Jovial January

January Edition

Hi Friends, 

How are you? It is hard to believe that 2012 is already over. It seems just yesterday that my brother and I were watching the ball drop on New Year's Eve and drinking sparkling grape juice to celebrate :). This year has been quite eventful for me and for my whole family - but it has been a great one. I am getting ready to go camping over New Year's - the first time I have gone in 6 years and I am excited. I am spending Christmas in my old house with my parent's colleagues. It has been a really good time, and I am glad I was able to get away from Dakar for a little while (I love Dakar, mind you!!! Sometimes it is just nice for a change.). The place we are going camping is these waterfalls about 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours away - they used to be maybe more than 3 hours away but they moved the falls so they are closer now... haha. 

-Family: My family is all together this Christmas... the first time all 5 of them have been together in 3 or 4 years. They are really having a great time. I think this spring my parents are going to start picking up on visiting churches. Pray that their travels in this endeavor will go well.Pray also that they will be able to reach the hearts of the people they are visiting to empower them to be a part of my parent's ministry. In the meantime, Danielle is still searching for a car and a job. She has finished up her last semester at DA and moving on to a different kind of life.Pray that she is prepared for this life. Pray also that she will be able to get the job and car she is looking for. Pray also that she will know where God is leading her in this stage of her life. 

-Missionaries: Please continue to pray for the Brazilian missionaries who are in jail. I don't have any updates since the last time I wrote. Pray that God's light will shine through this situation. Pray also that the family's faith will be refined into silver during this time (Zechariah 13:9). 

-Camping: One last thing, please pray that the camping trip goes well. The car we are traveling in is not always that reliable, so pray that it stays together and doesn't overheat for both the trip there and back. Pray also that there will be no injuries and we'll be able to enjoy a few days away from the worries of the world. 

I pray that this finds you all well and enjoying nice cool weather as I am. The weather today has been glorious and somewhat windy - so beautiful!! May your new year be blessed greater than the last. Have a great day. Ruthanne

 

Nehemiah 4:6

December Edition

December Edition

Hello Friends,

How are you? I hope this letter finds you well. I am sorry that this is late, but it seems to be the norm lately, so maybe I shouldn’t apologize until I make a change. Things are going well here. Tensions are getting high as students are worrying and (hopefully) preparing for exams. Christmas break always comes at a good time. The weather got pretty cool last week and we were all wearing sweaters, but the humidity has shot up 30% so these days are warm now. This is one of the times when people return home, and it is fun to be here and see alumni and fellow/former peers come back to be with their families.

-Traveling: As it is the Christmas season, there are a lot of people traveling. People are going home from college, people are going from here to the States, and some are just traveling within Africa. Please pray the travellers will not be stressed about all they have to do before they travel. Pray that they will keep safe – both in the traveling and with their belongings and person. Pray also that the drivers and pilots will stay awake and alert and will make wise decisions as they navigate the roads, traffic, and air.

-Exams: With Christmas comes exams. Please pray that those taking exams will study with clarity and will be able to focus. Pray that they listen when the teacher tells them what to study and that they will use wisdom in deciding how to spend their time in the next week and a half. Pray also that they get enough sleep and that during the exam they will be able to recall all they have been taught.

-Danielle: She is going back to the States in just two weeks and once she is there will be looking for a job, a place to live, and a car. Please pray that she finds all of these in good time. Pray that she will know where God is leading her in these next few years. And pray that she has good closure with the people here at DA as she leaves here after working here for 5 1/2 years. She is a beloved member of this community and she will be missed.

-Me: I will be traveling to Mali soon to spend Christmas with family friends. It will be somewhat weird because I’ll be in the house I grew up in, but it will look totally different. But I am prepared for it and it will not be as much of a shock as it would have been had I not helped my parents pack up our house. So please pray that the traveling will go well and that the break will be restful. I am looking forward to the break – especially going camping at some beautiful waterfalls (they are pronounced “wooder”falls, by the way [not “wadder”falls] ;) over New Year’s. Pray also that next semester I will find my niche here so to speak. This semester I have not really had a group of friends to hang out with, and I am hoping that will change.

-Missionaries: I am sure you remember the daSilva family I asked you to pray for last month whose father is in jail here being falsely accused of child slavery. Please continue to pray for them. The hearings have been postponed several times so right now it is sort of a waiting game. An article about the whole situation was recently published in a local newspaper and it did not shed a positive light on the ministry. However good has come out of all of this – how could it not when God is involved? The son, Jon, was given money so that he could come out to Senegal and be with his family during this time. Jon wrote this a few weeks ago: “A lot happens in 24 days.

