Bufelo- a quick update

On Friday I was given three different nicknames! One was "brown girl" by the school principal because of how much I've changed color since i've been here. The second was "#1 caller" by my boss because he hates answering the phone but always answers when i call and he said it's because i'm his number 1 caller (haha), and finally Bufelo by one of the young women on staff here at LBOM. Bufelo means life and she said she named me Bufelo because i'm always so full of life! I like it.

Our intern director’s husband left on Saturday so I get to go back to being a regular intern for the remaining 5 weeks. It’s hard to believe we’ve been here almost 7 weeks!!!

Right now I love getting to work closely with the youth and get to know them so well. It really helps being a teacher at the school and seeing almost all of the youth every day. We’ve also been taking Setswana classes twice a week and it’s so fun getting to learn the language and then speak it with other teachers and the youth!! They laugh because they say all I ever say is one phrase “ke bata ho robala” which means “I want to sleep”. HaHa. It has definitely been an exhausting few weeks and I feel like I will fall asleep standing up if I ever have the chance to!! I’m sure when I come back to the states I’ll want to sleep for a week straight.

Today my music player was playing and a song came on that I haven’t listened to in years “Sweeter” by Lakewood church. One of the lines in the song says “What a privilege to know You the way I know You”. It caused me to be quite emotional honestly. Do we realize the privilege we have? The honor of knowing God!!! This morning I taught a discipleship class with some of the youth and it was on prayer! I talked about the great privilege we have that we can pray to God. That we can have open communication with Him. I can walk into the throne room at any point in my day and He listens to me!!!

Have you ever felt like you’re on the edge of something big? I’ve had that feeling the last few days. I’m amazed at how this internship has gone for me. There was the excitement of the first couple weeks of being back in Africa, there was the stress and hardship of being sick, attacked, exhausted, and busy, and now there is this period of learning I am in. God is teaching me so many new things, I’m seeing maturity and growth in me spiritually and as a person in general. I’m not sure what the next 5 weeks has in store, but I’m more than ready to embrace what is next. I came to Africa to help a people group, to give of my time, to minister, and instead I feel less and less that I’m helping but rather am being helped. By each young person I come in contact with, each missionary, each pastor, each intern, each situation, each day.

Be blessed,
J. Tate

Peace

I have the most amazing life.
I usually try not to go into details on my own personal walk with the Lord unless it is a confession or relaying something I’d learned, but today I have a desire to share.

These past couple of weeks have been difficult and yet I have so much peace and joy. Doing my regular placement and leading the interns feels like I am working two full time jobs.

Through the struggle I’ve found this new intimacy with my Creator. When I started feeling attacked, lonely, exhausted, and frustrated last week, I woke up and realized that no matter where I am in the world or how hard things seem I have a God that cares about me.

Cast your cares upon the Lord for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)

I began to have my eyes opened to the type of relationship I could have with God. This new, deeper, relationship began to take form as He began to reveal to me the areas that I had settled for lesser fulfillment, as I began to realize how through frustration I’d forgotten to be grateful, and instead of casting my cares on the Lord I’d casted them to friends.

It was hard for me to realize these things. It’s difficult to look around and look at my own life and see where we have settled for weak fulfillment as opposed to fulfillment in God. I see people who turn to technology (cell phones, internet, movies), I see people who turn to relationships (boyfriends, girlfriends, best friends), and I see even people who turn to other temporary reliefs (jobs, school, exercise) and yet I know a God that longs to be intimate with His people.
I know that God longs to be our everything. He longs to walk with you through the hard times, to speak to you when you need wisdom, and to fill the voids that we have in our lives.
I’ve learned this week to truly pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). There have been times when I needed wisdom so I simply asked the Lord how to handle a situation and He would respond with scripture that would fit that exact situation, there were times that my emotions were not Godly and I would repent and talk to God about why I felt the way I did and I would get revelation or scripture. God desires to be a part of my day to day life.

He doesn’t just want to hear from me on Sunday’s, in the morning during my quiet time, during a worship service, let Him walk with us continually throughout the day giving comfort, peace, joy, and wisdom.

I know all of these things that I’m talking about you’ve heard before, I know they seem so simple, but ya know if the body of Christ truly lived in that type of relationship with God then perhaps we wouldn’t have the problems we do and we’d see more people living in victory.
I urge our generation to stop looking to the things that are seen, but the things that are unseen (2 Cor. 4:18), I beg you to desire intimacy with God (Ps. 27:4), I ask that you put away the foolishness of this world and enter into true fulfillment with Daddy God. Find peace in the creator of peace.

I learned this week why Paul in James says to take joy when you fall under various trials, I see why in Romans he says that tribulation produces perseverance, character, and hope. I’m so thankful for my time here in Africa. I’m so thankful that I am a child of God and I get to talk to Him, listen to Him, be led by Him, He has plans and purposes for my life that are bigger than I can imagine.

