Engaged!!

If you had asked me a week ago what expected this trip would be like, I would have told you I didn't want to go and didn't think it would be cool at all. But God has a way of proving us wrong. I can hardly believe I've only been here three days (not even a week!). In three days I've not only learned more than I thought I wanted to know about the muslim community, but I've developed a love for the people and ministry, and I've discovered that to some, I am basically considered an oldmaid (I knew most of my friends were in serious relationships and getting married, but I had no idea how bad it was!) LoL.

My dad and I arrived in Michigan sunday night and have gotten to volunteer at a place that teaches arabs english, helps them study for their GED and helps them work on becoming a US citizen. The first two days I worked with the kids and really enjoyed it! A few years ago I had grown tired and sick of little kids, but God has given me a love for the kids again. It's been really cool. They're really cute and so in need of understanding the truth of the gospel and need of Jesus Christ.

Today, they wanted me to exprience an ESL class. But rather than being a teacher's assistant, which I thought I might be able to survive, they gave me my own class of three. Yikes! I was not prepared for that, but God's grace is enough. And other than overwhelming them, it went alright. They spoke very little english and I can't really even speak arabic, but it was a fun challenge for us to try to understand each other. And I've not only developed a love for the kids, but also for some of the women. I am going to miss them.

One of the biggest blessings I've encountered this trip has been the lady we are staying with. She is a volunteer also and to spend time with her ministering has been an incredible experience! To see the passion that these volunteers have for the muslim community is really cool. Yesterday she took me to a bridal shower and of course love to dance, so we got to attempt the middle-eastern dance. I think that was definately one of the highlights of this week. One of the other hightlights came while she was helping a lady prepare for the test to become a US citizen. Before I knew it, the lady was ready to arrange for her brother to marry me. At first I thought she was kidding, it took me a while before I realized that they believe in arranged marriages. It's a good thing I'm only here for a week. But who knows, I'll be here for three more days.... it's possible.... :) LoL

Only God knows what He has in store for the next three days. I am excited about ministry in a way I haven't known for a few years! The volunteers I've gotten to work with have been really cool and I really hope to run into them again, even on this side of heaven. It would be awesome to see God bring these lost arabs to Himself and I really hope to see them in heaven one day! As if I wasn't already dying to go to India, I can't tell you how much I want to go next summer! What a privilege we have to serve Him and show others His love and hope. Hallelujah!