(just thought that was cute.)
I can’t believe that in 4 days I will get on an overnight train to Bucharest, board a plane, have a layover somewhere cool that I can’t tell you yet, and land in South Africa. I’m moving to Africa for 3 months. That’s still not through my head, haha. But as we’re finishing up here in Europe, I just wanted to share some prayer requests that I thought of this morning while shoveling dirt in the freezing cold… again. (All for a good cause, ya know?)
Goodbye, European Farm Life
Requests:
1. SLEEP. Sleep on the Race is practically the bane of my existence. I sleep every night with earplugs and an eye mask because I’m such a light sleeper. We’ve been blessed with beds, but the months when we sleep on the floor are really hard. Literally. It’s been such a pain, just being honest. I wish it was a character flaw that I could work on changing, but my body literally just won’t sleep sometimes. Pray that God does some miracle and I learn to sleep on planes, trains, busses, and the floor like every other World Racer, and for that matter on a bed like every other human being. 🙂
2. My body. This is what made me think to do this this morning while shoveling dirt. On our first day of ministry here this month I sprained my ankle and had to stay off of it for a few days. At least we think that’s what happened. I tried to jump over a pile with some tires and… it’s just a long story, haha. I’ve been able to walk and do everything normally, but whenever it’s turned to the side it KILLS. So that’s frustrating because I don’t want it to hinder ministry. Also, and this is actually pretty funny, I…uh… developed tennis elbow… from shoveling and… stirring… giant pots of soup and chili… for a month. I KNOW I KNOW. Ridiculous way to injure yourself. The kitchen. I also got a nasty burn, but it’s healed now. Note to self: Don’t stick your hand in the oven. 🙂
3. Africa. It’s pretty much a team/squad consensus that Africa is going to wreck us. This might sound weird, but we feel like South America and Europe have been times for God to prepare our hearts for the big things He’s going to do in and through us in Africa. We’re SO ready to be there. We’re ready to have our worlds rocked. And The Lion King is in the queue of upcoming movies. Bring it.
4. MALAYSIA. Yes, Malaysia. Our last country is no longer Vietnam. It’s too dangerous, and since during our last month we will be figuring a lot of “coming home” stuff out, and you can’t use the internet in Vietnam for safety reasons, it just won’t work. So, though I was really looking forward to Vietnam, I’m SO pumped to end in Malaysia.
And lastly, here’s a video I put together. I’m hoping when I get more time more videos about Bolivia and Europe will be coming (sorry, a little behind!)
Stephanie,
Have not commented but wanted to thank you for allowing us to be along on this whole trip without leaving our comfy homes. Thanks for your sacrifice and will pray that your body can rest in any situation and heal. Such amazing work and transformations God has done!! So honored and priveledged to know about it all and you do such a great job bringing us with you. Has helped to pull me back to the mission when the world tries to trap me. So thank you, thank you, thank you!! and may God continue to keep your team safe and lifted up!!
love paula
The little girls in the beginning of the video…oh my goodness. I can’t even describe the joy I got from seeing the smiles. Thanks so much for sharing Steph. Definitely a blessing to hear from you. Praying!
Stephanie, it is my joy and pleasure to lift you and the others to our Father each day/night and whenever He says “Now, pray!”. Thank you for the photos and your words,I feel like I’m there with you. Thank you for being willing to be in the center of His will even though at times it’s not so pleasant.
May you experience His love and peace as you go through the Christmas season in a different culture. Love you lots, Peg
Steph,
Always a privilege to pray for you, trusting God to answer those prayers according to His will.
I sure can identify with your sleep issues (or should I say lack of sleep issues). I’ll remember to pray for you when my body just doesn’t want to sleep!
As for your body, I guess the technical term for your ailment would be SHOVELOUPILI ELBOW! I’ll be praying for your healing.
And I’ll be praying for your travel to Africa, your transition to this new culture, your protection, and, of course, that God will go before you and then empower you to accomplish what He has planned for you there.
May God bless you and keep you safe,
Angela
I know you are probably on your way to Africa now ( I’m late reading this but my prayers for you are still coming even when I don’t get to read your e-mails)-
I am sorry you have had so many physical set-backs but I know God will be your “strength in your weakness'” just like He was for Paul.Sometimes I think God prefers us to be weak because then we can’t take a bit of credit for all the wonderful things He will do through you.
I know there are many wonderul things ahead for you in Africa and Malaysia. I have a dear friend from college in Malaysia – you brought back memories of her. I know God will continue to be with you for ” He who has begun a good work in you will complete it..”
Hi Stephanie
Praying for you. love, love, love the video and the reference to the Lion King
Sure miss you but what a reunion we will have when you return. All is well here. weather in the 50’s. For Dec. you know that is warm for NJ
I suspect its quite a bit warmer in Africa.
Go with God cause He goes with you.
Love you
Laurie