I remember when we first arrived here nearly five years ago, and I remember wondering when and if Chad would feel like home. There was the language to get used to, the shopping , having to visit many shops to find what you wanted or to get the right price, if they had it that was. The need to be culturally aware and of course, for those that know me well, the driving to get used to.... during our first few months a family said to me there is something about Chad that gets under your skin. I remember thinking well I am not sure I will ever get to that point.... However, it occurred to me the other day that I have been there for a while now.. Chad has got under my skin. - totally under my skin. I guess a lot of it is that I am now used to many things and it becomes normal- my French has improved but still not so good, but I used to the frustrations of having to ask somebody to repeat themselves until I can understand , or admit defeat and apologise or ask Andrew. I am used to goiing shopping and where last week one shop had something but this week it is gone and who knows when it will come back or you have to go to another shop and if they have it pay more. The culture feels more comfortable, most days anyway, and driving, well I don't like it but it is necessary and I 'get' the madness- most of the time ! There are days it feels very hard and I long to have a day of living some less Chad ways that I would find easier and less tiring. . But really God has given me a love for this Chad life and I can say how special it is and what an amazing experience and privilege it is to serve here for MAF. He has blessed us with so much and through the hard times remains Faithful. God certainly knew what He was up to when He brought us here and thankfully, even knowing what a tough task He had ahead to shape me here, He has walked this journey with me, and continues to walk with me. I am grateful that God has let Chad get under my skin.
One of the verses from the Bible that meant a lot to andrew and I before we left our home in Aberdeen to begin our MAF adventure with God , and still gives me reassurance and hope on the difficult days is Jeremiah 29v11. It says 'for I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Saturday, 11 November 2017
Friday, 14 April 2017
Happy Easter from Chad
After having to leave Chad for a few months back at the end of October last year due to MAF operations here having to be suspended due to complex issues over tax with the Chadian government, we are now back, since the end of February and are getting back on our feet.
Leaving Chad at short notice was hard as we prepared what belongings to take things back to the UK, not knowing if or when we would return, but we were blessed with being able to stay with family and friends during those months, and take a couple of much needed breaks.
One of my worst fears was having to home school Zack and Esther. They did amazingly well adapting to having to be home schooled for a couple of hours each day, often interrupted by their little brother Jacob. Not having a base was difficult as we moved every two weeks or so but they took it all in their stride. Of course, we were able to make the most of all the UK has to offer for the kids from parks ( even in the cold and the wet), swimming lessons, wooded walks, and Christmas activities. It was a special time in a difficult situation but God has taught us so much through it.
For me, I like to be in control of things. He has shown me the need to trust him in everything. Even when my days don't go as I had planned they would, I am trying to let that go, knowing that Gods plan that he has for me that day, are better than mine could be. We left our home, our friends and a lot of our belongings, and I have been taught the value of those friends we left here in Chad for that time, that our belongings....... well, when it comes down to it, we don't need many things and are easy to replace.
Now we are back and ready to go and as the operations here open slowly as things get into place and the flying starts, we know we are here doing what God wants us to do in Chad again. We don't know what God has in store for us, even tomorrow, but we do know that even when things don't make sense at the time, His timing and plans are perfect.
Today, we remember what an amazing thing Jesus did dying on the cross and then on Sunday, when he rose again, and how much of a gift that is for each and every one of us. During our family daily bible times we have been, just coincidently, reading about the Easter story, and I am still touched so much by everything Jesus has done for me.
As we carry on with life here in Chad, I feel thankful as we are able to enjoy our home, being a family together again, not moving every couple of weeks, for Esther and Zack to attend their missionary school again, and as I am able to pick up with old friendships here and enjoy new ones, I thank God for the many blessings he gives me every day.
Leaving Chad at short notice was hard as we prepared what belongings to take things back to the UK, not knowing if or when we would return, but we were blessed with being able to stay with family and friends during those months, and take a couple of much needed breaks.
One of my worst fears was having to home school Zack and Esther. They did amazingly well adapting to having to be home schooled for a couple of hours each day, often interrupted by their little brother Jacob. Not having a base was difficult as we moved every two weeks or so but they took it all in their stride. Of course, we were able to make the most of all the UK has to offer for the kids from parks ( even in the cold and the wet), swimming lessons, wooded walks, and Christmas activities. It was a special time in a difficult situation but God has taught us so much through it.
For me, I like to be in control of things. He has shown me the need to trust him in everything. Even when my days don't go as I had planned they would, I am trying to let that go, knowing that Gods plan that he has for me that day, are better than mine could be. We left our home, our friends and a lot of our belongings, and I have been taught the value of those friends we left here in Chad for that time, that our belongings....... well, when it comes down to it, we don't need many things and are easy to replace.
Now we are back and ready to go and as the operations here open slowly as things get into place and the flying starts, we know we are here doing what God wants us to do in Chad again. We don't know what God has in store for us, even tomorrow, but we do know that even when things don't make sense at the time, His timing and plans are perfect.
Today, we remember what an amazing thing Jesus did dying on the cross and then on Sunday, when he rose again, and how much of a gift that is for each and every one of us. During our family daily bible times we have been, just coincidently, reading about the Easter story, and I am still touched so much by everything Jesus has done for me.
As we carry on with life here in Chad, I feel thankful as we are able to enjoy our home, being a family together again, not moving every couple of weeks, for Esther and Zack to attend their missionary school again, and as I am able to pick up with old friendships here and enjoy new ones, I thank God for the many blessings he gives me every day.
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