Hang On! Its Going To Be a Bumpy Ride

I have so much to tell you about my trip to Africa! The first story I want to tell you about is our road trip from Nairobi, Kenya to Musoma, Tanzania.

I don't know if there is another way to travel there but our team flies into Nairobi, Kenya before traveling to Musoma, Tanzania. Our team landed in Nairobi and spent the night at the Mayfield House before leaving early the next morning to our final destination. I had the choice to fly to Musoma with some of the group or to ride in a van to Musoma by way of Tenwek with the other members of our team. The purpose for going through Tenwek was to see the hospital there. So naturally, I wanted to see the hospital.

So what? The roads through Kenya and Tanzania can be a bit rough. A bridge was out because of recent heavy rains. We were told that it would take longer than usual because of the detour. It would only take a couple of hours to fly to Musoma. By taking the road it would take us around 8 hours. After being given what Dr. Hutchinson believed would be all the reasons that I might not want to take the road, I decided that I still wanted to see the hospital.

So that morning, we waved good bye to our fellows. We boarded different vans. Theirs to the airport.
Ours to Tenwek.

This was our van.

God has such a sense of humor. We wouldn't find out until much later that the only thing "royal" about it would be the pain in our rear ends and the fact that it almost took us to meet the King of Kings with a few near misses.

Its an adventure though, right? It doesn't matter that there is no cushion left to the seat. Or that the shocks are original to the van. Or that the van and I may or may not share the same birth year. It could be worse. Check out this family of four:

I was in high spirits. I can be comfortable anywhere. The interior resembled the farm truck that I drove as a child while haying in the field. Happy memories. We were going to see so much. The temperature outside was pleasant. With open windows and an open road, this was going to be the best trip ever.

We had not left the city when we were stopped at a checkpoint. The Kenyan officer slowly struts toward the open drivers window. Not smiling, with a baton propped on his shoulder. He speaks to the driver. The driver hands him some papers. They speak for minute. The driver asks our friend Joel something. Joel shakes his head in what looks like disgust and says something back. The driver proceeds to get out of the van and whisper to the officer. Everyone is just sitting in the van wondering but keeping as silent as possible. Kitula asks Joel what is going on. Apparently the driver did not have all of the correct papers. And he wanted to know if we had any money. Not a good situation. The driver gets back in the van.  Joel says something to him that I learned after the fact that went something like, "You are supposed to be professional driver for a professional company and you aren't legal?"We are waved to go on. A collective sigh is heard.

So, all's well that ends well. On the road again. That was probably the one kink in the day. There always has to be one. Pretty soon we see the Great Rift Valley. Isn't it beautiful?

This is what most of the roads looked like. Remember: no cushion, no shocks. And I forgot to mention that if there are speed limits, or any traffic laws for that matter, no one pays attention to them.

We zipped, bumped, vibrated, and swerved on.

It is always telling when the drivers try to drive OFF the roads because they are so bad. Well, We have been in the van for about 6 hours now. We aren't at the hospital yet. But look at the beautiful tea field we saw.

I'm a little sore but the landscape is breathtaking.  I still know I did the right thing. I may never get to see these things again.I enjoy reading the signs on businesses as we drive through villages. From Kenya to Tanzania, there were no just plain ordinary names. It could be a 10x10 ft building and it was a "Shopping Centre". Consider this "Palace".

I love it! There is one place I did not get a picture of because we were speeding past it on a curvy mountain road and I needed both hands on the "Oh Me!" bar that I really wanted. We were up in the mountains with only small thatched huts on the mountainsides. There on the right hand side of the road came into view what appeared to be a small wood cabin with a porch. A cow was on the porch chewing his cud and swishing his tail. As we zoomed past the sign on the building said "Dynamic Hair Salon and Boutique".

About the same hour that we had previously thought we would arrive in Musoma, we pulled into the Tenwek hospital parking lot.

The hospital is beautiful on the outside.

