Misaotra Betsaka Anareo

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 people and so you can have a few faces to the family, please enjoy some of my favorite pictures from life here in Madagascar. Next year I will highlight some of these sweet people here on the blog! There are not enough words to thank them for all they do for me. And there definitely aren't enough words to thank Jesus for giving them to me. So, for now, behind cloudy eyes, I say to all my Malagasy family- Tiako be anareo!

Me, Francoise, and Mondy

The ladies of Andonabe with the ladies of FBC Orlando

Jafson (not correct spelling) and Hermes

Josee, Francoise, Mondy and Me

John, Jean Claude, Enselme, Ancil and Me

The pastors of Andonabe, their wives, Ancil, Francoise, Mondy,
Enselme, Hermes and his wife Christine, and Me

Mondy, Faby, Josee, and Me

Boto, Faby, Enselme and Me

Hermes on guitar, Mondy on harmony, Me on melody singing
Silent Night

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Sight to the Blind

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

Team Spotlight: Hermes

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

Brave

Two weeks ago, it rained for 2 days straight. If you need to know anything about Madagascar, its that most of the roads here are NOT paved. This means there usually isn't a road that isn't full of potholes, crevices deep enough to hide soldiers in in the event of war, and red clay that just makes everything worse when wet. This particular time, I had been traveling to a different city and didn't know that it had rained. This is problematic only on 1 road that I travel weekly. My national partner and I gear up and head for the village. On the way, I realize that the road was still very wet from the rain. This road has 2 main problem areas. The first being a small hill that is completely slick (meaning no rocks or crevices) red clay. Got up that hill. Thank goodness for 4wd! The second problem area, not as exciting. This is a picture of this specific hill when it's dry This hill is high. It has two main crevices and what isn't in the crevice are rocks. There i

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