missionaries or other people overseas whom they support... or, possibly, for the many people who will wonder why my family is bringing 114,612 bags back to Africa with us when we go. I mean, more or less that amount. 

The truth is, my family is hoarding for their next two years in Namibia, where they will be isolated from all the little luxurious things that the average American takes for granted; not us, guys. Here is a list of the many little American things that we treasure like Gollum and his juicy, sweet fish. (Oh, sorry ... a little too creepy?)

This is not me begging for anything -I promise. In fact, our family has enough, thanks to the provision of God - I'm trying to encourage readers who aren't quite sure how to bless people that they know overseas.


Candy from passport country 

Americans overseas love to receive Twizzlers, Skittles, M&M's and just about anything involving peanut butter or chocolate from back home. If the people you support are from countries other than the States, I'm sure their cravings will be much different, but those who sorely miss The Land of the Fat (also known as these-here United States of 'Murrica) would love for you to send them a carefully wrapped and taped package of glucose, carbs and cocoa madness. Please do.


Specialty foods 

Learn their health issues - is anyone in their family or on their team sugar-free, gluten-free, or otherwise on a special diet? (Our family, for example, appreciates gluten-free or corn-free mixes or pasta.) Small packages of dry things don't cost too much to send and are more easily preserved. If you need any further help thinking of things to send, consider bags of light-weight sugar-free candy, gluten-free brownie mix, milk or egg substitutes, protein powder, artificial sweeteners or even medicine they might need.


(Instant) Tea or coffee 

This one is especially for Starbucks fans, but the honest truth is that you can find lovers of tea, coffee or hot chocolate in any culture/ country of the world. It's safe to assume that the person you are sending this care package to will enjoy some kind of instant drink. Also, tea bags are really light and easy to send. Boom! Everybody wins.


School Supplies 

In case the family you support has not begged you for school supplies yet, here you go; they most likely want - no, strongly covet the school supplies you are about to send them. For those people across the globe working with children, pretty pencils, some Elmer's graft glue, colored paper, stickers and coloring books may very well sound like heaven. They probably wonder where all their erasers and pencil sharpeners have disappeared to and would love for you to save them from an eraser-less-pencil-sharpener-less fate. Please, have some compassion on the tired teachers and missionaries across the world.


Kid's movies 

Any kind of family friendly entertainment will likely do the trick, actually - particularly family films, educational shows or, generally, any entertainment with a wholesome message. Think Frozen, Barney, Narnia, Meet the Robinsons, etc. You might also send ministry movies (even if they're generally for an older audience) to help them further their cause; To Save A Life, Veggie Tales, Indescribable, the Jesus Film - ask the missionaries about their audience and what they could use for their ministry.


Letters

A  letter from an old friend I haven't seen in ages? Ooooh, please, yes. This is just as good as anything else you could send. You never know who may need a word of encouragement or a reminder that their friends haven't forgotten them! Send a little love.


Spontaneous Items

 Think of unique, mail-able things that could brighten anyone's day. Even if it's from the Dollar Store, it could be an incredible blessing to the people you support. Think fun sticker sheets, glow sticks, tubes of glitter, card games, magazines, silly putty, yarn, chewing gum - if you include bubble wrap, then hey! Some of us consider that a gift in and of itself.

My Africa

 I found this poetic and real. It's a good description of the place I miss! This isn't much of a blog post, but I don't think I need to add anything else.

Originally from this website:  http://www.afrostylemag.com/ASM9/

Colors of the World

Let's just say that I felt like I really needed to share some pictures. Here below are a collection of my favorite photos from my Pinterest Board 'Colors of the World'. I personally feel like this is the one board that took any kind of artistic talent to put together. I didn't take any of them ... or edit any of them ... but hey! The collection itself was in original idea that was begging to be put together.




























 








So that's the beauty of people! Credits to God for the artistry. Thanks to the photographers.

Moriah

I wrote a message for my facebook page, Bible Verse of the Day, just to share with the people who followed the page, but I decided to paste it here too ... so read below for an itsy-bitsy-short-little Kailey sermon.