There is a large sign with "We Treat, Jesus Heals" on it. I like that.

Here are some images of inside the surgical ward and operating rooms:

the surgery board

the scrub station

the operating room

recovery

Dr. Hutchinson gowned and talking to a surgeon

Compared to home this may look a little primitive. I think it looks wonderful compared to the Indian hospital rooms that our group used a few years ago. A team from Vanderbilt comes to this hospital to do pediatric heart surgeries twice a year. Dr. Hutchinson hoped to make connections for children in Musoma that needed surgery.

After our visit, we climbed back in our luxury liner and headed to Musoma.We rode several more hours. We were able to nap a little and take in more countryside. I even saw a wedding processional down the road. The bride and groom surrounded by well wishers dancing down the road. We were going so fast, I couldn't get my camera out to take a picture after I realized what I was seeing. I would have ridden the whole 12 hours again to see just that one thing. The bride in a white satin dress with a child's plastic tiara on her head, trying not to smile (it isn't traditional to smile) but the smile breaking trough none-the-less.

The next exciting thing was crossing the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

I think I'll save that for another post.

Sorry it has taken me so long to post anything. Not much time for reflection and computing for hours here in the Lancaster household. I went straight from my foreign mission back to my home one.

Becoming,

Anna



Bowing My Words

Before I am able to share with you more about our adventures and blessings from Tanzania, I have to share this post first. It has been on my heart for a bit and I need to let you know about it to be obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading. Hopefully, it will be worth your treading through, and if not, you can always skip it. The joy of a reader--The right to choose!

Prior to my post announcing our trip to Tanzania, I had not put anything on the blog since Christmas. Well, it wasn't that I didn't have anything to write about. :) At first I was a bit busy after Christmas getting back into the swing of things but when I found time to connect again. I felt I shouldn't. It wasn't just the blog, my facebook page was almost inactive from January to May with the exception of a couple of announcements and a post or two.

You see, I found myself in a pattern of checking the blog or facebook several times a day to see if someone had commented or viewed a post. The comments and encouragement weren't what concerned me. MY RESPONSE to those comments, "likes", page views, or the lack there of was what worried me. My mood was alternately brightened or darkened by the feedback I found.
When I realized what I was doing, I asked myself why I was doing that. Was there any reason to check on things like that? Why was I really posting things anyway? Was it to connect, encourage, and enjoy or was it really to promote myself or seek attention?

The reason I started posting notes on Facebook and eventually blogging was to reach out to others, encourage, shine a light on God's ever amazing work, and to be real. I also felt God gave His blessing for it and even a command for it some cases. If God tells me to share something, I need to just do it. It's worth is not measured by how many people "like" it. It's worth is measured in my motive, my offering.

So, I took a break. My witty comments, clever quotes, family anecdotes, "WOW GOD" moments, thoughtful reflections, and keen observations were not documented for the world to know about. I kept it all to myself, those present in the moment and God. In the middle of my communication freeze, God helped reveal more about what He wants from my words.

In March, a ladies bible study group at church needed a book to study for a few weeks until school was out. I was digging through my closet and found Satisfy My Thirsty Soul by Linda Dillow. Though I had read it before, I had not completed the Bible study guide portion. Our group chose to study this book. The book relates her journey to intimacy with God through worship. She states that worship is an act but also a lifestyle. In the worship lifestyle we bow our lives to God everyday. One of the chapters in the book is entitled, "I Bow My Words". Well, if you know me at all, you know that I could stay camped in that chapter and scripture about words my entire lifetime and never come up for air. So, needless to say it spoke to me.

God brought His Word and Linda's book alongside what He was already teaching me. Though I have a long, long, long, way to go in controlling my mouth, my written words have opportunity that my spoken don't. I can be more careful, confident and concise with my written words. God has allowed me to be able to use Facebook, Blogger, and other venues for His glory. My friends, I thank God every day for those who encourage my written words but my joy for writing them shouldn't come from you.

