Finally home... for 9 months

I have finally made it.. After long hours in a plane, car, and all of the above. I don't even know where to start. I had four transfers, plus a long car ride to get to Koza. I am finally here! When i was in the plane, i was witnessing to a man from Africa. He said he was Muslim. I showed him John 1:1 and John 3:16. After a little bit, he asked, in broken English, "this is your job?" I said... NO its just exciting to share the good news!" I got out of the plane from Washington DC not knowing what to do with myself because i no longer had ANY electronic devices or communication with America. I slept on the bench... The plane in Ethiopia broke down while we were about to leave...scary. They took us to another plane that was fine. I met other missionaries in that plane that, surprisingly, MBA played football against one guys school. It was amazing. They were from OREGON! haha. Well, we arrived in Chad, and i approached the bench with my passport...no visa. They told me I couldn't come into the country. One of the people from the group that was going to Cameroon tried to bring me in as one of their daughters... that didn't work. In my mind i was thinking, i'm all alone and i have no where to stay. God showed up at that time, and my driver came to talk to them. I got into the country. It was about 2 am and so He took me to a Catholic mission where i stayed the night... or napped for 1 1/2 hours. We woke up at 7, ate breakfast, and left for a 5 hour journey, or so i thought. On the way the Adema, the man that was driving me said... "Welcome to Africa, this is your home now". It hit me, i was now apart of Africa, and all that it brought. I wrote in my journal almost every 10 minutes with interesting insights that i found. I saw a giraffe!!!! :) It was in a nearby wildlife preserve, but you could see it from the road. My driver thought i was crazy when i said "PULL OVER!". It was a great ride...but when i needed to go to the bathroom, it took me many tries to get that across to him. "bano, latrine, john, pot, pee pee, toilet!" oh.. toilet. So he stopped the car, and i went to the bathroom on the side of the road:) When we arrived in Maura, not Koza, I waited for Yves (administrator of the hospital) to pick me up. We stayed there for 6 hours!!! I met the president of the Adventist of northern cameroon... the one in the magazine (for my family's knowledge) We then drove, after visiting the market, and talking to the pastors there, to Koza. I got here, and Yves told me we were home.. welcoming me over and over. I stepped out of the car and saw some people that were at the church right next door. I waved, and they freaked out!!! Yves turned around and said "what happened"... i said "i waved!" the children are SO EXCITED i'm here:) that night... i slept 17 hours... wow. thats how much sleep i haven't gotten. Tomorrow i meet the hospital staff and Yves' wife is going to take me to the market. God is faithful, God is good, and God is in control! Praise Him.

Saying Goodbye...

Saying goodbye to my family was the hardest thing i have ever done... as my dad leaned over, gave me a kiss, and said "I will see you in 9 months sweetie", it hit me. My whole life will turn upside down in the next 36 hours. I don't know what to say... today was the first time i didn't want to get on the plane, but also the time when i wanted to be in Cameroon in a second. I am praying to God and asking for him to protect me. Its all up to me now. I'm on my own. I am thankful that Caitlin will be arriving two weeks after i get to the hospital in Koza. It was so interesting. The other day, my dad was reading the World Adventist magazine (really don't know the name of it), and he found an article from the conference president of northern Cameroon. He was talking alot about the Adventist school and the ADVENTIST HOPSITAL in Koza. It made me have a boost of confidence for some reason. Also.. i talk to the doctor that was there for 5 years. He told me that i would have an amazing experience, and that i didn't have to be afraid. The director of the hospital told me how i'm going to be picked up, what the name of the person who was picking me up was, and all kinds of encouragement. God is good... and working too. I am about the board the flight from Portland to Denver Colorado. From Colorado I go to Wasington DC, then to Adis Adaba, and then Djemena or something. I am praying my heart out that God keeps me safe. I miss all of my family and friends, but i know God is calling me here. I will overcome! Jeremiah 1:19

Up and Down Feelings

In the last couple of days, i have received much word about the happenings in Cameroon as well as information about what to bring to protect myself from disease, mostly Malaria. The most recent news is that i'm going to get Malaria no matter what i try to do to protect myself... I will never be able to give blood if that happens (I'm really into that). Its been a crazy couple of days for me and my feelings. One moment i'm stoked, the next i'm terrified... I am afraid of the unknown, but excited for the experience. There is no doctor there, and recently i've been reading the doctors blogs. How am i going to survive? Is there going to be help? i can't be a doctor! I had two very wonderful people come by my house yesterday with encouragement i don't even think they know they gave me. The first woman that stopped by was Christie. I was busy for a little bit, but came over to sit down and talk to her for awhile. She had given my mom an envelope, and began to tell me that she collects antiques. For her birthday, she wanted to get this beautiful antique barbie that was made the year she was born. She decided that the money would be better used for my trip and wanted to help me with the money. I was shocked and stunned... $100. Praise God for humble people:) Juanne came by later in the day and i was astonished to see the things she blessed me with. She had come over and and brought medical books, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, blood pressure cuffs, and more! The book that answered my prayers was a book called "Where There is No Doctor a village health care handbook". Just hours before she stopped by i was overwhelmed with the responsibility of being some kind of superhero. The only superhero is the Lord himself and no matter what happens, HE WILL PROVIDE. He has been amazing me with His faithfulness through people, providence, and words of comfort! "...If you have a deep personal faith in God you'll be able to say to any mountain of difficulty, 'Out of my way!' and God will help move it. You can do anything for Him when your faith is in Him" Matt 17:20

