Prayer Request

Hello All! My internet acess is becoming limited soon, so dont worry if there isnt much to read for a short time. I would like to ask that you would all be praying for my co-workers back in the States as well as the Little family. I received word a few days ago, that a lady that I worked with passed away in a car accident. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one, so I would ask that you keep the Little family in your prayers. Marla Little passed away about a week ago, leaving behind a husband and two young daugthers...one of which also needs prayers; because she was with her mother in the car and wa severly injured! Please be praying for them...I know that the Little Family has been reading my blog, so whenever you read this, please know that I am praying for you..and Erica, I will try to send you something in the mail soon :)

The team and I transitioned to Bougouni on Friday, and are getting settled in before starting our next class next week! I will try to write a longer update as soon as possible...until then..thanks for praying...and remember you can always send emails...

hhampton3669@graceu.edu

My Testimony

Tomorrow is Father's Day. It seems that that day is usually kind of hard for me. After my dad's accident things have never been the same. I have learned to appreciate what I have, while I have it: ) I decided that for those of you reading my blog, if you havent ever heard part of my testimony, that I would post it on here. I hope that if you choose to read it, that you are challenged to not take things for granted. Let those you love, know you love them! : ) Thanks for your prayers and the emails! They are appreciated!

*MY TESTIMONY*
Have you ever had something that happened to you that changed your life forever, it may have happened in just a moment, or even over a long period of time, but the final outcome changed your life, well two summers, while at camp, my life did just that. There were many aspects of my life that changed, some in quite a short period of time, but also a few over a long period of time. It all started back in March of 2005, when one of my co-workers, whom had once been a counselor at camp when I was a camper, told me that she was going to go back to camp and was going to spend the whole summer counseling. She told me that I should consider counseling also, because they always need help, and that it would just be great to be back out at camp. I believe that God has called me into missions, and have been trying to do missions work these last couple of summers, and at that time I didn’t have a trip planned for this last summer, and so I thought maybe having this coworker talk to me about an opportunity to serve at camp was God’s way of telling me that Camp Witness was where He wanted me to be this summer, and now as I look back, Camp Witness was exactly where He wanted me to be! My original plan was to spend two weeks counseling at camp, and then return home, but another window of opportunity opened up, and they asked me to come back to counsel for another week, to which I gladly accepted their offer, not knowing at the time, that that would be the week that would dramatically change my life forever.
It was the second to last week of camp, and this particular week we had mainly junior high kids, being that there was a basketball clinic going on. Because of the age of the campers, we were able to show Nooma videos during the Bible class times, and had discussions that would directly follow these short films. Nooma videos are about an average of 11 minutes each, yet within that short time, the creator of the films, Rob Bell, is able to discuss many of the challenges life presents, and what the best way is to respond to them. His messages are quite clear, and really require some thought. I remember, that one day we watched one of his movies called, “Luggage” and in this film the main message is that we need to be taking every opportunity to attend to the needs of others, and we need to do it now, because we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Well, in the end of this film there is a woman who is killed in a car accident, the point is illustrated that we need to be living each day as though it were our last, because again we are not guaranteed tomorrow. That short little film, really touched my heart, it really challenged me, it made me think of a few friends that I knew I needed to talk to, and it also made me appreciate my family and all of the things that I have. The next day, while in game time, out at the ball diamond, I received a phone call telling me that my father and my brother had been in a car accident. At first, they told me that is wasn’t too serious, they said that my brother was fine, but that my dad had a severely broken arm, and some cuts, but nothing to serious. As the afternoon progressed, more and more little, but serious details started to come in, I found out that my dad had hit a semi head on, and then about 2 hours after I received the first phone call telling me that there had been an accident, I received one last phone call, a call that I will never forget, it was the call that told me that my dad hadn’t made it through the accident. At just 56 years of age, my father was killed in a car accident, and although I knew where my dad was, because he had chosen to accept Jesus Christ as his Savior at a very young age, it was still hard for me to understand God’s reasoning. I quickly learned that although we don’t always understand, God’s timing is perfect. Being out at camp, when the accident happened literally saved my life, I was actually supposed to be with my dad teaching some college students how to start Bible studies, but I had told my dad that I was going to be counseling at camp, and wouldn’t be able to go with him, so my being at camp was all part of God’s perfect timing and perfect plan; it also made me realize that God isn’t quite done with me yet!J Another way camp played a major role in my life this last summer, was the relationships that I was able to build. Before I left for camp for the first 2 weeks, my dad had told me that he was going to be praying that I would find great Christian friends, who would be able to not only hold me accountable, but to also encourage me; that was also a prayer of mine as well, and while at camp, God answered that prayer. I was able to build some wonderful friendships with many of my fellow counselors, relationships that have changed my life forever. After the accident had happened, if I hadn’t been out at camp, I wouldn’t have really had any friends to turn to, but because I was at Camp Witness, and because I had developed these relationships, all the counselors were right there with me. I can honestly say, that if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have been able to handle that particular obstacle in the way that I did. I love each and every one of the counselors, and I am truly appreciative to them for everything that they have done for me.
The Nooma video that I would’ve watched the day after the accident, had I been at camp, was one called “Rain”. In this film, Rob Bell is talking about how God will never leave us, and that although He can put storms in our lives, He knows the way home, and that He loves us enough to help us through them. I actually watched that video about a week after the accident, I just sat there amazed at the message. I, felt as though God was talking directly to me, through this video. It was at that point that I was again reminded , that although I may not understand God’s timing, He isn’t ever going to leave me, and that He is right here by my side, holding me tight, telling me that we are going to get through this.