My words are my worship. My words should never be about me. I bow my words to Him.

Becoming,
Anna

Long Time No Post/Amazing Opportunity!

Yes,

It has been a while. I haven't forgotten about you. I've got a post about it. It's not for today though.

I am going on a trip. I have been so busy getting prepared for it and living life too, that I failed to let anyone know about it!

On Thursday, Dr. Max Hutchinson and I will board a plane to head to Tanzania! The dates of the trip are May 17-29.

We will be going Musoma.
Look at the middle map.
It's right up there at the top.Beneath Lake Victoria.

Dr. Hutchinson and I will meet with a group from McLean Presbyterian Church of McLean, Virginia in London, on our way to Tanzania. Deacons and Elders from McLean will be teaching and preaching at a pastor's conference sponsored by the African Inland Church-Tanzania in Musoma. Read about African Inland Church-Tanzania at McLean Presbyterian Church's web page.

McLean's website also offers this information about the country.

Tanzania

The United Republic of Tanzania is a country in East Africa bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north. It is relatively stable politically and is a country of considerable resources that has leveraged tourism, mining, trade and communications to fuel notable economic growth since 2000. Nonetheless, poverty is still widespread and acute, especially in rural areas where few households have access to safe drinking water, primary education and medical treatment. Life expectancy in Tanzania is just 48 years due to HIV/AIDS, the leading cause of death, and malaria, the number one killer of children.

It is estimated that approximately 40% of the population is Christian with Muslims being 35% and indigenous beliefs 25%, but all estimates on religious affiliation are at best guesswork as the national census has not asked for religious affiliation since 1967 in an attempt to avoid rivalries between the various religious groups.

The group went this same time last year and one of the members, a young woman from McLean who interpreted for them made this slideshow and posted it on YouTube. Please watch. Also read the description under the video to learn about how the church is helping to provide clean water to the people of Tanzania.

Would you please pray for us?

A few of the requests that I can think of right now are for:

• Health-the stomach is a particular area of concern :)
• Safety-planes, buses, vans, wild animals, etc....
• Wisdom/Discernment
• Supplies and equipment to get through customs
• Rest-That we would be able to sleep when its time to sleep
• Energy-That we would have energy when it is time to work
• My dear husband, Eric, and our children at home, Ty, Tess, Amelia and Dinah, the other team members' families, and those that will help care for my family while I'm gone-( I will miss a birthday and several school and church events that my children are involved in while I'm gone. And if you read my Mother's day cards you'd know they like me A LOT. I'm fond of them also and don't want us to be too homesick for each other.) 
• the people who will be speaking, teaching, and preaching-clarity of thought and supernatural ability to convey God's word to the people
• The native people who will be traveling to Musoma for the conference
• Creativity and ingenuity for Dr. Hutchinson and I as we practice medicine with limited resources
• That our medicines will last and last like loaves and fishes.
• That we would be rays of light as we seek to represent our Loving Lord
• Customs and Manners-that we don't offend the people by our actions
• Adaptability
• That we pack what we need-nothing more, nothing less

Did I say a few things? I meant many. :)


Blessings and gratitude to you for your prayers,

Love,


Anna

A Few of My Favorite Things

Below is a list of some of my favorite things. They are in no particular order and this list is not exhaustive.
You might find a few of your favorites or see some new things you want to try.

1. Peppermint Bark-Can't find it any other time of the year and it is so delish!

2. Holiday Inn and White Christmas-I love old movies and these are two of the best.

3. Decaf English Breakfast Hot tea- Great to drink on a cold winter's day.

4. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski-Just a good book to read to your kids.

5. The ADVENTure of Christmas: Helping Children Find Jesus in our Holiday Traditions by Lisa Whelchel- I love this book. We have been reading it in the evenings. It highlights Christmas traditions, their history, and how that tradition can shine the story of Jesus.

6. Hallmark Christmas movies-There is a Christmas movie on almost every afternoon or evening. They are good family movies and about one of our most favorite things! How great is that!

