Not to sound corny or simple, but sometimes you just never know what God is doing until He does it...
I say this because Laura and I have been home from our adventure to find ourselves in a place that looks very little like we thought it would. What we have found, instead, is God fulfilling dreams He gave us nearly 4 years ago that we thought were only a vision to change our path at the time.
What i mean is this; 4 years ago, i was working a Staples job that was promising to get me none of the things that i have ever wanted in life. Because of this, we stepped out in faith and i went back to school to get an IT degree so i could get that nice job that would let us buy a house, and we could eventually work on having a family of our own. A satisfying dream at the time until God derailed it, pleasantly, and lead us both to focusing on our community and revealed to us our true heart's passion -- people.
When He did this, we assumed God only pointed us in the job/house/family direction to give us the strength and vision to get us out of post-college stagnation. Since then He has done amazing things in our hearts, in our church, in our family, and in our communities. We have built some of the best and most lasting relationships we have ever been a part of. We have been involved in the lives of a number of wonderful college students, and we even went halfway across the world to see what God had for us in South Africa. What we find now, as we try to continue to follow God's direction, is that God wasn't using smoke and mirrors to "trick us" along the right path, but He is just delivering His promises on a different time table.
As of my birthday, Oct 13th, we find ourselves in an odd position. I have accepted a new full time position within in the city that promises a nice pay raise, and the ability to provide (financially) more fully for my family. We are planning on closing on our first house on Nov 13th as well, which is incredibly exciting. We definitely did not think that we would be putting ourselves in a situation to be stationary, but it has all worked out so well.
We continue to wrestle with what our lives will look like with these new happenings. But continue to pray that we can invite people in to our new place and that it will feel like a home for them as well. Thanks to all of you who are praying for us as we try to continue to live lives that reflect the beauty, love, and creativity of our Creator...
Mikey
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Countdown...
I sit in my classroom and slowly run my eyes over the pictures, posters, books, desks, bulletin boards, cabinets, white boards. I am anticipating the arrival of my students and notice the clock counting down--T-minus 20 minutes. I'm in a reflective mood--especially today. Today, Mikey interviews for a full-time job with the city. Today, we will probably hear from our realtor, updating us on the status of our offer on that house (or at least, we hope!). Today is Monday and the beginning of a new week; coincidentally the last week of September. Today, I struggle to put away my doubts and fears, stop my leg's nervous bouncing up-and-down, and dwell in these moments. 15 minutes left.
For the past two years, we have been avoiding a full-time job for Mikey. Funny how that works, seeing as how we would like to start having kids and I would very much like to stay at home with said kids if that were to happen. But we haven't felt right about it. There's always been something better on the horizon--something that called for more simple but fulfilling living. The last "clear message from God" we had in the career area was for Mikey to stay part-time and spend his off-time hanging out with college kids. Now, since God sent us to Africa...and then sent us back to America...the college kid thing isn't in the picture and we are left pondering if there is any reason that Mikey is still part-time. I feel like I'm still hanging on to that last message for dear life. "This is what God said to us! I know what we're supposed to be doing!" But we aren't finding that that is relevant anymore and now these options are available that we were avoiding before. I am circulating through my mind that last Africa-thought before we got on a plane to return: live in the NEXT thing...God will open and shut doors as he pleases....you don't have to know what's next....10 minutes.
Okay: here's what's next that you can pray for...
*We put an offer on a house...our first-ever offer! We are really excited about this house and are already dreaming about where to put things and how it will effect our hosting-life-style. I am seeking to enjoy those dreams with open hands, so that if God has something better for us, he won't have to wrench it away from me
*Mikey has a job interview with the city today; pray for peace over Mikey during the interview, and peace for us afterwards whether he gets it or not.
*We are full into the swing of life here, which for us often means spending the majority of our off-work time with other people; please pray that we would not stop pursuing one another and become simply co-habitators. I am feeling disconnected from Mikey at times and want us to connect over more than just logistics.
*I am doing a (required, I'm sorry to say) devotional in front of our high school body on Wednesday and I am getting nauseas anytime I think about it; I'll be sharing a bit about Africa and want it to be relevant, understood, and communicated clearly. Gosh, I am so nervous!
I guess I'm more inclined to write when I'm struggling, eh? I will try to write on more joyous occasions! Thanks for listening to the good, the bad and the ugly.
