Written by a Cafe 1040 Student

We've explored and traveled through three different cities using seven different kinds of transportation, enjoying the hospitality of a sweet Muslim family, meeting with other overseas missionaries, and hanging out with new friends we've made (also drinking more tea than I thought my belly could hold).

The most overwhelming part has been living so closely with teammates, with the constant noise and language barriers, sensory overload, and some really bad sickness...and the women I longed to meet being hard to find.

I struggled with feeling like I was failing at my purpose in being here and felt like God was so far away...when He gently reminded not one time had I brought that prayer of my heart to Him. I hadn't prayed from faith that He was working. I hadn't prayed for the hearts of the women He's already working in.

Then I paused and was gently reminded that He doesn't need me to be here, at all. That He didn't bring me here for me to work for Him, but to show me joy in loving this city with Him. 

Then this week came, Rosie and I were able to meet up with a past student’s friend - who we'll call 'Chadren'. All three of us bonded right away over a pot of tea, and spent the next 3 hours laughing & sharing about food, friends, and family - making plans right then to meet again later this week.

Yesterday when we visited a neighborhood just to ask questions & be learners about the culture (hopefully meeting new friends)... my prayers about meeting more girls my age were answered. We met sisters our age, G & D, who invited us into their home to meet the rest of their family, and asked if we could come back again today. Please continue to pray with us that these friendships grow & lead to meeting many more local friends! 

God is so kind to remind us that He is the One doing all the work. We just get the joy of joining in!