Sunday we went to two churches and David was able to preach at both. They were both really good. It was great to see some believers here in this city. About 85-90% of the women here wear veils; 10% of those wear all black. It's so sad to see people in such a dead religion, working so hard, but still on their way to hell.

Although so many women veil, I have not felt uncomfortable or threatened. Although everyone is nice, women are viewed differently here. The husband/wife relationship is different too. Almost as if they are not suppose to be together and enjoy each others company in public. Some do, but that's the exception rather than the rule.

Joshua is still sick. He has had a fever off and on for five days. He has had some diarrhea, not eating very much solids, and really bad allergies. We got him an antibiotic, but he gets sick after taking them. The liquid is a different texture, maybe that's what is causing it. I have heard things from people here about the doctors. You have to be very careful about where to go. I am going to take him when we get home if he is still sick. He is not dehydrated. He drinks plenty of fluids and has enough wet diapers. Please pray for him. It is hard for us to see him so sick.

We have one more day here and then we will be heading home. I have enjoyed my time here. We have got a lot accomplished and have a much better view of how to prepare and what to expect. I have comfort in knowing where I will be coming, what it is like, a general idea of where I will live, the hours of language school, how I will shop, what I can buy, and probably who will keep Joshua while I am in language school. I will never be able to tell you how much comfort this gives me. The Lord Jesus has really been good to us. He has provided for our needs and given us peace in our hearts, most importantly, He has saved us from an eternity in hell and promised us a future in heaven with Him. Sadly, most of the world don't have this, and they do want it, their works prove it.

Day 3

Day 3-Not a Charm

Joshua woke up with a 102 degree fever this morning. I don’t really know if he has a virus or if it could be teething or what. Once we got the fever down, he was happy and played a lot of the day, but it kept going back up. We went and bought souvenirs this morning and then spent the day with Sam and his family at their house. They were very sweet and generous. After the meal, I tried to help clean up. I thought I knew how to wash dishes until I tried to wash the dishes of a huge meal for seven people in one very small sink.

Day 2

Day 2 here went well. Sam picked us up this morning, and we went to the pyramids before it got too hot. After that we went to a language school and checked it out. (It was ok, but pray that we will find the best one.) Then, we went to the seven oldest churches here. This was heart-breaking. In one of the churches the people were working their way to one room dedicated to saint George and picking up these chains they believe he was bound in. They were kissing them over and over again and putting them around their necks. Sam explained that they were their for spiritual reasons, but that they also believed that he could heal them and give them good health. In another room, people would rub a picture of the saints over and over again to try to be closer to them and receive blessings. They are trying so hard. These people are desperately looking for a savior and the majority of them have never heard Jesus as Savior. Awful! After that, we went to the mountain top and looked over the city and prayed. Wow, I can not express how big the city is: 18 MILLION people. Then we priced furniture. A full day.

In reguards to the culture, I have definitely found some good things. The people seem nice, but authoritative. The women absolutely love Joshua. There is always someone there to help when you need it, and it doesn’t cost too much. So far, the food has been good and the American fast food is inexpensive. (We will be eating a home-cooked meal tomorrow.) I cannot find toys for Joshua, but there are playgrounds, arcades, and trampolines that you can pay for the kids to enjoy. They have bathtubs, not just showers! The water is clean enough!

Some things I will have to learn to deal with: The noise of the city. I have always lived in the country. The area is not very pretty. It seems to be composed of sand(more like petrified sand) and filth. It is definitely the dirtiest place I have ever been. Driving without rules. Christians are treated differently than Muslims.

Relief

Well, we’re here!! I was nervous about having Joshua on the planes, but he did great! I don’t think he ever fussed for more than 5 minutes at a time. I thank the Lord for a great baby and a wonderful husband. Today, David planned for us to go to the area we are looking at moving to and to the “mall”. I enjoyed seeing the nicer side of town and the conveniences we will have. There is definitely more than I thought! We were picked up from the airport last night by the man that we will be working with. As my husband would say, he is a blessing. He picked us up this morning and has taken us from place to place and has answered question after question. We really appreciate him. I am looking forward to meeting his wife. She doesn’t speak English, but maybe that will be good for me while I am trying to learn Arabic.

So, I haven’t stopped hearing car horns since I got here. At least one every five seconds, usually more. Crazy. These people blow the horn for everything!

I have only heard the call to prayer once so far today. We were in the mall, and I did not see one person stop to pray. Sam said that they rarely do. So, I feel overwhelmed by the religion, but I guess that’s ok. It’s too much for us, but it’s not too hard for the Lord. He can do all things and I know that it is His will to see people come to trust in Him. Pray for us.

Nervous

Ok, so I'm starting to get nervous! We are in NC tonight and tomorrow, going home Monday, and leaving for N.Africa on Tuesday. I don't believe I would be nervous if I were just vacationing, but I'm going to see my new home and mission field. I have been praying that the Lord Jesus would give me a passion for the place and the people. I know it will be much easier to move there if I have a love for it. I can't believe we have made it this far already. The Lord has been so good to us! The other day, I said 'God bless" you to a lady. Her reply was, "He will". Isn't that true-He will and He has already.

Faithful!

To know a definition of a word is good, but to experience the power of it is life-changing. The Lord is so faithful. During the last couple of weeks, I have been thinking a lot about how faithful the Lord has been to us. So many times He has provided financially just when we needed it! So many times He has given peace when my heart was troubled! So many times He has answered prayers! Even recently, the Lord has answered prayers of mine within minutes and hours of the time I prayed. He is so Good, so Sweet, so Loving, Caring, Giving, Merciful, and Gracious... His love for me really has caused me to love Him more! I am honored to be able to serve the Lord of lords and King of kings, even when it's difficult.

April and May

Busy doesn't even begin to explain the last couple of months. During the last couple of months, we have been in several meetings( at one point they were back to back daily for over 2 weeks!) in many different states. We went to the doctor's office 3 times and to the ER once for sickness. I thought that was over but now I'm sick(bad sore throat) and praying I will get well without a doctor's visit.

We were finally at home a few days this past week and are on the road again. (If you live in GA and I didn't call you to meet up, please forgive me. I had a lot to do and also wanted a date night with my husband.) We should be back in town soon for a couple more days!

We are leaving for a trip to our field in a little more than a month. Please pray for safety and that we will get everything accomplished that needs to be done. Also, for Joshua to adjust well to both the time change and the heat. Thanks!