love Madagascar

Hermes. I first met Hermes in 2013 during my Hands On semester. He became really close with Kai and the two of them did a lot together! I didn't really know Hermes a great deal back then. What I knew, I of course loved! He was always willing to teach about Malagasy culture and how to make coffee. And I knew he loved guitar! Hermes then and Hermes now are like 2 different people. When I moved to Madagascar, I was very excited to see him! I didn't know what our friendship had in store, but I was excited to build on what was there from before. As before, Hermes has always been willing to help. Even though he is much younger than me, I have appreciated his willingness and desire to help. Whether it is helping me know the best way to speak to someone or being the brother that makes sure no one messes with me or calling me out, in love, when I start walking in my own ways instead of the Lord's, he is always ready. It has been a joy to watch him in ministry too. I cannot tel

When I first met Mondy in 2013, she was quiet and reserved. The language barrier proved to be difficult. How much language can you really learn in 2 weeks of class? The answer? Not much. But even in that short time, I came to love Mondy! She was always a joy to be around and was never lacking in the fun department! I came on a short trip in 2015 and was blown away by her and her enthusiasm for ministry. I saw how assisting Ancil and the team in ministry had begun to define and shape her. She had learned so much and it was exciting to see how she had grown! Fast forward to 2017. I was most excited to be reunited with this sweet friend! I didn't know when I arrived that she would have grown even more than what I had seen 2 years prior. And even now, I am still seeing ways she is growing in her faith and in ministry. She is a businesswoman and leader in the community. She loves her family fiercely and her God even more so. She loves to sing and dance! She is a go-getter and does

My life these days is a constant state of awe and wonder. There have been more days that I have been just brought to tears because God has been so good to me. He allows me to be part of His plan and see things come to be that I never thought were possible. He has answered prayer after prayer. Secret prayers from the depths of my heart. Prayers that I had started to wonder if they would ever be answered. He gave me sweet friends. Friends that even though we don't share the same blood, we are family. My skin is just a little (or a lot) lighter than theirs. He's given me a family that not only teaches me culture, but reminds me of spiritual truths. They carry the load with me. They protect me from unwanted marriage possibilities. They laugh when my feet are as dirty as theirs are. They ask me to sing songs in English. They tease me and joke with me. They open scripture with me. They know the things that break my heart and when I need encouragement. So, to honor these peop

In preparation for life overseas, we were prepped with all the tools necessary. We were warned of the pitfalls that happen to many workers on the field. I left with a hefty tool bag and an idealized picture of mission work. All these tools are helpful, but there have been many times that I have thought, "man, I wasn't prepared for THIS." So, in order to somehow help people that come after me, I've created a short list of things that I've learned in my short (though it felt long) 2 years on the field. 1. People are sinners. Now, I know you're thinking that this is a given. And I even know that you probably think I'm crazy for putting it at the number 1 spot. But let me tell you that people are sinners to their very core. Nothing about us is good. The only good thing about me is the Jesus I serve. Nothing else is good. People will, forever, disappoint you. God, however, will NEVER disappoint. This helps in dealing with people that have never heard of Jes

About 35 kilometers north of Manakara is a place called Asasaina. About 3 years ago, Ancil met a man who then invited him to his home on the side of the road. For 2 1/2 years they met under a mango tree. The man stopped coming, but the group began to grow in number. About 6 months ago, 4 leading men from the village started attending. Ever the skeptics, they sat and asked hard questions. Ancil could tell they were strong men who would eventually be strong leaders in the church, if this group ever became one. Many faithful children, women, and young people continued to come and learn. One woman even left to follow Islam for awhile but realized the truth is Jesus and returned. The men sat and asked many, many questions. Searching to find truth. A few months ago, Ancil's family came from Miami and did a vision clinic. This clinic was to strengthen existing churches and help show compassion to outsiders. These clinics were wildly successful! The gospel was shared at each p

Like frost on a rose/Winter comes for us all/Oh how nature acquaints us/With the nature of patience/Like a seed in the snow I've been buried to grow/For your promise is loyal from seed to sequoia  Hillsong wrote a beautiful song called Seasons. I'll be honest and tell you that it wasn't immediately the top song I listen to. I'll also tell you it was because I didn't really know the words. It wasn't until a friend gently told me I was crazy for not liking the song...and told me the actual words of the song. If there is something I've become more aware of, its seasons. There is hot season, and rainy season, and my personal favorite, mango and litchi season. That last season, I wish every season were like that, but unfortunately, mangoes and litchi do not grow year round. Each season has a purpose. And the purpose is to bring the fruit. There has to be a dry season for all the dead to fall away and make way for growth. There has to be a rainy season be