Political Situtation

Some of you have seen my request for prayer over the last few days. Well here is the short version. You can get more details by searching Madagascar news.

On Wednesday there was a constitutional referendum. Wednesday afternoon the same military that ousted the previous president and helped the transactional government, staged another coup now on the one they helped gain power. There were many problems around the airport and the military base close to the airport. The American Embassy has been sending out phone messages alerting us as to problem areas so I just stayed home. On Thursday it appeared everything had died down. We had a quiet day. On Friday things heated up again. The news radios tv and others advised people living in the area by the military base and airport. There were large caravans of military heading in that direction. I again stayed home. (God gave me brains to use them). On Saturday it seemed quiet again. I went to the church for a ladies tea and afterward went with a friend to the grocery store on the other side of town. (I was looking for a turkey and was told they sell them at that store, no luck though) While I was on the other side of town it appears gun fire began at the military base and the rebels were arrested. After I arrived home I was un aware anything was happening until I spoke to a friend that is in the states. Go figure. Anyway I was once again home safe. We had a great thunder storm last night and I lost power for about 3 hours. The power returned about 9:30 and right afterward I got another message from the Embassy that there was an explosion in the downtown area. I have been looking on the internet for information about the explosion, but no word of it yet.

It is Sunday morning and my church is close to my home so I will go and Praise the name of our God. A friend and prayer partner suggested Psalm 91. I believe this Psalm was written for such a time as this.

Please be assured I am safe and protected by God.

Blessings to you all
Your sister in Christ
Sandi

Lessons for Life.

I received this in an e-mail today and liked it so much I wanted to share it with you.

First, change your eating habits, be wise; educate yourself about good nutrition.

Second, be clear about where you want to go. Set specific goals, and have a plan and a timetable for reaching them. Don't be controlled by mindless routine.

Third, instead of ignoring your problems, resolve them. Act before they become chronic and start sapping your energy.

Fourth, don't 'veg' on TV. Too much television dulls you mentally and lulls you into lethargy, 'But they that wait upon the Lord... renew their strength...' (Isaiah 40:31KJV).

Fifth, if you're overloaded, don't take on more. Don't say yes out of a sense of guilt, false responsibility or the need to be needed.

Sixth, take a break. When did you last take time to get away? A change of pace and fresh scenery are great battery-chargers.

Seventh, get to bed earlier. When you burn the candle at both ends, you are the one who burns out. You say, 'But I'm doing it for the Lord.' Notice what the Lord says, 'It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late... for so He gives His beloved sleep' (Psalm 127:2 NKJV).

back home and a friends wedding

Hi everyone. I miss you all. I made it back here on Tuesday afternoon. It was really good to be home. My dog was really happy to have me home again. Nicole picked me up at the airport and brought me home. When we arrived several of my friends were there. It was good to see them all. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends both here and back home in the States. You are all a blessing to me.

Last week was very busy and I had a wedding to attend yesterday. I guess the cultural sensitivity was good for me at this event. The wedding was scheduled at 11:30 but didn't start until almost 1pm because the bride didn't get to the church until then. They had the legal wedding and the engagement party in the morning and she didn't have enough time to get ready. Then after the service we went to the reception about 3:30 and shortly after was served starters. It was a large buffet of meats, salads, shrimp and other assorted foods. (I thought it was the whole meal). After that there was dancing and (very loud) music. Then the bride and groom received the guests then more dancing I was getting ready to leave and then the cutting of the cake ceremony happened. There was a 20 min speech about the cutting of the cake (sorry but I didn't understand the language) then they cut the cake. But it wasn't served at this time. Again I was ready to leave, but no now the main meal was served. Then more singing and dancing. Finally I was really tired (still had some jet lag) so I left however when I was leaving I saw they were getting ready to serve dessert (not the cake yet). I skipped that and started the long hour drive home. I got home about 8pm very tired.