This Time For Africa ♫

EXCITING NEWS!
I have officially placed my decision for my placement country (where i will be doing ministry from Jan-July). With much prayer and petition i have decided to go to Burkina Faso in West Africa.

If you aren't exactly sure where Burkina is:
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwaw2-PqKMC6RUp0_dQeHIKW8bymX5-PcwFb9hgSKAQXgo2NYIz8qN9wLpRZ3LkQ1cdjg3leuAiFI2cdQWJgNZYqRuI8FchM92xWmuO-ala2DXxs4A2YeXhUxWc-Ch0XFmYG9LD3Ix69d/s320/burkinamap.jpg)

Coming to Wales i had decided in my mind that:
1) i wanted to go to the deepest darkest country where the gospel had never been taken before
2) i want to work really hard to learn the language
3) i would go on my own

 So at first i was thinking North Africa, but then God answered my prayers by shutting that door (they only accepted girls this year). So then the two that stood out to me the most were the opportunities in the Middle East, and West Africa.  Again God opened and closed doors. After weeks of attempting to get ahold of the team in WAfrica we finally received a very exciting email. And at the same time the Middle East field leader (yay Mr. S!) decided it wouldnt be wise to send anyone to the placement i was thinking about. God decided to shatter all my expectations haha! Praise the Lord!

My gap year leader handed me the email from WAfrica and i began to read:
"Hello Debbie! We would love to receive Gappers! Some conditions however: 2 people is a lot less work than 1, as they can live together. 2 of the same sex please who are at least willing to learn French."

After reading that first two lines i put the paper down and said..."ohhhh nooo... i am going to go to west Africa with zack! Nooo!" I continued to read and EVERYTHING seemed to be falling into place. They asked for people who could coordinate sports clubs, teach english (both to elementary students, and the teachers of the elementary school), lead bible studies, teach the guitar, go on prayer/evangelical journeys, and babysit. All things that i have some type of experience in!

I took the email and prayed about it, and the next day i met with my one to one. He had alot of insightful things to say. I was worried about my attitude towards the whole situation, and he helped me realize that although i my want "my own adventure," who better to have with me than my best friend while spreading God's love!

The more i thought and the more Zack and i talked the more and more excited we got. We realize that there is a possibility that God is alining our destinies for the rest of our lives! I am SO excited to share in this adventure with Zack. We are already learning French (zack already knows alot), and reading up on the country. Turns out 35% of the country is unreached so that is really exciting, and Burkina is also one of the poorest countries in Africa.

Also, it was cool to remember the other day that i have already invested in Burkina Faso! Freshman year our bible study raised $4,000 to build a well in Burkina! Maybe i will see it when i am there :)
I have such a peace about my decision so i thank you for all who were praying that God would lead!

(Placement Video To Come)

Also, check out zack's blog at:
www.gapyearsmiley.tumblr.com