Delivering Gifts to the Orphanage

Well, after months of planning, shopping and having things made...we finally delivered the gifts to the orphanage. What a blessing you are to these children! Thank you for allowing me to do this ministry with you. It was completely awesome!

A few months ago, we asked the orphanage director what the orphanage needs were. She had mentioned at that time they didn't have a table and the kids ate on the floor all the time. She also mentioned the water filter was broken so they weren't able to have clean, filtered water. The other main issue the orphanage had was they had to walk really far with all the kids to get to the nearby school playground and was looking for big toys they could play with in the orphanage on days they couldn't walk to the playground.

So, we had a wood table and bench custom made. We wanted the table to be made with round corners but it also needed to be sturdy and strong so it wouldn't knock over easily. We also had 2 rocking bears made for the toys so the children can play in the orphanage. Then, we shopped for the water filter, milk, rice and baby formula.

And finally today we delivered it to the precious children. I am thankful for my friend Christa who helped organize ordering and getting the supplies. I am also thankful for my friend, Melissa for joining us on the delivery of the items. Thank you, partners for all of your help supporting these children too!

Please watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fqkU3sPijY

I am Forever Changed

I am forever changed….

realized I am changed forever for the rest of my life

transformed and carved with my Master’s knife

no longer do I see my own culture the same way

don’t quite understand what some of the people say

see pictures on facebook of legs exposed and it seems so bizarre

feel so distant from life back home like everyone is so very far

my views have changed of value and money and everything in between

perhaps it has to do with who I have met and all of what I have seen

my eyes have seen poverty at levels I never imagined were real

my heart is broken and humbled to the point that I must kneel

thanking God for all the experiences and people I have met here

praising my precious Jesus for changing my heart this past year

at times there is a wedge between my culture and me

yet it is okay because God is opening my eyes to see

to see the world through His eyes to see all He wants me to see

and to live my life to my fullest and be all He wants me to be

please join me in prayer for the people of West Africa

that these people will know Jesus in Mali and Burkina

pray that God is with them always and sends more people who care

so people can be provided with food and love by others willing to share

if we all gave a little of our time and love to others who are in need

it could change peoples lives here on earth and for eternity indeed

Missing the Cool, Brisk Air and Snowflakes

To wear a coat and a wool hat for weeks

Or to feel the cool brisk air hit my cheeks

To get all bundled up before going out

I will try not to get all upset and pout

But I miss the crisp, cool air

At times I feel it’s not fair

I’m missing the colors of the fall aspen trees,

I’m missing the fresh snow filled to my knees,

I never thought I would miss the cold

But I miss it more than I have been told

I miss wearing pants, sweaters, coats and boots

I miss snowboarding down through trees and chutes,

I miss seeing the branches lined with snow glistening,

I miss the peacefulness and comfort the snow brings,

When I think of winter I forget that it is all very nice,

Even though I don’t miss scraping my windshield of ice,

The grass is always greener on the other side people say,

I guess I realize that more and more every single day,

But I must remember to be thankful for the place I’m at today,

Because I don’t know how long it will be till I go or I stay,

So, yes I get tired of the hot, hot, dry Africa air,

But I have to remember that I am here cause I care,

I care about the people, the Bible and more

And I believe God has great things in store,

So I continue living in the hot, hot, dryness,

Dreaming of beautiful snowflakes and coolness,

And someday when I return for some winter fun,

It will surely be a blessing and I’ll appreciate it a ton!

A special link to a well known and celebrated holiday...

If you haven't already...check out this link and more importantly, check out a holiday that just passed by recently. Much different from Holidays back home in the States.

http://www.picturetank.com/v2/?module=site&action=displayContactSheet&randomId=25f984527aaa94397599c544e2a66219&lang=en&orderSet=o&publicLanguagesOnly=1

Great Video on Why Bible Translation....

Check this out and share it with others!
http://vimeo.com/74464611

Go Burkina....Go!