God used Camp Witness to prepare my heart for His plans for my life. I look back now and I am quite amazed at how intricate God’s timing and planning can be, it is just so perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing about my summer, although there are times that I wish my dad was here, I do know that he is in a better place, and I also know that God put this trial in my life for a reason. He used camp to help not only prepare my heart for what happened, but He also used the people at camp to help keep all the pieces of my heart together. James 1:2-4, it says, “ Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Although, I know that I will continue to face trials of many kind all throughout my life, I know that because of Camp Witness, and the relationships I built there, I was able to face that particular trial in my life, and that I will now have the strength and support to do all things through Christ who will be there to give me that strength. This last summer changed my life forever, and yet although some things were harder to deal with than others, I know that God was right there behind it all guiding me and helping me fulfill His plan for my life. Someone once said, “God guides us, He leads us step by step, from event to event. Only afterwards, as we look back over the way we have come…do we experience the feeling of having been led without knowing it, the feeling that God has mysteriously guided us.” God not only used Camp Witness to prepare heart for His plans, but He also used camp to bring me closer to Him.


Here is a song that I wrote:
God, Can you hear me now?
Sometimes I take control, but then I seem to lose it
When things seem to be going right,
I close my eyes, and to my surprise,
my world is falling apart, it is tearing at my heart..
God, can you hear me now, I need to know now,
what to do, what to do, what to do with my life…?
I am at a loss for words, I’ve never felt like this before…
if only I could give it up, then everything would turn around;
I want your will for my life, You say you know the plans that you have for my life,
please help me to see, that you are ALL I need,
please help me to stand strong, and against all wrong…
God, can you hear me now, I need to know now what to do, what to do, what to do with my life…?
Whenever I let you be in my life, everything goes just right, teach me to wait, before it is too late,
help me to hang on, though the wait may be long,
with you by my side, I’ll never collide…
God, can you hear me now, I need to know now what to do, what to do, what to do with my life…?
I am faced with a decision, it’s all up to me,
do I call on Thee, or do I hold it all in, and face it all alone, or do I let it go, let you take control;
the choice is mine, I want to let my light shine so, …
God, can you hear me now, I need to know now what to do, what to do, what to do with my life…?