Love,
Laura
Monday, September 21, 2009
Don't Forget... Episode 4
"Don't Forget..."
Laura,
As I see the fire being sucked out from within you, let me agree with Charles Spurgeon in saying "Instead of trying to revive yourself, offer prayers. Do not say, 'I will revive myself,' but cry, 'O Lord, revive thy work.' To say, 'I will revive myself,' reveals that you do not know your true state. If you knew your own true state, you would just as soon expect a wounded soldier on the battlefield to heal himself without medicine, or get himself to hospital when his arms or legs have been shot off as you would expect to revive yourself without the help of God."
It goes without saying that the change that occurred in you while abroad was from God--therefore, let Him be in control of that change even now. You didn't do it to yourself, so you aren't going to be able to maintain it. You had joy in serving the Lord in Africa because of the sense of SURRENDER you experienced. You came face-to-face with the giant AIDS and his cousin crisis, ORPHAN and standing before them, staring up into their daunting gaze, you were aware of your own utter insignificance. What freedom! Unable to live in the arrogant fabrication that you have an inherent power, that you have some control, you became a child again. Your work became enjoyable service for a kind master, rather than the furious busy-ness demanded by the tyrant SELF. Instead of going nowhere but deeper into the mire of your own inadequacies, you began to soar, to actually get somewhere, to make a real difference.
The dwindling of your passion, this gradual weighing down you are experiencing, is the result of self-made burdens. Let me help you lighten this heaviness by telling you the truth. Darkness flees before Light. Here is the Light: you are trying to live constantly in a state of joy and happiness by giving yourself daily "pep talks." You call these pep talks "devotions" but they aren't really about God at all. They are about you--about attaining a certain emotional state, not becoming closer to Him. Do you understand that you cannot make Him love you more through reading the Bible and praying? Do you understand that you cannot distance yourself from His love if you neglect these disciplines? You are trying to act like an adult, when all you achieve is "frightened orphan." Be a child again who realizes her place of belonging.
You feel the present like a punishment; you think that life is living in Africa. When you ask "revive thy work," you are really demanding "make me feel as I did then" and instead of waiting for an answer, but dive into your next plan to achieve that goal. Africa was a beautiful past, a vibrant, perfectly created stepping stone. Just as Africa was a God-plan formed just for you, this job, this NOW, is a God-plan...formed just for you.
Ask Him, truly ask Him, to revive His work in you. Ask Him with palms out and open and empty, the back-up plan in your pocket shredded before-hand. In fact, turn all your pockets out, too. No crossed fingers. No, come empty so that you can be filled. Don't lose hope, Dear One. REVIVE means that the work is already there. HIS means that it's not yours to worry about. IN YOU is an invitation to be a part of something grand.
The same God in Africa is the same God now...and yesterday and tomorrow and forever.
Love,
Me (Laura)
P.s. This is NOT a pep talk!
Laura,
As I see the fire being sucked out from within you, let me agree with Charles Spurgeon in saying "Instead of trying to revive yourself, offer prayers. Do not say, 'I will revive myself,' but cry, 'O Lord, revive thy work.' To say, 'I will revive myself,' reveals that you do not know your true state. If you knew your own true state, you would just as soon expect a wounded soldier on the battlefield to heal himself without medicine, or get himself to hospital when his arms or legs have been shot off as you would expect to revive yourself without the help of God."
It goes without saying that the change that occurred in you while abroad was from God--therefore, let Him be in control of that change even now. You didn't do it to yourself, so you aren't going to be able to maintain it. You had joy in serving the Lord in Africa because of the sense of SURRENDER you experienced. You came face-to-face with the giant AIDS and his cousin crisis, ORPHAN and standing before them, staring up into their daunting gaze, you were aware of your own utter insignificance. What freedom! Unable to live in the arrogant fabrication that you have an inherent power, that you have some control, you became a child again. Your work became enjoyable service for a kind master, rather than the furious busy-ness demanded by the tyrant SELF. Instead of going nowhere but deeper into the mire of your own inadequacies, you began to soar, to actually get somewhere, to make a real difference.
