Happy New Year!

New year’s celebrations are very important here in Madagascar. All of our churches had parties for prayer, singing, and sharing special food together! I was with my family in Paris for Christmas, so I missed all the church celebrations, but I was very thankful to be able to visit three churches on New Years’ Eve! First, I had a time of worship with the church in Andakoro, where Pastor Jonoro and Noelle and several others from my story-crafting groups go. Then, we went to a sort of dance-worship party with the youth at my church. They LOVE singing and dancing, and they led us in some games as well. These youth work so hard, and have so much responsibility in our church—it was nice just to see them having fun! Finally, we met up with some of our other teammates, as well as a volunteer team from Southwestern Seminary, at a third church. There, we welcomed in the new year with listening to special music,  hearing some encouraging Scriptures read, wishing everyone a happy new year, and singing about how our love for each other glorifies God! Join me in praying that this year, I would truly love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love others as myself!