Talk of future, Missions vs Vacations, and a little bit of Life Lately!

"So what do you two plan to do with your future?"

Ahhh, Andrew and I just LOVE getting this question... feel the sarcasm? Cause you should. It's definitely there. Actually, though, I think I am starting to like it because I'm starting to get the answer down pretty nicely. Andrew and I are doing things differently then what most people are comfortable with. Andrew is dropping out of college and is going to pursue film full-time. I got my associates degree, but I have no intention of going back for that all too important bachelor's degree but instead will be trying to earn a beautician's license. Andrew wants to pursue film as his career and all I want is to be is a wife and a mom. But of course, I'll have a full-time job doing hair until we start to have kids. THen I will stop for awhile, but possibly continue working from the house if needed. After we say this, you can really see the pained, suspicious, and annoyed face painted on whoever is listening. They always nod, somewhat politely, and then try to jokingly say, "Are you sure you want to do that?" or "That should be interesting..." or my favorite, the profound, "Oh... really?"

Yes, really. That actually is really what God has called us to. At least for right now. I mean, I don't put it past God to change things on us, but right now this is our plan. I don't really like to make too long term of plans because things are always changing. But I really do believe with all of my heart that God has a purpose for us to make films and raise children for HIS names sake. If we are doing what He has called us to for HIS names sake then why wouldn't we trust Him to pull us through it. His name is on the line here, not ours. We have completely given over our talents, plans, and dreams for Him to spread His kingdom. Andrew truly has been gifted with an amazing talent for film and He has been called by God to have that as his career. I have felt the calling to truly step up and be the biblical woman that God has called all wives and mothers to be. Our society has dumbed down this beautiful job of motherhood and made women feel small and stupid for choosing to stay home and raise their children. My amazing sister taught me that it is the most honorable and respectable job that we have to be mothers. I cannot wait to let God fulfill that purpose through em. 

After we explain that little bit up there to the poor unsuspecting person asking us about our life goals, we either get one of three responses. 

1. Complete encouragement. Once these people see where our heart is and trust what God has called us to, they are extremely supportive and loving. They respect that we have chosen to obey God and follow wherever He leads us. 
2. Misplaced advice. These people mean well, but ultimately they are trying to advice us to stay on the path towards the American dream instead of trusting God. Although that's not what they mean to do, it's what they do. I used to let these people place fear and disbelief in my heart, but God has since removed that fear and still continues to do so whenever I doubt. I have also learned, to take this advice with a grain of salt and see what good things I can pull from it, because these people are, no doubt, wise and care very much.
3. Silently sit there and then awkwardly change the subject, not knowing how to respond. Eh, I get it. I am awkward too. :)

But anyways, that was just me ranting. I shall now change the subject to something else that was on my mind today...

So today I was walking to the school to go run a mile on the track (yes, I realize how weird that sounds coming from me) and it just hit me... Oh my goodness, I am in Africa. Not America. Africa. Another country that is way far away from home. I am a whole ocean away from my home. What?!! Yes, it did take me two weeks to have that epiphany.  I don't know why, it just did. But it was so weird. There I was, walking in my tennis shoes, tshirt, with shorts and a wrap skirt over them (which feels so awkward to wear tennis shoes with a skirt, by the way) and I just see all of these Africans walking around with bowls on their heads and speaking french. Actually they probably weren't speaking French... probably that language that I don't know how to spell. Anyways, it was just strange and very intimidating. But also super cool.

You see, I know a lot of people that are going on mission trips this summer, most of them already there. Some of them aren't going to be there for very long and they are all going with a big group of Christians on a specific mission, hence the name "mission trip." I don't know, I guess I thought that it was going to be easier to do this than to go on a mission trip and have to work the whole time, but I don't think that's very true anymore. I feel like I'm getting to see life here so much more than I would have if I had come on a mission trip. I will give you my reasons as to why I feel this way:

1. I do not have a specific goal at this end of this trip, well other than getting to know Andrew's family. I am merely sitting back and observing life which I believe let's me see this city for what it really is instead of me thinking about how I can achieve my goal, like building a house or prayer walking daily in the city. 
2. I am staying in a house next door to natives. I am not staying at a site with housing for big groups, secluded by a wall, where you all do everything together. I am in a house that is right in the middle of a little neighborhood. Sure, there is a Christian school a couple of blocks away, but it's still a different atmosphere.
3. I am having to seek God on my own in this different culture. When you are on a missions trip, you have certain expectations put on you for your spiritual life. I mean, it's true because that is your whole goal of the trip. For me, spreading the gospel wasn't the goal for this trip. Yes, it is a goal for my every day life, but there is a difference between making it a goal for my trip. I do not attend a worship service every night or share at the end of the day what God did that day with a big group of believers. I'm still seeking God in my bed every morning and night on my own. Reading on my own. Seeking out time with Him on my own. It's cool to see how God still finds you when you are in another country and teaches you without all of the big show. Not that the show is bad, but this is just... totally genuine and nice.
4. I am here for a LONG time. This is no two week mission trip where you come and go just like that. Five weeks is a long time to be in a different culture. It was difficult to adjust to this lifestyle.. and I think it's going to be difficult to adjust back to lifestyle back in America. When I went to Mexico... the feeling of "oh my goodness, we have so much and they have so little" thing wore off pretty quickly. But I mean, I was only there for a week! I don't know how I'm going to shake this off after five weeks. They say it only takes three weeks to make a habit. 

Okay, done with that.

Today I am going to the Tuesday market with Mrs. Julie and Miranda. I am hoping to buy some skirts and also finish getting some presents for my family. I kind of miss them terribly. And kind of is a MEGA understatement. I miss them A LOT!!!! But don't worry, I am loving me some Africa and the Bradford family. These next three weeks better not fly by, but I know that they will. Bittersweet. 

Here are some pictures for those who are not on Facebook... :)

While Andrew was gone filming for the day, I put together a fun (and very cheap) date night! I decorated with some christmas lights and also made some yummy snacks. We had white chocolate covered pretzels, mango/banana/strawberry smoothies (thanks to Mr. Scott and Mrs. Julie), chips and homemade salsa (that Mrs. Julie and I made together), and also some sour gummies. We had a blast doing madlibs online, watching some comedians via youtube, and playing mario party!

I just love this picture of Miranda, Corrine, and I. These two girls have become so dear to me. I love them as if they were my own little sisters. It's strange being the oldest because I'm used to being the youngest with Courtney and Amanda, but these two have been the best little sisters I always begged my parents for. This was taken at Miranda's senior reception. I am SOO excited for her to come to the states and be close to me so we can hang out! I wish Corrine was coming as well.

Love, Kimmy