[Gen. 22: 8] "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering." - Abraham

Hey Guys,
I wanted to do something different today.
I recently watched a video meant to depict Abraham and Isaac's journey to Moriah, where Abraham knew he had to kill his own son. It was emotional, to say the least; it wasn't that Abraham didn't love his son. It wasn't an easy decision. He knew what God asked and he acted on it, regardless of the pain he felt.
How much am I willing to give to God? I sing 'I surrender all' in Church, but 'All' is an awful lot to give up.
I'm not sure what Abraham meant when he told his son that God would provide; Isaac had been provided by God, hadn't he? Maybe he meant he would give up his son because he belonged to God anyway.
It takes risk and pain surrender EVERYTHING to Jesus. But God doesn't forget it when you do.
The knife was raised, prayers said, cheeks hot with fresh tears ... the situation already explained to his son. In Abraham's heart, the sacrifice was already done. That's as far as God planned on letting it go.

"Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God , since you have not withheld your son, your only son from me." Genesis 22: 12

Wanted Signs

I haven't posted anything in a while, which is silly, because I'm in America, but my heart and my dreams continue to fly me back to Africa ... and that seems like good blogging material to me! 
 
Let's put it this way; I don't know what's up; my heart feels like a silent film sometimes. There's so much going on inside, but there's no way to put it to words. It's not that I don't want to be here! Still, I'm a little torn inside.

If you live in Namibia and you happen to come across a little boy with a smile more blinding than the sun, dark, mischievous eyes and an outstanding supply of silliness, tell him I miss him so badly, it still hurts. 

If you come across a deaf girl with The Number One Most Infectious Laugh on the Planet, cuddle her till she's sick of it - which she never will be, by the way. You're actually at risk for being cuddled to death if you start.

 Should you run into a girl with remarkably big, dark pools for eyes that could swallow you up in their depths, tell her Kailey is coming back soon; two months is a long time, but it won't last forever. I miss her skinny arms and her crazy, unkempt hair.

If you're lucky enough to meet their oldest sister, the eight-year-old Beloved Queen of Everything, ask if she has a gap in her schedule and tell her I'll be back to watch Barney and make cookies with her in no time.

If you see a heart wondering the streets of Otjiwarongo at night, tell her to go back to sleep - her body will be arriving in about two months.

Packing Light

Tomorrow, we begin a trip through the United States of America - that's right! We're back in our passport country and beginning our 'Graham World Tour' - which is the weird little nickname I've given to this month long journey.

Just think.  28 days gone - Roughly 60 hours in the car. 7 different states. One camp sight, two Grandparents' houses, one hotel, and I-don't-know-how-many friends are letting our clan invade their homes. Also, a handful of presentations.

Today, I gave a presentation of my own to my little sisters before I helped them back their bags. A presentation which I cheesily named How 2 Pack Light

 

1. If you don't know if you'll wear it, don't bring it.

     Have you ever wanted to want to wear something? Those are the things you leave behind; it will still be there when you get back.

 

2. Keep the weather in mind.

     We're mostly travelling in September. I told them to bring 2 pairs of shorts, 2 pairs of jeans for bottoms and a variety of comfortable shirts for tops. They'll only need one jacket each.

 

3. Keep to a color code.

     I wear a lot of browns and navy blues, so I made sure that was basically all I brought. If your outfits look boring, bring some fun jewelry, but your clothes should be simple and versatile.

 

4. High-low skirt.

     Unless of course you're not a girl. Have you seen how many ways you can wear one of those?? (Click on it. You know you're curious.) These are also (usually) the perfect packing material; don't even bother to fold it.

 

5. Tights.

  Girls, tights take up NO SPACE. I'm also one of those people who loves to layer shorts and tights in autumn weather.

 

6. Stuff your shoes.

      That's exactly what I meant to type; if you're packing an extra pair of shoes, that might be a good place to hide the little things like socks, makeup, jewelry, tights  - and *cough* (undergarments).

 

Hopefully, your shoes smell pretty fresh.

 

You know those objects that gradually get lost in the bottomless abyss you call your suitcase? Let them take refuge in your shoes.

 

 

And I wish I had more! I have to get up in 6 hours, so I'm heading out. Blessings.

 


 

The Question (Part II)

I just said so many good byes that were so heartfelt and teary, I began to wonder how blind (or forgiving) friends are to love me so much. Really, it was beautiful. And tragic. I'm going to miss my home here in Africa.

Six months, you better fly by like a dream.

