Bookend Events of 2010

This is my last post of 2010, which is crazy to think about. This year has flown by. It was full of challenges, blessings and unforgettable experiences through which God has given me a clearer vision of the future, grown my faith and drawn me closer to Christ. As I think about the year, two major events stand out: South Asia and graduation.
As you well know, I spent the first half of the year overseas working with slum children. It was by far the best experience I have ever had. The Lord taught me so much about daily dependence on Him and further revealed His heart to me for the nations. I was stretched outside my comfort zone more ways that I can count and discovered the ways that God has (as well as has not) wired me for serving Him.

The last half of the year brought me back to Louisville to finish my coursework at Southern. It was one of my best semesters subject-wise, which served as a fitting end to an already wonderful trek towards earning my master's degree.

It all seems so surreal and am so thankful to Christ for these amazing experiences and lessons. I am excited to see what 2011 will bring. I have no doubt that there will be new challenges, new blessings, new growth opportunities in Christ, new answers to prayer, new prayer requests, new opportunities to trust God...
I have no idea what is in store but I trust the One who does.

          My frame was not hidden from you,
          when I was being made in secret,
          intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
          Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
          in your book were written, every one of them,
          the days that were formed for me,
          when as yet there was none of them.
          How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
          How vast is the sum of them!
          If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
          I awake, and I am still with you. Psalm 139:15-18

Now, I am not one for making New Year's resolutions, but I have set a few goals for 2011:

1. Focus in on a few particular ministries and relationships (as the Lord leads) so as not to be so scattered or busy. I am following two ministry leads right now -  one connected with Rolling Fields and one connected with a local organization. I have training for both coming up in the next two weeks and I am so excited about both.
2. Finish memorizing Ephesians
3. Develop and refine my photography skills
4. Do a better job of eating actual meals for dinner (#1 should help with this)
5. Start a savings account...or rather put money into the one I already have :)

Kristi and I are fixin' to head out for Frosties and a Redbox movie to bring in the new year, so...

Happy New Year's!

A Shepherd and a King

For the past couple of years, Kristi and I have read the birth account of Christ together in honor of Christmas (found in the first two chapters of Matthew & Luke). Sometimes we also read some of the Old Testament prophecies that point to His coming. This year we read Isaiah 9 and Ezekiel 34. Isaiah 9 speaks of a King whom God promises to send to rule His people and Ezekiel 34 speaks of a Shepherd whom God promises to feed His people. I was struck during our reading that both kings and shepherds came to see Jesus after He was born.

Shepherds came to visit the Great Shepherd (John 10:11; Hebrews 13:20) and kings journeyed from afar to worship the King of Kings (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16).

When the kings/wisemen from the East came to Jerusalem seeking to find the promised King, King Herod was alarmed and gathered Jewish scholars together to determine where this King was to be born:

They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”(Matthew 2:5-6)

Jesus Christ is this promised King. As King, He rules His people with perfect justice, wisdom, righteousness and peace. He is a mighty warrior who victoriously leads into battle. He fearlessly conquers all His enemies. "And of His kingdom there will be no end" (Luke 1:33).

Jesus Christ is this promised Shepherd. As our Shepherd, He guides His people into all truth. He cares for, tends and protects His flock. If any of His sheep stray, He will go after them and bring them back. He gives them rest in a good and safe pasture. "And you are my sheep, human sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Lord God” (Ezekiel 34:31).

Merry Christmas!!!

The Weather Outside is Frightful...

but I am as snug as a bug in a rug in my Southern hoodie and fleece NASCAR blanket! The temperature is a little over 20 degrees outside and it has been snowing off and on all day long. 

On Friday, I graduated with my Masters of Divinity of degree. The ceremony was joyful and Christ-exulting. I couldn't help reflecting on all the hard work that I had put into this degree and all that the Lord has taught me during my three and a half years here, which made the event all the more precious. Jesus sustained me and guided me in so many ways and I know that I am a different (and hopefully better) person than when I first came to Louisville. The finality of it all it finally starting to sink it and I am excited to enter the new, school-free phase of my life. :)

With all the assigned reading out of the way, I can now read at my leisure. I just finished the first book on my reading list: 24 Hours that Changed the World by Adam Hamilton. It was a rather disappointing book as it promised more than it delivered. I thought it was going to serve as a  type of devotional book by taking an intense look into the last 24 hours of Jesus' life. The back cover claimed to offer a theological and historical analysis along with "spiritual insight." Instead the book contained more of the author's speculations and opinions more than anything. He had some theological points that I found rather alarming as well. The book, however, wasn't a total loss. Hamilton did bring out some Old Testament parallels with the death and resurrection of Christ that I had never thought about before and made me consider the ways I am like the frightful disciples, betraying Judas and crowd-pleasing Pilate. Overall, I give the book 2 out of 5 stars; although, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.  I am now reading a much better book about prayer, which is proving to be both convicting and encouraging at the same time.

This week will be my first official week of working full-time at Papers Unique. I am really exciting about some of the things we are doing there. We just recently formed a partnership with the local Christian radio station, 93.9 WAY-FM. They just started playing our ad this past week. Also, this week I am going on another radio station to talk about our store and about stationery etiquette as well as to record a 30-second air spot. I am not really excited to be the one doing this but I am excited for the exposure the store will get.

The Lord has been teaching me this semester how limited I am - especially when it comes to wisdom. He has reminded me over and over again that I do not have what it takes to make right decisions and sound judgments BUT He does and He invites me to trust Him. He has been teaching me how to trust Him in deeper ways and how to glean His Word for guidance. There have been several situations that have developed that has caused me realize my short-comings and turn to Christ for guidance, wisdom and discernment. I have no doubt that He will continue to lead and guide me to do His will. Pray that I will not trust in myself but that I will trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8

An Ethical Dilemma

I have known about and have been anticipating the infamous final for my Christian Ethics class since I registered for the course. My professor posted it on his blog last Friday and it is a doozy. We are allowed to use any resource that we would normally have access to in real-life ministry with one exception: we cannot talk to the people in our class. So, I have started doing some research, thinking through God's Kingdom purposes for each situation and plan on calling a few people for some insight...but I am interested to know what YOU think. Click here to read the lengthy ethical scenario.
Comments are more than welcomed (unless, of course, you are in my class!). :)

No More Classes, No More Books...

