As I drove home from the Christmas Eve service last night, I spent some time reflecting on the past year and where God has me right now. I am often tempted to complain about this season and let Him know how things should be. My plan makes so much sense to me.
But then the Christmas story hit me like it never has before. If it was up to me, I would have orchestrated Christ's long-awaited arrival so much differently. I would have made sure Jesus came to fanfare and everyone would be aware of who He was and why He was here. They would treat Him with the honor He is due. It would be important dignitaries there celebrating, instead of lowly shepherds. He would be born in a penthouse suite, not spending His first night in a manger.
His plan was so much better than mine. He showed His indescribable love, His humility, and that He came FOR ALL PEOPLE. He came for the humble, the poor, the sick. Those in India's slums. Those in China's orphanages. Those with earthly blessings, and those whose blessings are yet to come. After the past year, this truth brings incredible joy to my heart.
What would I be missing if I got my way? What blessings would I miss out on if we went with my logical plan?
I choose to wait. To trust when it doesn't make sense. To allow His glory to be revealed in unexpected ways. And to celebrate this Christmas with more gratitude and praise than I ever have before.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
World Orphan Day
This day is so important to me. I was not adopted. I have not adopted. But I am a voice... For the "least of these". For 140 million children around the world without a family. For those that will become a part of this statistic.
My father is in ministry, and that title comes with certain responsibilities. One of those is attending the Southern Baptist Convention each summer. Until a few years ago, this responsibility meant that his family also went. If you've never been, let me tell you... it is not the most thrilling thing ever. I dreaded it, except for the couple of times it was held in Orlando. But the convention had one redeeming quality for this over-achieving and slightly nerdy kid- a discount bookstore. Without fail, that bookstore could keep me occupied for a few hours each year.
When I was 10, I was sorting through the numerous tables of books and came across one titled "China Doll". It had a picture of a couple holding a precious Asian toddler on the front. I read the back and was hooked. I bought the book and pulled my first all-nighter to finish this book. To that point, I had never heard about China's one-child policy or the girls abandoned to make way for sons or the orphanages overcrowded and out of resources. The book also opened my eyes to the miracle of adoption, and my life has never been the same.
When I began to see God's heart for the orphan, I decided adoption must be in His plan for our family. I immediately took on the role of the Holy Spirit and discovered adoption agency web sites. Each had a nice form to fill out for more information. My parents started to receive information packets about adoptions from China. I acted as surprised as they were, but I'm pretty sure they saw through that.
If you know my family, you know that this plan didn't go exactly as intended. My sister and I are very clearly my parents' biological children.
But something else happened.
The Lord opened doors for me to literally "visit the orphan" and the statistics became faces. I wrapped my arms around orphans in Mexico. I pushed them in swings in Thailand. I wiped away their tears in India. And my heart broke for these children in a way I can't understand or explain.
Orphans are heavy on my heart. I don't know why the Lord has given me this burden, but I want to bear it well. I pray orphan care and adoption are in my future, but I don't want to wait until another stage of life comes along to speak up for them. There will always be excuses and obstacles, but He has been opening my eyes lately to ways I can advocate and see that His name is glorified as we carry out His call to care for the orphan. I challenge you to seek Him about how He wants for you to be involved.
I also want you to consider that you once fell into the category of "orphan" as well. We had no hope and no future until a gracious Father sacrificed to make us His own. To lavish us with undeserved love. To allow us to take on His name and identity. To adopt us. Let the Gospel speak to you today, and thank our incredible Father on World Orphan Day.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Out of the Ashes
I need to process. To make sense of it all. To let what I have seen sink in. To evaluate what is going on, and let God show me my place in it. That is where I am after my trip to Haiti.
I thought I was prepared. I read statistics and hear stories everyday. Haiti is my job, but it hasn't been my heart. That is beginning to change.
I have been to third world countries. I even lived in one. But I wasn't at all prepared for this. Haiti is often considered a fifth world country. Try to wrap your mind around that.
I knew there would be poverty. Destruction. Hopelessness. But I didn't expect to see such beauty. Smiles. Hope. Strength. God's sovereignty over all of it. The juxtaposition of all of these things blew me away.
My words will never be adequate. My feeble photography attempts aren't either, but it's a step closer.
I thought I was prepared. I read statistics and hear stories everyday. Haiti is my job, but it hasn't been my heart. That is beginning to change.
I have been to third world countries. I even lived in one. But I wasn't at all prepared for this. Haiti is often considered a fifth world country. Try to wrap your mind around that.
I knew there would be poverty. Destruction. Hopelessness. But I didn't expect to see such beauty. Smiles. Hope. Strength. God's sovereignty over all of it. The juxtaposition of all of these things blew me away.
My words will never be adequate. My feeble photography attempts aren't either, but it's a step closer.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
It's Happening!
Off to Haiti early in the morning! Please be praying for opportunities to share and express the love of Christ. Pray we make it back without any diseases too :) I can't wait to tell you all about it...
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Love In the Time of Cholera
Not gonna lie... I haven't read this book. But the title took on new meaning for me yesterday.
I am supposed to board a plane at 7:20am on Monday to head to Haiti. I can't even begin to tell you how much I have been looking forward to seeing the ministry of New Missions up close. I'm even more excited to be meeting my sponsored child. We have built a relationship through letters over the past year and a half, but I can't wait to see her. To hug her. To laugh with her.
It's been less than a year since the earthquake, and only 2% of the rubble has been cleared. To put it bluntly, Haiti is still a mess. It's considered a fifth world country, which I honestly can't wrap my mind around. Part of me feels like my time in South Asia will help me, but I'm afraid it's on a whole different scale.
If you have been watching the news the last couple of days, you have probably heard about a new problem. There has been an outbreak of cholera in Haiti. When I heard this, I had no clue what that even meant, but it sounded terrifying. Then I was asked to do some research on the disease.
I'm no longer terrified, but I'm still asking for prayer. Right now, the trip is up in the air. A decision should be made today on whether our group will head out on Monday as planned. I am longing to get there and minister in another time of great need for these people... to love in the time of cholera.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." -Proverbs 31:8-9
"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." -Micah 6:8
I am supposed to board a plane at 7:20am on Monday to head to Haiti. I can't even begin to tell you how much I have been looking forward to seeing the ministry of New Missions up close. I'm even more excited to be meeting my sponsored child. We have built a relationship through letters over the past year and a half, but I can't wait to see her. To hug her. To laugh with her.
It's been less than a year since the earthquake, and only 2% of the rubble has been cleared. To put it bluntly, Haiti is still a mess. It's considered a fifth world country, which I honestly can't wrap my mind around. Part of me feels like my time in South Asia will help me, but I'm afraid it's on a whole different scale.
If you have been watching the news the last couple of days, you have probably heard about a new problem. There has been an outbreak of cholera in Haiti. When I heard this, I had no clue what that even meant, but it sounded terrifying. Then I was asked to do some research on the disease.
I'm no longer terrified, but I'm still asking for prayer. Right now, the trip is up in the air. A decision should be made today on whether our group will head out on Monday as planned. I am longing to get there and minister in another time of great need for these people... to love in the time of cholera.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." -Proverbs 31:8-9
"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." -Micah 6:8
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Lindsey
...has a blog. You should follow her. www.writingeverafter.blogspot.com
And this one will be the proud recipient of a real post soon. Promise. The past few months have been full of lessons that need to be shared. Get excited.
And this one will be the proud recipient of a real post soon. Promise. The past few months have been full of lessons that need to be shared. Get excited.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Updates
Life has been busy the past month.
I spent several weeks catching up with old friends and visiting family, making new ones (shoutout to Emily), and trying to get settled back into a routine in America. One highlight was getting to worship here with my brothers and sisters in person, instead of online. This place definitely feels more like home than anywhere else in Orlando. I'll admit it's a little different from church in South Asia, but still a huge blessing.
Then, my sister got engaged! There are so many words I could use to describe this event. Crazy, exciting, and incredible are the first ones that come to mind. Life has gotten even crazier since that day, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm so thankful to get to be around for this season and laugh and cry and celebrate with my best friend and her future husband.
A few days later, I started working here. Not gonna lie... going from teaching and sharing on the other side of the world to sitting at a desk for long periods of time was a little scary. I get bored pretty quickly too. But it's been amazing! I love that the organization God led me to has such a huge impact on the Kingdom! The faces of the kids and family being blessed in Haiti and the Dominican Republic keep me going.
Those are the big things. I'm adjusting and super glad that wedding blogs, magazines, a desk job, and sweet time with family keep my mind occupied the majority of the time. When it does wander, I realize how much I miss South Asia and the people there. But my Savior has reminded me over and over this week that for those who love Him, the best is ahead. And I'm getting more and more sure that He'll lead me back...
I spent several weeks catching up with old friends and visiting family, making new ones (shoutout to Emily), and trying to get settled back into a routine in America. One highlight was getting to worship here with my brothers and sisters in person, instead of online. This place definitely feels more like home than anywhere else in Orlando. I'll admit it's a little different from church in South Asia, but still a huge blessing.
Then, my sister got engaged! There are so many words I could use to describe this event. Crazy, exciting, and incredible are the first ones that come to mind. Life has gotten even crazier since that day, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm so thankful to get to be around for this season and laugh and cry and celebrate with my best friend and her future husband.
A few days later, I started working here. Not gonna lie... going from teaching and sharing on the other side of the world to sitting at a desk for long periods of time was a little scary. I get bored pretty quickly too. But it's been amazing! I love that the organization God led me to has such a huge impact on the Kingdom! The faces of the kids and family being blessed in Haiti and the Dominican Republic keep me going.
Those are the big things. I'm adjusting and super glad that wedding blogs, magazines, a desk job, and sweet time with family keep my mind occupied the majority of the time. When it does wander, I realize how much I miss South Asia and the people there. But my Savior has reminded me over and over this week that for those who love Him, the best is ahead. And I'm getting more and more sure that He'll lead me back...
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Home
Shocker. I can't sleep.
It's 5 am America right now. It's 2:30 Sunday afternoon in South Asia. My body feels like it's somewhere in the middle.
And my heart...
So many emotions are filling my mind and heart right now. I feel joy and love and gratitude for amazing family and friends who welcomed me home with open arms, ready to hear what I have learned and experienced over the past six months.
There is excitement about what the Lord has in store for this time at home. I know that He has me in Orlando for a purpose that I may not be able to see at this point. With all of my heart, I'm going to strive to live out Jim Eliot's words... "Wherever you are, be all there." I haven't forgotten that people are lost and hurting on this side of the world. I know there are things that need to be learned and shared here.
But right now I am grieving and processing the season that just ended. Missing the friends that have become like family. The faces of those that God is calling to Himself. The hearts of kids so thankful to be loved. The sounds that sung me to sleep each night and woke me up every morning. The glimpses of light and beauty in a dark place.
My heart now has two homes and is overflowing with thankfulness to a Father who is at work in both places.
It's 5 am America right now. It's 2:30 Sunday afternoon in South Asia. My body feels like it's somewhere in the middle.
And my heart...
So many emotions are filling my mind and heart right now. I feel joy and love and gratitude for amazing family and friends who welcomed me home with open arms, ready to hear what I have learned and experienced over the past six months.
There is excitement about what the Lord has in store for this time at home. I know that He has me in Orlando for a purpose that I may not be able to see at this point. With all of my heart, I'm going to strive to live out Jim Eliot's words... "Wherever you are, be all there." I haven't forgotten that people are lost and hurting on this side of the world. I know there are things that need to be learned and shared here.
But right now I am grieving and processing the season that just ended. Missing the friends that have become like family. The faces of those that God is calling to Himself. The hearts of kids so thankful to be loved. The sounds that sung me to sleep each night and woke me up every morning. The glimpses of light and beauty in a dark place.
My heart now has two homes and is overflowing with thankfulness to a Father who is at work in both places.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sharing Thoughts
Part of me is terrified to return to the States. I know the Lord has changed my heart in ways I will never be able to express. But I have no idea how these changes will translate into life at home. How others will respond to the ways I am different. How I will be able to sum up six months in a matter of minutes. How Dad will continue the good work He has started.
I also know that He has called me back for this season. And His faithfulness will continue.
Those of you that know me know my heart for orphans and adoption. It shouldn't surprise you that I read the blogs of adoptive families often and rejoice with them in the Father's redemption of these sweet children. I was surprised, however, that one of these moms so perfectly captured some of my emotions during her time in Ethiopia. Her thoughts and prayers so much remind me of my own. So I wanted to share them with you.
Maybe this will help you understand why I can't return to life as it has been. Why this place will always be a part of me. Why I have fallen so much in love with these people.
I also know that He has called me back for this season. And His faithfulness will continue.
Those of you that know me know my heart for orphans and adoption. It shouldn't surprise you that I read the blogs of adoptive families often and rejoice with them in the Father's redemption of these sweet children. I was surprised, however, that one of these moms so perfectly captured some of my emotions during her time in Ethiopia. Her thoughts and prayers so much remind me of my own. So I wanted to share them with you.
Maybe this will help you understand why I can't return to life as it has been. Why this place will always be a part of me. Why I have fallen so much in love with these people.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Reminders
I may end up blogging more in the next couple weeks than I have in the last six months. To those that follow, I'm sorry. My blog will stop showing up in your readers very soon. But the Lord is teaching me so much and my heart is overflowing, so bear with me.
There are so many things I love about this culture. The colors and sounds make me smile everyday. A ten minute walk usually takes me at least twenty because there are so many neighbors to stop and chat with. Then there's the food. I don't even need to say anything about else about that.
But there are also many things that constantly remind me that over a billion people in this country alone are in need of the Savior.
For me, the hardest of these to encounter has been the neglect of little girls in extremely poor families. There is a slum two blocks from my apartment. In this slum, one lady makes her living by "getting rid of" unwanted baby girls. Other mothers are willing to kill their children on their own. Girls are looked down upon because they are a burden. Wedding require huge dowries, and many families can't afford the expense. Despite the circumstances, I get sick even thinking about how a woman could do this. And it's become so personal.
These sisters are named Shelly and Allison. Their mother has had a total of six daughters. Two of this woman’s children reside with her in the slum, two were murdered by their mother, and the other two, Shelly and Allison, struggled to survive. Shelly was born a little over a year after her sister Allison. When she was a baby, her mother would not feed her. My friends, Suresh and Latha, were able to provide formula for Shelly to eat so she would not starve to death. As time passed, Shelly’s life resembled that of a stray dog, she ate out of the trash, and she was beaten and mistreated. She was longing for a family, for love, and for hope. And the Lord provided that through Karunya Ministries. Praise God!
Today I spent the afternoon with these beautiful kids.
After singing and Bible study, they began to share prayer needs. They shared about a young girl they know who had been brought to their school by police after her mother decided she no longer wanted her. Her mother's attempts to end her life- poison and burning- both failed. The headmaster of the school is now trying to figure out how to handle the situation.
As I listened to them talk, all of the anger, disbelief, horror, sadness, and pain came rushing back. But mostly anger. I'm not a mother, but I couldn't begin to imagine how any woman, regardless of their poverty and circumstances, could make that decision and carry out the actions.
Then I met with a group of believers in my city, and we spent time in the last verses of Luke 7. Wow. I am so much like Simon. Condemning others when I am in need of grace as much as they are. Still acting as though God rates the severity of our sin. Expecting unbelievers to live Godly lives. Responding with anger when they do not. Instead of loving these women as they are and sharing the love of Christ with them, I judged. Though I got so upset over their disobedience, I realized how rarely my own sin truly breaks my heart. Because my sin is "little", I have loved little (Luke 7:47).
Forgive me, Father. Thank you for the cross. Thank you for such grace. Thank you for reminders of your love. Teach me to love like You. Help me to understand the gravity of my sin and the enormity of your sacrifice. Allow me to share those truths with those around me.
There are so many things I love about this culture. The colors and sounds make me smile everyday. A ten minute walk usually takes me at least twenty because there are so many neighbors to stop and chat with. Then there's the food. I don't even need to say anything about else about that.
But there are also many things that constantly remind me that over a billion people in this country alone are in need of the Savior.
For me, the hardest of these to encounter has been the neglect of little girls in extremely poor families. There is a slum two blocks from my apartment. In this slum, one lady makes her living by "getting rid of" unwanted baby girls. Other mothers are willing to kill their children on their own. Girls are looked down upon because they are a burden. Wedding require huge dowries, and many families can't afford the expense. Despite the circumstances, I get sick even thinking about how a woman could do this. And it's become so personal.
These sisters are named Shelly and Allison. Their mother has had a total of six daughters. Two of this woman’s children reside with her in the slum, two were murdered by their mother, and the other two, Shelly and Allison, struggled to survive. Shelly was born a little over a year after her sister Allison. When she was a baby, her mother would not feed her. My friends, Suresh and Latha, were able to provide formula for Shelly to eat so she would not starve to death. As time passed, Shelly’s life resembled that of a stray dog, she ate out of the trash, and she was beaten and mistreated. She was longing for a family, for love, and for hope. And the Lord provided that through Karunya Ministries. Praise God!
Today I spent the afternoon with these beautiful kids.
After singing and Bible study, they began to share prayer needs. They shared about a young girl they know who had been brought to their school by police after her mother decided she no longer wanted her. Her mother's attempts to end her life- poison and burning- both failed. The headmaster of the school is now trying to figure out how to handle the situation.
As I listened to them talk, all of the anger, disbelief, horror, sadness, and pain came rushing back. But mostly anger. I'm not a mother, but I couldn't begin to imagine how any woman, regardless of their poverty and circumstances, could make that decision and carry out the actions.
Then I met with a group of believers in my city, and we spent time in the last verses of Luke 7. Wow. I am so much like Simon. Condemning others when I am in need of grace as much as they are. Still acting as though God rates the severity of our sin. Expecting unbelievers to live Godly lives. Responding with anger when they do not. Instead of loving these women as they are and sharing the love of Christ with them, I judged. Though I got so upset over their disobedience, I realized how rarely my own sin truly breaks my heart. Because my sin is "little", I have loved little (Luke 7:47).
Forgive me, Father. Thank you for the cross. Thank you for such grace. Thank you for reminders of your love. Teach me to love like You. Help me to understand the gravity of my sin and the enormity of your sacrifice. Allow me to share those truths with those around me.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
To Love My Husband?
As a warning, this is slightly different from most of the blogs I write.
I am a blog wanderer. I jump from one to another and usually have no idea how I ended up there. Lauren’s blog is one of those. She has started to write on Tuesdays about ways that she loves her husband, and other bloggers link up to hers. I have been reading these posts for a couple of months and have been so encouraged by the authenticity of these women and their desire to glorify the Lord in their marriages. I thought I would join in the fun today.
But there is a catch...
I am not married. Not engaged. Not dating. Despite this small hang-up, I don’t think that gets me off the hook for beginning to “love my husband”. My favorite part of Proverbs 31 is verse 12.
“She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
All the days of my life. That doesn’t mean I get to start loving and honoring him when we meet. There is so much I can and should be doing during this season to prepare to be the kind of wife God has called me to be. To bring good to this man I don’t even know.
I can pursue the Lord wholeheartedly. I can keep my focus on Him, rather than being distracted by the temptations of this world. I can strive for purity in all areas of my life. I can be obedient to following His will, even when it’s not easy. I can spend time in the Word and hide those truths in my heart. I can love others more than I love myself.
My time in South Asia has been so helpful in these pursuits, but also in the small things. I am cooking more than I ever have before. And from scratch. Unless the Lord brings me a chef, I hope this is one way I am able to love and serve my husband. I have also learned what genuine community looks like. What it means to live life together and be authentic in our walks with each other and with God.
Though I’m incredibly far from perfect in any of these areas, striving for these things is the only way my husband will ever be able to say, “but you surpass them all”. So I will love him in this season through loving my Savior, basking in His grace, and seeing His plan for me beautifully unfold.
I am a blog wanderer. I jump from one to another and usually have no idea how I ended up there. Lauren’s blog is one of those. She has started to write on Tuesdays about ways that she loves her husband, and other bloggers link up to hers. I have been reading these posts for a couple of months and have been so encouraged by the authenticity of these women and their desire to glorify the Lord in their marriages. I thought I would join in the fun today.
But there is a catch...
I am not married. Not engaged. Not dating. Despite this small hang-up, I don’t think that gets me off the hook for beginning to “love my husband”. My favorite part of Proverbs 31 is verse 12.
“She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
All the days of my life. That doesn’t mean I get to start loving and honoring him when we meet. There is so much I can and should be doing during this season to prepare to be the kind of wife God has called me to be. To bring good to this man I don’t even know.
I can pursue the Lord wholeheartedly. I can keep my focus on Him, rather than being distracted by the temptations of this world. I can strive for purity in all areas of my life. I can be obedient to following His will, even when it’s not easy. I can spend time in the Word and hide those truths in my heart. I can love others more than I love myself.
My time in South Asia has been so helpful in these pursuits, but also in the small things. I am cooking more than I ever have before. And from scratch. Unless the Lord brings me a chef, I hope this is one way I am able to love and serve my husband. I have also learned what genuine community looks like. What it means to live life together and be authentic in our walks with each other and with God.
Though I’m incredibly far from perfect in any of these areas, striving for these things is the only way my husband will ever be able to say, “but you surpass them all”. So I will love him in this season through loving my Savior, basking in His grace, and seeing His plan for me beautifully unfold.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
There's a Bigger Picture
Down to two weeks in my city. I've been feeling so overwhelmed as I strive to finish projects, say goodbyes, and continue to share truth with friends. In my mind, there's no way I can get everything on my list done. But the Lord so faithfully ministered to me tonight through this song and Scripture.
"I Am" by Ginny Owens
No Lord, he said, you've got the wrong guy
Simple conversation gets me tongue-tied
And you're telling me to speak with a maniac king
Or could it be I've lost my mind
Besides, I am weak, don't you want someone strong
To lead them out of Egypt when they've been there so long
And anyway, they wont believe You ever spoke to me
It's not your problem, God replied
And the rest is history
Cause there's a bigger picture you can't see
You don't have to change the world, just trust in Me
'Cause I am your creator, I am working out my plan
And through you I will show them, I Am
Now Lord, are you sure? He's just a shepherd boy
Too small for battle gear with a giant to destroy
What on earth can he do with five stones and a sling
It's not your problem, God replied
'Cause I can do anything
There's a bigger picture you can't see
You don't have to change the world, just trust in me
'Cause I am your creator, I am working out my plan
And through you, I will show them
I am the first, I am the last
I am the present and the past
I am tomorrow and today
I am the only way
Great Lord, she said, I'm just a simple girl
You say that I will bring your son into the world
How can I understand this thing You're gonna do
It's not your problem, God replied
'Cause, there's a bigger picture
And you don't have to change the world (oh no)
I'm your creator, I am working out my plan
And through you, I will show them
There's a bigger picture, you can't see
You don't have to change the world, just trust in me
Cause I am your creator, I am working out my plan
And through you, I will show them, I Am
I Am
"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his suffering, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:8-14
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by tasks and stress, I am overcome by His grace and favor and willingness to use a broken vessel. I'm so blessed to have been given the opportunity to see Him at work here and get to be a small part of it.
My goal is no longer to check everything off the list. It is to be faithful to what He has called me to do. And doing that fills me with more joy than I could have ever imagined.
"I Am" by Ginny Owens
No Lord, he said, you've got the wrong guy
Simple conversation gets me tongue-tied
And you're telling me to speak with a maniac king
Or could it be I've lost my mind
Besides, I am weak, don't you want someone strong
To lead them out of Egypt when they've been there so long
And anyway, they wont believe You ever spoke to me
It's not your problem, God replied
And the rest is history
Cause there's a bigger picture you can't see
You don't have to change the world, just trust in Me
'Cause I am your creator, I am working out my plan
And through you I will show them, I Am
Now Lord, are you sure? He's just a shepherd boy
Too small for battle gear with a giant to destroy
What on earth can he do with five stones and a sling
It's not your problem, God replied
'Cause I can do anything
There's a bigger picture you can't see
You don't have to change the world, just trust in me
'Cause I am your creator, I am working out my plan
And through you, I will show them
I am the first, I am the last
I am the present and the past
I am tomorrow and today
I am the only way
Great Lord, she said, I'm just a simple girl
You say that I will bring your son into the world
How can I understand this thing You're gonna do
It's not your problem, God replied
'Cause, there's a bigger picture
And you don't have to change the world (oh no)
I'm your creator, I am working out my plan
And through you, I will show them
There's a bigger picture, you can't see
You don't have to change the world, just trust in me
Cause I am your creator, I am working out my plan
And through you, I will show them, I Am
I Am
"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his suffering, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:8-14
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by tasks and stress, I am overcome by His grace and favor and willingness to use a broken vessel. I'm so blessed to have been given the opportunity to see Him at work here and get to be a small part of it.
My goal is no longer to check everything off the list. It is to be faithful to what He has called me to do. And doing that fills me with more joy than I could have ever imagined.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Last Few Months
I had really great intentions of blogging about all the incredible and entertaining things that have happened in the past few months. I recently came to the realization, however, that it will never happen.
But I have a solution. My roommate, Megan, is an incredible blogger for several reasons. Number 1 is that she's a good writer. She blogs like she is sitting across the kitchen table telling a story. And I'm speaking from experience. This is a daily occurrence at our apartment. She also writes about the funny things that happen in every day life. I can't read her blog posts without laughing out loud. The best thing about her blog is that it is updated often. She doesn't wait months before writing a post like her procrastinating roomie. Instead, it usually happens the same day as one of our crazy adventures.
So now that I've done an infomercial for Megan's blog, you should go to it. And laugh and be moved and hear about the incredible things God has allowed us to see and experience over the past few months in South Asia.
www.megannarrative.com
P.S. I was granted permission to share this after our delicious and comforting Mexican meal tonight. Thanks Megan!
But I have a solution. My roommate, Megan, is an incredible blogger for several reasons. Number 1 is that she's a good writer. She blogs like she is sitting across the kitchen table telling a story. And I'm speaking from experience. This is a daily occurrence at our apartment. She also writes about the funny things that happen in every day life. I can't read her blog posts without laughing out loud. The best thing about her blog is that it is updated often. She doesn't wait months before writing a post like her procrastinating roomie. Instead, it usually happens the same day as one of our crazy adventures.
So now that I've done an infomercial for Megan's blog, you should go to it. And laugh and be moved and hear about the incredible things God has allowed us to see and experience over the past few months in South Asia.
www.megannarrative.com
P.S. I was granted permission to share this after our delicious and comforting Mexican meal tonight. Thanks Megan!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Still Here...
... and planning to update very soon. It's just been crazy and there's more in my heart than I can get into one blog post. So keep praying.
I'm down to less than a month in my city, and I have no idea how to fit it all in. Pray we are wise stewards of our time as we start to wrap things up. It's going to be tough. My heart breaks thinking about saying goodbye to this season, to this place, and to these people.
I'm down to less than a month in my city, and I have no idea how to fit it all in. Pray we are wise stewards of our time as we start to wrap things up. It's going to be tough. My heart breaks thinking about saying goodbye to this season, to this place, and to these people.
Friday, May 14, 2010
A Need
Some of the sweetest times I have experienced so far in South Asia have been working with a local slum ministry. The directors have become incredible friends and mentors over the last few months, and I have fallen in love with they kids they welcome into their home each day. Each week, I am able to spend time teaching verses and lessons from the Word or praise songs to some of these children. I have been amazed and humbled by their prayers and faith that God will move.
That faith is on display right now. School starts again in just a few weeks, and the directors have no idea where the money for the children's schooling will come from. But they are trusting Him and stepping out in faith.
To hear it in their own words, here is a letter they recently wrote concerning the need.
About the slum kids:
Bangalore we have Slum children’s Ministry there are about 220 children, in this some are orphans and some are semi orphans (only one parent is alive). For some children though they have parents they are like orphans, only few children have parents.
All the children come to our house at 4.00p.m and stay till 8.30 p.m. During this time we tutor the children and help them in their home works and studies and they eat dinner. The children come in the morning for morning Devotion and then they study for some time and then they get ready and go to school.
When we first met these children they were not going to school at all and all the children aged from 8 to 10 years and above were addicted to drugs and alcohol. At that time we had heart for these Children. So we started with the Sunday school for them and after few weeks we started every day evening tutoring and then we put all the children in the school.
None of the parents are interested in sending the children to school because if the children grow little bit they can sent the children to work. The Girls can go for house work and the boys can go for the building labours and through this they end up with different bad habits. But we have encouraged about education to all the children and the parents and now we have all the children going to school some parents are supporting them.
For Slum Children Education:
Most of the children have no support at all for their education. If we help them then they will go to school every year if not they end up roaming in the slum and get along with many bad friends and start their old habits like smoking, alcohol, drugs stealing and so on.
Every year we have been relaying on our friends and well wishers to help these children in their schooling. This ministry is completely depending on God by faith.
This year 2010 March these kids were promoted and they are so excited to go to next class. We have 4 children who got 1st rank in their classes and majority have passed in 1st class.
In these 220 children we have 127 orphan and semi orphan children for them we have to help in their school fees, books, uniform etc. For other children we somehow encourage their parents to help the children go to school. Every year we struggle to raise money for these children schooling if not they will not go to school. Then their life will be miserable. Same way this year also we are praying for somebody to come forward to pay these children school fees. For each child it cost Rs 6,300 ($ 147 USD) for one year of schooling. This is one help which is in need very much because the children are starting the school on 24th May 2010.
It has been such a blessing for me to see God move as they pray in faith. I would love for you to join us in lifting this need before the Father and trusting Him to work in incredible ways. School starts in ten days. I have no idea how He will choose to move, but there is so much joy and peace in serving a big God who is more than able to meet all our needs (Philippians 4:19).
If you feel Him leading you to partner with this ministry, please let me know, or visit karunyaministries.wordpress.com.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
That faith is on display right now. School starts again in just a few weeks, and the directors have no idea where the money for the children's schooling will come from. But they are trusting Him and stepping out in faith.
To hear it in their own words, here is a letter they recently wrote concerning the need.
About the slum kids:
Bangalore we have Slum children’s Ministry there are about 220 children, in this some are orphans and some are semi orphans (only one parent is alive). For some children though they have parents they are like orphans, only few children have parents.
All the children come to our house at 4.00p.m and stay till 8.30 p.m. During this time we tutor the children and help them in their home works and studies and they eat dinner. The children come in the morning for morning Devotion and then they study for some time and then they get ready and go to school.
When we first met these children they were not going to school at all and all the children aged from 8 to 10 years and above were addicted to drugs and alcohol. At that time we had heart for these Children. So we started with the Sunday school for them and after few weeks we started every day evening tutoring and then we put all the children in the school.
None of the parents are interested in sending the children to school because if the children grow little bit they can sent the children to work. The Girls can go for house work and the boys can go for the building labours and through this they end up with different bad habits. But we have encouraged about education to all the children and the parents and now we have all the children going to school some parents are supporting them.
For Slum Children Education:
Most of the children have no support at all for their education. If we help them then they will go to school every year if not they end up roaming in the slum and get along with many bad friends and start their old habits like smoking, alcohol, drugs stealing and so on.
Every year we have been relaying on our friends and well wishers to help these children in their schooling. This ministry is completely depending on God by faith.
This year 2010 March these kids were promoted and they are so excited to go to next class. We have 4 children who got 1st rank in their classes and majority have passed in 1st class.
In these 220 children we have 127 orphan and semi orphan children for them we have to help in their school fees, books, uniform etc. For other children we somehow encourage their parents to help the children go to school. Every year we struggle to raise money for these children schooling if not they will not go to school. Then their life will be miserable. Same way this year also we are praying for somebody to come forward to pay these children school fees. For each child it cost Rs 6,300 ($ 147 USD) for one year of schooling. This is one help which is in need very much because the children are starting the school on 24th May 2010.
It has been such a blessing for me to see God move as they pray in faith. I would love for you to join us in lifting this need before the Father and trusting Him to work in incredible ways. School starts in ten days. I have no idea how He will choose to move, but there is so much joy and peace in serving a big God who is more than able to meet all our needs (Philippians 4:19).
If you feel Him leading you to partner with this ministry, please let me know, or visit karunyaministries.wordpress.com.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Groom
A few weeks ago, my teammate and I were invited to the wedding of a friend's cousin in her family's village. It was my first trip outside the city and my first wedding in this country.... so there were quite a few new experiences. A few of the highlights were helping to cook 20 kilos of biriyani, riding in a loory, drinking water from a coconut right off the tree, and sliding down the side of a mountain on purpose.
As fun as these experiences were, the wedding itself was a difficult event to attend, and would be even tougher to try to describe.
I was recently asked to share some of the things I'm learning on another blog, and this is my feeble attempt sum up the emotions and thoughts of that day....
Like most girls, I have spent countless hours dreaming about every little detail of my fairytale wedding. In all of my dreams and visions about this day, the only emotions I have felt are hopeful anticipation and blissful joy.
Despite my optimistic expectations, my perceptions of marriage were recently challenged. For the past four months, I have been serving in South Asia, and my ideas about love and marriage stand in direct opposition to many of my new friends’ mindsets. Many people here are in or awaiting arranged marriages. Most are lucky to spend any time with their spouse before the wedding day.
I attended my first wedding ceremony a few weeks ago (photo on right). My heart broke as I watched the sixteen-year old bride cry through each of the pre-wedding rituals. Her fear and stress were so tangible. She even vomited during the wedding ceremony. I found myself wishing she didn’t have to be getting married, but her duty to her family overshadowed any fear.
Instead of this fear and sense of responsibility, I wanted her to experience the joy and excitement I’ve seen on the faces of brides back at home. To know her husband’s heart intimately and look forward to serving the Lord together. To be thanking God for his providence in bringing the two of them together. To be looking at His incredible example for how to love selflessly. But she doesn’t know those thoughts and feelings.
As I shared this experience, a friend asked, “What do you think comes to mind when she hears ‘the bride of Christ’?” I was so struck by this thought and it continues to challenge me.
For the church, thinking about meeting our groom, Jesus Christ, leads to feelings of excitement and hope. He loves us more than we can comprehend, and we get to spend eternity praising Him in the place He has prepared for us. We will finally get to experience His glory and express our love for Him completely. As Revelation 19:7 says, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.”
But not everyone rejoices when they think about the end of their life. Instead, there is fear and dread. They do not know Him or what to expect. They question His goodness and wisdom. Their thoughts of Him are associated with duty and rules, not love and freedom.
Our sisters are familiar with the parable in Matthew 25, but it has taken on new meaning for me in the past few months. So many of my friends and neighbors are not ready to meet their groom. They feel just like the young girl who went before her new husband in such fear. Like the bridesmaids in the passage, those that aren’t ready are shut out entirely.
I felt so hopeless as I sat through that wedding ceremony. There was nothing I could do to make her feel better or take away her fear. But there is something we can do for those who aren’t ready to come face-to-face with Jesus. We can introduce them. Tell them what we know of Him and about our experiences with Him. Share about His love. His kindness. His goodness. His grace. And how to know His heart intimately.
As fun as these experiences were, the wedding itself was a difficult event to attend, and would be even tougher to try to describe.
I was recently asked to share some of the things I'm learning on another blog, and this is my feeble attempt sum up the emotions and thoughts of that day....
Like most girls, I have spent countless hours dreaming about every little detail of my fairytale wedding. In all of my dreams and visions about this day, the only emotions I have felt are hopeful anticipation and blissful joy.
Despite my optimistic expectations, my perceptions of marriage were recently challenged. For the past four months, I have been serving in South Asia, and my ideas about love and marriage stand in direct opposition to many of my new friends’ mindsets. Many people here are in or awaiting arranged marriages. Most are lucky to spend any time with their spouse before the wedding day.
I attended my first wedding ceremony a few weeks ago (photo on right). My heart broke as I watched the sixteen-year old bride cry through each of the pre-wedding rituals. Her fear and stress were so tangible. She even vomited during the wedding ceremony. I found myself wishing she didn’t have to be getting married, but her duty to her family overshadowed any fear.
Instead of this fear and sense of responsibility, I wanted her to experience the joy and excitement I’ve seen on the faces of brides back at home. To know her husband’s heart intimately and look forward to serving the Lord together. To be thanking God for his providence in bringing the two of them together. To be looking at His incredible example for how to love selflessly. But she doesn’t know those thoughts and feelings.
As I shared this experience, a friend asked, “What do you think comes to mind when she hears ‘the bride of Christ’?” I was so struck by this thought and it continues to challenge me.
For the church, thinking about meeting our groom, Jesus Christ, leads to feelings of excitement and hope. He loves us more than we can comprehend, and we get to spend eternity praising Him in the place He has prepared for us. We will finally get to experience His glory and express our love for Him completely. As Revelation 19:7 says, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.”
But not everyone rejoices when they think about the end of their life. Instead, there is fear and dread. They do not know Him or what to expect. They question His goodness and wisdom. Their thoughts of Him are associated with duty and rules, not love and freedom.
Our sisters are familiar with the parable in Matthew 25, but it has taken on new meaning for me in the past few months. So many of my friends and neighbors are not ready to meet their groom. They feel just like the young girl who went before her new husband in such fear. Like the bridesmaids in the passage, those that aren’t ready are shut out entirely.
I felt so hopeless as I sat through that wedding ceremony. There was nothing I could do to make her feel better or take away her fear. But there is something we can do for those who aren’t ready to come face-to-face with Jesus. We can introduce them. Tell them what we know of Him and about our experiences with Him. Share about His love. His kindness. His goodness. His grace. And how to know His heart intimately.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
A Different Kind of Festival
This culture loves to celebrate. Parties are ridiculous, especially weddings. And there's a festival every other week. Typically these festivals praise the acts and characteristics of one of the gods and come with carnival rides, parades, and lots of flowers and fireworks.
A few weeks ago, I was shopping in one of my favorite stores, where I have gotten to know some of the workers well. It was the day of a festival to celebrate the god Shiva. He explained to me the reasons why Shiva was his favorite god and how he would be celebrating, then asked me about our Christian festivals. I remembered one was coming soon, and started to tell him about Easter and the reasons we celebrate on that day, with a promise to come share more.
This conversation got me thinking about how we could continue to share truth as we celebrated His resurrection, and we decided an Easter party for people in our neighborhood would be a great way to build relationships and tell about our Savior.
We began to tell the people in our building and our other neighbors. Especially kids. There are many that play cricket and cards on our street each afternoon, and we've been able to build relationships with several of them.
As we planned, we had to be careful as to what aspects of American Easter celebrations we shared here. Most of our friends are vegetarians, and do not eat eggs. Some will not even touch them, so many eggs activities were automatically out. Plastic eggs were doable, but finding those here is next to impossible. We did, however, have Resurrection Eggs. This set of twelve eggs contains small items that help tell the Easter story, such as nails, a stone, and a crown of thorns.
The egg thing also made cooking more of an adventure. We were having post-lunch desserts and sweets. Pulling that off without eggs was a challenge. But we did it thanks to some helpful internet sites. We ended up with sugar cookies for the kids to decorate, chocolate chip cookies, an orange cake, brownie pudding, fruit salad, and some local biscuits. Seeing the display on the table was a pretty proud moment for us :)
Armed with coloring sheets, Easter bingo, some relay games, sidewalk chalk, the Resurrection Eggs, and the food, we were ready for our friends to arrive. It was such a blessing to be able to share the reason that we celebrate with the people. Some had never heard, and to watch their faces change as they heard that He had died, but then came back to life was incredible! Because people arrived in shifts, we got to tell the story several times. One of these times, a young friend that we had shared with previously helped me tell the story. He did such a good job!
Please be lifting up these new friends. Ask that the Father give us more opportunities to share with these families and that He reveals Himself to each of them. How beautiful it would be for them to be believing as they celebrate this Truth next Easter!
The Easter Sunday celebration started at a local slum ministry, where I have been able to spend lots of time the last few months. Some friends and I were asked to help with their church service by coming up with some skits about His miracles. We had a great time and our rendition of these is pretty entertaining. Unfortunately, no one had a video camera to document it, but you can trust me on this. Worshipping on Easter with 200 beautiful children who have so few possessions, but so much joy in Dad was amazing! They praise passionately and give in such faith. I have learned so much from them.
After the service and lunch, we got to hide eggs for the kids' first hunt ever! So sweet to see their excitement! They were told to find one egg each, but a few of the smart ones got the candy out and left the eggs. I guess that's technically following the rules :)
This day was also special because my friends and I wore sarees for the first time. It was a bit of a struggle to walk around with that much fabric, but we had fun and I have even more respect for the beautiful ladies who wear them everyday.
Celebrating my first Easter on this side of the world was wonderful. I can't think of a better way to celebrate than sharing His love and victory with those around us. Thankful doesn't do it justice.
A few weeks ago, I was shopping in one of my favorite stores, where I have gotten to know some of the workers well. It was the day of a festival to celebrate the god Shiva. He explained to me the reasons why Shiva was his favorite god and how he would be celebrating, then asked me about our Christian festivals. I remembered one was coming soon, and started to tell him about Easter and the reasons we celebrate on that day, with a promise to come share more.
This conversation got me thinking about how we could continue to share truth as we celebrated His resurrection, and we decided an Easter party for people in our neighborhood would be a great way to build relationships and tell about our Savior.
We began to tell the people in our building and our other neighbors. Especially kids. There are many that play cricket and cards on our street each afternoon, and we've been able to build relationships with several of them.
As we planned, we had to be careful as to what aspects of American Easter celebrations we shared here. Most of our friends are vegetarians, and do not eat eggs. Some will not even touch them, so many eggs activities were automatically out. Plastic eggs were doable, but finding those here is next to impossible. We did, however, have Resurrection Eggs. This set of twelve eggs contains small items that help tell the Easter story, such as nails, a stone, and a crown of thorns.
The egg thing also made cooking more of an adventure. We were having post-lunch desserts and sweets. Pulling that off without eggs was a challenge. But we did it thanks to some helpful internet sites. We ended up with sugar cookies for the kids to decorate, chocolate chip cookies, an orange cake, brownie pudding, fruit salad, and some local biscuits. Seeing the display on the table was a pretty proud moment for us :)
Armed with coloring sheets, Easter bingo, some relay games, sidewalk chalk, the Resurrection Eggs, and the food, we were ready for our friends to arrive. It was such a blessing to be able to share the reason that we celebrate with the people. Some had never heard, and to watch their faces change as they heard that He had died, but then came back to life was incredible! Because people arrived in shifts, we got to tell the story several times. One of these times, a young friend that we had shared with previously helped me tell the story. He did such a good job!
Please be lifting up these new friends. Ask that the Father give us more opportunities to share with these families and that He reveals Himself to each of them. How beautiful it would be for them to be believing as they celebrate this Truth next Easter!
The Easter Sunday celebration started at a local slum ministry, where I have been able to spend lots of time the last few months. Some friends and I were asked to help with their church service by coming up with some skits about His miracles. We had a great time and our rendition of these is pretty entertaining. Unfortunately, no one had a video camera to document it, but you can trust me on this. Worshipping on Easter with 200 beautiful children who have so few possessions, but so much joy in Dad was amazing! They praise passionately and give in such faith. I have learned so much from them.
After the service and lunch, we got to hide eggs for the kids' first hunt ever! So sweet to see their excitement! They were told to find one egg each, but a few of the smart ones got the candy out and left the eggs. I guess that's technically following the rules :)
This day was also special because my friends and I wore sarees for the first time. It was a bit of a struggle to walk around with that much fabric, but we had fun and I have even more respect for the beautiful ladies who wear them everyday.
Celebrating my first Easter on this side of the world was wonderful. I can't think of a better way to celebrate than sharing His love and victory with those around us. Thankful doesn't do it justice.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
2 Kings 5
" 1 Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy. 2 Now bands from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman's wife. 3 She said to her mistress, "If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy."
I came across this passage the other day and was both challenged and encouraged by the young girl's actions. She was taken captive to a place and people she didn't know. She was away from her family and all that was familiar and asked to serve. She did serve, and went beyond what she was asked to do. She offered what she had to the people who had brought her there. She knew of a prophet and his ability to heal. She completely trusted that he would be able to give that healing to her master. And the master trusted her.
The rest of the passage tells us that Naaman went to the king of Israel in search of this healing. Elisha told him to wash seven times in the Jordan and he would be healed. Though he was initially upset with these instructions, he did as he had been told, and the Word says "his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy".
My favorite part of the passage, though, is Naaman's response to this healing. He tells Elisha, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel".
How I long to hear those words! In a culture with millions of gods, even when people hear about Jesus and what He has done, their response is typically to add Him to their list of gods. They may know about Him, pray to Him, worship Him, but not as the One, True God. In a conversation the other day, when I asked about a friend's relationship with the Lord, she told me she had a cross hanging in her pooja room, where she worships her gods. That was enough for her.
Like the young girl in the story, He has given me the opportunity to share what I have seen and experienced. I may have little to give, but He can do so much with my small offering. As I seek to serve them, let these people see a difference.... desire to know why.... hear about the healing they too can have. Join me in praying that they would respond as Naaman did, and worship Christ alone.
I came across this passage the other day and was both challenged and encouraged by the young girl's actions. She was taken captive to a place and people she didn't know. She was away from her family and all that was familiar and asked to serve. She did serve, and went beyond what she was asked to do. She offered what she had to the people who had brought her there. She knew of a prophet and his ability to heal. She completely trusted that he would be able to give that healing to her master. And the master trusted her.
The rest of the passage tells us that Naaman went to the king of Israel in search of this healing. Elisha told him to wash seven times in the Jordan and he would be healed. Though he was initially upset with these instructions, he did as he had been told, and the Word says "his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy".
My favorite part of the passage, though, is Naaman's response to this healing. He tells Elisha, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel".
How I long to hear those words! In a culture with millions of gods, even when people hear about Jesus and what He has done, their response is typically to add Him to their list of gods. They may know about Him, pray to Him, worship Him, but not as the One, True God. In a conversation the other day, when I asked about a friend's relationship with the Lord, she told me she had a cross hanging in her pooja room, where she worships her gods. That was enough for her.
Like the young girl in the story, He has given me the opportunity to share what I have seen and experienced. I may have little to give, but He can do so much with my small offering. As I seek to serve them, let these people see a difference.... desire to know why.... hear about the healing they too can have. Join me in praying that they would respond as Naaman did, and worship Christ alone.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Amused
I have been failing miserably at this whole blogging thing. I think about all these things I want to fill you in on, but actually getting around to it is the hard part. Now that the traveling has slowed down a little and I'm back in a routine, I'm going to do my best to catch you up on what's been going on here.
Several weeks ago, one of my students turned five, and apparently a whole hand is a pretty big deal.
To celebrate, 19 Americans headed to an amusement park in the city. I was a little skeptical about what we might find, but was pleasantly surprised. We had such a great time enjoying the park and its South Asian twists :)
First of all, the whole day cost about $10, lunch included. Disney should learn from this place. I almost qualified for a child ticket, which would have made it even cheaper, but I was a couple of inches over the line. We were greeted by a little person in a clown outfit as we walked in. A little creepy, but the kids didn't mind him. A few even danced with him, which was pretty entertaining. Our first ride was a termite roller coaster. When I say roller coaster, I mean slightly fast train ride with a bump or two that is so short we have to go around multiple times. But I still enjoyed myself.
The next ride was a dungeon/haunted house. I'm not going to lie. I was a little terrified. Who wants to see skeletons or saris or cobras with red eyes coming at you? And those are some of the things I saw. I think my eyes were closed for the majority of the ride. Thank you Wonder-la for the nightmares.
The rest of the rides were much more pleasant. Bumper cars and lots of spinning rides kept us busy until lunch.
After lunch, we headed to the water rides. This was the first time my legs had seen the sun since I've been in the country. They enjoyed the freedom, but I'm not sure other people enjoyed being blinded by them. It was interesting to see how people chose to dress for the water rides. Some women, like us, went with shorts and tshirts over their suits, while others wore their normal clothes with long, heavy pants, long shirts, and dupattas. Only here...
We went down several slides, and seemed to have issues on every one. We weren't sitting right, or we had too many people, or we needed to scoot back. Overcoming the communication barrier to understand these things became so entertaining, we couldn't stop laughing. I have no idea what the employees thought about this crazy group of Americans.
At 4:00, we headed to the rain disco. And yes... it's exactly like it sounds. Rain falls from the ceiling while lasers and lights are flashing and techno music plays while we dance. Pretty incredible. The South Asian twist is that there are two sides when you go in. One is for women, children, and families, and the other is for men. I was pretty thankful for the cultural differences for those twenty minutes.
The day ended with a couple more dry rides and a cup of chai. We decided to stop at one of the city's three restaurants with beef on the way home to wrap up the time of fellowship and laughter. It was a great day to be with the friends that have become my family while I am away from home and enjoy the culture that Dad has us in. I left Wonder-la loving South Asia a little more than before.
Several weeks ago, one of my students turned five, and apparently a whole hand is a pretty big deal.
To celebrate, 19 Americans headed to an amusement park in the city. I was a little skeptical about what we might find, but was pleasantly surprised. We had such a great time enjoying the park and its South Asian twists :)
First of all, the whole day cost about $10, lunch included. Disney should learn from this place. I almost qualified for a child ticket, which would have made it even cheaper, but I was a couple of inches over the line. We were greeted by a little person in a clown outfit as we walked in. A little creepy, but the kids didn't mind him. A few even danced with him, which was pretty entertaining. Our first ride was a termite roller coaster. When I say roller coaster, I mean slightly fast train ride with a bump or two that is so short we have to go around multiple times. But I still enjoyed myself.
The next ride was a dungeon/haunted house. I'm not going to lie. I was a little terrified. Who wants to see skeletons or saris or cobras with red eyes coming at you? And those are some of the things I saw. I think my eyes were closed for the majority of the ride. Thank you Wonder-la for the nightmares.
The rest of the rides were much more pleasant. Bumper cars and lots of spinning rides kept us busy until lunch.
After lunch, we headed to the water rides. This was the first time my legs had seen the sun since I've been in the country. They enjoyed the freedom, but I'm not sure other people enjoyed being blinded by them. It was interesting to see how people chose to dress for the water rides. Some women, like us, went with shorts and tshirts over their suits, while others wore their normal clothes with long, heavy pants, long shirts, and dupattas. Only here...
We went down several slides, and seemed to have issues on every one. We weren't sitting right, or we had too many people, or we needed to scoot back. Overcoming the communication barrier to understand these things became so entertaining, we couldn't stop laughing. I have no idea what the employees thought about this crazy group of Americans.
At 4:00, we headed to the rain disco. And yes... it's exactly like it sounds. Rain falls from the ceiling while lasers and lights are flashing and techno music plays while we dance. Pretty incredible. The South Asian twist is that there are two sides when you go in. One is for women, children, and families, and the other is for men. I was pretty thankful for the cultural differences for those twenty minutes.
The day ended with a couple more dry rides and a cup of chai. We decided to stop at one of the city's three restaurants with beef on the way home to wrap up the time of fellowship and laughter. It was a great day to be with the friends that have become my family while I am away from home and enjoy the culture that Dad has us in. I left Wonder-la loving South Asia a little more than before.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Glimpses
I had a request from one of my two favorite grandmothers to post a few pictures. So here is a quick glimpse into the past week and life in South Asia....
Three days a week are spent with some pretty amazing kids. It's been so much fun getting to know and work with them over the past few months. And even more exciting... two joined the family this week! Definitely join me in thanking Him for that!!
Outside the grocery store one afternoon, I noticed one of the trees shaking a little. Then I saw three monkeys enjoying themselves. I have to say... they must some of the smart ones to chose the place where the keep all the food to hang out. I'd be lying if I said I was used to seeing these animals all over the place. I must still be entertained if I pull my camera out :)
Walking down this street, I ran into this huge group of guys standing on the sidewalk. Typically, I would avoid that situation at all costs, but I didn't know if it was a fight or a meeting or an emergency, and my curiosity got the best of me. Turns out it was an electronics store and the guys were watching a cricket match through the window. A little anti-climatic, but worth a laugh.
I spent some time at a friend's house today and got to meet a few of her nieces. Taking pictures of each other was a fun way to overcome the language barrier.
Because good Mexican food is rare in this part of the world, the opening of this restaurant in our city was a pretty big deal to the Americans I know. Apparently it is a big deal to other people too, because half of the country was in the restaurant while we were. Despite a little South Asian twist, it was pretty close to the original and well worth the wait.
And finally...
The friend that shares so many of these adventures with me. So thankful for you!
Three days a week are spent with some pretty amazing kids. It's been so much fun getting to know and work with them over the past few months. And even more exciting... two joined the family this week! Definitely join me in thanking Him for that!!
Outside the grocery store one afternoon, I noticed one of the trees shaking a little. Then I saw three monkeys enjoying themselves. I have to say... they must some of the smart ones to chose the place where the keep all the food to hang out. I'd be lying if I said I was used to seeing these animals all over the place. I must still be entertained if I pull my camera out :)
Walking down this street, I ran into this huge group of guys standing on the sidewalk. Typically, I would avoid that situation at all costs, but I didn't know if it was a fight or a meeting or an emergency, and my curiosity got the best of me. Turns out it was an electronics store and the guys were watching a cricket match through the window. A little anti-climatic, but worth a laugh.
I spent some time at a friend's house today and got to meet a few of her nieces. Taking pictures of each other was a fun way to overcome the language barrier.
Because good Mexican food is rare in this part of the world, the opening of this restaurant in our city was a pretty big deal to the Americans I know. Apparently it is a big deal to other people too, because half of the country was in the restaurant while we were. Despite a little South Asian twist, it was pretty close to the original and well worth the wait.
And finally...
The friend that shares so many of these adventures with me. So thankful for you!
Friday, March 12, 2010
A Lesson
I spent several hours on Thursday afternoon sharing with a friend about an area in which I'm struggling to trust. She then shared what Dad has been teaching her recently. After coffee and a quick eyebrow threading stop, we went our separate ways. At this point, it had just gotten dark, and catching an auto alone at night is not one of my favorite things. Eventually I found a driver who knew where my neighborhood is and was willing to go by the price on the meter, which is pretty rare for an American at night :)
I noticed pretty quickly that we weren't taking the normal route. The coffee shop is pretty close to the school, so I know the easiest way to get from that area home, but he wasn't taking it. This is when panic begins to set in. I ask him to make sure he is headed to the right place, and he assures me that he is taking a short cut and we are almost there.
At this point, I have a choice to make. I can choose to let go and trust that this driver knows the city better than I do and will get me where I need to be, or I can make him stop and get out of his auto. I went with the former.
When I got to my destination, he had gotten me there so quickly that it ended up costing about half the price that it normally does. And he was one of the kindest drivers I've had. Turns out he did know so much better than I did, and because I trusted him, I was blessed.
It was such an amazing picture of learning to trust my Father. So often, I don't understand the path He has me on or the turns He is taking. But He is in control. He knows what is ahead, while I have no clue. I have to simply surrender to His guidance and trust that He loves me and has great things in store. Trust that He wants the best for me. Trust that He desires my sanctification, regardless of what it takes. Trust that this will bring me closer to Him.
I choose to trust.
This song by Ginny Owens says it more beautifully than I can, so I'll let it convey my heart tonight...
The pathway is broken
And The signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to
Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
so if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will walk through the fire
If You want me to
It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone
So When the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley If You want me to
I noticed pretty quickly that we weren't taking the normal route. The coffee shop is pretty close to the school, so I know the easiest way to get from that area home, but he wasn't taking it. This is when panic begins to set in. I ask him to make sure he is headed to the right place, and he assures me that he is taking a short cut and we are almost there.
At this point, I have a choice to make. I can choose to let go and trust that this driver knows the city better than I do and will get me where I need to be, or I can make him stop and get out of his auto. I went with the former.
When I got to my destination, he had gotten me there so quickly that it ended up costing about half the price that it normally does. And he was one of the kindest drivers I've had. Turns out he did know so much better than I did, and because I trusted him, I was blessed.
It was such an amazing picture of learning to trust my Father. So often, I don't understand the path He has me on or the turns He is taking. But He is in control. He knows what is ahead, while I have no clue. I have to simply surrender to His guidance and trust that He loves me and has great things in store. Trust that He wants the best for me. Trust that He desires my sanctification, regardless of what it takes. Trust that this will bring me closer to Him.
I choose to trust.
This song by Ginny Owens says it more beautifully than I can, so I'll let it convey my heart tonight...
The pathway is broken
And The signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to
Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
so if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will walk through the fire
If You want me to
It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone
So When the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley If You want me to
Sunday, March 7, 2010
A Few More Reasons
I can't believe I've been here almost two months! Time is flying by, but I am loving it. Every day is an adventure, and I'm seeing Him at work both in my own life and all around me. At the school, we're staying busy getting ready for the spring musical. Pretty sure it's going to be a hit :) The kids are working so hard, and Dad is being glorified in their praises! Can't wait for their friends and family to get to see their fruits of their efforts.
We're also still working on language, which has turned out to be a bigger challenge than I expected. Most people that we meet want to practice English with us, so convincing them to speak another language takes some effort (and sometimes some compromising!). We're trying though! Be lifting this up when you think about it.
In one of the papers this week, there was an article listing 60 reasons to love this country. I found it very entertaining, and since I heard you all enjoyed the last list, I thought I'd share a couple of my favorites with you. Enjoy!
2. FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY
Tell someone you don't believe in God. Go on. You'll find yourself arguing so vehemently to make your case that you could well be accused of having a severe case of faith faith in no God in this case. Because that's what we do believe. Hard. With passion. In anything we want to believe. Which is why practically every faith known to God is right here in India, and we're not above inventing several more if we think we haven't enough.
3. THE WAY WE ARE SO FLEXIBLE
Checked anyone's filofax lately? Know anyone who has a filofax? We may set off in the morning expecting to follow a strict schedule of assignments and appointments, but we are always happy to chuck all our plans at a moment's notice, particularly if the alternative involves partying.
5. CHAI
It's raining. We need chai. It's cold. We need chai. It's hot and sweaty and miserable. We need chai. Yes chai, not tea. The over-boiled, over-milked and over-sweetened stuff that could rot our teeth and turn our insides into shoe leather, yet never fails to put life back into our tired frames. Then there's also tea. Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri, Kangra... Mmmm, the fragrance.
7. WEDDINGS AND FAMILY OCCASIONS
Our weddings are attended by family, relatives, friends, past and present neighbours, people who invited you to their or their siblings' weddings, past and present colleagues, random strangers because we had 300 wedding cards extra and didn't want to waste them, plus gatecrashers a guestlist so long it rivals the population of the whole of Africa. If however, our homes are filled with the population of only one small country, like Bangladesh, we're just having a family dinner.
11. DESI HOSPITALITY
Atithi devo hava... and we will be devo-ed till our stomachs burst. When we step into anyone's house we are fed, watered and pampered so much, we'd never believe there was a single nasty person on this planet. The only difficulty is getting away if they could, our hosts would adopt us on the spot.
29. SINGING
What do you get when two of us, even if we're perfect strangers or deadly enemies, are hanging around with nothing to do? A sing-song, that's what. Because we luuurrrve singing. We sing everywhere and anywhere, we have contests for bathroom singers and enormous national-level singing contests called antakshari whether we can actually sing or not.
46. THE WAY WE HAVE A NAME FOR EVERY SINGLE PERSON WE MAY BE EVEN REMOTELY RELATED TO
Ma, baap, dada, dadi, nana, nani, taya, tayi, chacha, chachi, bua, phupha, mama, mami, beta, beti, potaa, naati, poti, naatin, behan, jija, bhanja, bhanji, bhai, bhabhi, bhatija, bhatiji, pati, patni, saas, sasur, damaad, bahu, jeth, jethani, nanad, nandoii, devar, devarani, saali, salaa, samdhan... And that's only in Hindi. Need we say more?
From the Hindustan Times
We're also still working on language, which has turned out to be a bigger challenge than I expected. Most people that we meet want to practice English with us, so convincing them to speak another language takes some effort (and sometimes some compromising!). We're trying though! Be lifting this up when you think about it.
In one of the papers this week, there was an article listing 60 reasons to love this country. I found it very entertaining, and since I heard you all enjoyed the last list, I thought I'd share a couple of my favorites with you. Enjoy!
2. FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY
Tell someone you don't believe in God. Go on. You'll find yourself arguing so vehemently to make your case that you could well be accused of having a severe case of faith faith in no God in this case. Because that's what we do believe. Hard. With passion. In anything we want to believe. Which is why practically every faith known to God is right here in India, and we're not above inventing several more if we think we haven't enough.
3. THE WAY WE ARE SO FLEXIBLE
Checked anyone's filofax lately? Know anyone who has a filofax? We may set off in the morning expecting to follow a strict schedule of assignments and appointments, but we are always happy to chuck all our plans at a moment's notice, particularly if the alternative involves partying.
5. CHAI
It's raining. We need chai. It's cold. We need chai. It's hot and sweaty and miserable. We need chai. Yes chai, not tea. The over-boiled, over-milked and over-sweetened stuff that could rot our teeth and turn our insides into shoe leather, yet never fails to put life back into our tired frames. Then there's also tea. Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri, Kangra... Mmmm, the fragrance.
7. WEDDINGS AND FAMILY OCCASIONS
Our weddings are attended by family, relatives, friends, past and present neighbours, people who invited you to their or their siblings' weddings, past and present colleagues, random strangers because we had 300 wedding cards extra and didn't want to waste them, plus gatecrashers a guestlist so long it rivals the population of the whole of Africa. If however, our homes are filled with the population of only one small country, like Bangladesh, we're just having a family dinner.
11. DESI HOSPITALITY
Atithi devo hava... and we will be devo-ed till our stomachs burst. When we step into anyone's house we are fed, watered and pampered so much, we'd never believe there was a single nasty person on this planet. The only difficulty is getting away if they could, our hosts would adopt us on the spot.
29. SINGING
What do you get when two of us, even if we're perfect strangers or deadly enemies, are hanging around with nothing to do? A sing-song, that's what. Because we luuurrrve singing. We sing everywhere and anywhere, we have contests for bathroom singers and enormous national-level singing contests called antakshari whether we can actually sing or not.
46. THE WAY WE HAVE A NAME FOR EVERY SINGLE PERSON WE MAY BE EVEN REMOTELY RELATED TO
Ma, baap, dada, dadi, nana, nani, taya, tayi, chacha, chachi, bua, phupha, mama, mami, beta, beti, potaa, naati, poti, naatin, behan, jija, bhanja, bhanji, bhai, bhabhi, bhatija, bhatiji, pati, patni, saas, sasur, damaad, bahu, jeth, jethani, nanad, nandoii, devar, devarani, saali, salaa, samdhan... And that's only in Hindi. Need we say more?
From the Hindustan Times
Thursday, February 25, 2010
A Huge Thank You...
... to everyone who helped make my birthday so special! It was a great day and lasted much longer than 24 hours!
To friends who Facebooked or Skyped sweet messages.
To new friends who celebrated with me here.
To the mailman who delivered packages from home.
To Uncle Dan, Mimi and Poppie, Mimi and Gramps, Ms. Ruth, Ms. Fran, and Ms. Arlene for beautiful and encouraging notes.
To Mom, Dad, Lindsey and Bryan for an incredible box of goodies. I'm trying to wait at least an hour before I make cupcakes :)
And to my Father. For another year. For opening doors. For constant guidance. For peace and strength. And for loving me unconditionally.
I love you all more than I can express.
To friends who Facebooked or Skyped sweet messages.
To new friends who celebrated with me here.
To the mailman who delivered packages from home.
To Uncle Dan, Mimi and Poppie, Mimi and Gramps, Ms. Ruth, Ms. Fran, and Ms. Arlene for beautiful and encouraging notes.
To Mom, Dad, Lindsey and Bryan for an incredible box of goodies. I'm trying to wait at least an hour before I make cupcakes :)
And to my Father. For another year. For opening doors. For constant guidance. For peace and strength. And for loving me unconditionally.
I love you all more than I can express.
Friday, February 19, 2010
My Favorite Things
One day last week, my teammate and I rode home from school with two of our students. We somehow started talking about musicals and discovered a common love for "The Sound of Music", then spent the rest of the ride home belting out its songs. This was one of the highlights of that day and got me thinking as I looked out the car window. As we were singing "Favorite Things", I began listing my favorite things about South Asia one month in, and I thought I'd share a few with you.
1. People stare. If you know me at all, it probably shocks you that this is the first one on the list. I did hate it for a while, but then started having fun with it. Since it's inevitable that I will get stares, I make eye contact right back. The women typically have wary looks on their faces, but when I smile at them, they have time to process this and smile back before we pass on the street. Then we are both happy :)
2. Things are cheap. Pretty self-explanatory. But if you need an example, I bought three tomatoes for the equivalent of 2 cents today. And an $11 meal was ridiculous. I almost walked out of the restaurant.
3. Clothes. They are colorful, modest, cheap, and you get to design your own. It doesn't get much better than that!
4. Animals. I greet cows, dogs, goats, chickens, and the occasional monkey on my daily outings. I've even had cows outside my building to welcome me home. Almost like Brody....
5. Autos. The best way I can describe an auto rickshaw is a three-wheeled scooter with a roof and a bench on the back. We play "How many Americans can we fit in an auto?" often. I believe the current record is six, but we can do better than that. The drivers don't like this game as much as we do though.
6. Food. I have always liked a little kick to my food, but South Asia overwhelms my taste buds at times. And the freshest fruits and vegetables. Pretty amazing.
7. Our guard. There is a very nice man who stands outside our building and helps out with anything we need. He also practices Kannada with me, even though he spends the majority of the time laughing at my attempts to sound like him.
8. Birthdays. In this culture, you give gifts to your friends on your birthday, instead of the other way around. I think this is how it should be, so I'm going to try it on Monday.
9. Two-wheelers. What I like to call "scoot-scoots". It blows me away how many people can fit onto a small motorcycle. I'll see families with a child up front holding onto the handlebar, a parent driving behind the child, another squished child, and a mom on the back holding one or two more children. Typically only the dad has a helmet. I'm not saying this makes sense, but it's hard not to smile.
10. Chai. Incredible conversations happen over a cup of tea.
11. Lack of shoes. I hardly ever wear them here. And there are a lot of people who never do. Anytime you enter a building, you leave your shoes at the door. My feet feel so free.
12. People. My neighbors. Becoming my friends. Seeing my Father at work in them.
It will be interesting to see how this list changes over the next few months :) Thanks for your encouragement and support so far. Know that your prayers are felt, and He is continuing to meet our needs. Please fill me in on what is going on in your lives. I would love to be lifting you up as well! Love to you all!
1. People stare. If you know me at all, it probably shocks you that this is the first one on the list. I did hate it for a while, but then started having fun with it. Since it's inevitable that I will get stares, I make eye contact right back. The women typically have wary looks on their faces, but when I smile at them, they have time to process this and smile back before we pass on the street. Then we are both happy :)
2. Things are cheap. Pretty self-explanatory. But if you need an example, I bought three tomatoes for the equivalent of 2 cents today. And an $11 meal was ridiculous. I almost walked out of the restaurant.
3. Clothes. They are colorful, modest, cheap, and you get to design your own. It doesn't get much better than that!
4. Animals. I greet cows, dogs, goats, chickens, and the occasional monkey on my daily outings. I've even had cows outside my building to welcome me home. Almost like Brody....
5. Autos. The best way I can describe an auto rickshaw is a three-wheeled scooter with a roof and a bench on the back. We play "How many Americans can we fit in an auto?" often. I believe the current record is six, but we can do better than that. The drivers don't like this game as much as we do though.
6. Food. I have always liked a little kick to my food, but South Asia overwhelms my taste buds at times. And the freshest fruits and vegetables. Pretty amazing.
7. Our guard. There is a very nice man who stands outside our building and helps out with anything we need. He also practices Kannada with me, even though he spends the majority of the time laughing at my attempts to sound like him.
8. Birthdays. In this culture, you give gifts to your friends on your birthday, instead of the other way around. I think this is how it should be, so I'm going to try it on Monday.
9. Two-wheelers. What I like to call "scoot-scoots". It blows me away how many people can fit onto a small motorcycle. I'll see families with a child up front holding onto the handlebar, a parent driving behind the child, another squished child, and a mom on the back holding one or two more children. Typically only the dad has a helmet. I'm not saying this makes sense, but it's hard not to smile.
10. Chai. Incredible conversations happen over a cup of tea.
11. Lack of shoes. I hardly ever wear them here. And there are a lot of people who never do. Anytime you enter a building, you leave your shoes at the door. My feet feel so free.
12. People. My neighbors. Becoming my friends. Seeing my Father at work in them.
It will be interesting to see how this list changes over the next few months :) Thanks for your encouragement and support so far. Know that your prayers are felt, and He is continuing to meet our needs. Please fill me in on what is going on in your lives. I would love to be lifting you up as well! Love to you all!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Precious
I got to go spend an afternoon last week with some sweet girls from a slum area near my house. We worked on English with songs and rhymes for a while, but got a little distracted when the camera made an appearance. Had to capture the moment though!
After the tutoring, we got all of the younger kids together to play a game. It took a while to explain, but I think "joose, joose, guck" is much better than the original :) I can't tell you what a gift this experience was!
After the tutoring, we got all of the younger kids together to play a game. It took a while to explain, but I think "joose, joose, guck" is much better than the original :) I can't tell you what a gift this experience was!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Settling In
What a week! I have been in my city since Monday, and it's starting to sink in that this is home for the next few months. Thankfully, this is a place that is easy to get used to! The city is gorgeous! Even though I have been here before, I didn't realize how nice it was until I had visited another city in this country. The weather is perfect, there are trees everywhere, and I heard birds chirping as soon as I stepped off the plane. Such a great welcome!
Then I got to the apartment.... I can only tell you that Dad has done so much more than meet my needs here. He has been so gracious. It is beyond anything I could have imagined! I live in an bright and airy apartment with two great girls. And get this... my room is orange and blue! I feel right at home :)
The name of our neighborhood translates to "City of Joy". While I love the name, it's not accurate right now. My neighbors are missing out on the true source of joy. Each morning I hear a call to prayer and walk by temples on many street corners. I see people bowing to idols and offering incense to gods who don't hear their cries. Though these sights and sounds break my heart, they are such an incredible reminder of the reason I am here.
We sang a song the other night that asked "How long before your glory lights the skies? How long before your radiance lifts our eyes? How long before your fragrance fills the air? How long before the earth resounds with songs of joy?". I find myself asking these questions often, but then I see Him at work. He is here. He has not forgotten this country and this city. He loves these people so much more than I ever could.
Then I got to the apartment.... I can only tell you that Dad has done so much more than meet my needs here. He has been so gracious. It is beyond anything I could have imagined! I live in an bright and airy apartment with two great girls. And get this... my room is orange and blue! I feel right at home :)
The name of our neighborhood translates to "City of Joy". While I love the name, it's not accurate right now. My neighbors are missing out on the true source of joy. Each morning I hear a call to prayer and walk by temples on many street corners. I see people bowing to idols and offering incense to gods who don't hear their cries. Though these sights and sounds break my heart, they are such an incredible reminder of the reason I am here.
We sang a song the other night that asked "How long before your glory lights the skies? How long before your radiance lifts our eyes? How long before your fragrance fills the air? How long before the earth resounds with songs of joy?". I find myself asking these questions often, but then I see Him at work. He is here. He has not forgotten this country and this city. He loves these people so much more than I ever could.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Resting Place
It seems like we have been in this so much longer than four days, but I mean that in a good way! Things are going well and I am getting more and more comfortable, but also more and more excited to get to the place I will be for the next six months. At the same time, I don't want to miss out on what I can learn and experience here. I read in Joshua this morning about the crossing of the Jordan. That was not their destination, but a resting place. In that place, however, Dad did a mighty work, and they were able to look back and remember His faithfulness. I'm confident He can move the same way here. We are being sent out on community projects later this week, and that will be a great opportunity to use some of the things we are learning to impact this city. Be lifting us up during that time!
I am so thankful to be surrounded by such a great group of students. We are having an amazing time getting to know each other, but also learning from the other's experiences and gifts. Part of that fun has been exploring the city together. I thought I'd share a couple of pictures of it with you.
The first couple are of a "less busy" market we visited last week to shop for clothes. I thought it was crowded until I visited another on Sunday to look for a sari for a friend. I don't have words to describe it, and unfortunately, the camera didn't make it to that one. You'll just have to use your imagination :)
The last one made me smile when I saw it in a grocery store. Hope it does the same for you! I'm sure it will be the first of many. Love to you all!
I am so thankful to be surrounded by such a great group of students. We are having an amazing time getting to know each other, but also learning from the other's experiences and gifts. Part of that fun has been exploring the city together. I thought I'd share a couple of pictures of it with you.
The first couple are of a "less busy" market we visited last week to shop for clothes. I thought it was crowded until I visited another on Sunday to look for a sari for a friend. I don't have words to describe it, and unfortunately, the camera didn't make it to that one. You'll just have to use your imagination :)
The last one made me smile when I saw it in a grocery store. Hope it does the same for you! I'm sure it will be the first of many. Love to you all!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Made It!
I am here!! Everyone and everything made it into town safely last night, and we are having a wonderful time of training before heading to our cities. We also spent some time today shopping for traditional clothes, which was quite the adventure. Be looking for pictures soon!
Thanks for your encouragement so far! I love and miss you all, but have no doubt this is exactly where I need to be right now! More to come....
Thanks for your encouragement so far! I love and miss you all, but have no doubt this is exactly where I need to be right now! More to come....
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