The Woman On the Bus

So the other day I took public transportation by myself for the first time since I've been here... Yes, I have been a little afraid to transport by myself, and no, I did not get lost or end up on the complete wrong side of the city. On the bus ride to where I was going I noticed an older lady staring at me. I smiled politely and she gave me a big smile back. Surprisingly, she asked me how I was doing in english and we had some small talk before going on our way.  Later on in the day when I was walking back to the bus stop I prayed that God would help me get to where I needed to go... I was a little nervous. While I was waiting on the bus, and not even sure if it was the right one I was waiting on, I heard a voice say, "well hello again." It was the same woman who was on my first bus earlier in the day ( I later found out that her name was Adase) and she was going back in the same direction that I was. She told me that we could go ahead and get on the bus that was filling up instead of waiting out in the cold for the next one. We sat together and talked while the bus filled up. She told me about her twenty-six years in America, things she has learned through her hard times, her faith in the Lord, and how she is a widow that lives alone. She even gave me her number and told me that I could call her anytime I needed someone to talk to, and that if I ever wanted to, I could come to her house for a buna ceremony ( coffee and popcorn).  When I was getting off the bus she said she would be praying for me and that she expected to hear from me soon. Adase didn't know it but she was such a blessing to me that day. Even though it was just little conversation I felt so much encouragement from her. God used her to help me get to where I needed to go and through her gave me comfort when I was unsure.  It's in these little acts that God speaks to me, "you're not alone." I don't think it was by chance that day that we bumped into each other twice. Adase was an answered prayer; not jus that I would make it back to where I needed to go, but an answer that God is still with me even though this journey has been so hard for me. I ask that you continue to pray for me and that I will stay focused on the path that God has laid before me. I believe this trip wasn't the mission trip experience like I thought it would be but the trip that would have me answer if God comes first for me.. before my family, before my comfort, before my own wants. It's a decision that I have to make everyday... some days easier than others. Thank you to everyone for all the prayers and encouragement! Merry Christmas! 

And the Master God stays right there to help me.

Confident that I'll never regret this. - ISAIAH 50  

Learn to think like Christ. He went through everything

you're going through and more. Think of these hard times as

weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting 

to get your own way. Then you will be able to live out

your days free to pursue what God wants, instead of

being tyrannized by what you want. 1 PETER 4:1-2

Mikeus! 

Sweet shag decor included in every taxi. 

Merry Christmas from Opia!