Today was my last day of classes. Only 2 finals separate me from graduation. I am so excited to be free from having to worry about homework!

One of the classes I took this semester was called Community Development and Disaster Relief. In it, all my experience and coursework in business management, human services and international miss. seemed to converge, which made it a fitting end to my educational career. Yesterday, I completed a community development strategy paper that built upon the work I did earlier this year in a South Asian center for slum girls. It was probably one of the most rewarding (and fun) papers I have ever written. It had little to do with research and much to do with dreaming. :) It was supposed to be a minimum of ten pages...I wound up writing 18 (!). I am usually a person of few/concise words who has trouble meeting the minimum page requirement, so this way-over-the-minimum paper was the first for me. The Lord has been gradually showing me the specifics of His call to serve Him overseas and I believe community development will play a big part of it. I am so excited to see what He has in store! Please pray for me as I go through this time of transition.

Wisdom in the Darkness

Sometimes the Lord brings us into situations that are difficult to discern and that reveal our limited wisdom. Such was the case for me this past week. The Lord is gracious, though, and doesn't leave His children without direction. Even though His Word does not always address our specific situations, He does give us principles and truths from His Word that will help us make the right decision in accordance with His will - one that honors Him and loves others. As I searched through various passages that dealt with wisdom, discernment, pleasing the Lord, trusting the Lord and considering myself rightly (i.e. Psalm 3:5-6; Psalm 25; Romans 12; Phil 4:7-8), the Lord faithfully led me to a decision that I believe is His will. The tricky thing about following the Lord, though, is that I must seek His will continually. He leads His children for a while down on path then when it forks or that work or such finishes, He leads them down a different path. [This is not to say that God is wishy-washy. The Bible is clear that He never changes (Hebrews 13:8). His ways, however, are not ours and what may look like a change of mind to us are really the unveiling of His purposes that are far beyond what we can know or comprehend.] It is at these forks in the road and times of transition that He grows and strengthens our faith in Him. These times are not usually very pleasant, but when you look back on them, you can see the Lord's great wisdom, grace and sovereignty in bringing you through them. There are so many situations and unknowns right now in my life that remind me of my limited wisdom and my need for Christ. He is my Great Shepherd. Where He leads, I want to follow - no matter where that may be and no matter what the cost.

A neat thing that did happen in the midst of all this is how the Lord prepared me and my sister both for circumstances happening in each other's lives before we talked to each other. I sent her a vague prayer request via email and she sensed what it was about (and she was right). She left me a voice mail during our few days of phone tag that told me she wanted to tell me about something that had happened. When I heard this, I had "a feeling" of what she was going to tell me (and I was right). How cool is it that the Lord prepared us both in advance to hear the information we were about to receive from one another?

Switching gears: I am becoming increasing uncomfortable with being out by myself at night. I am not sure if this stems from my time in South Asia or if I am just growing out of my small-town-girl ignorance. Either way, I have become more aware of my surroundings as well as my own vulnerability as a female. The other night I broke my rule of not going to Wal-Mart after dark to pick up something. Now, the Wal-Mart I live by is down-right shady. Men seem to loiter there for no apparent reason. I usually try to avoid eye contact by looking at the ground and walk as quickly as I can to and from my car. The stares I receive there are equivalent to the stare-a-hole through you ones I received in South Asia (extremely creepy and uncomfortable). During this last trip to Wal-Mart (and I do mean last), I barely made it through the entrance when a man thought he'd take the opportunity to hit on me. [Eye roll.] I mean, can't a girl buy toilet paper in peace? [I would like to note that my trip ended on a higher note as I got to converse with the cashier who was from Nepal.]

Today, I got to spend the afternoon doing one of my favorite hobbies - photography. A friend of mine from church asked me to take pictures of her beautiful family to use for her Christmas cards. To top it off, my boss let me use her awesome Nikon D60 (thanks Michele!). These are some of my favorites:



The Question

I graduate from Southern one month from today. It's crazy to think about, but it's true. This fact has prompted the inevitable question, "What are you going to do next?" First, I am going to read at my leisure and for the sheer pleasure of reading in and of itself. Then, maybe I will write all those blog posts I have swimming around in my head...

The real answer to the question is that I simply don't know. The Lord has not been pleased thus far to reveal to me the next step. I know that I ultimately want to serve the Lord overseas among the poor - telling them about the hope that is found solely in Jesus Christ. Before that happens, though, I need to take care of these pesky student loans. Whether that means staying where I am at Papers Unique or taking up a new job somewhere else, I don't know. I have know doubt that the Lord will reveal to me in His perfect timing what's next. I am fairly confident, though, that I am to remain in Louisville and I am for certain I am to minister to people here on behalf of Christ. Now that school is almost out of the way, I can devote more of my time to building relationships and to ministry.

The end of my time at Southern has proven to be bittersweet. I am more than ready to kiss homework goodbye, but I love to learn (especially about Jesus) and I will miss the class lectures and chapel services that God has used so much to shape and grow me. Now, most of you know that pursuing a Master's degree was not my favorite idea. I didn't see my need for theological study...I mean, couldn't I just get my theology from my own personal study of the Bible? Through my time here, however, I have learned how much I needed theological correction and direction. I have learned how to study God's Word and have, in the process, discovered God's grand plan that fills it pages from cover to cover. My time here has been nothing but a blessing and has been filled with numerous lessons from the Lord (both in and out of the classroom). Even though the coursework will soon be finished, I know I won't stop learning. I serve a God whose infinite nature will keep me hungry to know more of Him for the rest of my life.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)

Across the Midwest

I returned this evening from mine and Katelyn's trek to Oklahoma. We had such a good time and it was a good break away from the routine of every day life. We worshipped the Lord, laughed a lot, teased each other and discussed current events in our lives. The Lord blessed us with beautiful driving weather for which we are very thankful. He also provided (food, coupons, etc) and protected (we were run off the road almost twice by some crazies) in more ways than we probably even realize. We broke up the trip on the way there by stopping by my parents' house for the night but drive the whole way back today. We took a few pit stops along the way to stretch and have a little fun by visiting the Russell Stover Candies store and Cheese Outlet (which provided free samples!) in Lebanon, MO on the way there and stopping by the arch in St. Louis on the way back. It was Katelyn's first time in St. Louis, so I played, as she likes to say, "tour guide Barbie."