I never thought I would put roots down here - I moved when I was twelve and it took AGES for me to find comfort on a continent I would always be a foreigner in. When I was fifteen, we moved to this town which, by the way, is perfect. It's a small town, but big for Namibia. Everywhere, the trees are a deep green ... except for early spring, when the jacaranda trees spread their lavender flowers over rooftops and sidewalks. The winding streets are peaceful and (frequently) quiet. In the center of town, the streets are lined with tables and stands covered in veggies, nuts, raisins, biltong, fresh milk and all kinds of wares. The churches are active. The people are varied and multicultural. I have a network of beautiful people here. I have a family. I have an American friend who bakes me good food.

And that's my little bit of Africa. (I could keep going.)

When I asked some of my friends about the question 'How's Africa?', more than half suggested that it was an annoying question. A few of them skipped the whole words-into-sentence-making-thing and gave me lists of particular adjectives. One girl wrote me a complete essay. None of them were able to answer it easily or in a single sentence. Here are their descriptions of the bits of Africa they have seen.


 I answer usually with "Its awesome!" and think about the rest of the answer and why its so awesome. This was Mikayla's answer. She's a friend a grew up with (in the U.S.) who recently went on a short term mission trip to Ghana. She went on to describe in detail. It was so great because of how free going they are there. The culture is different. I love how whenever we had church or worship, EVERYONE (not just the kids) got up and danced and worshiped.  I really feel like that is what its going to be like in Heaven. The faith of the people amazed me.


A friend of mine who's spent her teen years in Namibia told me that people ask her that question all the time.   I just say I love it!! And I always laugh about it later!!

Alanna has spent her childhood and teen years in a variety of African countries and has been asked 'the question' several times.  I always say it's hot and dry but now that I live in SA and RVA, it gets cold. It's very different to what people may think it may be. Like people think that lions live right outside my house.

 
My friend in town said,  I reply with "Oh, it's goooood. It's hot and stuff." And that's about it. There's not much else to say unless you want to go into writing a short novel of all the dramas of your life lately. Well. Said.

Tai, a short term missionary I met a while ago shared about her view of Namibia.  It's the most phenomenal experience I've ever had. The culture is so different from America; they value other people more than themselves. And I've also never seen so many stars in my life. (To the end she added, to my delight -) I can't wait to go back and stay for a VERY long time.

Hannah, a long term missionary on our Otjiwarongo Team, moved back to her home country last year. I found her response well-put and relatable.   I just got asked that just today! It's too hard to sum up really. I think also people say 'Africa' rather than Namibia, Kenya etc. as if it's all the same. (Amen, Sista.)
I suppose if I had to think of words to describe it I might use:
frustrating, beautiful, heart-breaking but also heart warming.  But, it's so much more than that!

Another lady on our team said the words to best describe life as a missionary in Africa would be 'it's great, it's horrible, it's wonderful, it's exhausting'

Abby, a MK who grew up in Southern Africa, is now living in the States, keeping busy with college. Her response was,  I would probably say that Africa is one of the most amazing places to live. The people are friendly, even though the culture is different - it makes it more fun. The scenery is stunning, and just being able to drive around and see a zebra makes Africa unique. Africa is one of the most diverse places both land and people wise. From the beach to the desert, there's not much to not love.

I also asked Lucynda about her life as a TCK in South America and how she responds to people's questions about the country she's lived in for so long.  It's very difficult to answer. I'd say I usually reply with a quick overview of the people who live there, as that's the most important thing to me. Then I add in cultural differences, or geography if people are still interested.


Last but not least, Carrie, a girl presently living in South Africa, offered her opinion. The depth of this message (*aghem* essay) says it all. Notice her use of the word 'we' - there's a certain point where you consider yourself one of the Africans.


Well, the first thing I say is "there are definitely no wild animals roaming around like you see in the movies! I do not have a lion or elephant in my backyard!"  And (depending where you live) there aren't bushman just walking around. Africa does have civilization. With high-populated areas like Cape Town & Johannesburg, we do have very wealthy countries & people do live a very well-earned life. We are not all dead trees and sand. We have major cities and we do have tarred roads & massive buildings. We may be behind in technology but we are still educated people.

The weather is nothing like it is in America - when we have the dry season, we sure mean DRY season. & when we have the rainy/wet season, we do have a WET season, though that still depends on where on the continent. It's a very beautiful place! With amazing sunsets and beautiful mountains. The landscapes and deserts are found in a variety of beauty. Truly a spectacular place!