After living in Burkina Faso for longer than one year, it seems appropriate to create a post on this blog and recognize what happens in this country when Burkina is playing in a soccer (football) game. First of all, for the day or two leading up to the game, people will be standing on the side of the road with Burkina Faso flags, horns, shirts and more for sale. Hours before the game, the honking will begin, people will be covered with paint on their chest, face, hair and back. They will wear the Burkina Flag as capes and wear wigs on top of their heads. The excitement will build until the game begins. While the game is on, people will be crowded around, hunched over, watching the TV like a hawk watching it's prey. And then once Burkina scores a goal, you will hear an explosion of cheering, clapping, horns blaring, and more. People will be jumping, dancing and hugging in the streets. Today as I walked into the supermarket, Burkina scored a goal and this one lady started cheering, ran up to me, hugged me and then we started jumping together while we were hugging. I never met the lady a day before in the past. It sure was an experience! To add, once I arrived inside the food store, people were stopped dead in their tracks in the middle of aisles, staring at the TV screen and watching the game. It was like an obstacle course just to get through the aisles.

There is something to be said about the unity that happens among the people in Burkina Faso during these games. The people come together in team spirit and encourage one another. They dress up and hang the Burkina Faso flag everywhere throughout the town. They cheer, smile and celebrate with everyone who is around. I took some pictures; Although the cutest of all, I did not capture. It was on my drive home today, I saw a mother riding a bicycle and on her back was a baby wearing a knit hat that had the colors of Burkina Faso. It was a precious picture but I couldn't get my camera out in time and by the time I did get the camera ready, the mother and baby were long gone.

God is at work in West Africa!

Living in West Africa and working hand in hand with the missionaries in Burkina Faso and Mali, I get to see first hand how God is working here. He is doing amazing things! Recently, I had a friend share this link which shows Burkina Faso AND Mali in the Top 20 list!

Check it out at:

http://discipleallnations.wordpress.com/2013/08/25/the-top-20-countries-where-christianity-is-growing-the-fastest/



Thank you to all of my dearest friends who have partnered with me as I serve in West Africa. It is amazing to see God's work being done and more people knowing Jesus. Praise God!

A Little Poetry from Life in Africa

Lizards in my sink, Lizards in my sink
roaches and ants run by me as I blink
I sit and think as there are Lizards in my sink
Snails crawling on the ground, Snails crawling on the ground,
Flies and mosquitoes buzz by me and all around
I listen to the sound as there are Snails crawling on the ground
Roosters crowing in the street, Roosters crowing in the street,
Donkeys and chickens run through the roads by my feet
I sit in the heat as there are Roosters crowing in the street
Chicken feet in my soup, chicken feet in my soup
Nails attached, toes and legs with all other goup 
Keeping you in the loop, there is chicken feet in my soup!!!

Great News Following up From Prayer Request From Last Year

I have great news!!! Many of you saw this video from the end of last year when I visited the sick children. Many of you joined me in prayer for them. Well, I have great news to share!! The children who had a skin disease all over their bodies have been completely healed! Praise God! Thank you for your prayers! God is so awesome! If you didn't see the video from last year...here it is...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU1yp_4dyqc

Getting Settled into the New School Year

It is hard to think I have been teaching for three weeks already. The time has flown by. I know I usually flood my newsletters, blog and facebook with zillions of pictures and yet, I have barely had time to take and post any pictures at all so far. But, trust me, the pictures are coming!!! It may take a little while but I will eventually post some pictures.

My students are wonderful and I have been enjoying every minute with them. I've been busy with all of the beginning of the school year work, but it is good. I know I am exactly where God wants me to be. There is no doubt about that!

I've met a few other teachers and went to a Kickboxing class with them the other day! I had a blast punching and kicking my stress away! It felt good to exercise again. It feels like my teaching work has swept away my time lately to the point that I don't have much time for anything else....but I am starting to realize I need to exercise in order to keep my sanity.

I have been going through all different emotions since I landed back on West African soil. I think it was tough this time around because I didn't have much time to process the cultural shift. I had no choice but to hit the ground running. I often find myself thinking about "home" in Colorado...I am not sure what that means but it is how I have been feeling. Perhaps it is because I know I have to move again soon and I don't feel quite settled back in Ouaga yet.