My Power is Made Perfect In Your Weakness

This morning started out to be a relaxing day, except for the fact that all through the night the cat was trying to wake me up to play, and all morning the dog was scratching at my door trying to play with me too. I had to call the doctor who recently left Cameroon today. While i was on the phone with him, the obligation and sense of responsibility that i am gong to have in Cameroon fell on me like a bolder. I was shocked. I don't know if i was not listening before, but the doctor told me that there will be no doctor at the hospital when i arrive. Also, he said that not only am I there without doctor, performing duties that an RN would perform such as IV's, catheters, medications, I am going to be the only American present in the town. Now... i could have flipped out over this information (and quite honestly i did a little) but the verse that popped into my head lead me to peace. I can do this Lord, i can get through this AND the best part about it is now i can know that it is ALL God working in my life. It is certainly not me who has any power in this situation. I'm leaving it up to the Lord to fashion and mold me into #1 Nurse. The verse goes like this, it is very familiar: "But, He said to me, 'My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me. Therefore I am CONTENT with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong!" 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. God continues to amaze me...

Constant Calling On My Life

Lately i haven't wanted to read the gospels. For some stupid reason i have thought that I always turn to the stories that i've read over and over again...its a horrible thought i know. The other day i decided to randomly turn to a gospel and read whatever i put my eyes on. After what God has revealed to me this summer, i am sure that he directs me to certain verses and puts a passion on my heart when i read them. I turned to the chapter in Mark when Jesus is SENDING HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES OUT (Just like me)! I love it when verses just come together and I can hear God literally speaking to me through them. Mark 6:7-10 "Calling the Twelve to him, He sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits. These were his instructions: 'Take nothing for the journey except a staff--no bread, no bag, no maney in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, SHAKE OFF THE DUST OFF YOUR FEET WHEN YOU LEAVE, AS A TESTIMONY AGAINST THEM!'" Its incredible to know that He directed me to this verse closer to when i leave because i don't think i would have taken it the same way earlier this summer. I was just terrified of going, so he gave me words of comfort, and this to me is now preparing me and warning me for the hard times that might come my way...BUT God is by my side, He's got my back, and i have nothing to fear if i put my trust in him. Certainly, i'm not going to be careless in any way when i arrive, but God knows what i can handle and what i can't! Like i said before, bring it on africa:) I am as ready as i'm gonna be.

God Reveals, God Answers Prayers

As the summer has been progressing, my patience is becoming less and less. I have gone through many questions in my head about Cameroon. What is it going to be like? Is it safe? Can God really use me in a powerful way? Why did he call me there? Am i going to like it? When will i want to come home again? Questions like this keep haunting me everywhere i go, but they also give me a chance to look for the answers in the Bible. I know that nothing in the Bible says "Elissa, you are going to be used by God in powerful ways when you go to Cameroon", but when i was reading in Isaiah, i found a passage that is very similar and spoke to my heart. It was like God was telling me those exact words. "Arise! Shine! For your light arrives! The splendor of the Lord shines on you! For, look, darkness covers the earth and deep darkness covers the nations [Cameroon], but the Lord shines on you [Elissa]; his splendor appears over you. Nations come to your light, kings to your bright light. Look all around you! They all gather and come to you-- your sons come from far away and your daughters are escorted by guardians. Then you will look and SMILE, you will be excited and your heart will swell with pride..." Isaiah 60:1-5. The amazing thing about these verses is that they are just a chapter before the chapter i read when i was in Haiti about rebuilding ruins. My experience in Haiti is definitely preparing me for Cameroon. God is working! Now, i know i'm not anything close to Zion (which is what the chapter is talking about), but God really spoke through those verses. I can't wait until i can allow humbleness to take ahold of me, and God to work miracles where i am going.

The Beginning

After much procrastination, i have finally started my blog:) It's already been a huge journey figuring out whether i'm going to Ethiopia, Cameroon, or anywhere else in this world. Praying has been often, freaking out has been in there too, but mostly excitement for where God is leading me. Cameroon is the final destination. For those who know me well, i will TRY to write every once and awhile, but i can't promise anything. I do promise that i will remember the most important things, and give you an update at times. Bring it on Africa!!! I'm ready for anything.... or am i? Please keep me in prayers as i prepare to leave and pray for the people waiting for me to show up. I should be leaving on September 15, but who knows, it might be changed. This will be an experience of my life! Still can't believe i'm finally doing this:)!