But just as breath-taking as it may seem, there are still high-poverty stricken areas and people do suffer. Diseases slowly kill off the people  - with the lack of water and proper resources, our people are struggling to survive. A huge percentage of the people living in Africa, are not even aware of Christ! We need more trained missionaries to go out deep into Africa and we need those people to learn and hear the Word of God. Africa is really one of a kind, with a wide variety of different cultures and peoples, our history is not like any other. Our unique land is roamed by many different animals and people ... and it is called Africa.

The Question

As of today (Thursday) we have a week and four days till we leave Otjiwarongo. Our trip back to America starts July 1st (driving to the capital, then spending the night there) then arriving at Dulles on July 3rd. My room is a wreck of half-packed clothes, makeup and miscellaneous items. Anyone want a denim Bible case? A pair of size 3 [US s6] heels? A box of random craft stuff I've never found the time to use?

A week and four days.
AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAHAHAHAHAAAAHH!!!!!! OH MY GOODNESS.

This is the weird part where I say good bye to people in Africa (who have become my entire teen-hood) and say 'See you next year!' and go back to the people that, in a certain way, I left behind with my childhood (not that I've forgotten you - I love you, my Americaners!) - this is the part where I see what remains of the friendships I've been (not-so-diligently) keeping alive through letters and Facebook since I was twelve years old. For those who don't know, we're going on six years since we moved to Africa.

Returning to our old churches, Co-ops, dance classes and Youth Groups, we'll likely face warm welcomes and bear hugs. On sabbatical, like any other missionary, we'll go to friends' houses, "need-to-catch-up" meetings at restaurants and visit our supporters' Churches. The missionary goes from volunteer work in hospitals, schools and growing churches on the mission field to suddenly adopting the job of 'Nomadic Socialite' on their trip to the Motherland. Yep. My job (and that of my parents) is to talk to people.

Oddly, in the middle of that, I will likely face the Alien-sensation; take that however you want. The MK (oooor military brat, exchange student, immigrant, etc.) who faces their childhood home again will probably find it odd to be back ... and feel like the world has moved on without them. And depending on how different their other culture is, they may also feel like they have a third eyeball growing in the middle of their head.

 It's great to have friends greet you with enthusiasm and ask you questions about your life in Africa (or wherever). Even better is the look on their faces when you speak as fast as you can in some crazy foreign language that they've never even heard the name of. All that is fine and dandy - in fact, most of the above mentioned are pleasures enjoyed solely by Third-Culture-Kids.

But there's something huge missing. Let's return to the phrase above - which, by the way, I completely made up - Alien-sensation. I remember how I felt like a foreigner in my own country. Yep. I said it. I was surrounded by friendly people, but down in my spirit I knew very well that I didn't belong. My clothing, the things I said, and my social awkwardness didn't help me much. (This second-go-'round, I think I'll be better at all of that.)

But something else separates the American-African that isolates them in a crowd of Westerners. Honestly, there are emotions and situations that very few single-culture people understand - this can lead to a deep loneliness in those separated from their mission field. (Interestingly, studies have shown that MK's from completely different countries tend to feel at home in each other's presence. We share 'the commonality of our differences'.)


 Of course, the loneliness is not the worst of it! There's one thing ... one terrible, awkward, heart-wrenching question that Americans and other Western non-travelling citizens use to terrorize their poor, victimized missionaries on a regular basis. And by a regular basis, I mean just about every single day. *deep breath*  (I can hardly type it).



                                                How's.        Africa.



That's it. Just plain ol' 'Hey, how's Africa?' from a friend or relative is destructive to the Missionary's view of said person. You have lost about ten brownie points. Did your I.Q. level just drop? Did you just get 3 inches shorter? Now that I think of it, you kind of smell. And your brow is protruding ominously over your eyes.


I'm just kidding. I started that paragraph trying to make a point, but then I couldn't stop my nasty facetious personality from taking control of the keyboard. Do understand, there's no one I look down on that much. Especially not someone who unknowingly walked into the Danger Zone of a sarcastic, talkative, I-know-everything redhead. Really though, roughly half of the MK's in Africa you'll come across will be annoyed by this question. And practically all of the ones I talked to found the question very hard to answer.

My response is usually a smile with a connotative 'All kinds of stuff. How's the continent of North America been lately?'



The Part II of this post is coming up where I will provide solutions for the problem I have brought up. Mean while, do refrain from asking the question.