The wedding was the most unique and by far the most fun and laid back that I have attended. It was South Asian in fashion but American in ceremony, which means lots of color and lights, saris and pujabis with a thoroughly Christian focus. Katelyn and I were involved behind the scenes in a number of ways...including doing the bride's mehindi (henna). I even made up a song for the bride in Bangla while I was waiting in the reception line. She appreciated it. :)

The End is in Sight!

It's amazing the difference one week can make. Last week, I was overwhelmed with the amount of school work that had to be done and the seemingly little time I had to do it. The Lord was so gracious to give me much motivation and extra time (or maybe just time management) so that I now only have 3 assignments left:
1. Finish reading my last ethics book and write a paper interacting with it
2. Final systematic paper
3. Community development strategy paper
Besides 2 finals, that is it! I feel like so much weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I am so thankful for such a productive week!

I have come to the sad realization that I am going to have to retire my favorite pair of blue jeans. The knees have been patched for a while, but now the material is really starting to thin and holes are developing in other areas. This is sad on two accounts. First, they are so comfortable, which is why I like them so much. Second, I do not like shopping, especially jean shopping. It ranks right up there with sitting in traffic and eating peas. In fact, I don't know which is worse - shopping for jeans or sitting in rush hour. ;) But, the Lord in His grace and provision, just provided me with 2 new pair from my boss. I was lamented the fact that I would have to depart with the before-mentioned beloved pair when she told me she had several new pairs she was looking to get rid off. She gave me four to try on. While they were all big for me, two of them were just a little baggy, nothing a belt couldn't handle (even though they were all almost the same size, which is why I particularly dislike shopping for blue jeans). So now I can delay that dreaded trip to the mall for a little longer. :) Plus there are probably still a few more wearings left in the disintegrating pair mentioned above...

Tomorrow, Katelyn and I are heading out on a road trip to Oklahoma. On the way, we are stopping by F'town to pick up my car (yay!). Our friend and former South Asian roommate is getting married. It will be like a mini - very mini - South Asian reunion. :)

R1, R2 and KG

Jesus is My Life

This is my new favorite song (click here to listen to it). It reminds me of the abundant grace that Jesus Christ has poured into, and thereby transformed, my life:

"All I Have Is Christ"

I once was lost in darkest night

Yet thought I knew the way.

The sin that promised joy and life

Had led me to the grave.

I had no hope that You would own

A rebel to Your will.

And if You had not loved me first

I would refuse You still.

But as I ran my hell-bound race

Indifferent to the cost

You looked upon my helpless state

And led me to the cross.

And I beheld God’s love displayed

You suffered in my place

You bore the wrath reserved for me

Now all I know is grace.

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ

Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone

And live so all might see

The strength to follow Your commands

Could never come from me.

Oh Father, use my ransomed life

In any way You choose.

And let my song forever be
My only boast is You.

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI), by Jordan Kauflin

Jesus, You are my life.



Coffee Jitters

I can tell it is the end of the semester. I am sleeping less and drinking coffee more. I just finished writing two papers. I am almost entirely done with two of my classes, but I feel like I am just getting started in my third one. There is so much to do between now and Thanksgiving.

This evening I had to make an emergency run to Walmart for staples. I bought 500 for exactly $1. That should last me for the rest of my life. :)

Today, there was a tornado warning in Louisville. The sirens went off on campus. Southern usually tests them on Tuesdays, so I ignored them. Then a message echoed through the intercom system to retreat to the locker room because of reported tornadic activity. It made for an interesting afternoon...

I have been teaching an Indian friend how to drive. She is doing well, but it has been interesting. She keeps wanting to drive on the left side of the road (which is what they do in India). This is a habit I am going to have to break. :) Soon we will be practicing parallel parking...

I cannot believe this is the last week in October and that there are only two months left in 2010. Where has the year gone?

Lessons from the Lord: trust, trust, trust in many areas of my life where He is indeed stretching me; the unfathomable grace of Jesus Christ; biblical ethics; contentment; patience; daily dependence on His provision

Back in L'ville

I made it back safely to Louisville by God's grace. I am so blown away by the Lord's providential and loving care. For the next few weeks I am driving my dad's car as mine had a cracked radiator. My dad could not believe it made it as long as it did (especially the trip to MO). I could. :) Many people were praying for my car and for the trip back to MO. I knew that the Lord was sustaining it for the last few weeks and when my dad looked at it, I found out just how much He protected and provided. I know He will provide for the financial aspect of this as well.

I had a good time at home. My dad and I had some really good (and deep) conversations. I also got to see some people from MH that I haven't seen in a very long time. Furthermore, the Lord used a message on finances to speak to a different area of my life in regards to trusting Him and evaluating my heart.

Speaking of finances, the Lord continues to grow and stretch me in this area. Besides a new radiator, I have a few other upcoming expenses that I cannot afford...but I have the peace that God will provide as He always does (Philippians 4:6-8). Usually I would be a little stressed about the circumstances, but I have learned from the previous years of financial tension that Jesus Christ is faithful (I am not at all saying I have victory in this area). One of these expenses is a road trip to Oklahoma to see my former South Asian roommate/friend get married. I am so excited to see her again and to witness her marriage, which is going to have a South Asian flare to it. :)

Kristi is gone now since I took her back last weekend and my roommate is in South Africa, which makes for a very quiet apartment. Though I do miss them, the solitude will force me to focus on my studies more. This is especially needed this week because I have a lot to do before Thursday: finish my Systematic project, write a position paper on miraculous gifts in the church and read, read, read. The project I am doing (along with a friend) is a photo book that has pictures of people from all of the world with Scripture verses that describe God's heart to redeem the nations. The goal of the project is to show how God from Genesis to Revelation is taking a people for Himself from every people group on the planet. There were so many verses/passages to choose from that it was difficult to narrow them down. As I read the Bible each day, I keep running across more and more. I was already in complete agreement with the purpose of our project, but I am so even more now as I keep running across verse after verse about God's desire for the nations to worship Him. And what's more is that He allows and invites us to be a part of His great plan of redeeming the nations!