I’m 22 years old and already I get to travel to the nations sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no other person on the face of this earth that I’d rather be.

UPDATE:
Ashley our intern director will take back over this coming up Sunday which will be a huge load off of my shoulders. I’m completely restored in my body and have no sickness!! Praise the Lord. Water has continued to go in and out and internet is still down, but once again these are small conveniences. I believe I’ve made the decision to go to Rwanda which means I’ll need prayers for finances. The plan was for me to fly from Bots in May up to Rwanda and stay a month. That was going to help me out a lot because it would be cheaper, however talking to some financial advisors with the mission it looks like it will be more expensive than if I flew home in April and then flew back to Rwanda in May. Prices to fly around in southern Africa are rising because of the World Cup taking place in South Africa soon. Maegan and I will both need to raise $3500, so if you’re interested in contributing please let me know by sending me a message on facebook or an email at jessinbotswana@hotmail.com, but no matter what please keep that in your daily prayers.

Taking advice from my parents I have began to look for a master’s program to apply to for the fall semester of this year. I’ve been confused on what direction to go with my life because I love doing mission work and doing full time ministry. I can’t see myself doing much else, yet. However, I’ve always wanted to get a masters and when I changed my mind about getting a degree in counseling I had no clue what I wanted to do. I have found a program at the University of North Texas in Denton. It’s a master’s in behavioral analysis which is something I KNOW I would love and it’s the only program in the state. I’m praying about this decision right now and plan on applying soon, please keep me in your prayers as I begin to make these decisions for my future.
Be Blessed my friends,
J. Tate

The Bucket List

Hey friends and family.
On Friday i finally got sick enough to take a day off work. Let me tell you being sick in a foreign country with water going in and out is not fun at all.
The day before my sick day I talked to a man who has literally traveled the world for various reasons, be it ministry, work, or vacation. While talking to him he told me that when he was 22 he made a goals list sort of like that in the movie the bucket list. He wrote down aspirations of sights to see, business goals, things to do, achievements he wanted, etc. By the time he was 50 he achieved them all.
On my sick day I woke up and was unable to go back to sleep and another intern happened to have the movie the bucket list, so i watched it on my computer. Afterwards I was inspired to make my own bucket list.
I found that I have passions I'd never really thought about, dreams I'd never voiced, Vision for my life that was deep down inside of me, and just exciting things I want to do. Life is too short to not have relationship, to not go on adventures, to not achieve the things you've always wanted to achieve and to not me real with yourself and others. Talking to that man inspired me to pursue those things hidden in my heart that those around me have never known about.
My day of proved more beneficial than i can put into words. I slept for 3 hours, i allowed my body to re cooperate and relax. I made myself some sweet iced tea last night and I woke up today feeling way better than i have all week.
This morning we went to prison ministry and i shared a few verses and my heart for them. 5 of the prisoners got saved. This afternoon i'll be going to hut to hut evangelism and hope to see even more come to the Lord.
This week I felt homesick for the first time in a long time and i reckon just being naturally sick will do that to you, but I came out of it with a better understanding of why I'm here. Why I'm passionate about traveling to the nations. I feel like i'm getting to know Father God in ways that I haven't known Him, as weird as that may sound to some of you.
I love people. I love culture. I love God. I love missions. Being here, makes sense, doesn't it? I came here hoping to obviously be of service to the missionary's here, to learn some things, to make a difference, to share the gospel, and I was hoping to find out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life and not only that, but how I would do it. I think I'm learning that in order to find that, in order to decide what I want to do and how I'll pursue life everyday upon arriving back in the states, i have to find out who i am and be honest with myself. Who am i really? What am i really passionate about? Will I be honest and pursue that.
I believe wholeheartedly that the Word of God, the Bible is true, so i believe that he knows the plans He has for me (jeremiah 29:11) i believe my steps are ordered by the Lord (ps. 37:23) and I believe that God will not leave me in the dark for what He has for my life. Patience is a virtue, that perhaps i have yet to master ;)

On a more simple note:
I feel much better. Internet is still out at the house, but i dont even care, because i feel better, haha. My mom sent me a package 3 wks ago and I'm still waiting for it to get here. We found out yesterday there were 5 packages in town for the interns and i really thought one would be from my mom, but it wasn't talk about disappointing!!! The coolest thing ever for us interns is when one of us gets a package we all sit around and wait to see every piece taken out of the package. The old intern director sent us mac and cheese and chocolates a few days ago!! Made our day! haha.
Taking over leadership these last few days was hard when i was not feeling so good, but i'm starting to enjoy it. I like to lead and administrate, it's some of my natural gifts and I really hadn't realized how much I enjoy it until now. I went from every decision being made by someone else and never really knowing my time schedule to making decisions and knowing the schedule for the next 2 wks and being able to change it if i want :) Maybe it just sounds like i like control, which may be the case also!!!
On a great note, the ministry should be getting two new babies for our orphanage any day now!!! So keep that in your prayers, the excitement is way high here!!

