Last weekend, I met a young woman on the beach. Then we met “randomly” at a market miles away… I had no idea that God had an elaborate plan to make her feel loved! And I was just a piece of the puzzle.

My team and I got to go to the beach for the day – finally! We were staying near the shore (about 30 min walk) for THREE WEEKS and this was our first visit. There were many women swimming at this location, and even surfing – an abnormality for this part of the world.

Playing in the waves I encountered my friend-to-be. She had a wet suit on, so I knew we should be friends. Another young woman was out in the waves with a board and a surf instructor. Later I found out they are co-workers and best friends.

“Hello” I said.

She responded with a deer-in-headlights expression, and, “I don’t speak a very good English.” I thought to myself – “Psh! Like that’s going to stop us from becoming friends…” I asked in very animated language what her name was and if this was her first time surfing? Fatima, we will call her. She said it was her first time! But that her friend Sheba (out in the waves) had come before. Thus our friendship was born.

We visited a bit more, and I met her group of friends. Before the day was over, I had rented my own board (for the equivalent of $5 – booya!), had taught a couple of my teammates everything I knew about the sport (which wasn’t very much), and had gotten my new friend’s WhatsApp number (a common practice among the locals). My heart felt full.

That night I got a text from Fatima, her surfer friend (Sheba – also not her real name), and her coworker. Mind you, I had only given my number to Fatima… All three of them extended a variety of invitations and offers for assistance while in the area – the local hospitality norm.

It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest, and at first I wondered, what’s the catch?

You see, back home, we have hospitality, but it’s limited. There are boundaries to be observed. The locals here know no such boundaries. They also have an eagerness to serve and love in a way that has made me question how I do life in the States. But, I digress, back to my story.

So I got all these offers and I was just overwhelmed by the generosity, trying my best to look at the offers through both a cultural lens AND wisdom… But I didn’t land on anything and before I knew it the night had flown by without a response to the offers.

And then it was Sunday. And we had church. And I helped with the kids church for a third week. (I already have favorites. Don’t judge me!) We set up tables advertising registration for the Beauty for Ashes women’s retreat and for the professional development workshop. Nashiely (aka Jelly) taught her Studying Scripture class – it went so well! After church we collaborated with team Daughters of the Light to divvy up responsibilities for the B4A Retreat.

It was a busy day.

After all was said and done at church, my team looked at each other and said, “To the habouse?” The habouse is an old group of buildings that house at least a hundred tiny shops, each lined with an assortment of goods from floor to ceiling. And so we went! Splitting into two taxis outside the church, we weaved through the city streets until finally we had arrived. It was busy, but not loud… Overall a wonderful experience.

About an hour into our experience, Shela and I were looking at a shop entrance, debating on entering, when my name was called. “Hannah??” A mixture of mutual surprise and excitement, I turned to see my friend from the beach! What a coincidence! (If such things even exist.)

Fatima introduced me to an older woman – her mother. She and I traipsed around the market, arm-in-arm, looking for specific treasures. After a while, Fatima paused and explained that they needed to go to another market to find what they came for… Would Shela and I like to join?

It was tempting! BUT… it would mean leaving our teammates behind, which was not cool, so, we would have to catch them another time.

“Another time” was set for Tuesday and we said farewell with the customary hugs and multiple kisses on the cheek.

That night I got a message from her, expressing how loved she felt by GOD that we had run into each other that day, as it was her birthday!

Isn’t God the coolest??? 

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Me and three of my teammates joined Fatima for dinner that Tuesday night. Sheba joined us. It was so fun and the most “at home” I’ve felt at a local’s house. So many women came – cousins, sisters, aunts – all gathered to meet us! Only three of them spoke English, but the language barrier was anything but a barrier. By the end of the night, we had eaten a three course meal, laughed through a belly dancing lesson, and watched one of the cousin’s wedding video. It was a night to remember! Around 10:30pm I was thinking, we should probably catch a taxi soon… when our hostess announced, “We are going to Sheba’s house now to sleep.” It took a moment for me to realize – she was talking about me and my team!!

After a few minutes of deliberation, we announced that that was fine and we “headed out the door”. Two hours and a hundred kisses later, we arrived at our destination. Sheba’s mom awaited our arrival – despite the late hour. Sheba brought out a guitar, lit candle among tea cookies for her friend, and we all sang ‘Happy Birthday” to Fatima. She was overjoyed and I could see her love-tank filling up.

Then my teammate Shela played worship music.

And Sheba had some really good conversations with Shela and Jelly – apparently gospel music is one of her favorite things ever. Pray she hears the voice of the Holy Spirit and is drawn to His Presence as she listens to songs about the One who created the Heavens and the Earth! Fatima is a harder nut to crack. But she is the Lord’s handiwork and when the right time comes, I know she will embrace the freedom found in following Jesus in non-religion. Pray that the seeds we are planting would continue to be watered and that growth would come out of it!!

The next morning the girls left early for work. They gave us beds and we woke up long after they had gone to a spread of bread and fruit and coffee. We got to spend the morning visiting with Sheba’s mother, Gloria, we shall call her. Gloria later walked us to the taxi stand and saw us safely off to our next destination. As I got in, I gestured through the taxi window – both of my hands to my heart, then to my mouth, then to her in a kiss – a universal sign of gratitude. Gloria’s smile was so bright, I am sure it could be seen from Mars.

 

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Prayer Requests:

• Salvation seeds would be watered

• Provision for the year

• Unity – within the squad, for individual teams, and with hosts

• Physical/Emotional Health

• An Outpouring of the Holy Spirit

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Ministry Update:

    On our first arrival in North Africa, my team and Team Daughters of the Light established a connection with the local International Church. We brainstormed on how to best serve the diverse community of believers and came up with three events:

• The last two weeks we’ve hosted Professional Development Workshop. It’s been a big hit! Please pray next week’s final session will also be led by the Holy Spirit and attendees leave feeling encouraged and equipped.

• Sunday was the first week of the Studying Scripture class, and there was such a hunger expressed for God’s Word! The second and final course will be on the 30th.

• This weekend is the women’s retreat: Beauty for Ashes! Almost 30 women are registered to attend, and WOW are we excited! For more info on how this impactful worldwide ministry came to be, visit https://www.adventures.org/beautyforashes/

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Fundraising

I’m looking for 40 people to commit to partnering with me for 4 months at $50-75/month. Would you prayerfully consider partnering with me as I share the gospel to the World?

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Shoutout

Today I got another monthly donor! #THANKYOUSOMUCH #ILY#YOUKNOWWHOYOUARE