24 days ago my father was imprisoned with false accusations.
In 24 days 2 Brazilian Senators have visited the Obadiah Project.
In 24 days my father has started a church ministry inside the prison
In 24 days several prisoners have come to Christ.
In 24 days the Obadiah Project videos have shot from 100 to 4000 views in total.
In 24 days the churches in Senegal and Brazil have become more united.
24 days ago Human Rights was not drafting a document to attack child slavery in Senegal
24 days ago the presidents of both Brazil and Senegal did not know about the project
24 days ago God chose our family to be used for his glory
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support. The overwhelming care we have received has been incredible. Thank you for everyone who has been donating, your financial support is also a tremendous help during this time.
Keep praying that God continues to use this situation for his glory and that the Judge releases them soon.”

Check out this website to learn more: http://www.youcaring.com/other/recoveryforimprisonedmissionary/33690. Please pray that the family will be able to spend Christmas together.

Well, that is all for now. It is very cold here in the business office as there are snowflakes all around – on the walls and hanging from the window :D. I pray that you’ll find this Christmas season joyous and will be able to have a great, relaxing time with your family. Have a great day. Ruthanne

 Isaiah 9:6

November Prayer Letter

November Edition

Hi,

I hope this letter finds you all well. The weather is turning here in sunny Dakar, the humidity has gone down by about 5 percent and there is much more dust in the air and on our countertops than there was before - winter is coming!! Life is going pretty well here. I have moved into a new apartment because they needed to make room for a student teacher coming next semester. The apartment is really nice, the water pressure is amazing... the only downside is I have no internet there, so I have to go to the office to get it. I hope none of you got hit too much by hurricane Sandy and are able to fix things up quickly as necessary. 

-Missionaries: I received this prayer request the other day and thought I would pass it on. 

"Hello Family and Friends,

We have an urgent prayer request for Brazilian missionaries serving in Senegal. Jose and Marli have been working in Africa for many years and in Senegal since 2005. They have a Christian school for Senegalese children, a church and a Centre for street boys. They recently moved to a compound in a village and live there with their youngest son (in grade 4). They have a few other missionaries working there with them including a Brazilian lady who is the Dorm Mom for the boys that live there. She's been working in Senegal since 2010. She cooks, cleans, and teaches the children. The boys are former street kids that have said they want to get off the streets. They have a chance to come live there and get some care and some training. The orphanage has 20 kids currently living there with four more waiting in Dakar to be transferred to the compound. When they take the boys in, they search for the families and have them sign documentation saying it is ok for the boys to be there.

One of the activities that is available for the boys is planting and maintaining a garden. They choose whether or not to participate in this and the boys can keep the money they receive from the sale of the vegetables. Many of the boys come from Muslim families and some of them have chosen to leave Islam and become followers of Jesus. Yesterday (Tuesday) Jose and the Dorm Mom, Zeneide were arrested and accused of abusing the boys by forcing them to work there. The accusation came from the father of one of the boys. Although we are told he had previously signed the paperwork authorizing the 17 year old to live there, when he found out his son is now a Christian he made this false accusation.

Jose and Zeneide spent last night locked up in the police station in the town near their compound. Jose’s wife was able to get in to see them last night and bring them mattresses and insect repellent and other things. They were told they would be transferred to a jail in a larger city today. The following is an update that Marli wrote this evening.

"Dear friends, finally this afternoon Jose and our sister Zeneide were transferred to Thies to have a hearing. The documents of accusation claimed that we are an “Association Harming the children.” They were forced to sign this document without being able to read what they were signing. Those who know us know how hard we have worked for the well being and happiness of the children of Senegal. We need you to keep praying for us. They will remain one more night in prison. This time they are in a cell for criminals, with no light, water, or even a chair to sit, without being able to have any personal belonging, a filthy holding cell. I cried a lot seeing the situation, but I need to be strong. Please pray that they will at least let us take a mattress for them tonight, so that they will have a place to rest tonight. They will have a hearing tomorrow that could set them free or keep them in jail for several more days until the whole situation is resolved. So please keep praying."

I spoke with Marli this afternoon and she specifically asked for prayer for Mustapha. He is the son of the accuser and they are very concerned about him. He has left the compound and they don’t know if he is hiding or if his father has taken him back home. Under the circumstances, neither one is a good situation for him.

Here is a link to a video that they use for promotional purposes, if you would like watch it, it will give a little more information about their ministries. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZfZjtMdNp8

Thank you for holding up missionaries around the world with your prayers."

Today I found out that the hearing was delayed because they wanted to gather more evidence against Jose and Zeneide. Pleasepray for this family that they will trust in God, and that God will be their comforter. These people are doing a good work and Satan is trying to stop it from happening - please pray that God prevails. 

-International Appreciation Week: This is next week. This is a time when we change up our normal lives and have special activities. On Monday we will have a parade of nations, Tuesday will be Olympics, Wednesday will be the Taste of Nations. International Dress Day, and the talent show, Thursday will be Trivia Bowl Challenge (jeopardy about the world) for the MS/HS and crafts and pinatas for the elementary, and Friday is chapel and the closing ceremony. Please pray that all of these things go well. I am in charge of the jeopardy - which basically means I made the powerpoint for it, so please pray that there will be no technological glitches. Pray that all those who are helping us will be able to do their part and with joy. 

-Danielle: She is going back to the States at the end of the semester and once she is there will be looking for a job, a place to live, and a car. Please pray that she finds all of these in good time. Pray that she will know where God is leading her in these next few years. And pray that she has good closure with the people here at DA as she leaves here after working here for 5 1/2 years. 

Well, I think that is all for now. I thought I had more, but I can't think of it. If you have any prayer requests of your own, please let me know. Thank you for your prayers! Have a great day. Ruthanne

October Prayer Letter

October Edition

Hi, 

how are you? I apologize that I am getting this out to you so late - 25% of the way through the month by the end of the day. But on the other hand we only have 75% percent of the month left which is good because it is crazy hot and humid here. I don't mind hot weather - as long as it is dry. And I don't mind humidity - as long as it is winter (I discovered during my four years of college that the "warm" days of winter have the highest humidity, 10 degrees will feel warmer if it is 30% humidity than if it is 15% humidity). But when you combine heat and humidity - it is awful. Granted I do sit inside AC most of the day, so I don't really have any right to complain except on the weekends. I have heard that the States is pretty cool right now, I hope you are dressing warmly enough! 

-Parents: They are in North Carolina right now and are enjoying helping out with training of new missionaries and seeing old friends. They recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary, and soon my dad  will celebrate his 59th birthday anniversary ;). Please pray that their time in NC will be fruitful. Pray also that they will enjoy at least another 30 years of marriage. 

-Mali: Here is what my parents said: "The news from Mali is mixed. Things seem to be stable in the capital, Bamako, and very quiet in Kayes, so that the Harrises and the Lees are able to continue ministry and one of our sister missions even allowed a new couple to come. The US Embassy has allowed families to return, which is a very good sign because they are extremely cautious. In the northern, seceded area, however, atrocities continue as the rebels apply Islamic shari'a law. Mali recently petitioned the UN to allow 3000 peacekeepers from the neighboring African nations to come help retake the north. This request was granted, but we are not sure of the timetable." 

Please pray that things will stay peaceful in Bamako and Kayes. Pray also that the authorities in the situation will have wisdom in their decision making.

-Siblings: My older sister Danielle is enjoying her new position at DA - she finds it exhausting but rewarding. Pleasepray that she will be a good example to "her" kids and will be able to find closure at the end of the semester. I don't know how my younger siblings are doing, but since "no news is good news" I assume everything is going well in their lives. Please pray that they will get along with roommates, do well in school, learn to balance their time between school, work, and extracurriculars, and do everything for the glory of God and not for men.

-Me: I am really enjoying being here at DA after being gone for four years. I am learning about being a cashier, I am able to focus on God, and I get to see the elementary and high school students regularly. Life is really great right now. Please pray that I will be a Godly example to the students here and will learn how to have fun with people my own age as well as the kids.

I hope this finds you in good health and walking with God. Have a great day. Ruthanne

Galatians 2:20

September Prayer Letter

September Edition

Hi, 

how are you? I apologize for not writing before this - either to update you on my life, or to send this out earlier. I decided I would use this prayer letter as an opportunity to share with you what has been going on this past month, and some of the thoughts I have had. 

Things have been really great since I arrived. The first few days of being back were days spent getting settled in and attending orientation meetings. I pretty much got settled in on my first day as I chose to unpack and put things away rather than take a nap after the long trip. 

