Good morning! or for some, Good afternoon.  I am currently sitting on my bed listening to some teenagers as they are having worship practice in the main room.  Some are strumming the guitar, others are beating the drum.... and all are singing together to their King...to our King.  And even as I type this, my fingers are trying to pick up the pace... to the rhythm of the drum.... and for those of you who know me... know that no matter how much I try to pick up any rhythm... it's almost always off.  Music and I are like... butter and oil... wait, those are pretty similar. We are like butter and water.  "More than all I see... You are more than enough for me.... You satisfy me.... with your love and all that I have in you... It is more than enough."  It is timely that these words are the words that are being sung as I bring fingers to the keyboard and share with you about the last couple of weeks.  And how exactly would I describe the last couple of weeks?  I think that the best word would be peaceful.  Sure, I have been brought to tears more than once because I miss friends and family... but even in the tears, there is a sweet peace because I know that this is where I am supposed to be.  So if someone out there could please go through the drive through at McDonald's and order themselves a LARGE coca cola with ice in my honor that would be great and when the time is right for me to be back with all of you, then it will be and it will be GREAT.... absolutely GREAT!  For now... know that I hold each of you close in my heart.

Tomorrow, I will start working in the clinic.  Ahhhh!!! It's for real.  Excited, but also fully aware that there is so much I do not know.... very thankful that God has brought doctor's, NP's, and other medically enlightened individuals that have so graciously made themselves available to answer my questions.  I am thankful for all of them... yes, they are doctor's, NP's, and nurses, but beyond their titles, I count them dear to me... Below is a picture of the clinic... 

Another exciting thing is that I have met my family group!  Earlier last week, I went and met with the family group parents.  Uncle Rose and Uncle Dan are parenting the ten children that call the worcester clan their home. Yesterday morning, we harvested the maize together.  I was odd one out wearing boots that went up to my knees.  Probably more unnecessary than necessary... but oh well! After we worked in the fields, I sat with the kids and ate porridge.  It was great to just connect with them.... This afternoon, played some basketball with them and just hung out.  I haven't taken any pictures yet... but when I do... I will introduce them to you.  

Institute is going well.  My mind and heart are being stretched... but it has been good. Getting to know 21 other individuals from several countries in Africa and the United States.  We came together strangers and will undoubtably leave very close friends.  Below is a young woman, Anna, who is from the Congo.  We have had lots of fun getting to know each other.  A week ago, we hopped on little motorbikes and rode into town.  We picked up some necessary food for dinner and also picked up some coca cola... which was highly enjoyed.



Riding one of these on a dusty road....holding on tight.... and praying as you go that you make it to point B.... the end result is a sweet memory and well, fun treats!

And as each one of us rides on our own dusty roads... may we hold on tight to our God...and in the end relish at the sweetness and gift of HIS presence.