Today at Wal-Mart (or is it Walmart?), a random guy asked me out in the shampoo aisle. Unexpected and akward (I was wondering what he was doing looking at feminine hair care), but I have to give the guy credit for boldness Just in case you are wondering, I said no. ;)

The Lord is still doing a work in my heart that I cannot explain. He has made me realize recently how much of our culture has influenced certain areas of my life and the way I think about some things. Now that He has made me aware, He is transforming my mind (Romans 12:1-2) through His Word and through other believers. I am in awe at the way the Lord weaves His lessons together through so many facets of my life. He is definitely not a haphazard Teacher for which I am so very thankful. His lessons are always relevant, intentional, necessary and purposeful (and sometimes very difficult), and by His grace, I will learn from them.

Watching for Where God is at Work

These past few weeks have been filled with many lessons from the Lord and countless activities. Last week was Fall Break/Reading Days. As usual, I had lofty homework goals...most of which did not come to fruition. Instead, I took advantage of several ministry opportunities that the Lord sent my way. Time management is like walking a fine line and it is easy to stray to one side (forsake school work) or the other (make school work top priority). Last weekend I went to a funeral where I was reminded that my life (as well as those around me) is a vapor. There are many good things that I could be doing, but what is important is to be about what the Lord has planned for me. I have been trying to be sensitive to His leading and submit myself to His plans daily. One such instance of this happened last week. I knew the plans I had for the day, but laid them at the feet of Christ, acknowledging that my plans are not always His. After I had met with my prayer partner and then with a friend to do homework, I went to pick up my sister from an Indian friend's house. When I arrived, they told me that they were going to the Hindu temple and that we (Kristi and I) were going with them. So we went. As this Hindu family were worshiping their many gods (and thereby breaking my heart), my sister and I prayed for them. The Lord gave me the opportunity to pray in Jesus' name with one of them as she waited for the priest to become available. These are the opportunities that I do not want to miss because I am on my own agenda.

This week is my sister's last week in Louisville. I am going to take her back to Missouri this weekend. The Lord has used her in such great ways while she has been here and I am so proud of the way she took advantage of every opportunity He gave her. Most of her new friends are looking forward to her return in January when she comes to Southern...and so am I.

Lessons from the Lord: Jesus Christ alone is my Portion and my Refuge; patience; trust; humble submission; selflessness; the faithfulness of God and His nearness

These are a Few of My [New] Favorite Things

Stuffed Green Peppers

Earlier this week my sister and I tried our hand at making Stuffed Green Peppers.  We filled them with brown rice, Great Northern beans, chopped mushrooms, garlic, cheese and spices. They were so yummy we had them again this evening!

Soymilk

Since returning from South Asia, I haven't liked our (American) milk. I didn't like the milk there either, but I did like the thickness of it. Soymilk has the same consistency...so I converted (and so did my whole family!).

Multigrain Cheerios

I have always been a fan of Honey Nut Cheerios, but while I was staying with Melissa and James, I was introduced to Multigrain Cheerios. I have never looked back.

Pilates

I enjoy working out and I recently discovered Pilates. My posture is improving and I am learning the "art of muscle control" as I strengthen my core muscles. I am a fan...so is my sister who has become my new work out partner.

Shawls

While I was in South Asia, I bought a couple of shawls - knowing how handy they would be on the campus of Southern. Good call...I wrap one around me almost every day that I'm on campus. They are so great because they leave my hands free to type/write. I am such a baby when it comes to being cold and being on a predominantly male campus, cold is usually the temperature. :)

ESV Online Study Bible

My mom and sister got me the ESV Study Bible a couple Christmases ago. It came with a free online version. I just started using it and it is great. I can cross-reference verses with just a click of the button or search for a certain passage by using a key word. It will be a great tool for a couple of studies I want to do.

Living with My Sister [again]

Laughter, long chats, late nights, random adventures, accountability...Fun times. :)

Morning Devotion

In my morning devotion this morning, I was reading in Proverbs and came across this verse in 28:22:

A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him. (ESV)

It the footnote it says the word translated "stingy man" means literally in Hebrew "a man whose eye is evil." This immediately made me think about how Jesus said that if your eye is evil, you will be full of darkness and vaguely remembered Him saying that in the context of talking about money, so I made a mental note to look it up. Right afterwards, I was reading for school in the Harmony of the Gospels (HCSB) and in Mark 7:18-23, Jesus says,

Don't you realize that nothing going into a man from the outside can defile him? For it doesn't go into his heart but into the stomach and is eliminated...What comes out of a person—that defiles him. For from within, out of people's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, evil actions, deceit, lewdness, stinginess, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a person.

Again, the word translated "stinginess" literally means "evil eye." Interesting. I followed up on my earlier mental note and found the passage in Matthew that had come to my mind. Here it is in context:

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (6:19-23 ESV)

Now before I read about the literal translations of the first two passages that led me to this one, I had trouble making sense of Jesus' sandwiching His statement about the eye between those talking about possessions and money. It makes perfect sense to me now though! The Lord Jesus is concerned with the single-hearted devotion of His followers. Therefore He tells us not to labor for what perishes but to strive to lay up treasures in heaven. Then He tells us that we cannot serve both Him and money/possessions. If we are stingy (our eye is evil) then money is what we will serve and what will control us. It will be what we labor and strive for. We will not be generous as the Lord commands and we will not have the joy that accompanies giving (Acts 20:35). Instead, we will cling to money (which we perceive to be our strength and security) instead of the Light (Jesus Christ, John 8:12). When we know Him and serve Him, He makes our eye "healthy" and feels our body with light, but if we strive for riches or worldly things, we may think we are doing what is good and right, but we are actually fully of darkness (and poverty will come upon us according to the proverb above). Only Christ can fill us with light! (2 Corinthians 4:6)

From the sermon I heard this morning, I also made a connection between the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ on our behalf and of the Holy Spirit. Jesus constantly and continually intercedes for His people (Hebrews 7:25) and the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we are unable to or don't know how to pray (Romans 8:26). How gracious is God in the way He helps us live for and serve Him and have access to Him! Also, Jesus is our guarantor (Hebrews 7:22) and the Holy Spirit is our guarantee (Ephesians 1:13-14). Not only does God graciously save us and graciously grow us in the faith, He also gives us the assurance that He will keep us to the end. Even though I have to respond willingly to God's offer of salvation presented in Jesus Christ and cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He makes me more like Christ, no part of God's election of me, saving me or keeping me to the end is dependent on me. It is all by His grace and good pleasure. In this I find great comfort and joy.