The dwindling of your passion, this gradual weighing down you are experiencing, is the result of self-made burdens. Let me help you lighten this heaviness by telling you the truth. Darkness flees before Light. Here is the Light: you are trying to live constantly in a state of joy and happiness by giving yourself daily "pep talks." You call these pep talks "devotions" but they aren't really about God at all. They are about you--about attaining a certain emotional state, not becoming closer to Him. Do you understand that you cannot make Him love you more through reading the Bible and praying? Do you understand that you cannot distance yourself from His love if you neglect these disciplines? You are trying to act like an adult, when all you achieve is "frightened orphan." Be a child again who realizes her place of belonging.
You feel the present like a punishment; you think that life is living in Africa. When you ask "revive thy work," you are really demanding "make me feel as I did then" and instead of waiting for an answer, but dive into your next plan to achieve that goal. Africa was a beautiful past, a vibrant, perfectly created stepping stone. Just as Africa was a God-plan formed just for you, this job, this NOW, is a God-plan...formed just for you.
Ask Him, truly ask Him, to revive His work in you. Ask Him with palms out and open and empty, the back-up plan in your pocket shredded before-hand. In fact, turn all your pockets out, too. No crossed fingers. No, come empty so that you can be filled. Don't lose hope, Dear One. REVIVE means that the work is already there. HIS means that it's not yours to worry about. IN YOU is an invitation to be a part of something grand.
The same God in Africa is the same God now...and yesterday and tomorrow and forever.
Love,
Me (Laura)
P.s. This is NOT a pep talk!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
To our many readers:
I didn't realize how many of you there were! This last week, especially, I got to talk to many of you face to face and it revealed that truth to me. I am just now registering--after those conversations--that this realization was a gift to me...a reminder that we're not in this life alone and that people care about our journey. I guess I was looking at this blog as more of a formality--putting our experiences out there just to say we did but more for our own processing-purposes--but now that I know how many of you are truly investing in and listening to us here, I feel so different about writing posts. I have a heightened sense of responsibility to you all--to be honest, to not hold back, to show you how grateful we are.
It's really a curious thing, the feeling you get from sharing your life with someone else. There have been many times over the past month of adjusting that I have felt very alone, as if I were the only one going through such uncertainty and having such a hard time with trust. But last week, you had the opportunity to share with me similar feelings and reveal that you are going through transitions just as difficult. It encourages me that our being open about our lives gives "permission"--if you will--for you to be open with us in the realization that we all share this common experience of being human.
I know that I've said this to you already, when I found out that you are following our blog, but I have to reiterate it here to let you know that when I say "THANK YOU for reading our blog" I truly mean it. You have helped me to remember that I'm not alone.
So, in the spirit of this post, and knowing that we are tied to one another through the sharing of our lives, here are some ways that you can be praying for us right now!
Please pray for true wisdom, clarity and trust in these HUGE areas:
*We are searching for a house, starting "officially" tomorrow
*We are in need of a vehicle for Mikey
*We (maybe Laura more than anything) are uncertain about Mikey's career/job
and that in the midst of making these life decisions, Mikey and I will be able to pursue, invest in and communicate with one another
I will try to update again as life continues to unfold!
Thank you, thank you, thank you...
Love,
Laura
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Don't Forget... Episode 3
"Don't Forget..."
Laura,
the number one greatest phenomena that occurred in Africa: you forgot about yourself.
I sense that the memory of this is quickly passing from your mind of late. Who knew it would be so easy to let go of upon return to the States? Well, you're learning now. Let's bring it home to roost (as they say) once more. You were so afraid that you would be the same old self-aware YOU when you went to SA, weren't you? Your goal was to re-orient on the whole "IMAGE" issue...hopefully by the end of the summer, however pessimistic you were that it would happen. Understandable--being skeptical that something that had such a hold on you would be altered by even a life-changing experience like this trip.
And what did you discover? It wasn't a dream--say it out loud: YOU CHANGED. Within the first week, your attention to self dissipated and, vision unveiled, you SAW OTHERS. Time spent face-to-face with flesh and blood and the open, beating life of people replaced time spent before your reflection in disapproval. You not only spent less time in conscious thought about your body, you almost stopped thinking about it all together.
I think it's appropriate to assume that the lack of commercials and magazines--advertisements for idolatry of self more than the product being sold--were a part of this effect. You know that's not all, though. The fact is that when you held the concepts of weight and wardrobe into the light of the TRUTH about life's design, they shriveled so fast that they fell out of your hand, not waiting anymore for you to willingly let go.
