Amy Stepec and Karen Boland are going to visit Christie. If you would like to send a note to her (or a Birthday Card, since they will be arriving on her birthday) you can send them to:
Christie Shermer
c/o Karen Boland
2347 Oak Park Road
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Karen will need to have them by Monday, March 8th in order to be able to pack. Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement to Christie. You are an important part of her ministry!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Favoured Few
A couple weekends ago I loaded a full band (two guitars, drum set, mics, amp, sound board......) along with five people into my little red jeep and we headed off to Mattru Jong. JK's group the Favoured Few was launching their second album. 
Since the vehicle was so loaded we couldn't close the back door as well as the fact that it was hotter than hot- we arrived in Mattru COVERED in dust. We may have left 4 black and 1 white, but we arrived ALL RED. Right after unloading everything we headed to Solomon French's place to wash. I have been there a few times and Pa French and his wife have always been very kind to me. this time they went far beyond. Mattru had a lot going on this weekend. The President's wife was in town, the UBC conference was having a large gathering, the high school in town was having it's sport time (maybe like our homecoming weeks- but very different), and the nursing school was having it's graduation. Needless to say the whole town was packed. There were no rooms open anywhere to stay and even the other friends I had stayed with in the past had other guests. No need to worry though, Pa French already had a room ready and waiting for me. I walked in the door to find not only the room but water in the wash room waiting for me, cold water to drink, and lunch on the table. All weekend they took fine care of me, but honestly it was so much more than that. The night of the launching I was sitting with a couple friends when one of them tired to introduce me to Auntie French- she stopped them in the middle- put her arm around me and said, "this is my daughter." May be a simple thing- but it did a lot for my heart.
Launchings here are of course a big deal- and a bit different than I had expected. Before the night began a group of us drove around town in a parade like fashion announcing the event as well as sharing a bit about the boys faith and why they were in this group. Finally around 9pm the event started- and an event it was. Many other artists, groups, even comedians (whom I had the pleasure of traveling with- and since we arrived red and had many other adventures- I was a part of their act more than once) are invited to preform first. All these people believe strongly in Jesus Christ and they shared that passionately this night. It was so much more than a concert. It wasn't until close to Midnight that the Favoured Few went on stage for the first time. 
The crowd was involved and the group truly entertained, but they did more than that. Their songs each carry powerful messages and the group also likes to dabble in a bit of drama, which they shared with us as well. All these guys have become good friends of mine so I admit to being a bit biased, however I really do enjoy their music and fully believe in not only their talent, but their aim to reach people as well. 
Though these guys are great friends as I have said- I am REALLY thankful for good girl friends. A few were there for the launching as well. Femme and I traveled together, but she was not about to take a picture with me when we were covered in dust (I should have taken one alone just to show you- next time). Here I am with our friend Neneh. I tell you she will out dance you all. I had to hide behind my camera just to get a chance to breath. :)
Watching JK in his element- playing the instruments he enjoys, performing with his brothers, sharing the music he wrote... I was honored to be a part of their night. 
The girls and I- Mary, Christie, and Neneh. I have to say that come 4:30am with the program just starting to come to a close- I was so thankful to have these ladies with me. It may have been a long night, but I didn't notice it (until trying to drive back home with band and 6 people the next morning). I Love the kids and thoroughly enjoyed their welcome when I arrived home, but I admit that I need and cherish these times away with friends and also the chance to connect with my Savior through music.