Shoping and Riding Experiences!

Today, I had my first cloth shopping experience. Wow! Talk about being mauled! Vendors were coming at me and some of the other girls like vultures...it was crazy: ) I bought enough material to have two wrap around skirts made! It cost 3500 cfa(francs) which is about $7-8 US Dollars! I also went to the grocery store later in the afternoon, I love going to the store. The grocery store is run by Lebanese people. Usually almost every time I go to the store, which is only once or twice a week, I get meat. There is one butcher, who now has a familar face, he can understand english, and is quite helpful! We have one of those relationships that as soon as he sees me, he comes right over and helps. Those kinds of relationships usually allow for witnessing, but because I cannot speak the language very well, it is can be difficult, because he does not understand English that well! But, be praying that I have opportunities to atleast touch people's lives by my attitude: )

**TRANSPORTATION**

There seem to be three types of public transportation. They consist of two different kinds of taxis, and a bus system. There is a bus-like taxi, known as the “Green Machine”, and there is a normal 4-passenger taxi. There are many different brands of cars that are used in Mali. Dodge, Toyota, Honda, Chevy, and Mazda are a few of the brand name cars in Bamako. Cars are seen quite frequently. I would say that they are used almost as much as the taxis are. Also, people ride bikes!
Technology in Mali is limited. Many are without electricity, but those who do have electricity, receive it from cement made telephone poles. Electricity seemed to be present in most business offices and schools, but not in the market place, or in the church building. Several Malians have cell phones, and most answer their phone calls even if in the middle of a conversation with someone else.

A Malian Wedding : )

Weddings are usually joyous times of celebration, signifying the unity of two people, becoming one. Every culture has different ways of celebrating and performing ceremonies. No wedding is ever alike.

While I was in Mali, I was able to observe a Christian wedding ceremony. It had many similarities to a wedding in the United States, but it also had several things that were notably different.
The attire of those in attendance varied greatly. Some people were dressed quite nicely, some wore fancy, shiny dresses, others just wore a plain skirt and top. The bride wore a white dress, it looked to be similar to an American styled dress, and the groom wore a suit. The rest of the wedding party was dressed similarly to a best man and maid of honor in the US would be. The maid of honor wore a fancy top, and skirt, both made in satin material, and both colored maroon. The best man wore a suit, with a maroon flower in the pocket.
The wedding was on Saturday, June 9, 2007. As the team arrived around 9a.m., we were informed that the time of the ceremony had changed to 10a.m. I found that to be quite interesting that the time of the ceremony had changed just that morning, or so it seemed. Several people gestured to us to sit outside, under an awning, until they opened the doors to seat people inside.
About 30 minutes prior to the starting of the ceremony, they began to seat us inside. There were several people seating the guests, although they were not dressed in accordance with the wedding party. In the United States, it is usually customary to have ushers seat the guests, at most weddings, but that was not practiced at this particular wedding. There did not appear to be a bride’s side and a groom’s side, which allowed the guests to be seated on either side. The balcony was also full by the time the wedding had begun.
One observation that I made, that came across a little unusual, was that during the wedding the bride and groom did not seem to look at each other, communicate with one another, or even touch during the whole ceremony.