I figure i've bored you enough with personal details, and i promise a devotion to come soon!!
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
New pictures in both albums:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2049788&id=1533360025&l=e402a72d2c


http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2047299&id=1533360025&l=e33d104e45

Quick update

I wrote a blog to post but so much has happened since then i'll just give quick run down.
I was invited to go to a Women against Rape meeting discussing alcohol addiction in Maun. I realy enjoyed it. I was also invited to teach a lesson at a seminar they have coming up all about alcohol addiction!!! I knew that degree from Tech would come in handy one day.
We spent a day at a local's house and she taught us how to cook a traditional setswana meal. I have great pictures of all the kids that i'll post when internet is back up.
Tomorrow we start hospital ministry and this weekend is prison ministry and street evangelism.
I was also asked to help lead the interns while our intern director's husband is in town, so i start that tomorrow.
Great strides in making plans for Rwanda. I really think it's going to work out. Maegan will be going doing some orphanage work and teaching english. I have a few churches i'll be speaking in and several youth groups and rallies as well. I'm still waiting to hear on the finances that will be needed to make this adjustment but hoping the favor of the Lord will be with me as i make the flight changes etc.
Prayers: our team has had a bug going around and two members got pretty sick. Today im not feeling too well and praying against any sickness. Our internet has been out for 7 days so sorry about not being able to update. Oh the conveniences of the states :) As wella s the internet water has been in and out which makes things difficult when people are sick from both ends.
On some news, i saw my first snake today it wasn't too frightening because the boys had already thrown a large stone on it's back and then proceeded to beat it to death. so i wasn't in any danger :) Angie another intern has seen two snakes already so i feel very privelaged.
All i have time for now but so much more i wish i could say!!
Be blessed,
j.tate

The mastery of a cold shower and some news.

The title is true. This may not sound like a big deal to those of you who don’t understand my obsession with showers. I take very hot showers and I stay in until all of the hot water runs out no matter what the temperature is like. I am very big on washing my hair and shampoos. I try to keep at least 5 different brands of shampoo in stock at a time and each week I change to a new shampoo. Common sense knows that having various shampoos is not practical for packing purposes on the mission field. So, I’m here in Bots with a 2-1 cheap bottle of shampoo and 2 very tiny travel bottles of a nice shampoo and conditioner (for really rough days). We were told to not take long showers because obviously we have 6 girls in one house and water is limited anyway. So I started taking very quick very hot showers. In the last few days I’ve started weening myself off the hot water and starting off hot and then switching cooler. Then even starting off luke warm and getting cold. Today I took an entirely cold shower. Success. Who knows maybe I’ll even learn not to use all the hot water back in the states.

Today we found out where our placements from 8a-1p will be for the rest of the internship. I am placed teaching P.E. It’s funny to me how God works. I was placed to shadow P.E. the first day and I LOVED IT. However, I had my heart set on mercy ministries. After working with m.m. I love what they do and everything the government allows them to do, I mean I got to go into a school and talk about Jesus!! The problem is m.m does all of those things after 1p.m. therefore I would be unable to participate in all the things I wanted to do with mercy ministries. All I would be doing is working in the office. Upon some discussion our leaders decided to not even put an intern with mercy ministries, so when asked what I wanted to do I said P.E. I see God using this already because throughout the week I will come into contact with every student at the school and have a chance to talk with them, get to know them, and really have a better relationship with them in order to minister throughout the week and at youth!

Today we were supposed to go to the hospital but it didn’t work out and instead I went to the women against rape center. The lady we met with there has already heard about my minor in Addiction disorders so I am going to a meeting Friday night at the center to help plan a seminar to train people in this community on how to do alcohol addictions counseling. Alcohol addiction is a huge problem in this society and I’m so excited to get to take part. I’ll even have opportunities to do actual counseling and meet with women. I CAN’T WAIT!!

Our orientation is officially over and that is going to make life much easier for me. We’ll be getting some consistency which I love. Mon. – Fri. 8a-1p I’ll be teaching p.e. and after that everyday we’ll be involved in different ministries. Anything from hanging out with students, work projects, prison ministry, hospital ministry, evangelism, women against rape, etc.

Something to be in prayer about: This is still in planning stages, but it looks like when I finish here I’ll be going to Rwanda again for 1 month to do some ministering. At this current time I’m not sure how much the finances will be, but I know I’ll need to do some fundraising while I’m over here, which could prove difficult. I ask your prayers that I be able to get cheap flights as I am rerouted and also that the planning would come together and work out. I’m just asking that God will lead my steps as I try and prepare the schedule of my time there! Thanks friends.

Be Blessed,
J. Tate