Chapel Talk

I'm getting the chance to speak at Grove Avenue Christian School tomorrow!  I'm really looking forward to it, since I love middle school and high school students.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will speak wisdom through me and that I won't talk too quickly!

And pray that I don't go off on any tangents about the "rich kids" like Herman Blume does in Rushmore.  Favorite movie ever.

 

No Separate Peace

Keep Sudan, its leaders, and the people there in your prayers.  Omar al-Bashir of Sudan has declared war on the South, after the military of South Sudan occupied the oil-rich area Heglig.  Fighting has destroyed the pipes in that region, eliminating the majority of the oil flow for the north.  That is enough to start many air raids.  The two sides stubbornly refuse to dialogue. Instead, both Bashir and Kiir resort to bashing the other and boasting in the power of their own nation's military.  Neither side can afford this war. It is very unnerving, disheartening, and frustrating, after all that Sudan has been through.  The hopes that many had been clinging to for a peaceful future have been destroyed.  

further details

South Sudan President Salva Kiir, visiting China.  Great timing for a visit.

Omar al-Bashir, leader of Sudan

BBC's take on the conflict

South Sudanese Military

Photos from the Myhres

Recently, some of the World Harvest team leaders and executive staff came to visit the team in Mundri.  The Myhres, who are the team leaders in Kijabe, Kenya took some pics. Enjoy!

you can follow the Myhres' blog here

Springing Forward

   I can't believe it that it is mid-April already and I have less than two months before my estimated departure in June!  Time is flying! God has been good to bless with me with substitute teaching jobs at the elementary school level this past month.  These experiences have been rewarding (or should I say, humbling), showing me that I'm not so good at working with the little ones.  One particular experience was comparable to that of Arnold Schwarzenegger in Kindergarten Cop!  I definitely have even more respect for both the parents and teachers of those rascally (and yet lovable) kindergarteners.

    More recently, I got the chance to visit some relatives that live in Asheville and Knoxville.  Much time was spent talking, walking, and eating (what we Giles do best).  The whole point of the visit was to just spend time with family that I won't see for a while-- I would have been content sitting all day in the kitchen catching up.  Of course, my aunts would never settle for being mediocre hostesses and proceeded to take me to their favorite restaurants, give me gifts, shower me with affirmations, and sneak their credit cards up to the cash registers at all the stores so I had no chance of paying for anything. 

     I left Tennessee feeling so very grateful to have family that not only supports what I am doing, but believes in it and believes that God can work mightily in and through all peoples.  They are also great personal examples of how hard work can pay off.  Despite growing up in an environment that was basically devoid of a mother and father, they all pulled their weight in the household of 8 children and became the "power players" that they are now!  

French Chocolate Lounge in Asheville!

hello, Knoxville

Knoxville Museum of Art

     As the time draws nigh for me to go to South Sudan, I have developed a voracious appetite for reading!  Here are some of the books that I have been reading recently (all of which, I recommend):

My two faves have to be Swamplandia! and The Reason for God

Fundraising Update:

Photo from teammate Bethany!

I still need about $500 a month before I can join my wonderful team in Mundri, South Sudan.  I'm praying that the Holy Spirit will lead some more people to join my ministry.  If you know anyone who has a heart for Africa, tell them about me and the ways they can be involved!  I can't wait to get over there and start teaching!

link to support me: here!

Some of my favorite Proverbs I've read recently

10:29- The way of the Lord is a refuge

11:22- Like a gold ring in a pig's snout 

is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

11:25- he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

12:11- he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.

12:16- A fool shows annoyance at once,

but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

13:10- Pride only breeds quarrels

13:12- Hope deferred makes the heart sick