A Brief Update

All photo creds go to Bethany Ferguson

People have recently been asking me about the final number-- when it comes down to it, how much do I still have to raise? Currently, the magic number is $4,800.  I'm praying that it will come in within the next couple of weeks (and feel free to pray that for me, as well!).  Pray that a generous soul who has a passion for developing nations and for education will be introduced to my ministry and be called to get involved and give.  For those who mentioned wanting to give another one-time donation to my ministry, you can do that here. 

Thanks!

Also, I'm sure that many of you have been growing weary, hearing about the woes of a stateside missionary.  Don't forget that the links to all of my teammates' blogs are on the right side there --->

Their lives in Mundri are so much more exciting than mine. 

Continue to keep me, my team, and both Sudans in your prayers!

Conflict and a Journey Back

BBC News

Read the BBC article here.

Guilt-free Living

   
     It's hard to believe that I have just one month left before I head out to South Sudan!  Although this whole process of support raising has taken much longer than I expected, I had never really imagined what these final weeks would look like.  With the realization of my deployment at hand, I've been trying to enjoy my time with friends, experiencing some of the luxuries that come with living in the States.  Last weekend, Kira (my twin sister) and I went with our best friend Liz to Washington D.C. to see her try on her wedding gown. It was such a privilege to have Liz drive me through the horrific D.C. traffic just for me to get a glimpse of her in her wedding dress.  (She looks amazing in it, by the way.) Her wedding is just one of the three that I will be missing while over in Mundri.
     During our time in D.C. we indulged in some great food at Serendipity, a restaurant that has always been on my list.  We then meandered around Georgetown, shopping at vintage stores and getting those famous Georgetown cupcakes.  Of course, the trip wasn't without a parking ticket and some impulse purchases, as well.

Crab cake sandwich, white omelettes, and sweet potato fries!
(oh yes, and some Cupcake wine)

No TLC stars here today

     I left DC feeling grateful for quality time with Kira and Liz, but heavy, with the weight of guilt sinking deep into my conscience.  I had spent more money than I had planned on this one day outing.  My mind kept going back to my team and my neighbors in Mundri-- "What would they think of all this spending?... the frozen hot chocolate, the gourmet cupcakes!" I had told myself that I was going to "simplify" my life in preparation for the move overseas.  I even had a yard sale, in which I sold all of my superfluous belongings.  That morning, I watched as people snatched up some of my favorite tops and purses for mere quarters and proudly thought, "no more 'trendy' clothes for me.  Just the necessities."

     My sense of guilt in Western living has grown and weighed more heavily on me and I finally decided to come before the Lord with it last night and admit my sins.  Surprisingly, what the Lord showed me was that my sin wasn't in my Western lifestyle, but in my guilt.  I had been walking around for weeks, feeling like I didn't have a Savior, that I needed to redeem myself through my own frugal actions.  What lack of faith that shows on my part! The Lord tells me, "My grace is sufficient for you." (2 Cor. 12:9)  How many times do I try to erase guilt through my own futile actions?  Today, I am again reminded of my freedom, and it feels wonderful.  It has made me excited, eager to spend these last weeks with my closest friends, even if it means going out for a meal or a movie to do it.  Of course, I strongly believe that I need to be a good steward of my money, but only the Lord can cleanse my conscience.       

Hebrews 10:18- And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.      

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