It was not hard to see to Life's core in a place where people weren't certain where their next meal was coming from, only owned one pair of shoes, were involuntarily uneducated and probably unemployed; women barely in their 20's raising two kids alone; 15 year-olds becoming the head of their household in the blink of an eye; minimum wage barely cresting $250 a month and causing fathers to spend whole weeks away from the family they are trying to support. What perspective this affords! LAURA: In no way can life be about the clothes you wear, the furniture you own, the car you drive, the size house you have, the size pants you wear--for crying out loud, it can't be about that because most people in most countries in the world can't even afford to THINK about those things, much less let them direct and control their life path.
You know what is left, when all those lies are exposed: human life. The very image of God on earth, and you have a lifetime here to nurture it, share it, encourage it and in turn be shaped and encouraged by it. Each obsessive thought about image and reputation is a waste of the precious gift of time. Oh, you were so drawn into that vibrant way of living--existence orbiting around relationship (ah, I see your face is changing...you understand...it was so contagious and so desirable, it wasn't hard to leave the old habits behind). Well, good news: there's human life here in Greensboro, too....and anywhere else you could ever go, for that matter. You don't have to leave that perspective behind. After all, Truth is Truth no matter where you go or what choices you make.
I know it is hard not to return to seeing life through this convenient lens, but raise your eyes, Laura, look above! Let the Light of Heaven illuminate what comes before you and when that happens, and Truth stands out bold and smiling while Falsity shrinks back into shadow, choose to stand fast next to it, choose to live life each day standing FAST next to it.
"I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR, most Gracious Lord.
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR, in joy or pain.
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.
I NEED THEE, O, I NEED THEE;
EVERY HOUR, I NEED THEE.
O, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to thee!"
Illumined,
Me (Laura)
Laura,
the number one greatest phenomena that occurred in Africa: you forgot about yourself.
I sense that the memory of this is quickly passing from your mind of late. Who knew it would be so easy to let go of upon return to the States? Well, you're learning now. Let's bring it home to roost (as they say) once more. You were so afraid that you would be the same old self-aware YOU when you went to SA, weren't you? Your goal was to re-orient on the whole "IMAGE" issue...hopefully by the end of the summer, however pessimistic you were that it would happen. Understandable--being skeptical that something that had such a hold on you would be altered by even a life-changing experience like this trip.
And what did you discover? It wasn't a dream--say it out loud: YOU CHANGED. Within the first week, your attention to self dissipated and, vision unveiled, you SAW OTHERS. Time spent face-to-face with flesh and blood and the open, beating life of people replaced time spent before your reflection in disapproval. You not only spent less time in conscious thought about your body, you almost stopped thinking about it all together.
I think it's appropriate to assume that the lack of commercials and magazines--advertisements for idolatry of self more than the product being sold--were a part of this effect. You know that's not all, though. The fact is that when you held the concepts of weight and wardrobe into the light of the TRUTH about life's design, they shriveled so fast that they fell out of your hand, not waiting anymore for you to willingly let go.
It was not hard to see to Life's core in a place where people weren't certain where their next meal was coming from, only owned one pair of shoes, were involuntarily uneducated and probably unemployed; women barely in their 20's raising two kids alone; 15 year-olds becoming the head of their household in the blink of an eye; minimum wage barely cresting $250 a month and causing fathers to spend whole weeks away from the family they are trying to support. What perspective this affords! LAURA: In no way can life be about the clothes you wear, the furniture you own, the car you drive, the size house you have, the size pants you wear--for crying out loud, it can't be about that because most people in most countries in the world can't even afford to THINK about those things, much less let them direct and control their life path.
You know what is left, when all those lies are exposed: human life. The very image of God on earth, and you have a lifetime here to nurture it, share it, encourage it and in turn be shaped and encouraged by it. Each obsessive thought about image and reputation is a waste of the precious gift of time. Oh, you were so drawn into that vibrant way of living--existence orbiting around relationship (ah, I see your face is changing...you understand...it was so contagious and so desirable, it wasn't hard to leave the old habits behind). Well, good news: there's human life here in Greensboro, too....and anywhere else you could ever go, for that matter. You don't have to leave that perspective behind. After all, Truth is Truth no matter where you go or what choices you make.
