Walking

This is what we call "blobbing"- linked arm in arm, taking up sidewalk space as we have romped around London and Narva. We got some odd looks at time, but we didn't care. Oh, and don't be alarmed- Kelsey does in fact have 2 legs- she's just in mid-stride. :)

As an infant, learning how to walk is one of the most important milestones in a child’s life. If the child is not walking within a certain time frame, specialists will more than likely be brought in to give the special attention needed for the child to begin walking properly.  We cheer, clap and make the biggest fuss when the child begins walking, video camera in hand- and rightly so.

Walking is also one of the things taken for granted the most and it’s only when we are using crutches for a broken leg that we appreciate the ease of walking naturally, without even thinking.

Everywhere in the Word of God, there are mentions of walking- either correctly:

“You shall walk in all the way which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you will possess.” Deuteronomy 5:33

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”Psalm 23:4

“Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.” Psalm 86:11

 “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,” Ephesians 4:1

“Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1

“And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.” 2 John 1:6

Or incorrectly:

“He who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9

“Even when the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking and he demonstrates to everyone that he is a fool.” Ecclesiastes 10:3

“…but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:2

Nevertheless, walking in His ways and His truths, should be as natural as physically walking as we walk by the Spirit- which is one of the major milestones in the Christian life. Why stifle that? Those younger in the faith also needs that encouragement as they walk by faith- and when gaining a victory, is more confident to do it more readily to take even more steps than the ones before.

As U2 would say, “Walk On…”.

Red Birds

Red birds galore!

Over the course of my Christmas gifts this year, I have received an influx of red birds to array my flat with. Bless my flat mate, Kristin, because it’s beginning to look like a red bird sanctuary in our living room.

What’s with my red bird fascination? I’m so glad you asked- I am dedicating this blog post to answer just that.

The story how I came to adore red birds, doesn’t actually with my story, but one of my dear friends, Jane. Her story so captivated me, that is has become my story too- for the main reason that it is wrapped up in HIS story- revealing to me His goodness, faithfulness, and intimacy…isn’t that how all of our journeys to recognizing and embracing His love end of being? One of overwhelmed by His grace, humbled by His mercy and lavished with love…but I am getting ahead of myself…

In 2008 my friend, Jane, was experiencing a rather difficult season in her life. One day she was sitting outside on a bench in the beautiful East Texas piney woods, casting her burdens on Jesus because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Through tears she asked the Father, “Do you even see me- my situation, my hopes and fears?” And without skipping a beat, a red cardinal flew on the bench and instantly Jane, in her spirit, knew this red bird was a love message and a gift from above, coming down from the Father of lights (James 1:17). It was a message that He is in fact our El Roi, "the God who sees me” is always there and “a very present help in time of trouble” (Psalm 46:1), first found in Genesis 16:11. From that time forward, any time Jane saw a red bird; it was a vivid reminder that she serves a God that sees her.

I was so moved by that story, that I made it my own and became a raving fan of red birds ever since. Without fail on my way to work, when I lived in Tyler, Texas, I would see red birds as I was mentally preparing my mind for the work-day. Red birds are so bright and colourful that you can’t help but seeing them as you drive down the road. It is my love note from God. God is with us to confront, comfort, protect and deliver. It’s just another way that that points me to my All-Sufficiency (1 Cor. 9:8).

So, now that I speak of my red birds, people have, as of late, lavished me with red bird décor. I get pictures of red birds from red birds in snow, to coffee mugs and cups. These friends see the significance how a little red bird can make my heart sing and rejoice anew to the God I serve.

Added happiness to any cup of coffee or tea!

Share the season...with red birds! :)

Hey there little guy!

Catch miss seeing these birds in a winter wonderland!

Write your blessed Name, O Lord, upon my heart,

there to remain so indelibly engraved,

that no prosperity, no adversity shall ever move me from your love.

Be to me a strong tower of defense, a comforter in tribulation,

a deliverer in distress, a very present help in trouble,

and a guide to heaven through the many temptations and dangers of this life.

Thomas á Kempis

1380-1471

 What is your love note that you attribute from God?

2011 in Review

It is hard to believe that 2011 has come and gone! It was a fast and furious year. It’s crazy to think that I’ve lived in South Africa the WHOLE YEAR of 2011- it truly feels like home to me. Some people on Face Book said that 2011 was the worst/hardest year of their lives. I wouldn’t exactly say that was my situation, though it did prove some challenges and opportunities for growth- some that I jumped to the occasion, some I shrank away in fear; but all the while learning- and for that I am grateful. Here are just a handful of the highlights of the year (in no particular order):

-          Trips- going to London and Estonia to meet up with my dear friends in March and November. Laughs, tears, adventures, shooting the wind, depth of conversations that leaves me in a state of contemplation for days upon end. We also walked (and are walking) the path of grief with Abbey and the passing of her dad, as well as celebrating his life. We vowed to pray every day for the precious Hammond family, even after Steve’s death in 2011. I don’t foresee stopping this habit any time soon. GRATEFUL sums up my friendship with these girls.



Frolicking around London



Romping around Estonia

Also had Jenn and Angie come visit me in South Africa and I was so grateful for such a refreshing time with both visits.

We are the same person!

 


My Angie-girl



The guest house where I spend the majority of my time

- Guesthouse- this was a HUGE under-taking and honestly I have fought (and continue to fight) the enemy’s lies of in adequacy, ability, etc. in accomplishing this feat for 7 months. I still have about 7 weeks to go until my supervisors return. The Lord has proven Himself faithful time and time again. Biggest take-away have been: learning the art of delegation and knowing when to ask for help. My failure to do so is the result of pride. Problem-solving has also been key in coming up with ideas. A lot of the decisions concerning the guest house ended with me- how it should function, in regards to the housekeepers and how to serve our guest most effectively. One thing I am continuing to learn is when to ask for help (ironically) before the melt-down comes. Also, when a lot of tasks need to be accomplished how to balance that with interacting with the guest and serve their needs and hear their stories. To be quite honest, sometimes I chose tasks over guests- not ok. I am grateful for His sanctifying work and for second chances, as well as graciousness on those I was not so gracious with.

-          Bible-reading plan- If I had to nail down what was the biggest influence in my spiritual life it would be this reading plan. I took on the challenge of reading at least 10 chapters a day (if not more) and it has blessed me beyond measure. It is also my hope and prayer that it has also blessed those I interact with as I more readily speak the very words of God as it is lodged in my memory on a day to day basis. J. I. Packer said it best: "If I were the devil, one of my first aims would be to stop folk from digging into the Bible." I whole-heartedly agree- cut off the source of life and you have a withered, dead result. I’ve been a raving fan of this reading plan and have told a lot of people about it (and I haven’t yet, I am telling you now!). Some people have their eyes like that of  saucers when I tell them 10 chapters in one day, but once they start they too agree that they don’t know how they survived on so little of the Word. It’s not for everyone and it is not an end-all, just a means to the realms of consistency.



Daveyton



-          Daveyton- Besides the guest house, this was my main venue of ministry. I mainly taught ESL by going through the gospel of Mark. At the end of this year, I really evaluated if this was the best way to use my time. When I came to the decision that it was not, I am now going to spend the remaining of my time there using “Storying”- a simple, effective and reproducible ev@ng*lism, discipleship and ch*rch-planting strategy utilizing the power of stories in the Bible for oral learners. We are going to use the story set of Creation to Church, which will take up the remainder of the time I have left. To find out more, go here.



Community is a beautiful thing

 

-          New Covenant Baptist Church- finding this fellowship of believers has been sweet indeed for my year of 2011. I wanted to desperately find fellowship of believers outside the company. The result is finding a community that is passionate about the Word, worship & community to the glory of God. I have not only found great teaching from the pastors but also from the members themselves as we “truth” each other. It reminds me of Micaiah said in 1 Kings 22:14 when standing up against Ahab: “As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me that I will speak.”

So that sums it up and if you have been reading my blog in 2011, then these handful of things are not a surprise to you, since I have blogged about all these things within the year. What will 2012 behold? Not all that sure but clinging to Psalm 22:5 “To You they trusted and were not disappointed…”  There are a lot of uncertainty of what I will do after I finish my term and head back to the States, but I am choosing to trust and obey, because I “have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood” (1 Peter 1:2). He is worthy and worth my life.

Going Green

I don’t think I can get used to having summer in December. Instead of sitting by the fireplace on Christmas, I’ll be sitting by the pool. Instead of heading for the mountains in Colorado and singing “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow” in the car whilst en route, people in Jo’Burg head for the beaches in Durban whilst singing “ Surfin’ USA” (or maybe not….). The pace of things has slowed down considerably and as close to a ghost town that Jozi will get. I have welcomed the quietness with open arms.

This time of year in South Africa is lush and green. We are at the beginning of summer rains. It typically rains at least once every day through March and almost like clockwork it rains between 4-6pm and then maybe at other times as well. I am grateful for the rain for so many reasons: for the crops, the way that it keeps temperatures cool. Here in Johannesburg, the lightning storms are something else. You know you live in Jo’Burg if it starts raining/thunderstorm and you frantically start unplugging appliances, computers, tv- anything you don’t want to be fried by the ground lightning.

This is downtown Jo'Burg in a thunderstorm- electrifying

With the drought in Texas and most of the southern states this past summer, I know not to take the rain for granted. We depend on the rain for growth, for our livelihood. At the same time, I know too well that my spiritual life needs the daily intake of His rivers of delight (Psalm 36:8). I need to depend on the Word for the outcome I need to cultivate my relationship with the love of the Father, the grace of the Son and the fellowship of the Spirit. To accomplish this feat is to be in the word, in season and out of season in the Word. It’s hard work and I have quite a number of failed attempts, but at the end of the day, I know where my source comes from. It does not come from sheer motivation and determination. No, if any goodness comes out of it, it is from abiding in Him, the fountain of life. Take these verses for example:

“But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I will trust in the loving-kindness of God forever and ever. I will give you thanks forever, because you have done it. And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.” Psalm 52:8-9

Israel countryside

² “But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
³ He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1

Purple lovelies- this is what I see outside my office window at the Guest House

“He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.” Proverbs 11:28

Quaint English countryside

And what is the eventual outcome I desire when I learn to abide? Amy Carmichael puts it best:

“Keep close. Keep close. If you are close you will be keen. Your heart will be set on the things that abide. You will drink of His spirit and you will thirst for souls even as He thirsts. You will not be attracted by the world that crucified Him, but you will love the people in that world who have never seen His beauty and are losing so much more than they know. You will live to share your joy in Him. Nothing else will count for much.”

I’m going green- by His grace and for His reputation and glory.

A Grateful Thanksgiving

"Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting." Psalm 100

I didn't expect to be going anywhere for Thanksgiving. As most of you know, my supervisors have been gone since the end of July. My plan at the beginning (emphasis on "beginning") was to not really give myself a break. That euphoric idea came crashing down with impressive speed at the beginning of October. With only having one day off a week, I was struggling- emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. And I quickly came to the realization that I would need to get away- like out of Jo'Burg completely- sometime around my half-way point, which conveniently landed around Thanksgiving.
So I began to pre-plan going to either Cape Town or Swaziland. Two places that I have friends in and am determined to see before I leave this country. Then Grace casually asked if I wanted to go to Estonia for Thanksgiving to see Kels. Both Grace and Abbey purchased their tickets the weekend before. My mind started reeling. Could I really do that? I wanted to go out of town, but that was WAY out of town- like on another continent, another hemisphere kind of away. Spontaneity and I don't hang out much together- I'm more of a "planner". But I quickly started asking my supervisor and my co-worker if that would be ok to be gone for a whole week. Without a thought they both said yes and within the next few hours I booked my flight. WOAH. I wouldn't like to live my life in spontaneity, but it was a little fun. ;) The thing that blew my mind was that my 3 friends- Grace, Kels and Abbey- wanted to help pay for my airfare since I was coming the farthest. Do I have the best of friends or what?!?!! They wanted to pay for all of it, but I wouldn't let them. ;)

So starting on the Monday of Thanksgiving week, I start my 48 hr trek to Estonia- I'm way down here and Estonia is way up there. I was cream-crackered (as the Brits would say), but totally worth it and I proved to Grace and Abbey that I can, in fact, sleep just about anywhere.

It was so magical to be all together and to see Kelsey's world. I've heard SO much about it, but to see it and to put faces with names- brings everything into beautiful perspective.

Grateful.

On Thanksgiving Day, we put together a fantastic and delicious Thanksgiving dinner that had the classic dishes: turkey, deviled eggs, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and more, along with some pumpkin pie.

Cooking in the kitchen

Enjoying the fruits of our labor

The Russians loved, loved, LOVED Thanksgiving- it was a huge success! So much so that as they were leaving, one asked, "When's the next Thanksgiving?" We hated to burst his bubble with the reply "Not until next year." Everyone was so friendly and tried so hard with the little English they knew and absolutely no Russian that I did not know. One thing that I learned, but that I didn't know beforehand is that Russians LOVE to sing. What a wonderful blessing it was to hear them sing praises to the King!

TWO.BABIES!!

Another unforgettable memory is that Abbey found out on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving that she is going to be an aunt- an aunt to TWINS!!! Grace and I went to bed early due to the fact we were cream-crackered from traveling. We woke up to Abbey screaming (ok- I actually didn't because remember that I can sleep through almost anything and I was dead to the world because of my travels- but Grace woke up). Andy, her brother made an amazing video to reveal to Abbey that she is going to be an aunt. It was beyond special to share that moment with her and to celebrate together with her and her family.

Hello Russia!

On Friday we toured one of the castles and learned a lot of history and interesting facts. The picture above is one taken at the top of the tower

This is quaint downtown Tallinn, the Capitol of Estonia

I love my Kels!

After sadly leaving Estonia (and Kels!) on Sunday, Abbey, Grace & I head to London. I had a 36 hour layover and very thankful to break up my travels on the return home.

Found some red birds that I found in a tea shop that I HAD to have. Grateful for the reminder that I serve a God that sees me!

Seven Sisters

Since I was not scheduled to fly out until late Monday evening it gave us the opportunity to go see the Seven Sisters cliffs in Seaford, which is off of the English Channel. Breath-taking view!!

I heart Abbey!!!

Grace and I didn't even know Abbey was taking this picture, but I am so glad that she did, because it is one of my favorites!

Beyond grateful.

Overall, this trip did volumes for me- got me out of town, fellowship with dear friends, got rest and at the same did a lot in being able to see Kelsey's world. SO incredibly grateful to be refreshed so that I could come back and be focused on my task and mission here.

Braai

Braai (braɪ)
-vb
1.	to grill or roast (meat) over open coals
—n
2.	short for braaivleis
[Afrikaans]

 South Africans love to braai; so much so that there is a national public holiday on September 24 encouraging everyone to gather around the grill. 18 months ago I had no idea what a "braai" was, but now it is a regular term and an event that I regularly attend. One of my friends wrote on her facebook wall on September 24 that it was national braai day and someone replied- “In South Africa, isn’t every day Braai day?” Touché. South Africans are emphatic about using a charcoal grill- gas grills are for sissies. And South Africans love, love, LOVE their meat. You'll be hard-pressed to find any vegetarians around here. If there are any, I have met them- I bet they would be more of a "closet vegetarians." ;)

I love braai’s because it is an excuse to get with friends and just “hang out”- usually it’s an all day event. I love that South Africans are relational in that way. In the last 2 months I’ve been to 4 braais- literally 1 every other Saturday- that’s quite a lot! So I wanted to document through pictures the 3 out of 4 braais that I attended.

These first set of pictures are on September 24, national Braai Day:

Precious friends! It was still rather cold and dreary, but that didn't keep us down!

Look at this awesome South African cake Stacie made- so festive!

Ethan, manning the grill

 The next set of pictures is our our progressive dinner. There are 11 of us that live in the same apartment complex, so we decided to have a progressive dinner- so I guess a spin of American meets South African tradition.

First stop- Kristin and my flat for appetizers- guacamole & chips, as well as apples and yummy peanut butter dip

Here we all go single file to the next stop...

Salad with strawberries!

Next is soup: Italian soup with meatballs- it was delicious! I think it was my favorite course of the whole evening!

Hats off to the Hands On gals for making these precious moustaches to go on our straws

Don't mind if I do!

Then we go to the guy's flat for the meat portion of the evening

And end the evening with yummy desserts. We definitely had food comatose by the end of the evening!

 The last braai I went to was last weekend for an engaged couple at my church. Such an amazing story of how the Father ordained them to meet, be engaged and then about to be married within about 6 months of time!

Jacques & Carlin- the happy couple

Vanessa in her ravishing purple- and to complement the purple Jacaranda tree in the background!

Let's be honest- all the adults were jealous that they couldn't be a kid and slip and slide down this with dish washing soap. Oh to be a kid again!!

What a fabulous time with friends! For the record, I am a fan of Braais!

Imago Dei

“¡Bom Dia! ¡Bom Dia!”

This is the phrase that fills my ears as I walk down the alley to meet the women for the ESL class. The women I teach speak Portuguese and these are children greeting me when I arrive. I've become a familiar face that comes as consistently as I can every Thursday morning. When I first came they hid behind their moms and peered around them to look at me, a white person- white people don't readily come around there. Now they come and surround me with hugs, fist bumps (I taught them how to do the fist bump and then let it explode- they love it!), as well as rub their thumbs with mine and saying "Shaw" (still don't know what that means, but I pretend that it is a secret code word to get into their clubhouse). Now that I've been coming for over 10 months, to the kids it's just like a friend is coming over to play. But they do know that once I starting teaching the women (and some of them are their moms), they know not to interrupt. I have teaching material that goes through the gospel of Mark and the 2 girls of one of the women I teach will at times start jumping up and down exclaiming "Jesus! Jesus!" My heart sings! I do love how a couple of weeks ago one of the little boys who didn't see me when I initially arrived started waving at me frantically 2 shacks down while I was teaching and kept on saying “¡Bom Dia! ¡Bom Dia!" until I acknowledged him- be still my heart! Here's a pic I got with them today:

I didn't know when I had the picture taken that it was still on the color accent setting, but I sort of like it how it turned out. The reason I had this setting on my camera was because I took a picture of one of these:

This is a one of my all time favorite spring-time trees that is on the playground at the guest house called a Jacaranda. They are indigenous to Brazil, but I sure am glad that that it made it across the ocean to South Africa!

I digress, so let's go back to the precious children. Last week after I got done with the ESL lesson and started going over to the next street, it looked like the children had just returned from the tuck shop. When they saw me they flocked all around me to give hugs, fist bumps exploding and doing our "secret code." :) As I was doing that, my mind contemplated and wondered ""Where will these kids be in 10 years? Some of these kids are school age, but some are too young for school. Here is South Africa you have to pay to go to school. So if your family can't pay, you can't go. It's heartbreaking and it makes it seem like the government is kicking them while they're down. It also gives me a greater appreciation of the U.S.'s school education system where every child has the opportunity to attend school and get an education. Will these innocent children grow up to be a product of their society? Will the girls already be pregnant and will the boys be into alcohol and drugs, going nowhere fast? Will they still be living in these tin shacks that have no electricity or indoor plumbing? It's amazing how fast all these thoughts flooded my mind.

It is my earnest hope, plea and desire that in 10 years they still remember not my face or even my name (I don't think any of them know my name, though I know some of theirs), or even what I look like. The thing that I do hope they remember is that a white lady came every Thursday to talk about a man named Jesus to their mom's and aunts and neighbors and that they will start searching, if they haven't already at that point, to find out who He is and why it was/is so important to me. I pray that each one of them would know that are made in God's image and that every one who enters the world is a person of worth and dignity.

Father, I know Your heart beats fast for each of these children that are made in Your image and that You desire them to know that they can have a future and hope in YOU through Christ Your Son!! I thank you that Your hand is not so short that it cannot save (Is. 59:1) and ask that You give these children ears of faith to hear, eyes of hope to see and a heart of wisdom to understand for Your glory and reputation.