Tara’s African Adventures- December 2009

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Let’s Celebrate! There are so many reasons to celebrate this time of year. We finished exams, teachers and students survived and excelled. We completed our first year of Emmanuel Christian Academy- Praise the Lord! We celebrated the birth of our Lord with an amazing Christmas Program. It was more than a month early, but the kids impressed everyone as they practiced for weeks and pulled off the program without too many hiccups. Last but not least I am celebrating another amazing year serving the Lord in Southern Sudan. I have been so blessed and honored to serve here at ECA this year. My heart’s desire has been to bring glory to GOD in all that I have done and I pray He is receiving glory in the hearts and lives of the people here in Sudan.

Please don’t go Miss Callander…. Last week the reality finally began to sink in. My pupils had heard that I was leaving, but as the time began to draw closer reality began to hit. One of the last days of classes the questions began to fly. Why did I have to leave? Couldn’t I just find a man in Goli to marry? Would I come and visit? My heart was breaking as I saw how close our bond had grown this year and how difficult it would be to leave. Please pray for these children that they will continue to grow in their love and passion for the Lord even when I leave.

Changes again…..I don’t always understand the coming and going process myself. The last two and a half years I have experienced more transition and change than I ever experienced over a 25 year period of my life. I would find myself longing for normality and consistency, but it hasn’t really happen. The only true consistency I have found in my life has been my relationship with Christ. He has been at my side through all the changes and movements. As I contemplate leaving in just a couple of days my heart does many summersaults. I am overjoyed to connect with family and loved ones, but my heart aches for the people here and the work that still needs to be done. But my work is not finished. God maybe calling me to the states for a time but I know He will continue to use me wherever I may go. And the best part is He is not finished here in Sudan either, just as His hand is on this new phase in my life His hand will also lead and guide the people here in Southern Sudan as they continue to seek Him. Praise the LORD for His continual faithfulness in all our lives.

Leaving in a jet plane and I don’t know when I’ll be back again….. So I start my journey on Thursday please pray for safe travels as I have four flights to catch in two days. Pray also as Brian and I as we begin this new phase of our lives together. We are looking forward to connecting with many of you in person during and after this holiday season. Pray for the children and people in Goli as we part ways that God will continue to provide for the needs of ECA.

Praises:

Lillian- she had a beautiful little baby boy last week, she named him Brian- all are healthy and well.

ECA Exams- exams are complete and everyone did well.

Brian- ended well in North Africa and is now back in the states spending time with his family.

Helen- is feeling well and has been able to continue to work during her pregnancy to provide for her family- praise the LORD.

Teachers- we are slowly finding teachers, continue to pray.

Prayers:

Transition and Travels- pray for safe travels and transition for me as I head back to America so many things are different between the two countries and its overwhelming at first.

Teachers: continue to pray for the right teachers to fill the open positions at ECA.

Students- pray that God will comfort them and fill the void when I leave.

Much Love,

Tara