Well, I have housing only until the end of October here in Ouaga and then I have to move. I have been looking but haven't found a house to move into yet. Please keep me in your prayers and pray that I would find a house to live in that is close to the school I teach at. I am starting up dance classes for the missionary kids in October too and it would be great if I could find a house with a big porch or some area that I can teach dance classes in. It looks like I am going to have MANY more Missionary kids in my dance classes this year than last year so I am hoping I can find a house with a good location and a big enough space to teach dance. That would be the most ideal situation.

I want to thank everyone for your prayers and support. I am truly thankful for everyone who is standing by my side as I serve in West Africa. I am humbled to see the partnerships, friendships and people God has brought in my life the past two years, so we can fulfill His plan in West Africa.

Greetings from Burkina Faso again!

Hello,

I arrived to Burkina Faso this past Friday. In two days, I set up my classroom and got it ready for 21 students! The first day of school was this past Monday.

First week of teaching is going well. It has been a busy week for sure! I am still dealing with jet lag...haven't slept more than 3-4 hours at night...Please pray that I will get back into a somewhat normal sleeping pattern soon so I can continue to be the best teacher I can be for my students. I am surprised I have made it this far with such little sleep the past 5 nights.

It feels great to be back in Burkina Faso. I have already paid many visits to missionary children, missionary friends and Burkinabe friends. I told many of you stories of my friend Pauline (she had sewn the tutus for the dancers)...I was able to "catch up" with her and spend some time with her in her shop. I look forward to visiting the orphanage soon too.

I will be in touch soon.

Blessings,

Rebecca Oryniak

Ten Days Left in Ouaga

In ten days, I will be boarding the plane and headed to the U.S. for the summer. The plan from there is that I will be headed to Mali in August. It is difficult to think after 9-10 months of serving in Ouaga, it is time for me to leave. Yet, I know that I made a difference in many lives this past year.

I am truly thankful for all of my friends, family and partners who have been by my side every step of the way. I would not have been able to impact the lives of so many children here, if it wasn't for the support of so many back home who was right along side of me.

On really tough days (because yes...some days were really tough between the hot temperatures and long distance from home, sickness, etc), I had thought of throwing in the towel and calling it quits; Yet, then I'd get an email from a partner or a package from a friend and God would give me the gentle reminder that I am not alone. I am humbled at the level of support I had this past year. So many people came along side of me and prayed with me about lots of different people and topics. Thank you! So many people sent care packages in the mail with food and spices and little things that made a huge difference. Thank you! The dance studio I taught at, Kinetic Arts Dance Studio sent a large donation of dance shoes for the girls. Thank you! So many friends and family sent emails consistently checking in with me or just sharing with me what was going on in their life. Thank you! I enjoyed staying connected with you in the emails. I can really go on and on and on...but I think you get the point. I am truly thankful for each and every one of you. You really have made a difference in many different people's lives here in West Africa. And of course, you made a difference in my life too. I would not have been able to serve this year, if it wasn't for you, your support, your prayers, your encouragement, your inspiration and your love.

Okay....I just have to say thank you again... this time in a video. Check it out!

Music and Dancing in a Village

I have been to my share of music festivals all over the United States. From being to Phish festivals to working at Red Rocks Amphitheater for three summers, I have seen many different types of music and dancing celebrations. So, when I heard about this one, I couldn't turn it down! People from all different villages came together to sing and dance and worship God! They also performed songs and dances that tell stories of the past of their culture and village. They all sang songs in different languages. I think there was a total of 5 different languages being spoken and sung at the festival.The sun was beaming, the air was hot but that didn't stop these musicians from performing. It was a really nice to step a little deeper into their culture. Oh and yes, I did step into the circle and danced with them as well for a few songs.

News From The Classroom

Check out our video to find out the latest news:

Additional notes: Thank you to Ciara for video taping for us. Also, the girls have all memorized their lines, what to say and the memory verses. There was no teleprompter used. Hope you enjoyed it!

Marbles, Swimming Pools, Waterfalls and Hippos....