There were two sets of orientation - for new staff and then for all staff. The all staff orientation was a lot of the same - the purpose of which was to remind old-timers of things. In new staff orientation, I found that there was not much that I did not know (if the double negatives were as confusing to you as they were to me, in other words (to put it bluntly), I knew most of it) we had tours of the city and the neighborhood - I knew much of what they told us in this case as I have lived in Dakar off and on my entire life. We learned about the school - its history, who the owning missions are, school events that happen, and more. There were a few things that apply to staff only that I was not aware of - such as office procedures or financial stuff (ironic since that is where I am working), but I have a sister who is a staff member, a mom who was a board member, and (once again) have been around DA for years so I knew quite a bit. We also took a cultural seminar where we learned it is inappropriate for a woman to look a man in the eye or the woman will give the wrong signal - this is not something I ever learned as I was growing up (not to undermine my parents, maybe it is simply not like that in Kayes), but I thought it was interesting. We also learned about MKs and TCKs, this was like being back in high school again. In that in my junior and senior years I learned a lot about MKs and TCKs and their tendencies. Please pray that although I have grown up here and am an American-African, that this time in my life will be a time of learning; learning about life, cultures, people, accounting, and God. 

We learned about staying healthy in Senegal where they said to drink lots of water (check!) and to take a malaria prophylactic (is that the right word?). There is now this really cool kit one can purchase from a pharmacy where you can test your blood to see if you are positive for malaria. We also learned that the mosquitoes that carry malaria are only out from dusk until dawn. So while you may get bit during the day and itch like crazy from it - don't worry, you will not get malaria. I thought that was interesting. Also, that the mosquitoes here carry the deadliest form of malaria. 

The most common question that I have received while being here is: Is it weird for you to be at DA as a staff member? Or some variation thereof. I suppose many others may wonder the same so I will answer, no. It is not strange. It feels right. Four years ago I graduated from DA and was no longer a student and became an alumni. Being my graduation from DA and my return to DA as a staff member I came back three times as an alumni to visit family and friends. Those times when I visited were neither as staff nor as student so I became adjusted to not being a student. Now I am a staff member. I feel that because I have been to DA as a non-student that enabled me to quickly adjust to being a staff member. The only truly weird thing is having people who know me a bit call me "Miss Bowers". She may not appreciate this, but I feel that title belongs to my sister, not to me. As the years go by and the students become those with whom I was not a contemporary/peer/fellow student, it will be easier. Please pray that I will find my purpose here. I know without a doubt that God called me to be here this year, all the events that led up to this (really, my whole life if I think about it) shout this to me. But I want my time here to be more than a job, I want it to be a ministry. Although I have only been here a month, I already wonder whether I will stay beyond my two year commitment. I want to, but when that time comes, God may have another plan for me. 

I think the thing that I will struggle with the most is food. In that I mean that vegetables are the cheapest option, but I don't like vegetables. So I will have to learn to make foods that have vegetables in them in such a way that I can't tell they are there. I have heard several people say since I have been here that one of the most difficult things for them in moving here was having to think of something to eat every night. No offense to those people, but I don't understand why this would be such a struggle. They, or I, would have to do the same if we were in the States. Especially me. By this I mean that people in the States use ready made foods and mixes A LOT. I did not know what it meant for something to be made from scratch until I was probably 14 or 15. What I mean is that I did not know there was any way of cooking other than from scratch until that point. I am blessed to have grown up in Africa in this way because it means I do not rely on mixes so much as others might. Pray that while I am here I will develop a love (nothing is impossible with God) or at least a tolerance for vegetables. 

The first week or so that I was here my roommate, Lauren, and I were blessed to not have to make our own meals. That was great because it furthered enabled us to settle in and get in the routine of things. Another great thing is that before I arrived I had been told that housing would provide us with some food to get us started, but they were in fact so generous! We found a bounty of fruits, vegetables, staples (powdered milk, sugar, jelly, flour, mayonaise, cheese, and more), and cleaning supplies. We found our kitchen to have all the necessary pots and pans and tupperware for a well-stocked kitchen, as well as wash cloths, hand towels, and floor rags. Our bedrooms were also beautiful with large closets, desks, and beautiful decorations. All in all, I was so surprised at how wonderful the apartment has been. I should not have doubted that we would be provided for when they told us we would be, but this was above and beyond expectations. Praise God! My roommate is a really sweet woman and I am honored and blessed that I am the one to introduce her to Africa and help her adjust. Pray that we will get along and will be friends. Africa is not an easy place to live for those who did not grow up here - pray that she will enjoy here time here and will find peace in her life. 