Ramblings of the Past Week

Last weekend I went home to pick up my sister and get the rest of my things to move to Louisville (since God has graciously blessed me with an apartment!). My mom and I took my sister to St. Louis for a conference. On the way back, I had a little car trouble. Thankfully, we had just picked up a few things from Whole Foods...

We got a little hungry...



...and we didn't have spoons


We made the most of it while we waited for my dad and uncle to come rescue us. We waited a little over 5 hours total, but we eventually made it home. And now I have a new fuel pump. :)

It had been nice to start settling in and cleaning my new apartment. One very unfortunate draw back to the place, though, is the wretched amount of spiders. I kill about one a day (3 today in fact). I guess that is to be expected in a basement apartment. :(

So I mentioned that Kristi is with me now. It has been nice to hang out together. She is visually impaired and we have been Kristi-proofing the apt. There is a pole between the kitchen and living room and we discovered this motion sensor light to place in front of it so she can see it. It's pretty great. She goes to campus with me on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Last Tuesday, she had an accident with some steps. Because of her eyes, she relies on someone to guide/help her around. We were walking from chapel and because of a miscommunication between the two of us, she fell down the second set of steps. Thankfully, she was hanging onto me which minimized injury. I felt/feel so terrible because she trusted me to be her eyes. We are both extra cautious now though.

This evening we went to the annual India Day festival. After finally finding somewhere [free] to park, we walked a few blocks to join the festivities. I got the bright idea to take a street that was under construction. My thinking was that there would be less traffic, it would be safer, etc. Little did I know that the other end of the street was fenced in so we had to turn around once we got to the end of it (adding a few extra blocks to our trek). We did eventually have the oppoturnity to take in some Indian singing and dancing. We wore camises and were among the few Westerners there. I felt like I was in South Asia again!

I can sense that the Lord is on the move in my life. I mean He is always working but sometimes He prepares me in a way that  I can't describe. He is doing that now. I am not totally sure what He is up to, but I am sure I will find out soon. The last time I sensed this kind of working, He led me to South Asia... 

Can't Sleep...Sounds Like a Good Time for a Post!

The morning air is clean and crisp. The days have been cooler. And the leaves are beginning to turn. Yep, fall is definitely around the corner and I am loving it.

I spent the majority of this Labor Day weekend enjoying this beautiful weather. I went to a back to school gathering on Saturday where there was some down home music, grilled corn on the cob (freshly shucked I might add) and corn hole tournaments in typical Southern style. I met a lot of new people and saw some familiar faces as well. We ended the night singing hymns around the campfire. On Sunday, I wore my South Asian clothes and taught the ladies of RF how to make cha as I told them about my experience. Afterwards, I spent the afternoon at Parrin Park reading for my Ethics class until it was time for small group. It was the first time I had been to that park and it was beautiful. I will have to explore it some more when I have less reading. :)

So I have had this reversible belt for like five years and it has started to rip loose from the buckle. I really shouldn't complain considering it has lasted this long, but it is the perfect belt: brown on one side and black on the other. Well, today, I got out my tool kit to see if I had a mini flathead screw driver and, sure enough, I did. I was able to fix it and salvage a little more use out of it. Yay!

Current Lessons for the Lord: living in submission to His will and timing; seeking Him above all things and looking for Him at work every day

Side Note: Does anyone in Louisville know someone that is mechanically included (automotive)? My roommate needs her power steering fixed.

Good as New

Remember how I wrecked my car? Well, she looks better than ever now! :)

Also, God provided me and my roommate with an apartment! It is such an answer to prayer: affordable, no lease required and in the neighborhood we wanted to live. Plus, it is partially furnished. I am also very excited that I will be able to unpack my car (where everything I brought has stayed while I have been in transition). The clutter has been driving me crazy. The rest of my stuff is still in Missouri, which I plan on getting (Lord willing) when I pick up my sister in a few weeks. She is coming to visit me for a month.

My "house parents" are currently gone (to South America actually). I am fish-sitting for them. Speaking of which...

(I just fed the fish. I almost forgot. Good thing I like to share useless information on my blog).

This past weekend was a big event at my home church. I almost went home to be a part of it, but didn't for various reasons. It turns at that Jesus had some divine appointments for me here. One included a meeting with Him and my RF family for a night of worship at a Rehab Center.

Apparently there is this conference that occurs every year called The Summit. This year they are focusing on South Asians (yay!). I am praying about going. I really want to but it is $$$. So we'll see...

Speaking of South Asia, I miss it a LOT (specifically, the people there). I have been dreaming about the future and wondering if God will send me back and what it will look like if He does. I am really interested in advocacy type ministries like Not for Sale and A21. My class on Community Development and Disaster Relief has really got me thinking and I am really excited about what's in store (because God's dreams are so much bigger and better than mine!).

One last thought. I have noticed since my return to the States that I have been (or at least my desire to be) anti-social. Now, I am no social butterfly to begin with, but I have this constant desire to be alone (remnants of reverse culture shock maybe?). I am not sure what the deal is...but, with God's grace, I am working on it. Last weekend I went to a couple's house from church where we ate authentic Chinese and played badminton. This weekend I was invited to a back-to-school gathering and a labor day lunch. My initial reaction to all of them was "no". But I decided to bust out of my anti-social shell and do them all.

Classes!

Today was my first day of classes (have I mentioned this is my last semester?!). I am so excited that classes have started and look forward to what God will teach me through them. I feel like I am finally back into the swing of things. God is still doing some serious and painful work in me, but today was one of the best days I have had since returning to the States. I am currently staying with some friends while I look for an apartment. Another friend and I hope to move into a complex near South Asians.

Over the past few days, the Lord has bombarded me with a particular passage of Scripture. I have heard or read it from the sermon at RF, my small group, my theology book, a book on the Holy Spirit, and a book called The Cry of the Urban Poor. It also "happened" to be part of my daily reading plan and it was the passage my Ethics professor read before class started. I am not sure exactly what God is trying to tell me, but He definitely has my attention. The passage is Luke 4: 14-21 (ESV):

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Broken

That is the word that describes the events since I have been home and how I have felt because of them. Relationships, cars, health, bodies, phones...they have reminded me continually of the brokenness of this world and our desperate need for Jesus, the only Restorer and Healer. Despite everything, though, God is so good and so faithful. He always brings His Word and His Truth at just the right time. Last Thursday and Friday, I had the opportunity and privilege to attend the Global Leadership Summit hosted via satellite in Cape. Jason Mac was so gracious to invite my sister and I to attend as well as pay our way. I am so humbled and blown away by his willingness to invest in our leadership despite the fact that MH will probably benefit little from it since my sister and I are usually out of town. This was all arranged by God, no doubt, because the conference was just what I needed. It encouraged, inspired and challenged me…and met me right where I am.


One speaker Jeff Manion talked about “The Land in Between,” which was the title of his message as well as the title of his book. The Land in Between is when you are in a state of transition. He used the example of the Israelites who were wandering in the desert on their way to the Promised Land from Egypt (Numbers 11). I am transitioning between living and serving in South Asia and going back to school in Louisville. Even though this is a dry time in life, it is still fertile ground for things to grow. Manion named four things that can grow. One is grumbling and complaining (check—even though I haven’t been doing so vocally, I have been inwardly). Another is having a meltdown (check check). The third and fourth are more positive: God’s provision and God’s discipline. I cannot even recount all the ways God has provided through these trying times. His hand has been so clearly evident showing that He is always in control, redeeming these events for His glory and my good (Romans 8:28). For instance, on the eve on the night when I was supposed to head to Louisville, my car’s battery died. We quickly replaced that (for 50 cents, praise Jesus) and then immediately afterwards the belt tensioner broke (it holds the belt in place and keeps it tight). This very well could have happened on the road or when I was in Louisville. Needless to say, I stayed an extra day in F’town because of the repairs and headed to Louisville on Wednesday.

God’s discipline is a little harder to put my finger on, but I know that this is all to make me more like Jesus Christ. One thing is for sure, if not for all of these things that have completely overwhelmed me and sent me running into the arms of my Savior, I would have fallen into my default mode of self-sufficiency. God, however, would not even give me the chance. Since my return, He has been reminding me of how much I need Him…every moment of every day. He is the reason I live and move and breathe (Acts 17:28). Every good thing I have or am comes from Him (James 1:17). He is too gracious to allow me to become too comfortable and so He has been giving me more than I can handle so that I will trust Him more. It's working.

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all (Psalm 34:17-19).

His Grace is Sufficient

The Lord has been showing me lately how much I am dependent on His grace and how He is always sovereignly at work even when I fail to realize it. My family has been hit hard recently with various trials, but each portray the sovereign  hand of my most loving and gracious Savior, Jesus Christ.

On such event occurred last Sunday when the brakes went out on my car (not related to the wreck) while my mom was driving. It just so "happened," however, that they went out at the exact moment my mom put my car in park in front of our house. Do you see the grace of Christ in that? One moment longer in town and she would not have been so fortunate, but He orchestrated events in such a way that both she and my sister arrived safely home. What protection! What grace!

My dad told me of a guy who said, "I ask for God's favor and help when going into a situation and then proceed as if it all depended on me." How foolish. Who gave him his breath, his abilities, his resources? What does he have that didn't come from God? Can this man forsee the future or know the wisest decision in every situation? No. He (and we) must depend upon God every step of the way. For "in Him, we live and move and have our being."

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Week One in the States

I have been home for a little over a week now. My first experience of "culture shock" came in the Newark airport restroom. I forgot that automatic flushing toilets existed and was quite startled when I encountered one. :) For the most part, this past week has been a pretty rough one spiritually and emotionally as I adjust to an entirely different pace of life and struggle to find a nice balance between my life overseas and my life here. To add to this, a good friend and mentor passed away a few days after I returned. I attended a memorial service yesterday where we celebrated his life. After the service, I rear-ended someone. The people I hit and their vehicle (a truck) are fine, but my car received some damage. A fitting end to what had been a rough week...

It hasn't been all bad though. I have been able to see lots of familiar faces at church and a family reunion. Plus my family took me to Scoops - the new frozen custard joint in town - on my first day back. The next day Kristi and I went to Fredericktown's new (and very nice) McDonald's to read God's Word. I have been on lots of walks, enjoying the beautiful countryside of the States. I also watched the final season of LOST. It was as crazy and mind-bending as ever, but I thoroughly enjoyed it...and it provided a nice escape from reality. This morning I went to the much dreaded dentist office. Praise be to God that my gums held their own during my seven month hiatus (I usually go every three months).

Home is Where God's Will Is

So I am on my way to debriefing, hanging out in the airport waiting for my next flight. John Denver's Leaving on a Jet Plane has been playing in the background of my mine all morning, and the lyrics mean more now than they ever did. This part of the world has been my home for the last six months and I am sad to leave it. I have learned, however, over the last several years to make wherever I am my home, knowing that it is only temporary. The Bible tells us believers that this world is not our home (Hebrews 13:14). This life is only temporary and our true home awaits us in heaven with God. Christ Himself has gone before us to prepare a place for us there (John 14:2-3). So often we forget this truth. We strive to settle down and live a comfortable, self-sufficient life - the American Dream. God has not called us to settle, though. His command is to GO - to always be ready to to follow Him whenever and to wherever He calls. In the book of Genesis, God commanded the people to spread out over the earth and multiply. He wanted (and still wants) to fill the earth with worshipers of Himself. The people, however, didn't listen. They did the opposite of what God commanded, by coming together to make a name for themselves. They wanted to be independent of God, self-reliant, safe and comfortable. Isn't that what the American Dream is? God, however, has called us to something better - His Dream. His plan is for all people groups to know Him, their Creator; for them to hear about the saving work of Jesus Christ, their Savior; to save them from an eternity separated from Him in hell; and to give them everlasting joy by giving them the gift of Himself. The plan of God will not be thwarted. He will accomplish it with or without us, but He does invite us to join Him. He has given us two choices: we can choose our own path apart from Christ (which ends in destruction) or we can choose the path God shows us which gives us life...life to the full (John 10:10). So, I urge you with the words of Louie Giglio, "pack up the American Dream and exchange it for a part in God's global story" - the story of His mind-bending plan of rescuing the nations from sin and death by spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ so that all may know Him.

Days Go By...