7 .Marathon Christmas shopping with to get it all done in one day-Christmas shopping is always a little difficult for me. Emily and I flew through Corinth on her birthday and did a great job gettingwhat I wanted to purchase for everyone. It is especially hard though when it comes to the children. Eric and I want to go together to purchase the gifts for them. The problem is that I work weekends and Eric works during the week. I have to wait for him to be out of school to shop. That is very close to Christmas. With the help of Papa and Nana, we hopped in the car, jetted to Florence, and made it home in record time. Score!

8. Detailed lists that make marathon Christmas shopping possible-This year I had a plan and it came together nicely. "I love it when a plan comes together!"

9. Going to the mailbox-I don't get very much "good" mail and the Christmas season brings so much "good" mail! I can't wait to see that longhand writing as I flip through the envelopes.

10. My Christmas card window- I frame my kitchen window with the Christmas cards we receive. I stop several times a day and look at them and I often spy my other family members pausing to look.

11. My Christmas tree ornaments and home decor- As I pull out our Christmas decorations, I have the privilege of remembering all of the sweet people who gave many of them to us. My mind flashes to the children Eric has taught in school, the faces of my GA's, the boys and girls we led in Sunday
School, and my lovely friends.

12. Riding around town looking at Christmas lights-we don't have the storage space for a yard full of
decorations but I LOVE yours! Keep putting them out!

13. Mary's song (Luke 1: 46-55)

14. Hearing my children sing Christmas carols-sweet voices singing the songs that have been sung for a
couple hundred years because they never go out of style

15. Christmas Eve service-can't wait!

16. Spending time with our extended familes-They are pretty cool folks. Super good gene pools.

17. All the GIVING going on!

18. Christmas music-"Still, Still, Still" is at the top of my list

I'll leave you with the lyrics to "Still, Still, Still". Become "Still, Still, Still" and read the words and
"dream, dream, dream of the joyous day to come".

Happy Christmas, my friends.

     

Still, still, still,

One can hear the falling snow.

For all is hushed,

The world is sleeping,

Holy Star its vigil keeping.

Still, still, still,

One can hear the falling snow.

 

Sleep, sleep, sleep,

'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.

The night is peaceful all around you,

Close your eyes,

Let sleep surround you.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,

'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.

Dream, dream, dream,

Of the joyous day to come.

While guardian angels without number,

Watch you as you sweetly slumber.

Dream, dream, dream,

Of the joyous day to come

Christmas Card

Sweet And Scrappy Christmas Card

Custom Christmas cards are always available at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Offspring Anecdotes

I can't describe to you the delight I take in my children. I love them to pieces and cherish every second I have with them. Here are a few things that have happened lately to make me smile.

____________________________________________________________

I was readying to go out to town and run some errands a few days ago and asked Ty to get dressed so that he could go with me. He descended the stairs in t-shirt and shorts. Since it was 45 degrees outside I asked him to go put some pants on. He stopped short, huffed and vented his frustration, "Momma, I don't have any clean jeans that fit." He then sighed and seemed perplexed. "My clothes just haven't been coming back to me like they usually do."

Let me translate:

This is the way it usually works: Ty puts his dirty clothes in the magic dirty clothes portal (basket) and every day when he comes home from school, miraculously, a stack of clean clothes is on his bed.

I guess I would be a little miffed if my portal wasn't working either. Bless his heart. He got a run down on how the "portal" works and how he can be take part in the "magic" everyday.

___________________________________________________________________

Tess came to me with a long face one evening and lowered head.

I asked, "Why the long face, pet?"

She sat down on the bed beside me, sighed and lifted her large eyes my way. "Mom, I have a problem."

I said, "Aww." and then asked, "How can I help?"

Attempting not to smile she inquired, "Momma, were you popular in school?'

I replied, "No, not really."

She shrugged her shoulders, sighed and shook her head. "Well, I am. So, I guess you can't help me then."