In regards to school I have been getting into the routine of things (an english teacher would mark this down for using that phrase so many times, but I can't think of a better one). One of my jobs is to be the recess monitor for the elementary. I am really enjoying this. I get to learn who they are and play with them. Slowly I have been learning their names and having a great time doing so. One challenge is that there are two sets of identical (at least to me) twins in elementary and I am bad at telling twins apart - but it has been fun and they laugh at me so I know they don't mind. Pray that I will be a positive part of these kids' lives, that I will be able to encourage them, and also discipline them. Pray that I will have patience with the kids who are more difficult. Pray for the kindergarteners that this first year of school will be a good one and will have a Christ-like impact on the rest of their lives. 

One thing I have started to regret since being here is not knowing French and Bambara better. Not a lot of the staff speak fluently and my french has been "borrowed" several times even though I am not fluent by any means. Half the time I catch one word that someone is saying and from there figure out what the rest of what they said was. It is fun and nice to be able to practice my french and help people out. Two of the kids in elementary are from Mali and only speak Bambara and no french. I know even less bambara then I know french so this has been challenging. But their mother is American and they are taking ESL so I know they will progress in no time. In the mean time, some of the dorm parents here are being relief dorm parents before they go back to Mali. It is such a God thing that the dorm parents that they are subbing for are gone at this time because they have a bambara phrase book that they let the Malian kid's teacher borrow for a bit. The teacher then let me look at it and it was so helpful. I hope to learn more as the year goes on. Please pray that my french and bambara will improve so that I might serve the school, students, and parents better. 

I volunteered to be a sponsor for high school youth group. This is challenging because I am not an outgoing person and in high school I sat on the dorm steps every week watching people rather than joining in the different groups. I don't regret this, people would stop by and talk to me (or ask if someone had passed by), and I got to know a lot of people that way. Please pray that I will not be myself, and that instead I will be outgoing, that I will be able to form relationships with the high schoolers in a way that I can lead them more toward Christ. 

Being involved in the youth group and being the recess monitor enables me to interact with all of the students except for the middle schoolers. I am hoping that I can be a math tutor for someone and if this student is in middle school that would be great. If not, that is fine because I will see them in other situations. Such as the library where I am the librarian after school for a few hours. This is a great opportunity to see all kinds of people. Please pray that I will be able to have the chance to tutor someone, whether in middle school or not I don't care. I enjoy tutoring and it is a way that I can try to instill in others a small bit of my love for math. Pray also that I will be a good librarian, with kindness and a smile for everyone who comes my way. 

Another part of what I am doing here is training for the cashier's position in the business office. During the first few days I learned much, out of necessity because the main cashier was not here. Since she returned I am learning different kinds of things. Such as how things are filed, how to bill people, and more. It has all been such a valuable experience and I am so grateful for it. I also get to have the chance to get to know the cashier better and she helps me out with life stuff such as how much things cost, what goes in particular recipes, and more. Please pray that I learn this position well in a way that is honoring to God. 

The third part of my time here is involved in recruitment of new staff. I have not started this part yet as the director wanted me to get used to the business office first. This week we are going to start talking about what recruiting will involve. I am excited to be able to do this as I can give a unique perspective to what DA is like. I have a few ideas in my head of ways I can help with recruitment/transitions to moving here. Pray that God will use me to bring more Godly people here as he as done so in the past. 

This week the chaplain has requested my roommate and I to speak in chapel. If you know anything about me, you know I am not good about being up in front of people. So much so that one time I was playing an old woman with Alzheimer's and sounded like one because my voice was wobbling so much, and I forgot part of my speech due to nervousness! The chaplain was gracious enough to come up with an alternative way of presenting - by doing an interview format. In this way I won't have to be the only one up there, I don't have to prepare quite as much, and I can be more ready. Please pray that God will give me peace during this situation and that the students will see Christ in me. 

One of the sister schools to DA, Sahel Academy was recently severely flooded. To the extent that they do not think the flooding will go down until March or April. In the mean time they need to find facilities to hold classes and also to house dorm students. Please pray for the administration of Sahel, pray that they will have wisdom in knowing what to do in this situation. Pray that the members of the school will not be discouraged during this time. And pray that they will be able to find a place to use soon so they do not lose too much time from school. 