Twenty minutes after the ceremony was said to begin, it began. As the couple walked in together, following the Bamankan choir. All the guests stood. The choir proceeded down the center row, in a single file line, singing a song, with the couple following after. Then the choir took their place, and the couple walked up on the stage. In the middle of the stage, there were four chairs. The two on the outside, looked the same, and the two in the middle looked the same. The outside ones had ribbon tied around them. The bride and groom sat in the two middle chairs, and the “best man” and “maid of honor” sat on the outside chairs. There was also a row of five or so chairs behind the couple. The pastors and leaders of the ceremony sat in the chairs behind the couple.
After the couple was seated, someone prayed, and then we, the guests, all stood and sang two songs with a choir. There were three choirs that were present at the wedding, each singing in a different language. The French choir, Bamankan choir, and the Kalanban choir each sang a different song to the couple.
There was a pastor who read some Scripture, and then Joseph Camara, gave the main message. After he had finished, the pastors surrounded the couple, someone prayed for them. The couple exchanged a kiss, before they exchanged their rings. After they had exchanged their rings, and said, “I do”, one of the pastors, gave them some gifts. I am not sure who the gifts were from, whether they were from the church or family, I am uncertain. The pastor would say something, hand the gift to the groom, the bride would touch it, and then the groom would hand the gift to the best man. After all this was done, someone prayed, the couple walked down off the stage, and people came up and congratulated them. The ceremony lasted 2 hours.
In comparison with many of the other weddings I have been to, a traditional Christian Malian wedding was quite similar to one in the United States. Although the ceremony was longer than most in the United States, the actual ceremony was similar. The coming together of two people, when God is obviously the center of their focus, is a beautiful thing. Although, I did not understand everything that was said during the wedding, through people’s actions, it was obvious that the bride and groom have families and friends that are going to support their marriage and that God will be part of their lives.

Some People : )

Today..is Thursday..things here have been going well! I am loving Mali, thus far! It is staying quite warm, but not unbearable! God is already working on my heart. I am having to learn to be flexible(which those of you who knew my day, knew that being flexibile was not ever an issue) so I am learning a lot! I am also learning to trust the guys on my team to lead me. God blessed the team with some amazing guys, who are really looking out for our best interests! I do love the guys, and know that God will continue to bless our team! Thanks for your prayers...please feel free to email me at

hhampton3669@graceu.edu

I would appreciate any emails...I will try to reply as quickly as possible..send any questions my way:) I am quite excited, because tomorrow I get to go and visit an orphanage! Anyway, here are some observations I made about some of the people I have seen in Mali.

People tend to relate to one another in such a way that resembles a family. Human interaction in public is necessary. It seems as though most genuinely care about one another, so when they meet, they greet each other with a long stream of questions and concerns. Interaction between the young and the old is not noticeably different, although is seems that the younger generation is not usually around the older generation.
There has been a lack of couples in public. I am curious to know whether or not it is inappropriate for Malians to show affection in public places. I did see one younger couple holding hands, but I have made no other observations. I did see several Malians wearing wedding rings, but rarely saw anything that looked like husband/wife couples together. I did not ever observe any mixed-race couples.
In response to the way that I have had to make adaptations, I would say that I have had to change the way that I tend to look people in the eyes and smile. I have that I have to be quite careful when I do that, and that I should not look men in the eyes.

A little about Mali!

Mali is a country where the people are all the same, yet all different in a unique way. Observing a different culture is proving to be a very humbling experience. Learning the ways of the people is opening up doors for relationships. There are many aspects of the Malian culture that I have yet to observe, but in regards to the ones that I have already experienced, I would say that Mali has a lot to offer to its people.

Clothing in Mali has many different levels. Men and women both have two very different styles of clothing. The men that live in the slums are usually dressed in torn, old t-shirts and pants. The women usually have old, faded clothing on. Those who are street vendors are usually dressed in the same way as those who are purchasing items. The men can usually be seen in some form of pants and t-shirts or button-up shirts. Most women are seen wearing long skirts or dresses that cover their legs. Their shirts are all made with different designs, and can at times expose their chest.

I have only noticed a few girls dressed in pants, and wearing plain tank tops, otherwise, it seems as though most are dressed to impress. It appears that most all women keep their legs covered up. They wear ornate dresses, which many times, will show no figure. There is a sense of personal style, because there is no one dress alike.

Older women tend to wear head coverings. It is seen more often, that the younger girls leave their hair uncovered, and the older women cover their heads. A possible suggestion as to why it always seems that the older women are wearing head coverings could be that they are married.