The Next Step..

Well, apparently God isn't finished with me yet! I am the newest member on the Catalyst East unit with the Christian international repertory theater company Covenant Players. It's funny how God can call us and change our lives in the blink of an eye. This ministry has been sharing the gospel around the world for 50 years. My parents both served as missionaries with Covenant Players (aka CP) for many years and as a young girl I had plans to be a "CPer" as well. It's funny how things turn out huh? Now I'm finally able to use my life long passion of theater as well as continue in ministry and missions.

I've been touring in Ohio for about 2 weeks now and it's been a crazy ride already. Thankfully I've been blessed with an incredible team of wonderful and talented people - Robin, Suzanne and Erin Goettl.

 We've already had 18 performances, in a variety of venues from churches, convent and a school, to nursing homes and a handful of prisons. I'm spending hours every day learning lines (I'm working on my 20th character right now!), and although sometimes I end up with a bit of a headache, once I get up on that stage I know it's all worth it. I am humbled and at the same time excited to see how this ministry has touched so many lives and is continuing to bless so many others. I can't wait to see what else God has in store for me and my team.

For more info about Covenant Players check out www.covenantplayers.org !

Staying Positive

It truly is the little things in life that bring the most joy. On the way back to the orphanage after a meeting with the village committee, I saw two little boys playing ninja (or perhaps the Tanzanian equivalent of kick fighting) on the side of the road. As I greeted them in Swahili they stopped their warrior dance and began to walk with me. One boy, Nuru, I recognized from the local primary school, boldly grabbed my hand and the other little boy scampered around to follow in suit with my remaining hand. We walked on in silence, toothy grins plastered wide on all three faces. 

I have only been back in the village for a few weeks, and it has already been the most emotionally tumultuous experience of my entire time here in Tanzania. It is a difficult confession, as my pride wishes to feign indifference or even preference for my life at the orphanage; however that is far from the truth. In fact, during my 4 week stay in back in my home town over the holidays, there were days when I wished that I didn’t have to return to Sunrise Children’s Home. My heart longs to remain with my friends and family, where life is easy and comfortable. But then I think who can accomplish anything in a life when complacency and mediocrity reign? I must not settle for ease and comfort, but strive for purpose and growth, only then will I attain any measurement of success or achievement.

So here I am, living day to day, trusting that God has some sort of a plan for me, for Sunrise, for these children. Each day is a struggle, but as I focus on being grateful for the many blessings presented to me, then I have the strength to carry on and bless others.