love Madagascar

I've been dreaming up plans for ministry this morning. As I sat down at my computer, I drew up a list of things I wanted to do. Exciting ways the Lord is moving here in Madagascar! The dreams I pray will come to fruition among His work here. I realized that I needed a statement or purpose to hinge these dreams on. So, I began my search. The word "gentle" kept coming to me, so I did a word search on my YouVersion app. It led me to many verses, but a specific Psalm leapt right out of my phone. Psalm 103:8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Not an uncommon verse to read. We often times like to read this single verse to help us feel better after we have sinned in some way. To make our sin seem less. Like it isn't a big deal. I read this and almost passed it up and chocked it up to being "too cliche". But, I felt prompted to read the Psalm in its entirety. Psalm 103 My soul, bless the Lord, and all that is wi

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