Sunday is my last day in this country - with the girls, with my newfound friends and family...where did the time go? I have been avoiding thinking about leaving, but I can't anymore. I have to think about how I am going to spend my last few days here, who I am going to see, saying goodbye, packing... I haven't even left yet and I am so ready ready to return. Don't get me wrong, I am excited about seeing those I love and care about in the States, but I dread the thought of leaving everyone here. I know, however, that going back to America is God's will and I completely trust Him.

While there isn't much I miss about the States, living here has made me appreciate a few things about my native country that I used to take for granted:
1. order and structure
2. efficiency
3. (enforced) traffic laws
4. sidewalks
5. politeness (thank you, please, etc)
No culture, of course, is perfect. There are some things I absolutely hate about this culture, but then there are things I really love. Much of it, I am really going to miss. Especially the 36 smiling faces I got used to seeing almost every day:

Freedom in Restrictions

I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but it is true. If we did not have rules, laws and restrictions to abide by, our freedom would be limited. I was reading in a book about this very point. The reason freeways are free is because we have traffic laws. These laws give us the ability to quickly and efficiently get where we need to go. When people do not abide by the rules, accidents and jams happen and chaos ensues. I see this play out in the driving here. This country has traffic laws (I am pretty sure), but no one follows them because they are not enforced. As a result, people can drive anywhere and however they want. Mix this with our sinful human nature ("me first" attitude) and you get very chaotic and awful driving conditions. There are no lanes, so people just drive where they please, dodging and cutting from one side of the road to another. Stop lights aren't obeyed, so people cut each other off to get where they want to go. The bigger your vehicle is, the more leverage and "freedom" you have. This "freedom" in driving, reduces speed because you are always having to dodge other vehicles and other pedestrians. Therefore, traveling is not quick and definitely not efficient.

God's Law works in the same way. God gives us rules to obey and commands to follow. When we heed His Word, blessings ensue and we have more freedom to live the life He intended. On the other hand, if we disobey His Word and choose to do our own thing, we fulfill our selfish ambition and desires, but then we are a slave to whatever consequences that entails.

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? Romans 6:16

Christ Jesus has set us (who follow Him) free from the Law through His death and resurrection. By doing so, He allows and empowers us to have a relationship with our Creator God and to live in a away that both satisfies Him and our God-given moral consciences.

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you1 free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

Diminishing Time and a Divided Heart

Yesterday, I completed my final visa run. My time here is winding down faster than I would like to admit. This past week, though, has been rather tiring and discouraging. My visa run, for once, came as a welcome change. My favorite thing about having to leave the country once a month is that it gives me an excellent opportunity to spend time completely alone with Jesus [of course, flying over the Himalayas isn't that bad either :)].

While I was reading a book recently, I came across this quote by Jim Elliot:

Wherever you are, be all there. Live life to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.

These words really stood out to me. Partly because I see them playing out in my own life and partly because I see them not playing out in the lives of others who have recently come here. I believe without a shadow of a doubt that God brought me to serve Him here and, as a result, I have poured all of myself into this place. My fear, however, is that not all of me will return to America. God is preparing my heart to go back to the States (for which I am very thankful) and I know that it is His will for me to do so, but the work He has called me to here and the relationships I have built have captured my heart in a way I cannot explain. But as they always say, "all good things must come to an end," and such is the case for my time here in South Asia. I have two weeks left in this country and three weeks in this region of the world. Pray that I finish well.

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

Sea World, Safari, Shopping, a Story & a Social Network

These past few weeks have been filled with lots activities and ministry opportunities. Last Thursday, we took the girls to Sea World (a water park). They had so much fun. There were 25 girls who were eligible to go and 16 adults. Each adult was responsible for at least two girls. My two girls were so well-behaved! We had a lot of fun together. I would take them home if I could...

I, of course, took my camera with me. I wrapped it in Saran Wrap and put it in a Ziploc bag to keep it dry. I took quite a few pictures before my precautions fell through. It stopped working temporarily, but, thankfully, it started working again later. I let it sit in a bowl of rice overnight to soak up any remaining moisture and now it is as good as new. :)

Last weekend, I went out of town to visit a safari. My roommates and I planned on riding elephants, but, to our disappointment, there were no elephants there to ride. The monkeys got out of the cages though (not the one below)! One came pretty close to me and I am pretty sure he would have jumped on me if I hadn't moved. Some of them chased and tried to attack innocent bystanders. It was quite the experience...

Shopping is not usually an activity I enjoy in America, but here it is different. I really didn't think I would like bartering with the salesmen, but I do. I think it is because I like to win...or I am just stubborn and won't give in to their prices. ;) Since I am a foreigner, they think they can sale me things at a much higher price, but I know better. They also liked to tell me that the price is fixed, but I tell them there is no such thing as a fixed price in this country. Today, I bought two pairs of earrings. The salesguys wanted around 100 or so for them, but I talked them down to 30 and 40 each (about 50 cents in US currency). If only I could barter like this in the States...

I have been reading a Christian fantasy trilogy by Ted Dekker (The Circle Trilogy). I am currently reading the third book in the series called White. I usually do not read fiction, but my sister recommended it and I thought it would be a good way to wind down instead of reading deep, theological books that require a lot of concentration. I am amazed, however, at how JC is using these books to make me love the Gospel even more; to grow my faith; and to teach me more about the Lord I serve and love so much. Dekker's imagery in describing pure worship, the fall, the trinity, God's love, Christ's sacrifice, the darkness of sin and the love of Christ for His Bride, the Church, has help me love and see and appreciate and understand the Gospel in a whole new way. I have set the book aside for now to focus on language learning, stuff for the Center and discipleship stuff, but I cannot wait to pick it up again.

So I found out today that this country has blocked Facebook as of today. Apparently there was some anti-M*hammed stuff posted, which they were not too pleased with. I am interested to see how all this plays out...

Spread the Love

I read this sermon this morning about God's love. It was something I needed, so I wanted to share it:
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2010/4593_Consider_Your_Calling/

At Just the Right Time...

This evening, I was feeling overwhelmed with my schedule for the weeks ahead, but the Lord sent His Word to help me refocus. During my quiet time with the Lord, I listend to a sermon and it spoke directly to my circumstances. I was both challenged and comforted. I am always amazed at how God always brings His Word at just the right time. His Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11) and He has given me much to think and pray about.