This past week, I had the opportunity to visit Bobo and spend some time with a friend of mine. After five hours on a bus while it was over 100 degrees, we made it to Bobo. The bus ride was hot and the bus stop is quite the experience as well. People surrounded us as soon as we got off the bus trying to sell us everything and anything from bananas, to chicken, to eggs, bread, tissues and more! Therefore, we were happy once we arrived to our destination!

While in Bobo, we learned a new game that is played with marbles. The children of the town of Bobo taught us how to play. It was fun to learn a little more about what life is like for a child living in West Africa.

After that, we headed off to Banfora on another bus ride (luckily this ride was only about an hour). Banfora is my favorite place in Burkina Faso. It is absolutely beautiful there. There are tons of trees and the ground is green and filled with plant life. We took a boat ride to see hippos. It was amazing to see the hippos living in the wild. We had to stay a far distance away from them but we were still able to watch them come up to the surface and then go under the water and then return to the surface again. Two hippos were fighting and they were leaping out of the water towards each other. It was quite remarkable to watch! They also would slap their tails on the water to warn the other hippo to stay away.

We had the opportunity to visit some waterfalls. After taking a few minutes to build enough courage, I finally jumped off the cliff into the water. It was fun! Our last stop in Banfora were the domes. It reminded me a little of red rocks and Colorado Monument Park because of all the rock formations. I remember when I drove across country, I visited a place that looked similiar as well. I can't remember the exact name or location but I think it was near South Dakota. The domes in Banfora were real fun to climb and hike on. I enjoyed it greatly!

Poetry Tea Time

After teaching a unit on Poetry, my 2nd and 3rd grade students shared their favorite poems with others during our "Poetry Tea Time". We invited the other class and all of the families to join us. It was really a great time for them to celebrate and share their learning with their families and friends. Even the family members brought poems to share as well. It was a great opportunity for the girls!

Yako Orphanage

This past weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Yako and serve in a different orphanage there. I rode on my first bus ride in Africa. And....I rode it home alone - all by myself...then proceeded to get and take a taxi on my own the rest of the way. This is a HUGE accomplishment for me!!! I got around on my own without being dependent on other people. It is a good feeling!!!

Swarming Flies, Charging Elephants and Yummy Coba!

I had the opportunity to go to an animal park and go on a safari. We rode in the back of a truck through dirt roads looking for animals. We were accompanied by many buzzing, swarming horse flies which required some extra needed attention of swatting them away so we wouldn't get bit repeatedly. Yet, we still managed to do some sight seeing of animals and nature.

We saw baboons, deer-like animals, elephants, crocodiles, warthogs and more! I enjoyed seeing the animals in their natural habitat. It was very different from seeing them in a zoo locked up in a tight perimeter of fence. After seeing Coba (which is like an elk, moose, horse and antelope all in one), I decided to have Coba for dinner later that evening. I have to say...it was quite good!

I really enjoyed being out in nature. Observing the birds flying in the air, looking at the shapes of the trees, watching the sun set and then rise again the next morning. It felt good to just get out there and experience nature.

The second day, we rode around again and saw a whole family of baboons. We also saw lots of animals that look very similiar to deer. Yet, the fun really began once we arrived back at our camp. The elephants were right there...within twenty feet of us, eating the leaves off the trees. When there is no wire or fence or barricade between you and the elephants, it really put things into perspective...of how massive these creatures are! The elephants then crossed the road and headed down to the barage for some water to go with their lunch full of leaves. So, of course, we followed them. After some time of snapping pictures, we inched closer and closer to them when all of a sudden we realized that one of the elephants was coming towards us rather quickly. I snapped one last picture and then realized he appeared to be irritated by our close approach so he fanned out his ears and started charging us... so we ran....and didn't look back...we just ran and ran!!! Luckily, we all were not touched by the elephant. I guess once it saw that we were running away, it realized it accomplished what it wanted to do ...to scare us away!!!  I have a new level of respect for these very large, massive, strong animals.

All in all, it was a great experience and I am blessed to have had the opportunity to live with the elephants and nature for two days in Africa!