I know it is hard not to return to seeing life through this convenient lens, but raise your eyes, Laura, look above! Let the Light of Heaven illuminate what comes before you and when that happens, and Truth stands out bold and smiling while Falsity shrinks back into shadow, choose to stand fast next to it, choose to live life each day standing FAST next to it.
"I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR, most Gracious Lord.
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR, in joy or pain.
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.
I NEED THEE, O, I NEED THEE;
EVERY HOUR, I NEED THEE.
O, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to thee!"
Illumined,
Me (Laura)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Don't Forget... Episode 2
"DON'T FORGET..."
Laura,
who knows why you never caught on before Africa, but do you remember while you were there and your head began to clear and you were able to see clearly (like when you wipe the steam off the bathroom mirror after a hot bath) your gifts, your strengths? remember how good it felt to see that in humility and honesty--without boastfulness or shyness because you were just staring at the TRUTH? they were plain as day before you and all it took was a little QUIET in your mind to be able to see them, standing there as real as always but now in true form in the absence of your inflating pride or deflating self-degradation.
you realized you are kind and you enjoy lavishing others with that kindness. you felt the wideness of a smile in your chest when you saw the expressions on their faces, but you learned also to relish the secret expression of enjoyment when you gave anonymously. this quality goes nicely with your generosity, which (though at times curtailed by an innate selfishness inherited from dear great great great great--etc.--grandpa Adam) you love to give free reign when resources allow.
you prioritize people and have a chord of unity running through you that tugs and tugs on your (rather introverted) heart until you find yourself bound up in community wherever you go. you love to see people engaging, talking, sharing life. your congenital creativity helps marvelously to compose space that facilitates fellowship. your ears are tuned to listen and although you feel content to watch a room full of people knowing and loving one another, you are truly fulfilled when you are given the opportunity to intentionally know an individual. your "perfect date" is a good cup of coffee and a good conversation and you thrive on deliberate friendship. you understand now, don't you, why you feel dried out (a bit like a raisin) when you are unable to get past small talk and social games? honesty and invitation into a life is water to your soul--yes, it's only natural, seeing as how you were designed that way.
now don't misunderstand or misread; let me be absolutely clear: these qualities do not come naturally to all human beings. you have been gifted these characteristics and "humble" denial doesn't help a thing. just recognize them and embrace their place in your existence. your "modesty" has really been a lack of boldness that has kept these gifts from being used. Africa was a stepping stone, but it's now a wonderful past: move forward with what it helped to reveal to you. it's never too late, dust them off and start exercising those atrophied muscles. He has always been proud of the intentional way He pieced you together--bask it that and let it recharge you.
looking FORWARD with expectation,
Me (Laura)
Laura,
who knows why you never caught on before Africa, but do you remember while you were there and your head began to clear and you were able to see clearly (like when you wipe the steam off the bathroom mirror after a hot bath) your gifts, your strengths? remember how good it felt to see that in humility and honesty--without boastfulness or shyness because you were just staring at the TRUTH? they were plain as day before you and all it took was a little QUIET in your mind to be able to see them, standing there as real as always but now in true form in the absence of your inflating pride or deflating self-degradation.
you realized you are kind and you enjoy lavishing others with that kindness. you felt the wideness of a smile in your chest when you saw the expressions on their faces, but you learned also to relish the secret expression of enjoyment when you gave anonymously. this quality goes nicely with your generosity, which (though at times curtailed by an innate selfishness inherited from dear great great great great--etc.--grandpa Adam) you love to give free reign when resources allow.
you prioritize people and have a chord of unity running through you that tugs and tugs on your (rather introverted) heart until you find yourself bound up in community wherever you go. you love to see people engaging, talking, sharing life. your congenital creativity helps marvelously to compose space that facilitates fellowship. your ears are tuned to listen and although you feel content to watch a room full of people knowing and loving one another, you are truly fulfilled when you are given the opportunity to intentionally know an individual. your "perfect date" is a good cup of coffee and a good conversation and you thrive on deliberate friendship. you understand now, don't you, why you feel dried out (a bit like a raisin) when you are unable to get past small talk and social games? honesty and invitation into a life is water to your soul--yes, it's only natural, seeing as how you were designed that way.
now don't misunderstand or misread; let me be absolutely clear: these qualities do not come naturally to all human beings. you have been gifted these characteristics and "humble" denial doesn't help a thing. just recognize them and embrace their place in your existence. your "modesty" has really been a lack of boldness that has kept these gifts from being used. Africa was a stepping stone, but it's now a wonderful past: move forward with what it helped to reveal to you. it's never too late, dust them off and start exercising those atrophied muscles. He has always been proud of the intentional way He pieced you together--bask it that and let it recharge you.
looking FORWARD with expectation,
Me (Laura)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Don't Forget... Episode 1
Laura took the time to write some thoughts down as reminders to herself when we returned to the states. we thought we would share, as it shows where our hearts have been and are...