I think that is all for now. I will be posting this to my blog later in the week (hopefully by Friday), with pictures as well - ruthannebowers.blogspot.com. I hope this finds you well. Have a great day. Ruthanne

 

James 1:22
****************************************
Contact Info: 
Snail Mail: 
1240 Narcissus Ave
Rosedale, MD 21237

Phone:
77-227-9335

Lots of Praises!

August Edition

Hi Friends,

How are you? I hope your July was not too hot and had some rain. Mine was pretty busy, but really great! I have spent the month driving, going to Ohio, taking driver’s ed, shopping, preparing, packing, eating at Chick-Fil-A (I never liked their food until I discovered their nuggets), praising God, and more.

-Parents: My parents have been quite busy this summer: packing up their house, getting me ready to go back to Senegal, getting Susanna ready to go to college, freaking out while either Susanna or I were driving, getting back in contact with family and friends, and more. Please pray that their next month will be a bit more relaxing. Pray that they will be prepared for September when they go down to North Carolina. Pray also that they make a decision about where they are going to live after they are back from North Carolina: an unfurnished ready to move in house, or an unfurnished house that needs a lot of work.

-Siblings: Danielle has been spending her summer getting prepared to be a dorm parent to 15 girls. Even though she is still at DA this is completely different from teaching. Pray that she will be able to welcome them with ease when school starts. Pray for her as she transitions into a new schedule and way of living. Pray also for Danielle as she prepares to go to the States come December. Susanna and Benjamin are preparing to go to college, Susanna for the first time, and Benjamin as an RC (Resident Chaplain, or RA like in many other schools). Please pray for them as they make this transition. Pray that they make wise choices in how to spend their last month before things start up again. Pray that Susanna has good roommates (something that has not happened for her older sisters and brother), and that she will be able to adjust to living in the United States – a few weeks ago, we figured out she has spent 80% of her life overseas! Pray that Benjamin and Susanna will make a point to spend time with each other.

-Mali: Mali is still having problems. CNN recently devoted an hour to talk about the issues that are happening there. The current leader, Jeancounda Traore, just returned after being in France for two months due to being beat up. The MNLA Touregs who had originally joined the radical Islamists are now saying that they no longer want to be independent of the rest of Mali, they no longer want Azawad – because the radical Islamists beat them up and kicked them out. The radical Islamists in the meantime are enforcing strict laws on the people in Azawad, they are not allowing people to smoke, drink, have premarital sex, and women must be covered up. They even go so far to enforce these rules as to stone couples to death for having premarital sex. As a Christian, I don’t believe what the couple did was right, but I also don’t think stoning was the solution to the problem. Please pray for Mali. Pray that the leader will have wisdom to know what to do in this situation. Pray for the MNLA to continue to not support Azawad. I don’t really know what the prayer should be, so please pray as you feel led. Pray that the Lord’s will will be done in this situation, even it is something we don’t want, it will bring about his kingdom. Pray also for the famine that is happening at the same time as all these political problems. Pray that food and money will come in to the country so that the people can be fed. Pray also that it will rain enough this year so that the country will not have this problem two years in a row.

-Me: Well, as I mentioned above I have been pretty busy. But God has been really amazing this month. Here is a story. So driver's ed in MD is composed of two things, 30 hours in the classroom (3 hours on 10 days), and 6 hours of driving with an instructor. On the first day of the classroom the teacher told us that we couldn't start the actual driving part until after we had finished the class and that it was a 2 to 6 week waiting period. My family had assumed that the 6 hours was part of the class (we had a lot to learn!). So then I was really discouraged thinking that I would not get my license and my little sister would get hers before me. But then the teacher told me about this option where you can pay $50 and do the driving part whenever it can be scheduled, called "fast lane". She also told me to look online to see if there were any openings to take the final driving test. So I looked and most of the openings were for mid-August and beyond. My mom told me to check every day in case an opening would come up and said that they would drive across the state (like 3 hours away) if necessary. Then my computer was not connecting to the internet, and the website I kept checking was not working for a few days, and then the internet stopped working. So I was getting even more discouraged. I also called the fast lane program but they would not even think about fitting me in without me having an appointment to take the driver's skills test. Then all of a sudden one afternoon I had an inspiration to move my computer to another place in the house where it would be less in the way. As soon as I did that I was able to connect to the internet (through a different connection than the one we have been using which at the time was not working), and checked the schedule right away. And when I did there was an opening for August 1!! I was so excited!!!! I ran up to tell my mom and she said to take it even though it was like up to 2 hours away. So I did, then I called the fast lane people and they were able to fit me in!! So now all I have to do is pass the driving test. But it was just all so incredible how God worked everything out! Sometimes I don't have enough faith, but God has been faithful to me so many times in my life, such as now, that I should never doubt. I now need to have faith that I will pass the test tomorrow, and that if I don’t the Lord has a purpose for it. Please pray that I do pass though, because then I may have to go through this whole rigamarole again in a few years! I mentioned that my computer was having problems up above, pleasepray that I will be able to keep my computer running for at least one more year, that is all I want to get out of it, because by then it will be four and a half years old, which is old for a computer these days! Pray also that the internet will start working on it. On Tuesday I fly to Senegal. Please pray for my travels: pray that my luggage will not be overweight and that it will make it to Dakar without too long delays, pray that the trip will go smoothly and that I will make the one transfer I need to make, and pray that I don’t forget anything when I leave. I will be having a roommate this year for the first time in about two and a half years, please pray that we will get along and be friends. I have not had good roommate situations.

Well, I think that is all for now. I pray that you are getting sufficient rain wherever you are in the world. Please write me if you have any prayer requests of your own. Have a great day. Ruthanne

July Prayer Letter

I have been writing a (mostly) monthly prayer letter for about 10 years now and my parents suggested that I post it here on my blog.

July Edition

Hi,
how are you? I hope you are doing well. I pray that your May and Junes went well. I am now back in the States getting ready to go back to Africa in a month, in fact. But more about that later.

 -Parents: My parents are on furlough now - or as they call it these days, home assignment. For the first two months they are hoping to have a kind of sabbatical - in other words they are not doing the normal States side thing at first (visiting churches), they are just taking a break. After that they are going to North Carolina to be Missionaries in Residence at their mission's training center. Then they are coming back up to Baltimore (where we are now) and will then start travelling around and visiting churches. We just finished two weeks of packing up our house, so they really need a rest. Please pray that they will get rest in these next two months. Pray also that the rest of their year will go well and they will have a good time seeing family and friends they haven't seen in at least two years.

-Mali: Mali is still in turmoil. The current leader, Dioncounda Traore, is in France after being attacked in the Presidential Palace. Although I call him the leader, it really is unclear who the leader is, which is part of the problem. There is a big famine going on. There are thousands of refugees from the famine and the war. The Toureg rebels and Islamic rebels still have control of Northern Mali, although they are fighting each other. The people in that area of Mali are upset with the rebels because their lives are harder than they were before. The Islamic rebels are making things difficult because they are making the people follow Sharriah law. This means that people are not allowed to smoke cigarettes, women have to wear veils, bars were closed and destroyed, TV has been censored, and more. In following this law, they are destroying shrines of folk Islam, which really upsets the people. Please pray for Mali. Pray that a leader will be established, and that the leader is one who can lead well and find a way to end these problems. Pray also for rain. It is good to have one rain a week from June to July for the crops. After July it is the regular rainy season, but the crops need a good foundation before this starts. Last year there was not enough rain and West Africa suffered. Pray that this year will be different.

-Coworker's car: We have friends who bought a car in early March. They have only been able to drive it for about a month in that four month time period. The rest of the time it has been at the mechanic's getting fixed. Please pray for the mechanic who is working on it now to be able to fix the various problems that the car has. Pray for the owner's of the car to not get discouraged from this. And pray that they will be able to raise the support necessary to pay for the work being done on the car.

-Siblings: Danielle has quit teaching for the time being and next semester will be a dorm mom at Dakar Academy. After that she is coming to the States and will get a job, apartment, car, all that good stuff. Please pray for her as she ends her time at DA and moves to the States. Pray that she will be able to find a good job, and an affordable apartment and car. Ben is travelling around with one of his school's worship bands as the sound person. Pray for safety on the road and that he will drive carefully (he is the driver as well). Pray that the band will be able to reach people through their music and their attitudes. And pray that Ben will learn a lot about his chosen career. Susanna just graduated from high school and is now in that transition time between high school and college. Please pray for her as she gets ready to go to college, she is hoping to get in a lot of driving hours once I am gone, and she has some shopping to do. Her older siblings all had bad initial roommate experiences, and she is really hoping to avoid that. Pray that she and her roommates (she has two!) will get along with each other, they are already e-mailing and Skyping each other. Pray that she likes the school she is going to (Greenville College, the same as my brother), and what she will be studying (Elementary Ed.).