I snickered a little. (I couldn't help it. Her confidence often borders on conceit. She just considers them the reality that she has to deal with.)

She rolled her eyes and said, "MOMMA!" We hugged and then she asked, "Was anyone in our family popular?"

I laughed and said, "Yes. Aunt Emmy or Aunt Rachel could help you."

She said, "Yeah, I thought so.I'm glad we have THEM."

"Yeah, me too."

I finally cajoled the "problem" out of her and we had a long discussion about friendship. popularity, humility, and what is really worth striving for.
___________________________________________________________

I returned home to my family on Friday evening just in time to change and head out again to go to work. As I washed my face and put on my scrubs, Amelia kept me company.She told me about her school Christmas party that they had that day. She proudly displayed all of the lip gloss and lotion she got from her teacher and friends. She was talking a mile a minute with her shiny, pink, glossy mouth and literally bouncing off the bedroom furniture. I asked her what she had been eating.

She smiled largely, jumped in front of me with her arms raised and spread high in the air, her feet out wide and bouncing at the knees she cried, "We had sweets at school and I FEEL GREAT!!!"

___________________________________________________________

Dinah's new favorite thing to do is to run up to the Christmas tree, stop short by about a foot, turn around and back up slowly until the branches touch her back. She then bends at the knees and moves up and down while the branches rub her back side. My innovative little toddler was able to take the back scratcher off her Christmas list to make room for another baby doll.


Soak up your time with your babies (big ones and small ones). Each moment or action has the potential to be a memory. Make it a good one!

Desert Alleluias

I drove home this morning in a fog; a fog of the mind. It was made partly of sleep deprivation and partly of sadness. My soul was laden with the pain of others suffering around me. Oh that I could ease it! But God doesn't need me to fix anything. He wants me to trust Him. As I pushed my heavy thoughts and heart heavenward, God transformed my groanings into alleluias. 

Psalm 63 (NLT)

A psalm of David, regarding a time when David was in the wilderness of Judah.

1 O God, you are my God;

I earnestly search for you.

My soul thirsts for you;

my whole body longs for you

in this parched and weary land

where there is no water.

2 I have seen you in your sanctuary

and gazed upon your power and glory.

3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself;

how I praise you!

4 I will praise you as long as I live,

lifting up my hands to you in prayer.

5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast.

I will praise you with songs of joy.

6 I lie awake thinking of you,

meditating on you through the night.

7 Because you are my helper,

I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.

8 I cling to you;

your strong right hand holds me securely.

9 But those plotting to destroy me will come to ruin.

They will go down into the depths of the earth.

10 They will die by the sword

and become the food of jackals.

11 But the king will rejoice in God.

All who trust in him will praise him,

while liars will be silenced.

Charles Spurgeon writes about Psalm 63:


"A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. This was probably written while David was fleeing from Absalom; certainly at the time he wrote it he was king (Ps 63:11), and hard pressed by those who sought his life. David did not leave off singing because he was in the wilderness, neither did he in slovenly idleness go on repeating Psalms intended for other occasions; but he carefully made his worship suitable to his circumstances, and presented to his God a wilderness hymn when he was in the wilderness. There was no desert in his heart, though there was a desert around him. We too may expect to be cast into rough places ere we go hence. In such seasons, may the Eternal Comforter abide with us, and cause us to bless the Lord at all times, making even the solitary place to become a temple for Jehovah. The distinguishing word of this Psalm is EARLY. When the bed is the softest we are most tempted to rise at lazy hours; but when comfort is gone, and the couch is hard, if we rise the earlier to seek the Lord, we have much for which to thank the wilderness."


You see, God is good all the time. He is steadfast. He is perfect. He is wisdom. He is LOVE.


When you are surrounded by desert, drink from the Wellspring that abides within you. If you don't know Jesus, it would be my pleasure to introduce you.
(To read more of Charles Spurgeon's thoughts on this Psalm click here)