http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org Abby Braun - FYM Africa en-us Sun, 6 Jul 2008 00:59:11 GMT 30 http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=back-in-america http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=back-in-america I'm not sure if anyone will read this anymore. But this is for my supporters and such.   I have been home now for a little bit over a month, and life has been busy, busy, busy. I still plan on doing some sort of presentation or something to share my experiences, I just don't know when it's going to happen or how. Four days after I got home from Africa I headed off to Danbury, WI to counsel at a Bible Camp. This week has been my first real time off.   I have been having some go Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=goodbye-africa http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=goodbye-africa I am on my way home.  A few of my team mates and I took a 5 day layover in Paris. I will be home on the 21st. It is so sad to leave Africa behind. I am excited to share it all with everyone back home though. I have so many stories to tell.See you all soon!!             Teresa and I at the airport  on ThursdayThe fam.! Sat, 17 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=gods-doing-big-things-in-this-small-country http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=gods-doing-big-things-in-this-small-country On Monday Amber and I finally had a chance to bring the gifts to the orphanage. For those of you who don't know, a while back I asked my mom to raise money back home for Selulasandla Vashti Ame Village. Which is an orphanage near our house that has 24 orphans ages 6-18. We stumbled upon this place one day when we were actually trying to find another orphanage we heard about. We walked into the yard of this orphanage with intentions to ask for directions. When we got there all the children were i Sun, 4 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=updates1 http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=updates1 One month from today my team and I will be flying out of Africa, our adventure will be over. But so much is still to be done. Tomorrow is my and Teresa's last " Cherish" group. Monday and Tuesday we finished up 5 out of 6 of our groups. It is amazing to look back and see all that God did through that study, and that school. School in done Friday, but I am still going to be meeting with one of our groups regularly, it is the 2 older girls, Vanessa and Zawady. They are doing Form 3 at Somnjalose Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=scripture-union-support http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=scripture-union-support Thank you to those of you who said they would like to help support the students in scripture union at my school. They are going to be so happy to here there are so many willing Americans that want to fund there going to this gathering. They leave on Friday! For those who asked how they can support you can  send your support to my home address, and my parents will be able to make it accessible to me.   Abby Braun- Support for S.U. 11675 Butternut St. NW Coon Rapids MN, 55448 &nbs Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=38-to-send-scripture-union-students http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=38-to-send-scripture-union-students First semester ends for all schools in Swaziland on April 18th. They get a month off before second semester begins. As I have said before I  help out in Scripture union at Somnjalose high school. I have gotten to know some of the students very well, the Lord has been working in mighty ways in a lot of their hearts. The students in Scripture Union really love the Lord, there are about 20 students who come regularly, sometimes more, sometimes less. But I can tell that most of them are reall Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=team-ministry http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=team-ministry Last Saturday for team ministry we did some painting at Somnjalose high school, where I teach. The home economics teacher needed her room re-painted. So my team took on the challenge of the African hardware store. After looking at the paint chart with over 30 colors on it, and then being told they actually only had 5 of the colors, It was easy to choose light brown, it was either that, bright green, black, dark brown,or just white. After buying brushes and such we asked for a stir stick, and the Sun, 6 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=it-was-impossible-for-death-to-overcome-him http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=it-was-impossible-for-death-to-overcome-him John 13 " It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. The evening meal was being served , and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=old-friends http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=old-friends  Last weekend all the girls from my team, and team Swazi. Took a trip to Alabanza, in South Africa, the place we lived last semester. They invited up back for a weekend prayer retreat. It was nice to go and have sort of a mid-trip debrief. On Sunday after church, I had the opportunity to go to Atteridgville, the township where I did most of my ministry last semester. I went back to the cresh and saw my friend's Magdalene and Martha. Also my little friend Mongesa, a little girl who goes to t Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=strangers-and-angels http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=strangers-and-angels March 4 2008- some encouraging scripture in times where it's hard to trust and have faithPsalm 139:7-10"where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I ride on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."Daniel 2:21-22    " He controls the course of world events; he removes king Wed, 5 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=prayer-requests http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=prayer-requests Blog: Prayer requestsI have a lot of prayer requests lately, I was hoping that you all could pray for my team and I, a lot of crazy things have been happening.First of all, Please pray the safety of Cassie my leader and our vehicles. Cassie has been in 2 wrecks in the last month. One totaled our car and injured a little Swazi girl, and the other kept them from getting over the border in time. Our team had to go across the border on Monday to renew our Visa's. So we spent the day in South Africa. Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=a-day-in-the-life http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=a-day-in-the-life A day in my life Some of you have been asking the question: " What does your day usually look like." So I decided to try and explain it as best as I could.For the first month I was here, everyday looked really different. But I am now trying to get into a more regular schedule. So this is a rough feeling to what a day here will look like for me.Sunday- I get to sleep in, because the church I attend doesn't start until 11:00. So at 10:50 I leave the house, because Ezulwini Evangelical Church is ju Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=things-are-finally-working-out http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=things-are-finally-working-out Things are finally coming together.Teresa and I have finally worked out our internship.Are schedule is a little crazy, but it's going to be all good.We are going to be doing  5 or 6 abstinence Bible study groups per week. We will be attending and speaking at scripture union 3 times per week.And attending morning prayer for an hour each morning.All at Somnjalose High school, in Ezulwini.We are also trying to start up another abstinence study at  a nearby carepoint with teenage girls the Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=pictures1 http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=pictures1 teresa and Abby horseback riding at the Milwane Gameparkteam K's house Check out the BROWSE MY PHOTOS for more picsFebruary 3, 2008   The last few days I have been sick with a nasty cold of some sort but I am feeling much better. Please be praying that it goes away for good. Yesterday, Saturdaywas family ministry day. As a team we went to the hospital in Mbabane. I had only been there once before yesterday. But I already have a friend. Her name is Piwe. She is a beautiful Mon, 4 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=new-address http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=new-address My mailing address for all of you who want it is, Abby Braun ( FYM)PO Box 5526Mbabane, Swaziland AfricaPlease pray that our house gets running water and electricity soon. The people that are suppose to turn it on haven't shown up yet.Some more exciting news, is that I figured out what I want to do for my internship. I am going to be helping a woman names Becca who lives here in Ezluwini do an abstinence program at high schools. I will meet every day with small groups of girls, doing this 9 week Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=i-have-3-minutes-left-of-internet-time http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=i-have-3-minutes-left-of-internet-time I am now here in Swaziland. We live in Ezulwini, our house is amazing. We have been really blessed. Please pray for my team, 4 people haven't arrived yet. We are very excited, everyone should be here by Wed. I will let you know when I have more info! Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=almost-gone http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=almost-gone BIG NEWS!!!My plane takes off tomorrow at 3:10 from minneapolis I have a stop in Amsterdam, then I will arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa on Thursday at 9:30 pm. Please keep my safety and travels in your prayers. I am very excited to see my team!! and get a start on my internship. Thanks for all of the support, and I will do my best to keep you updated...it will just depend on the african internet access :) I don't have a base address yet, but I will get it on here ASAP. however internet is p Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=living-in-swaziland http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=living-in-swaziland Our team now has a place to call home, some information about it is below. I will try to keep you updated as I find out more of what the semester is going to look like. Please keep out team in your prayers as this transition goes on.Mbabane/Ezulwini Area Mbanane is the capital of Swaziland.  It is the Governmental center of the country.  It has about 80,000 inhabitants.  The US embassy, a full service mall, and the largest government hospital are all located in Mbanane.&n Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=information-for-my-supporters http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=information-for-my-supporters I don't know if you all have read or seen in the news what is happening in Kenya, but it's not safe for us to go over there. I would encourage you to google the latest kenya news, or to check out other FYM blogs for more info. on whats happening over there at this time. As for my team and I at this point, we are not going to be able to go over to Kenya on the 14th as planned. At the moment we have 2 options, to stay here in the US or to go as a team and live in Swaziland until ( if ever) it is Fri, 4 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=1-timothy-41112 http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=1-timothy-41112 " Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, and in faith and purity." Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=i-miss-africa http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=i-miss-africa Oh good old America...it's great to be home  most moments. but I can't wait to get back to Africa, with my team.   I miss being able to turn to anyone and talk about my faith and what God is doing. I miss worshipping and praying with the people in Africa. I have never seen such real and meaningful worship and desire before. People have nothing in American standards but they thank God more than most of us do.  I miss my friends at the hospital, and my favorite little baby.&n Sun, 30 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=my-purpose2-thessalonians-51415 http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=my-purpose2-thessalonians-51415 2 Thessalonians 5:14-15 "and we urge you brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid and help the weak ,be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to eachother and everyone else" Sun, 30 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=clay-aiken http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=clay-aiken Last night I attended the Clay Aiken Christmas concert at orchestra hall! it was amazing. I was blessed to spend the night with my best friend, after not seeing her for 3 months! it was a great time, I will never forget. I just wanted to share some pictures with you all from the night!!! Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=home-for-the-holidays http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=home-for-the-holidays Hey everyone- I got home safe and sound on saturday night. I have had a good few days home. But please be praying that my jet leg is gone soon. It's been really hard getting back into a normal schedule. Please feel free to ask me any questions, I would love to share my experiences with you. I am working on a newsletter that i will post to tell you some highlights of the last few months. Also be looking for pictures I will be posting. I hope you are all having a good Christmas season!Merry Christ Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=freedom http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=freedom December 6, 2007             On December 4th- This week was un-forgettable. The Lord has truly spoken to me in so many ways and has proclaimed major freedom over my life. He really spoke to me through a man named Jim Bailey. Jim flew here to lead a discipleship conference for some of us. God used him through that to teach me a lot of things.             He spoke on Fri, 7 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=welcome-to-jefferys-bay http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=welcome-to-jefferys-bay Jeffery's Bay is amazing. We arrived here on Saturday night. We left Pretoria at 5:30 am and got here around 7. The ride wasn't bad though. We actually had some fun. I rode in the ugly brown kombi. I sat next to Allison and JB the whole way. We are staying at a place called UCSA. It is a kind of retreat center thing. We are a block away from the beach. The Indian Ocean is so beautiful. The weather hasn't been that great yet, the wind is intense and it's been kind of rainy. But we are all major b Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=thanks-be-to-god http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=thanks-be-to-god November 23, 2007               It is the day after Thanksgiving and it feels nothing like it actually. We had a great dinner, but being in Africa made it so different. When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of snow, and family and decorations everywhere, a warm homey feeling. Sitting on the porch, playing games, the football game playing in the background. So yesterday was definitely a different experience. We all got dressed up and l Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=i-was-baptized http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=i-was-baptized November 11, 2007  Sunday Afternoon                         Romans 6: 1-11 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were also baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in Sat, 17 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=takin-it-easy http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=takin-it-easy I have had a pretty relaxing week, just trying to get over my hectic weekend. I decided not to write a blog about it so I wouldn't stress myself out. But if you would like to know about our crazy boot camp weekend look at other peoples blogs.  I have had a lot of quiet time, I just finished reading Acts and am still truckin through some other books. We all decided to stay back from ministry on Wednesday to relax and have some jesus  and team time. We had a family movie night, but most Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=kenya-here-i-come http://abigailbraun.myadventures.org/?filename=kenya-here-i-come October 28, 2007   It is a beautiful Sunday morning here in South Africa. This morning I went to Atteridgville for church. It was great; the people there are really on fire for God.  As I said in my last blog I have been praying that God will give me a clear direction on where it is he wants me to serve in January. I struggled with this decision a lot.             I finally feel like God has given me a clear response. I feel l Fri, 2 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT