Sunday, February 19, 2012

Down-pour in Arandis!!

Well, good morning! Things are going tremendously here in Arandis. Life is peaceful. It was a bit cloudy on my way in to school for detention and English class this morning. I was in my class waiting for the kiddos and I began to hear what sounded like rain! It was a down-pour that lasted almost 60 seconds! We all ran out into the street, but it was just a tease.

I never take for granted my time here! I'm learning a lot, I fear that it will be over before I know it. The days are very long, but the months will fly by!

This week was hard, we are still figuring out things with teachers and schedule of classes. I thought after the fifth week, we'd have it! My God is helping me be patient. I'm no longer blaming all the behavior issues on the kids and the sinful state of mankind, although it's prevelent... if the teachers (including myself) don't get their acts together and get organized, than how can we expect children to pull themselves together? It's all new! We need unity among the team. We're all working together for the one goal of helping these young people get to know and love our savior. He loves them so much! As He says to the isrealites, "you shall neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress him, for you were strangers in Egypt. You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you afflict them in any way and they cry out at all to me, I will surely hear their cry and my wrath will become hot...and your children will be fatherless!" Exodus 22:21-24

In conversations with a few girls, they've said, they like their new teachers this year, but it's not as fun because they don't play sports or go on feild trips! If you've been here before, and have any more ideas for me, please let me know!

Doing things outside of the classroom, can be a blast and much more effective for bringing unity! Yesterday we rid a fence of graffiti and picked up five large trash bags of trash around the school. Some people stopped and laughed I stared, some joined us! The town workers thanked them and handed out trash bags.

When I was talking with Pearl (the pastor's daughter and amazing leader among the Sunday school) about more projects to do, we decided to work together! We will choose families in need in the community. We will work to clean for them and bless them with music or dance. One day a month we will do as many families as we can, we'll have around thirty kids!! It's neat because there were families whose names came up that had needs just the day before, even from our school. We will go to their house and the kids will serve at their own homes.

When I spoke with the youth leader today who also works at the town council about more projects to do, he said, "Well I can get back to you, but for now I want the youth to join you." He said, "We need to get the bigger ones working." My young kids are also an example for the older ones!

When God's people come together, his kingdom is established and his work is accomplished. Im just thankful that he can use us to do it. We heard in church this morning that we can't expect to hear from God and know what to do in our lives if we are not reading the words that he already spoke to us! Please remember that as you're looking for ways to spend your time. There are always needs around you!

With warmth from Arandis, Namibia!
Sen jel lader.
Anna Gdanian

Sunday, February 12, 2012

He gives hope to the hopeless

When's the last time you cried? I cried for you tonight. When's the last time you laughed? Tell me about that time. When's the last time you were frustrated, what caused that anger? When's the last time you were afraid? What eased the anxiety so you could breath again? When is the last time you were confused? From where did that turmoil originate?
Tell me because...I want to know your thoughts, I want to see your face, I want to feel your embrace, I want to be where you are! I miss you! As I'm sitting here, thinking about the empty feeling of the day I left my family in the airport; walking away from my mother, waving precious farewells, my thoughts are turned tword our heavenly father, who wants us to know him like that. Im thinking about the hopeless feeling in many children all over, but also in arandis right now because they don't have someone to love with all their heart, like I do. God desires a closeness, not one that I can understand- but I'm beginning to!
Imagine him speaking this message of hope to you!
When's the last time you cried? Listen to what my heart aches for- open your eyes and see these needy and hurting all around you!
When's the last time you laughed?Weeping may remain for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. The joy of the lord is your strength!
When's the last time you were frustrated? A soft answer turns away wrath! (proverbs 15) May the peace of Christ dwell in you richly! The lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy. (ps103:8)
When's the last time you felt misunderstood? May the name of the God of Jacob defend you. May he send you help from his sanctuary. (psalm 20:1)
When's the last time you were afraid? "Your help comes from the Lord, maker of heavan and earth!"
When's the last time you were confused? "Do not be anxious about anything, instead pray about everything." You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on wings like eagles and brought you to myself. If you will indeed obey my voice, then you shall be a special treasure to me! (exodus 19:4)

Thank you for coming on this journey and praying for the children.
With love and kind thoughts!

Anna Gdanian

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Go patriots!!

For all those who will be watching the game in 7 hours! Please enjoy!! I've never been so sad to miss a patriots game. Elizabeth said..."mom, let's give miss Anna the day off tomorrow!"
I laughed! " Why, cause you don't want me teaching you?"

"no, so you can watch you're soccer game that you want to watch!!"

Everything is soccer here I guess!
Thinking of you all this evening! It was a restful weekend, after a full week and we're going to tackle the third week of school beginning at 7:15 am. Lord bless us all!

Anna Gdanian

Birthday in Arandis!! (January 30,2012)

Beautiful, Birthday in Arandis.

Thank you for all your birthday wishes.

The best part was kindness and scrumptious dishes

Sunday with Ms. Cheryl's steaming, stew, made of beef.

A delicious chocolate cake that was smooth and creamy

Spent the early morning praying,

One of the twins had run away

In the safety of the Lord,

Ms. Nan found her in church Later that day

The thirtieth was a long one, teaching, organizing. Caring.

Every move with a prayer.

the afternoon with 10 boys and girls at Auntie Elizabeth's house.

We had Dinner with Ismael,

Smith Reponzi Riaan dennis

You see, the children wanted to surprise me, so they kept a secret a lot

to their house for some dinner because I like pop.

Delicious Porridge and meat.

the end, I broke my glasses!

What a treat!