Since the vehicle was so loaded we couldn't close the back door as well as the fact that it was hotter than hot- we arrived in Mattru COVERED in dust. We may have left 4 black and 1 white, but we arrived ALL RED. Right after unloading everything we headed to Solomon French's place to wash. I have been there a few times and Pa French and his wife have always been very kind to me. this time they went far beyond. Mattru had a lot going on this weekend. The President's wife was in town, the UBC conference was having a large gathering, the high school in town was having it's sport time (maybe like our homecoming weeks- but very different), and the nursing school was having it's graduation. Needless to say the whole town was packed. There were no rooms open anywhere to stay and even the other friends I had stayed with in the past had other guests. No need to worry though, Pa French already had a room ready and waiting for me. I walked in the door to find not only the room but water in the wash room waiting for me, cold water to drink, and lunch on the table. All weekend they took fine care of me, but honestly it was so much more than that. The night of the launching I was sitting with a couple friends when one of them tired to introduce me to Auntie French- she stopped them in the middle- put her arm around me and said, "this is my daughter." May be a simple thing- but it did a lot for my heart.Launchings here are of course a big deal- and a bit different than I had expected. Before the night began a group of us drove around town in a parade like fashion announcing the event as well as sharing a bit about the boys faith and why they were in this group. Finally around 9pm the event started- and an event it was. Many other artists, groups, even comedians (whom I had the pleasure of traveling with- and since we arrived red and had many other adventures- I was a part of their act more than once) are invited to preform first. All these people believe strongly in Jesus Christ and they shared that passionately this night. It was so much more than a concert. It wasn't until close to Midnight that the Favoured Few went on stage for the first time. The crowd was involved and the group truly entertained, but they did more than that. Their songs each carry powerful messages and the group also likes to dabble in a bit of drama, which they shared with us as well. All these guys have become good friends of mine so I admit to being a bit biased, however I really do enjoy their music and fully believe in not only their talent, but their aim to reach people as well. 
Though these guys are great friends as I have said- I am REALLY thankful for good girl friends. A few were there for the launching as well. Femme and I traveled together, but she was not about to take a picture with me when we were covered in dust (I should have taken one alone just to show you- next time). Here I am with our friend Neneh. I tell you she will out dance you all. I had to hide behind my camera just to get a chance to breath. :)Watching JK in his element- playing the instruments he enjoys, performing with his brothers, sharing the music he wrote... I was honored to be a part of their night. 
The girls and I- Mary, Christie, and Neneh. I have to say that come 4:30am with the program just starting to come to a close- I was so thankful to have these ladies with me. It may have been a long night, but I didn't notice it (until trying to drive back home with band and 6 people the next morning). I Love the kids and thoroughly enjoyed their welcome when I arrived home, but I admit that I need and cherish these times away with friends and also the chance to connect with my Savior through music.Monday, February 8, 2010
Computerless
So you would think that living in the African bush I would not be so attached to my computer- but I am. My charger is no longer charging it- and since the battery has run out- I am without my computer. I am trying my best to figure it out. If nothing else I have two great guests coming for my birthday who I am sure will fix this problem by bringing a new charger.
I sit here at the Internet cafe knowing that a post is in order- and yet with little time and for some reason little concentration I will just do a bullet post.
I sit here at the Internet cafe knowing that a post is in order- and yet with little time and for some reason little concentration I will just do a bullet post.
- Amy Stepec and Karen Boland are coming to visit. They fly in on my birthday- what a great present.
- It is HOT here. The sun is hotter everyday. It hasn't rained once since I have returned. However there is fog and dew each morning that manages to keep things green. I am told this will not last much longer- March will be HOT and DRY.
- I won 1 million Leones- it is worth about $250. I think it may be the most I have ever won. It was from the phone company I use. When you buy units it enters you in to win- I happened to win. I had to travel to Freetown and appear on TV to collect.
- Have really enjoyed playing with the kids lately. The other day 4yr old Patrick made me pretend to be the police- he was the bus driver. He handed me a leaf on the way by- his money to bribe me to let him through. Oh the little ones pick up everything- even the corruption in this country.
- Have started cooking a lot- including pancakes on my charcoal pot. I might be going through a phase, but am not so much in the mood for rice and leaves lately. It has been alright as I can cook a lot of things I didn't realize. Last week I had spaghetti, hamburgers, and chili.
- Have been taking different kids to church with me in town. This week was the boys week. Abu Bakar, Yusuf, and Babar joined me. They thought it was great in the beginning but decided that next week they would like to stay home for their 1 1/2 hour service rather than the 2 3/4 hour service in town. The best part was the soft drink on the way home.
- Congrats to Holly and Aaron on the birth of Eli. I can't wait to meet and hold my newest "nephew".
- One of the Minnesota couples has gone back to MN. the left me last Thursday. I will miss them but am so thankful for their friendship and support here. Del and Linda are still here until May- then it will be just me holding down the fort.
I know this is quick but I have to run and just wanted everyone to know I am still here. Hopefully my good friend the PC will be back soon.
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