Last weekend, I joined my supervisors for a trip to a nearby city. We also went to the beach. :)

R2D2 Battles the Forces of Evil

I am affectionately known here as R2 among the other Americans because one of my roommates/teammates and I share the same name. Katelyn likes to call me R2D2. I find this kind of funny since I have never seen Star Wars...though I did play Star Wars Monopoly!

Over the past two weeks I have been battling viruses on my computer. It seems the Enemy has chosen to leave my health alone and attack my computer instead. It is so annoying and completely wastes my time as I try to remedy the situation. After many hours of researching and downloading programs to heal my computer, I think I have come out victorious. Computer viruses are proof of our sinful nature. Mankind is bent on destruction (Romans 3:15). Why else would someone create ways to destroy the computers of people they don't know and will never meet? It's just evil. But praise be to God for Jesus Christ who is the Great Remedy for all mankind and for His grace in helping me to endure such trying times!  

Letters from Abroad

This past week has been quite eventful. It started off with a package from the States. My friend's elementary class have partnered with me here in South Asia. They along with my awesome boss sent me and the girls all kinds of goodies - brownie mixes, band-aids, vitamins, floss (as I seriously underestimated the amount I needed) - along with letters from each kid in my friend's class. I translated and read out loud the letters to the girls. The girls really enjoyed them.

 I told the story of Zacchaeus this week in the national language. The Father was so gracious in helping me to memorize it in a very short amount of time. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I could not have done it without His grace.

The two girls who moved in with us went home this week. I am thankful for the opportunity I had to strengthen my relationship with them as well as to practice the language. I am even more thankful, though, that things have settled down in their community for them to go home. I believe that the Lord has only just begun His work there!

Yesterday, my roommates and I went to the Hill Tracks area to visit some other Americans who work with the tribal people there. We went to the local market where you can buy fresh fish, veggies, spices and the like. It was much different from the grocery store I go to here in the city.

We then took a boat ride on the river. The scenery was beautiful and I was reminded of God's greatness. All creation sings of His glory!

Today, a friend and I went to visit the World Vision station here. One of the national ladies from our house church used to work there so she made arrangements for us to meet the director. We had the opportunity to ask him lots of questions about the work WV does here and then he and his wife took us to see the area. They introduced us to a woman who used to have nothing but who now owns her own business making and selling clothes. Her business is doing very well and she is training other woman to do the same thing. WV is doing a great work here, but because this is considered a closed country, they do not share the Good News of JC. That means that they have helped this woman and others for this short lifetime only. :(

Since WV is by the Sea Beach, we took a trip there. It is not exactly what I think of when I think "beach," but it was worth seeing nonetheless.

Happy New Year (1417)

This past Wednesday was the South Asian New Year (based on the Hindu calendar). My teammate and I made a new friend last week who invited us to spend the day with her. She helped us pick out the appropriate sarees and jewelry over the weekend. When the day arrived, she helped us get dressed in said sarees (which are a little involved). Then we traveled to the major university here to join the festivities. There were lots of people there and many of the women were dressed up in the New Year colors (red and white). There were booths set up with a wide array of items for sale and random parades of men with drums marching through the streets. The day was pretty uncomfortable for me personally, though. My teammate and I were the only foreigners there and we received a lot of unwanted attention. People (mostly men) kept trying to take our pictures or talk to us. It was quite annoying. Our friend, however, is pretty bold and she would either yell at them not take our picture or grab their camera/phone if she didn't catch them in time and delete the picture. She stole one guy's memory card from his phone because she had trouble finding the picture he took on it. :) The highlight of my day was when I got to share the story from the Word that I memorized in the national language. I shared it at the train station (with no small crowd) while waiting on the train and then again with our friend's mother. It is so exciting to be able to share the Word in the local langauge!

Also this week, because of certain events that took place in the slums, two of the girls from the Center came to live with us. We have turned the living room into their bedroom. I think we are all still adjusting (for us, it is mainly the lack of privacy we now have), but I have no doubt that we'll all fall into some kind of rhythm in time. They will definitely be of great assistance in learning the langauge!

My Easter Address: Retain Values Among Pluralism, Tolerance & Relativism

This past weekend proved to be an eventful one with lots of new experiences. On Friday, my teammate and I joined one of our national friends and her family for a trip to the village. It was not as I expected. I expected to visit a hut or something, but her family owns a fairly large home on some land there. The area was beautiful. It was nice to spent time with her family and watch them interact. We played cricket, ate lots of food (which included BBQ chicken), flew a kite, waded through a muddy pond and drank fresh coconut milk (not my favorite).

Saturday, I tried my hand at fried chicken Chick-fil-A style. It was a little salty in my opinion, but my roommates liked it. Later, we all went to Sea World, the local water park (not to be confused with the one with whales and dolphins that is probably coming to your mind). We took a boat to get there. It was interesting wearing a three-piece outfit into the water (like the one above), but lots of fun. Unlike amusement parks in America, this one did not have very many people.

Resurrection Sunday, I rose early and attended the sunrise service with hundreds of other believers. It took place outdoors in a local cemetary (the most beautiful place in this city) and brought believers of different denominations and churches together. Afterward, I attended another service at a local fellowship. Both of these services were in the local language. The before mentioned friend who is Muslim attended the sunrise service with me. I was so excited to have her join me. Later that evening, I attended my regular house church where we shared the Lord's Supper together. The Lord was pleased to overwhelm me with His presence throughout the day as I remembered His sacrificial death on the cross. The most horrendous thing ever done in history is now celebrated by millions of believers as the defining moment of their lives. It will continue to be so through all eternity as we sing about the Lamb Who was slain (Revelation 5:9). Jesus Christ is the one and only "rock upon which are lives are built." Let us remember the "shared spirit of humanity that inhabits us all" for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and look to Christ who was crushed for our sins so that He might make a way for us to be forgiven by God. For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (quotes, including the title of this post, taken and twisted from http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-04-03-obama-easter-address_N.htm?csp=34).

Today, we celebrated the resurrection of Christ at the Center (we were closed yesterday). I had the privelege of telling the Passion story, beginning with Christ's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem and ending with the empty tomb.

I have started memorizing my first Bible story in the local langauge (the story of the bleeding woman). By God's grace, I hope to tell it on Wednesday!