Inside the World of Dioramas

In Science class, we have been learning about different animals. We have been studying lots of different animals and the students were then able to pick one animal they would like to research more about. Eileigh picked Red Foxes and Hannah picked Elephants. It was exciting to see them so energized and wanting to research about their animal. They did research on the internet and in Encyclopedias. They did a great job gathering up information. After that, they created their plan for how they would design their dioramas. Then they used their research and plan to create a habitat. They were very thorough and added the correct environment, climate and food available so their animal can survive. Then, they created their animal while paying close attention to the little details of their animal. Of course, once it was all created and done, they presented their dioramas to the other class and then to their families. It was really great to see how enthusiastic the girls were with their research projects. They did a great job! This project included Science skills, Geography skills,  Reading skills, Writing skills, Research skills, Art skills, and Oral Language/Presentation skills. Wow! It was a well rounded academic experience.

I couldn't help but think of how awesome our God is. How He created all the animals so perfectly on earth. It amazes me to think of how beautiful animals are and yet each species of animals is so unique and special.

Genesis 1:24-25
And God said, " Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind". And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

Children are Blessings from God!

I have been spending much of my time in Ouagadougou surrounding myself with children. I have jumped back into teaching dance classes again. Also, I have been back into a normal routine teaching regular school (2nd/3rd grade class). It has been amazing to see how much progress the girls have made so far this year! I am so thankful that God has given me a caring heart for children. I really enjoy working with children everyday. Thank you Lord for blessing me by giving me the opportunity to work with children in West Africa.

 

I have also been to the orphanage again to spend time with the children and babies there as well.

When I was leaving this last time, one of the children held my hand and did not want me to go....

she kept pulling me back towards the orphanage doors.

 It breaks my heart...if I could, I would adopt all of them.

 

 

 

Lastly, today I went to a Bible Dedication service for the Fulani people.

This was in celebration of the New Testament getting finished with translation in the Fulfulde language.This is a great reminder to me of why I am out here! I am teaching missionary children while their parents are translating the Bible for people who do not have the Bible in their heart language. Wow! I kept thinking while I was at the dedication service that so many more people will come to Christ now that there is a Bible in their own language. I also thought of how much more Christians will grow deeper in faith now that they can read the Bible in their own language on a regular basis. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to attend the dedication service.

Thank you Lord, for giving me the opportunity to serve in West Africa and thank you to all of the people who have joined in partnership with me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life as a Missionary Kid

So, after working closely with Missionary families and kids I have seen many things that are quite different for the life of a Missionary Kid living in Africa when compared to life of a kid living in the USA.

Today, one of my students was very eager to show me her new "play house" to me. Naturally, I flashed back to when I was growing up in the USA, I had a "play house kitchen" and I remember it well. It had a refrigerator that opened where I stored my pretend food (that looked very real but was made out of plastic). The kid kitchen I played in had a pretend stove and sink and cabinets. I spent many hours playing in that "play kitchen" with my sisters. So, I was excited to see my student's "play house" as well.

She told me to follow her to the back of the house and pointed to a creation she made out of a storage bin, cardboard, a metal door and a few other items. She said, "this is my play house". She was very proud of her work. She pointed to the large rectangle and said, "this is my refrigerator" and opened it  and started taking her "pretend made food" out of it. She made cookies and cake out of bottle caps, dirt and flower petals. I found it to be very creative!

After some thought, I realized that even though it may look different, she still plays "house" like I did when I was a little girl. And she has fun doing it! It was then that I realized kids will be kids no matter where they live, no matter what culture or race.... kids will always have the creative, play side to them. And even if their environment equips them with less or different supplies, they will find ways to adapt and to have fun with what they have. It really opened my eyes to see the "happiness" in her childhood life as a missionary kid. It also reminded me of how special Missionary Kids are and my reason for why God has sent me here to serve. I am thankful that I have the ability to touch her life this year. Thank you, God, for giving me this opportunity to meet her, step into her world (her world as a Missionary Kid), and teach her school this year!

Check out the pictures: