Pray for the Broken Places

So much heartache and uproar in the Congo right now...

a little history

key figure(s)


Sometimes all we can do is get on our knees

Christ is enough.

The sky is grey and the light is far
The sea is a rage within my heart
I turn my sight to the crashing waves
I cry in the night just to be saved

I need eyes to be my guide
I need a voice that’s louder than mine
I need hope I need You
Cause I can’t do this alone

Grace I call Your name
Oh won’t Your smile fall over me
I’m cracked and dry on hands and knees
Oh sweet grace rain down on me I need You grace

I pray for dawn a new day to live
I pray for mercy only Jesus gives
Though darkness falls and a million cry
I believe over all there’s a greater light shining for us

Skype

Email me your skype. I am not going to be getting a new cell phone. I'll have a tracphone for emergencies and "can you pick this up at the store" kind of calls. Otherwise, skype and the room (or home) phone. This will make expenses much less, also, which is fabulous.

I have faith. Faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and even in His creation. Without it no action would be possible. And action is the only remedy to indifeerence, the most insidious danger of all.

--Elie Weisel

What is Consumerism?

...and is it a sin?...

Tanzania (by Alli Rogers)

It's eight hours later in Tanzania
When Jen lays down
Mary's just opening her eyes
Her child's feet land on the ground
And dirt scatters
And she feels left out in the open
Always left out in the open
She says, "son, wear my shoes to school today"
He turns and smiles and walks away
And she thinks to herself...

Someday I will wake
Where the earth is clean and safe
My children have a place to play
Not here in Tanzania
And someday I will live
In a house that's built by
Hands that hold the world

It's eight hours earlier in Chattanooga
Mary sits down and Jen's just put the coffee on
Katie Couric is talking news and fashion
And Jen feels pushed into a corner
Always pushed into a corner, she says
"Baby I know what girls at school are like"
And her daughter rides off on her bike
And Jen thinks to herself...

Someday I will wake
Where my children get a break
And there are chances that they'll take
Not here in Chattanooga
Someday I will live
In a house that's built by
Hands that hold the world

Well it's hard to be mother
And it's hard to be a woman
And it's hard to live in Africa sometimes
It's hard to be mother
And it's hard to be a woman
And it's hard to live in America sometimes

But someday I will wake
In a body that won't break
On ground that doesn't shake, not here
And someday I will live
In a house that's built by hands that hold the world

A Taste of Africa...

ROOIBOS TEA (soooo good...and good for you!!)

Pronounced "roy-boss" and means "red bush" in Afrikaans. Studies have shown this tea is comparable to green tea in the amounts of polyphenols it contains. It shows anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activity.

Rooibos is totally pure and natural. It contains no colorants or preservatives.

Rooibos helps delay the aging process! The aging of our bodies is caused by toxic compounds called free radicals which are produced as a by-product of normal cell function. These free radicals attack our healthy cells. Over our lifetime this damage contributes to aging and our immune system weakens. Recently, Japanese scientists have found that Rooibos tea contains a mimic of the enzyme Super Oxide Dismutase ( S.O.D.), an antioxidant which attacks the free radicals and limits their damaging effects.

Rooibos helps to relieve stomach ulcers, nausea, constipation, and heartburn.

Rooibos has been found to help with insomnia, disturbed sleeping patterns and headaches. It contains no caffeine and has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system.

Rooibos helps to give you strong bones and teeth because of its calcium, manganese and fluoride content.

Rooibos helps pacify infants with colic, stomach cramps and sleeping problems.

Rooibos contains alpha hydroxy acid and zinc for healthy, smooth skin. This wonder tea is especially useful when applied to skin irritations like itchy skin, eczema, sunburns, diaper rash and acne.

Rooibos contains magnesium which is necessary for a healthy nervous system.

Rooibos increases the absorption of iron in the body.

Rooibos contains potassium and copper minerals that are necessary for several metabolic functions.

Rooibos is often prescribed for nervous tension and mild depression as it makes a relaxing sedative.

Rooibos contains no oxalic acid and can therefore be enjoyed by persons suffering from kidney stones.

Rooibos makes a great thirst-quencher and sport drink. Because of its mineral content of iron, potassium, zinc, manganese and sodium, it restores the body's equilibrium after strenuous exercise.

This has been long in the works...

FINALLY I have started something I have wanted to do for a very long time...a book blog!! I wanted a place where I can just write about books--thoughts, ideas, reviews, etc. So I've done it! Here's the link :) Happy reading!

God is near to the brokenhearted... nearer than the "whole-hearted" will ever know

I will sing for the meek
For those who pray with their very lives for peace
Though they're in chains for a higher call
Their mourning will change into laughter when the nations fall

In spirit poor
In mercy rich
They hunger for Your righteousness
Their hearts refined in the purity
Lord let me shine for them
Lord let me sing
Lord let me shine for them
Lord let me sing
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DEEPER STILL (David Wilcox)
In the tears you gave to me
I found a river to an ocean
A concrete sky and a stone cold sea
That came to where the emptiness cracked open

And all my fears came crashing through
And met the fire of my sorrow
But I found my strength in forgiving you
I never even dreamed how far my heart could go

To give my life beyond each death
From this deeper well of trust
To know that when there's nothing left
You will always have what you gave to love

In this life, the love you give becomes the only lasting treasure
And what you lose will be what you win
A well that echoes down too deep to measure

A silver coin rings down that well
You could never spend too much, a diamond echoes deeper still
And you'll always have what you gave to love,
You will always have what you gave to love

Edwards' Stomping Grounds

Just got back from Northampton, Mass. today. We were visiting my aunt for Thanksgiving. Right in Jonathan Edwards' backyard! We saw his Church and though it doesn't look anything like you would expect, the surrounding landscape/town are beautiful. It is a wonderful piece of this country. It was refreshing to spend time out in hills and woods turned yellow, orange, and red with color...slowly becoming cold and grey as winter progresses. It's beautiful. Driving through that part of the country always puts me in a "mood." I tried to explain it to Jay, Kristen, Mom, and Dad today in the car but I don't think they really understood what I was trying to say. All I know is, I get in "the mood." Something about driving across the plains in a car with crisp, cold air blowing outside and the trees dropping their leaves for the winter...listening to David Wilcox or Peter Mulvey on the headset and thinking to myself about any number of things.... I like it.

Thanksgiving was wonderful. We spent the "actual" holiday at Jay and Kristen's in Philly but were able to visit with Dad's side of the family out east. We haven't all been together like that since kristen's senior year of high school (but we were missing luke this time. sad.)

It was so much fun to see Jonathan after so long. He's all grown up--and a good little 4 1/2 year old! Nan's new house is beautiful. The light in it is warm and beautiful--making the colors so rich.

We are here until Wednesday when we fly back to the West. I am getting anxious to feel a little more "settled" again. It's hard to believe I've only been back in the States for a week (one week today!). So much has happened already and I am still not unpacked...I look forward to getting back into my room again soon. I have to start scheduling myself so I can get things done--especially this OT course from Moody. I have 2 papers and 2 exams to write. Not bad at all, but I just need to be disciplined!

Luke gets home on the 12th! woohoo. I turn 21 on the 15th!! Don't know yet what I am going to do...I'm excited, though! It will be nice to be with friends and family.

Hmmm. I think that's all. I'll post a few pictures so you can enjoy my family a little bit too :) Can you tell we're related?? haha.
Hope you all had a good thanksgiving. For those of you back at school, push hard and finish strong! I'll be praying for renewed energy and revived spirits as you make the last push before Christmas!!

Finally the picture

For those of you that wanted "proof" that I did indeed slaughter a chicken :) Here it is! In all honesty, though, I did have my eyes closed the whole time...and I probably almost cut Justin's finger off b/c he was helping me hold the chickens neck. He was squirming around so much I knew that if i held him by myself I would probably let go--so he helped me. What a friend :)

dance without me

feel heavy with discouragement.

lots of conflicting thoughts and emotions...lots of doubts and frustrations.

i just want to curl up in bed. I want it to rain. I love rain. do you ever just want to be held? It doesn't really matter by who...well, yeah it does. By someone who cares. But young, old, friend, family--whoever. I think i will go journal.

Listening to over the rhine. I love it. I missed listening to it.





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He knows just what I need.

In a moment of weakness and heavy discouragement He raised my face with Psalm 16:8.

Figuring out my major...

I will have to pick 6 of the following...tough choice :)

Special Topics in Writing
Feature Writing
Newswriting
Editing of Print Media Material
Print Media Design and Production
Writing for Electronic Media
Introduction to Photography/
Photojournalism
Web Page Design and Production
Print Practicum: Newspaper
Print Practicum: Yearbook
Publicity and Public Relations
Fiction Writing I
Fiction Writing II
Poetry Writing
Advanced Writing Seminar
Advanced Media Production Seminar
Biblical Perspectives of Media and Culture
Media Laws and Ethics
Directed Study in Communications
Curriculum Development

My schedule for next semester is coming together...it will be my last semester of "intro" classes which is nice. I will probably stay at Moody for a few weeks this summer to take Christianity and Western Thought I & II. Oh! And I found out that the school IS going to give me credit for both College and Research writing from my Hillsdale credits....which means, after Intro to Mass Communication this spring, I will be able to jump into all my "true major" classes as well as have time for other Bible electives (uppermost in my thoughts are 1. Psalms 2. Genesis 3. Hebrews 4. Minor Prophets 5.Pauline Epistles). God's giving me such a peace and excitement about school as He helps me figure out all these sometimes "frustrating" details. I'm trying to get into a PCM called World Relief Tutoring. Apparently a lot of the students are refugees from Africa and other countries. It sounds amazing. Next fall I am hoping to get into one of two PCM ministries that work with children with HIV/AIDS (its an extensive application process). Man can make many plans but the Lord determines His steps :) I lay my life at the feet of the Almighty, trusting that He has my best in mind and eager to find out what that is!

Spring '08 Classes:
Introduction to Disciplemaking (Not all that excited EXCEPT that I have a great professor...works in the urban ministry dpt!)
Bible Introduction (Should be super easy and definitely review...)
Introduction to Music (With the best professor in the dept! An asian guy who is a phenomenal pianist!!)
Christian Missions (Was "supposed" to get credit for this by taking my DTS. bleh. Will def. be review and easy but good prof.)
Introduction to Mass Communication (So excited to get this out of the way so I can start taking all my writing classes!!)
Cultural Anthropology (probably most excited about this class for its content. Dad's thrilled that I;m taking it, too. It was this or contemporary Islam but I am going to wait on that one until I can find the best professor for it! :))

Altogether 17 credits but it shouldn't be that hard. Lot's will be review and probably just more busy-work. I might try to get a job, too, depending on where PCM falls. I really want to work at Trader Joe's and it IS in walking distance so that would be easy...and cheap. We'll see.

Please keep me in your prayers as I step back into school. I have so many conflicting thoughts and emotions sometimes. I want to walk close to God's heart--seeking His wisdom and will each step. I so desire to live with an ongoing, moment-by-moment awareness of His work and presence in my life. Not only in me, but around me...that my life might be a constant boasting in the cross and Christ crucified...and a constant delighting in His person and character!!

I'm Back

Hopefully I'll be able to post more soon...and put up some pictures. For now, just wanted to let you know I am back. I flew into Phoenix yesterday after two looong days of travel and emotional exhaustion. Tomorrow we leave at 5AM for Philly to spend Thanksgiving with Jay and Kristen. woohoo!

I am ridiculously exhausted. I have a headache right now that makes my head want to explode. I've got to go to bed.

The Hills Sing!

"...These hills are grass-covered and rolling, and they are lovely beyond any singing of it."
- Cry, the Beloved Country


Yesterday we were out in one of the villages at a visitation/vigil for the death of a young man...he was the brother of Elisabeth, a lady in our school. It was an incredible experience. I don't have time to relate it all right now.

After it was over I walked outside the small house and looked out over the valley. The house sat atop a hill and had the most spectacular view. Stormy winds were blowing the red dust across my face and into my eyes. As I looked out across the valley I was overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. Shafts of yellow and orange sunlight poked through the storm clouds, casting a soft glow on the homesteads scattered across the fields. I could see the rain moving in and dark clouds threatening the earth with much needed water!! The hills sang. As I stood there I was so in awe of the beauty of this place--and the power of God moving across the land.

"Something deep is touched here, something that is good and deep."
- Alan Paton, Cry, The Beloved Country

Prayer

I finally finished Red Moon Rising (by Pete Greig). Please, please, read it!! It is amazing. Here is just one small little excerpt that I liked and wanted to share...enjoy!

“ ‘Whether we think of, or speak of, God, whether we act or suffer for Him, all is prayer, when we have no other object than His love, and the desire of pleasing Him. All that a Christian does, even in eating and sleeping, is prayer, when it is done in simplicity, according to the order of God…In souls filled with love, the desire to please God is a continual prayer.’ -John Wesley

What does it mean to pray 24-7? It means living our whole lives, twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week, in the grateful awareness of God’s presence and with a desire to please Him always. Prayer is not just about the contemplative moments or the moments when I’m consciously firing words at God. The call to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17) is a call to remember Christ’s presence continually in the subconscious as well as the conscious realms of my life. But how am I to do this? How am I to keep Christ in my subconscious, in my reflex-reactions even I’m sleeping or working or watching a movie? How am I to be Christian by default as well as determination?

The key is to maintain a rhythm, a heartbeat of disciplined prayer, in which I encounter Christ regularly, deliberately, and consciously. The spinoff of these times, as you will see in the character of any older person who has spent a great deal of their lives contemplating Jesus, is that His presence thereby moves by a process of osmosis from the conscious into the subconscious mind. As we open the door, again and again, to Christ, he comes in day by day and eats with us, laughs with us, shares with us, until we acquire His mannerisms and know His very thoughts. A season of 24-7 prayer can be a useful tool for bringing Christ consciously back into the midst of our ongoing lives as individuals and as communities. And prayer rooms are an interesting expression of God’s intention, which has always been to walk in continual communion with His people….”

A Favorite Song...

Jesus, life and hope to heal our land
Saviour, reaching out with your mighty hand

Sing for joy O Africa
The Lord your God is risen upon you
Sing for joy O Africa
The Lord your God is risen upon you now

Jabulani, Jabulani Africa
Jabulani, Jabulani Africa
(Repeat)

Jesus, river of life to our thirsty land
Saviour, meeting our needs with your mighty hand

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man has to seek Him to find her. -unknown

Just for Fun

Some things you learn when you live in Africa...

-The phrase "This is Africa" takes on a whole new meaning
-Is the smoke supposed to go up the chimney? Or is that just some strange idea from my past???!!
-Determining whether clothes are dirty or not is completely relative :)
-Real mail is the best gift...and lives you smiling for hours
-It's really quite normal for the lights to flicker on and off throughout the day...and its no big deal to run out of water for a few hours--that's what empty rice buckets are for! Store it!!
-Rice is so good (to others this might not be true but I am still a believer :))

I am currently reading:
Red Moon Rising by Pete Greig
The Cost of Discipleship (Bonhoeffer...sp?)
Both of these books are INCREDIBLE!!
and for school: Friendship with God by Ross Tooley...its ok. really easy reading, not spectacularly well written.

Languages I am wanting to learn:
Swahili
Arabic
(and Gladness is teaching me some Swahili!)

My Swahili Song :) I love it!!

Mambo Sawa Sawa (x2)
(things are really better)
Yesu Akiwa Enzini
(when the Lord is on the throne)
Mambo Sawa Sawa (x3)

Last weekend we went to a game park in South Africa...another stamp in the passport!! It was incredible. I was the only one (beside Hlengiwe) who saw the leopard! We saw elephants, zebras, giraffes, a RHINO (Just for you, Josh!!))...and many other things (the head of a lion through the tall grass). I got the most amazing picture of an African sunset I've gotten yet. Absolutely breathtaking. THe African sun is SO big and SO red. It is beautiful.

Alright. Until next time! Love to you all :)

Greetings from Africa

Just a quick update. I just finished a week of class on discipleship. This coming week is going to be taught by a YWAM couple. The topic is "The Father Heart of God." I'm excited--I've heard its one of the best weeks. It will be followed by a week on the Holy Spirit (this is going to be an interesting week, I'm sure. good, but different :)).
On wednesday for the 4th we are making pizza!! woohoo. We're all very excited (even the Swazi's...they want to know what its all about!)

I have been excited about the food--we eat lots of fruit. We have bananas galore, apples, oranges, PINEAPPLE (fresh all the time!!), and HUGE avocados (almost the size of cantelope!). MmmmMmmm. Gladness (our Tanzanian "house mom") makes the BEST beans. I am going to copy the recipe to make them at home! She also make an incredible tomato and onion salad called "Kachumbari" to go with them. Amazing.

OH! I've been given a Swazi name! Hlengiwe gave me my name. It is Thandeka ("tan-dega") and means "lovely." Haha. I love it.

Today we got the morning off from class so we all came into town. It's nice to get out and see people!

Hmmm. What else. There's so much to share but so little time. I don't even know where to start. I've written out a lot of experiences in my journal but it takes time and money to type them up here. Someday I'll try to transfer a few stories...i have a few really incredible ones from our time at the hospital last week.

Church is great. We've been going to one about 30 minuts away in a village called Moshane. It's Hlengiwe's Church. It's call "Moshane Hope House." It's so neat. I LOVE the worship...lots of Swazi songs...and the pastors (there are three) are all SO encouraging ans very hospitable. Two of them are young (late 20's, early 30's) and are from Zimbabwe. They are really funny and call me "woman of God" or "sister of God." haha. We take the "Combie" (public transport) out to the village...i love riding in these things! 15 passenger mini-buses with 19-20 crammed in. During times like that I feel most like I'm in Africa! I love it...its usually hot and sweaty but ALWAYS an adventure!
I have to go!
Love to you all!! Thank you for encouraging me and praying for me!!