Some Things We've Learned Lately

Wow, I can't believe that we have been here for almost a month now. Time always does escape us. Joseph is learning so much in his class, and its more than just the language. He shared with me that they were discussing how when God spoke through the burning bush to Moses and God told Moses to take off his shoes because he was on Holy ground, most of us when reading that assumes that the reason is because God is so holy that he didn't want Moses' shoes which were dirty to touch him. But they were talking in class how it was a picture of God's desire for relationship with Moses. He did not want anything to be between Moses and Him, he wanted Moses' flesh to feel His holiness. Isn't that awesome? I have never thought of it that way and yet it makes so much sense in considering God's character. Even later on in Moses' life, God spoke to him face to face as a friend. This just shows how we take our own image of what God looks like and even read the bible with that image in place, which causes us to miss out on really seeing God as he is.
On to my experiences here, I am learning the art of how to 'talk story'. If any of you have spent much time in the islands you know what I am talking about but for the rest of you I will explain. Talk story is simply listening to a person's story and it is something that I think most Americans have lost. Today in the coffee shop, I met this wonderful old man, and it is very just of me to call him an old man because he is close to the age of my Grandfather. Our conversation started by him asking me if I thought President Bush was a handsome man, a humorous question if you ask me, well after that he just started talking story. He told me all about being in World War 2 and then he went off on Big band music and was very excited to learn I liked Big Band music. Well we spent about 30 minutes just talking about the things surrounding WW2 but the best part was the look on his face when he talked. There was this sparkle in his eyes as he talked like suddenly he was in his youth again. It was a great experience and I hope that he decides to come and visit me on Friday too.
We sent our applications to the base in Switzerland for April and are praying that God opens the doors in that area so we can go. Joseph really desires to finish his schooling and if we are unable to go to Switzerland, we will have to wait another year before being able to do the school again. So would please join us in prayer for that as well as the finances to go along with it as well. Thank you so much and we hope you are all doing well and would love to here from you all!

Here is our address so you can send us letters or goodies if you would like to:

Joseph and Meleah Ouedraogo
University of the Nations
75-5851 Kuakini Hwy
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740-2199

One of the most beautiful flowers in the world

The Faithfulness of God

I am amazed at God's never-ending love and faithfulness to us. He is beyond my comprehension. Joseph and I have safely made it to Hawaii and blessed my husband with a cool cloudy day to adjust back to the heat.
Before leaving Montrose, Joseph and I were unsure as to our finances for this time in Hawaii but decided to trust God to provide and man oh man did he ever. The day before we left Montrose, we received a check for $3,000 dollars, which was from a variety of people, as well as our church, desiring to bless us for this trip. It exceeded our expectations and was a huge blessing in every way. Thanks to those generous individuals, we are able to pay our flight tickets as well as the required insurance and all of Joseph's tuition. This is a huge blessing to us as we will not have to worry over money. We are still trusting God to provide the amount to cover my college tuition which I am doing online but are confident that He will, as He always does.
Thank you so much for all of your prayers during this time and for the prayers during our traveling.
Traveling here to Hawaii was long but after 15 hours and a few mishaps, we made it safe and I am sure we will catch up on our sleep during the weekend. Joseph has already had his first day of class and already has a load of homework due. Please continue to pray for Joseph, that he will have enough grace and strength to learn all that is before him.
From the beautiful state of Hawaii, we send all of our love and thanks to all of you and May God bless you during this New Year.