Shake what yo momma gave you...

Have you ever done a congo line in church? As of this morning, I have officially been part of a congo line at church. Yes, you read that right-a congo line. You know, the kind they do at weddings where you dance around in a single file line, and laugh and sing. It was like that, but so much more awesome 1. because African's actually know how to dance, and 2. they were doing it in praising the Lord! They take to heart what David said in Psalm 66:1:
"Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise!"
Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!"
According to our standards the people in Togo don't have much to praise God for. They don't have a two-story house with 3 cars and a boat. They don't have a retirement fund or any money in savings. They live for today and are thankful for today. They dance and sing to Jesus because He is enough. I need more of this heart attitude myself!
Coming here has made me realize what is truly important in life. Having sold everything I own, and pack 6 months of my life into 1 suitcase and a duffel bag was really eye opening! More and more I realize why Jesus said "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV) Where's your heart at? Mine is broken, and ready for repair. Praying for more of Jesus and less of us.




Love you all!

Going Postal

Some of you have asked about sending "snail mail" to the ship. So I thought I would fill you in on some of the nitty gritty. Packages sent by mail usually arrive in roughly 2 weeks, and cost me $8.80/lb (yes, that is in addition to the postage you already paid!). I kindly request that if you are going to send a package either make it light or throw in a couple bucks to help with that cost =) Okay so enough of that, here's where to send mail:

Stephanie Fiduk
Mercy Ships IOC
M/V Africa Mercy
P.O. Box 2020
Lindale, TX 75771-2020
USA

I will try and write back snail mail but it might take a while to get to you because we wait for people who are going back to the US to mail it for us!


Okay so enough of that, many of you have asked for pictures! I had great plans to take many pictures, until I went outside! The humidity here is so high that my camera lens immediately fogged up =( I have some pictures to share and more to come.





* Here is my cabin! There are 3 "rooms" in a cabin, each with a bunk bed, closet, and desk. There is a bathroom to the left (out of the picture) for 6 girls! So far it hasn't been bad, but wait til we start working! Surprisingly it is more spacious than I expected.




* Here's my "room." My Bunk is the messy one on top! haha




* It looks deceivingly foggy out, but it's just the humidity playing tricks on you. It's actually quite beautiful. The water is blue and the sky is full of big fluffy clouds. When it's windy here the sky turns "overcast" but it's just the sand from the Sahara Desert!

Well that's all for now. Stay tuned for next time...I'm going to an orphanage on Saturday and Church in the city on Sunday. I can't promise pictures of the orphanage because I'm not allowed to bring a camera, but maybe Sunday. Love you all! See you soon...

Location:Lome, Togo

A long journey

It's been a lllooonnnggg day. 29 hours to be exact. Is that still considered a day? Technically it's two days, but I've been up for a majority of it and I've changed my watch so many times I don't know what time it is! My day started Sunday at 6:00 in the morning, and hasn't stopped since. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23) I've had two morning so far and can attest to the truth of this verse! The morning I left was an interesting one. I got my bags checked, had my ticket (so I thought) and got in line to go through security. I realized halfway through the line that my ticket didn't look right. I asked the TSA agent and she said I had to go back and get another ticket, but that I could return to the first class line (much much shorter). Ahhh, sigh of relief. I go and get my ticket, and come back to security, the line is twice as long and there is no sign of the TSA agent that told me I could go through first class! I shot up a quick prayer, and asked another agent. He said that I could go ahead through first class! Yay! I went through like a breeze and made it in just enough time to eat breakfast and board my first of many flights. I am convinced that if I hadn't taken a closer look at my ticket I would not have made my flight. God is faithful. On my flight in Chicago I met some fellow Mercy Ships people and made fast friends! Thankful for not being "alone." I'll be updating soon once I get my bearings on the ship, and my brain back in order. Love you all!

(P.S. It's now Wednesday and I just got internet access, so I'll be updating more frequently now. )

Location:Lome, Togo

Sneak peak

I thought I'd share with you guys a little sneak peak into what life will be like on board and the types of patients we'll be treating. Enjoy.