Dumpsite VBS

Seem a little extreme? A camp for kids mostly between 4 and 14 ... hosted at the local trash heap (more like a mountain). The ground surrounding the dumping site is sprouting almost as many glass shards as scraggly thorn bushes (which are everywhere) and broken electrical equipment is lying haphazardly all over the place.

It's not exactly ideal, but it's definitely where we need to be.

Every day, dozens of children (and almost as many adults) head out to the dumpsite to (1) - gather recyclables, wh
ich the government pays them a few cents a day to do and (2) - search for bits of food and other things that could be helpful for their survival.

Most kids wouldn't sacrifice their day at the dump to walk somewhere else and hear a few Bible stories, so the mission team decided to make it easy and bring the camp to them.

Driving to the mainroad on day one - in front of us is the other kombi (driven by the other missionaries with us) with some of the kids riding on the back. The Back of our car looked pretty similar!

The dirt road leading up to the main dumping site. This is the area where we were working.

  A girl hanging from the side of our car.

 

 My Mom and sister helping wash hands before snack time.

My Adventures in Africa

So, I've been nifty lately. I wanted to share it here, just because it's something missionaries kinda have to be.

So technically, you don't have to be creative or efficient to be a missionary, but the veterans who have experienced the rougher parts of the mission field know how frequently you have to get out of your own comfort zone.

So I am going to set aside statistics, prayer requests and preaching. Today, I'm going to kind of brag on my skills give a typical, likeable, artistic kind of blog post (like normal people).

May I first mention ... ? As far as clothing goes, I'm generally working with several-years-old stuff. I'm completely content with what I have - that is not where this is going. I just want to show my readers that you can have fun with just about whatever you have!

FIRST STOP. An outfit I wore a couple weeks ago - it was fun and incredibly comfortable. Not to mention; in Africa, the days are always hot. This time of year (*winter*) the nights actually get fairly cold. I recommend you wear layers or something you can change into/ out of pretty fast, should you come visit Africa, 'cause the temperature can drop 50 degrees in a matter of hours (fahrenheit, of course). SO. Exhibit A.

 

 

Scarf: Gift, two years old   Tank top: Hand-me-down, age unknown    Shorts: Old jeans, hand-me-down from a friend (I cut them off a few months ago), age unknown     Jacket: Hand-me-down (from a music teacher!) ALSO age unknown.     Mocha Knitted Tights: My mom found them at Mr. Price (Clothing Store from South Africa)  for R10 (U.S. 1.25)! One year old, sooooo comfortable.    I wore all of this with my sisters dark brown boots  - also found at Mr. Price for R10!

 

SO. The above outfit was interesting and pretty, but comfortable enough to wear all day. I subtracted the tights and jacket for a while to teach my dance class, which went pretty smoothly, then put the warm stuff on again before I went out. Next, my sis and I went to a friend's house for small party that evening ... and my clothes scored some friendly compliments. Really, what is better than an outfit that is comfortable, beats the cold (or midday heat) , and looks pretty great? (+ Bonus points for being reasonably modest.)

 

 

Exhibit B:

 

 

 Shirt: Actually my mothers, roughly two years old    Necklace: Gift sent in a care package! Almost three years old.
Jeans:  I can't even remember where they came from, but they are old, worn and stretched. A few months ago, I sewed them so that they at least fit me again.  I think they must be about four years old.
Boots: The above mentioned boots, belonging to my sister. Not very old at all. Once again, R10 (U.S.) for a pair of boots!
This was Easter morning in my bedroom before church - that is a breakfast burrito in my hand (homemade tortilla, egg and tomato). That turned out to be a very happy and memorable day with my family (and my closest friends)!

I cannot explain how comfortable this outfit is. I feel so feminine in it! Comfort first though. The material is light enough for Spring weather, but it shuts out the cold morning pretty well. (Hmmm ... could trade the necklace out for the brown scarf next time.)   

  Black Top: Gift, two years old, cuffs rolled up    Necklace: Christmas gift, four months old (a favorite piece of mine!)      Blue jeans (high waist): Hand-me-down, age unknown - Like most jeans, they were far too long for me (noticed the denim in both of the outfits above have been modified) so I rolled the ends up.

 

That's all for now, folks! Thanks for reading (and bearing through the various photos I've bombed with the Kailey-face)! I hope it's been somewhat inspiring, regardless of where you live in the world - you can be comfortable, modest and feel beautiful without shopping for anything new!