-Me: I hinted above that I am going back to Africa. When I was in Dakar in May I had an interview with the director for a position that might be opening. I was told that they would not know if I was needed until late July. But then a few weeks later he asked me to send in the application. So once I did that and gave him my references, I was accepted to work at DA! I will be doing a variety of things: training for the cashiers position, switching the Accounting software over to Quickbooks, monitoring elementary recess, helping to recruit new teachers, and maybe more. So now I am preparing to go back, and I have much to do: get in 40 hours of driving, go to Ohio to get my stuff from a friend who generously stored it for me while I was home, shopping, raise support, and more. Please pray for me as I prepare. Pray that I will make wise decisions about where to spend money and how to spend my time. To learn more about this, check out my blog: ruthannebowers.blogspot.com.

I hope this finds you well. If you have any prayer requests of your own, please tell me and I will pray for you. Enjoy your July, get some sun but not too much, go swimming and eat ice cream! Have a great day. Ruthanne

Coming Full Circle

            I decided to start writing a blog in order to keep my friends informed about what is going on in my life. As you all know I grew up in West Africa and went to high school in a city called Dakar in Senegal. My high school’s name is Dakar Academy. My parents are missionaries in Mali, West Africa with the United World Mission. During my school years, I was home schooled, and attended public and private schools. I attended Dakar Academy at some point in each level of schooling – elementary, middle, and high school. I graduated from high school in 2008 and for college I went to Bluffton University in Ohio. During college I acquired a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a minor in missions, and graduated this past May. Last month I had the chance to go back because my little sister was graduating from high school. When I was there I had an interview with the director to work at DA – preferably in the business office. After I filled out the applications, sent in my resume, and my references helped me out – the director wrote to accept me to the Dakar Academy 2012-2013 staff!

At college graduation

            It did not take me much time to decide to accept the job offering. Before I went back to Senegal my parents and I had been worried about the upcoming year: where was I going to get a job, where was I going to stay, etc? Although this job has answered many of those questions, new ones have been added.

            Why do I want to work at Dakar Academy? Dakar Academy was started in 1961 as a woman teaching the kids of missionaries so that the parents could continue their ministry without taking time out to teach their kids. This small little group grew to what it is today, a thriving, Biblically based, American school of 250 students. The students represent between 20 and 30 nationalities, ranging from Canadian to Korean to Nigerian to Saudi Arabian. The students include children of missionaries (79%), children of diplomats, and children of business people.

            My experience at DA was very rewarding. I have heard many people who went to school in the States talk about their high school experience as a bad thing, as something they don’t like to think about. Not so with me. Going to DA meant I received a first rate education, I learned about God, I was surrounded by many people my own age (which would not have been true if I had been home schooled in Mali all my life), I learned how to make good choices, and gained experience in a variety of things: fund raising, leadership, teamwork, and much more.

            For me to be able to go and work at Dakar Academy and be able to do the same thing as that first woman would be wonderful… however, I am not going to be teaching, rather I will be doing the background work – some of the work that helps make the school run smoothly. I will still be enabling missionaries to continue their work by having a place for their children to go to school. While I train for the cashier’s position, I will also be working with Quickbooks, helping the director with recruiting, and doing some jobs which will involve interaction with the students.

            Ideally, I would like to go to DA under a mission organization. However, with only one month until I leave, that won’t be possible. Dakar Academy provides housing, health insurance, and a small monthly stipend so I can live simply with what they provide. During the year to come, I will be applying to United World Mission, through which I can receive financial support.

            Until then, if you would like to support me directly, I would appreciate any help you can give. I have included a Paypal link here to enable friends to contribute. However, you will NOT receive a tax-deductible receipt for such gifts, just my heartfelt gratitude. I will use such funds to help purchase my plane ticket and make payments on my college loans. By supporting me you will be supporting the hardworking men and women who have given up other opportunities to go and share the gospel with the people of West Africa.

            More than that, I really need your prayer support. Please let me know if you would like to receive monthly prayer emails which I will be sending. Even though in one sense I will be going “home,” life as an adult with a full-time job will present new challenges and I know I’ll need God’s help.