Laura,
don't forget how much slower everything moved in Africa. when you were there, it may have started out as a frustrating African habit, but by the end of the summer, you realized that those times you had to wait ended up being time to spend growing in relationship with someone, or enjoying the scenery or a rich cup of coffee that you wouldn't have otherwise enjoyed. in the end, you were so glad for those times, and were able to see the value in taking your time.
don't forget the DELIBERATENESS you grew into through those forced times of patience. you have learned to take your time when you eat, to be present in the moment of a conversation, to notice the things around you, to enjoy moments as they are. Africa has taught you to be cognitive in the hours, minutes, seconds that you are physically in, rather than looking ahead to the next moment, and the next and the next, until you find yourself always living a sort of half-life, in between now and then and never really being anywhere that you might enjoy it.
so when you are late for work and the car in front of you is going the speed limit when you want to go five over, remember patience, remember deliberateness.
when you have a few minutes before you have to leave for something, don't waste them fidgeting and tapping your foot, be in that moment with enjoyment and find something to help you savor it.
when you are in conversation with someone, and there's so much going on around you and so many people to see and talk to, be present, aware, and listen as if they were the only person, and that is the only moment in time--they are worth it.
and when you find that life is a whirlwind and you cant quite keep up the pace, be conscious of your need for quiet, for unhurried-ness, and take a walk, or sit somewhere beautiful and let things slow to Africa speed again.
but even when you can't, know that things in America are inherently at break-neck speed, and the intentionality of time has to be a filter in your brain that you choose every day. no excuses, just stay aware and ask for help from the Maker of Time.
Sincerely,
Me (Laura)
Laura,
don't forget how much slower everything moved in Africa. when you were there, it may have started out as a frustrating African habit, but by the end of the summer, you realized that those times you had to wait ended up being time to spend growing in relationship with someone, or enjoying the scenery or a rich cup of coffee that you wouldn't have otherwise enjoyed. in the end, you were so glad for those times, and were able to see the value in taking your time.
don't forget the DELIBERATENESS you grew into through those forced times of patience. you have learned to take your time when you eat, to be present in the moment of a conversation, to notice the things around you, to enjoy moments as they are. Africa has taught you to be cognitive in the hours, minutes, seconds that you are physically in, rather than looking ahead to the next moment, and the next and the next, until you find yourself always living a sort of half-life, in between now and then and never really being anywhere that you might enjoy it.
so when you are late for work and the car in front of you is going the speed limit when you want to go five over, remember patience, remember deliberateness.
when you have a few minutes before you have to leave for something, don't waste them fidgeting and tapping your foot, be in that moment with enjoyment and find something to help you savor it.
when you are in conversation with someone, and there's so much going on around you and so many people to see and talk to, be present, aware, and listen as if they were the only person, and that is the only moment in time--they are worth it.
and when you find that life is a whirlwind and you cant quite keep up the pace, be conscious of your need for quiet, for unhurried-ness, and take a walk, or sit somewhere beautiful and let things slow to Africa speed again.
but even when you can't, know that things in America are inherently at break-neck speed, and the intentionality of time has to be a filter in your brain that you choose every day. no excuses, just stay aware and ask for help from the Maker of Time.
Sincerely,
Me (Laura)
Monday, August 10, 2009
Holiday - Part 2
Day two of our adventure started in Kruger Park. we had the chance, earlier during our visit, to join a team on a night drive, but that was shorter and you tended to see much less. This time, we drove on our own and were able to see lots of cool animals (sometimes WAY close!). I believe we spent about 6 hours driving around the park and only covered about a fifth of the park.
All in all it was a nice relaxing time, but we did need to get moving because Laura found an Elephant Sanctuary on the way to Kruger that we were able to make a reservation for last minute.
At Elephant Whispers we had one of those experiences that you just don't have very often. We were able to learn a lot about the African Elephant and see it in action. It was actually way more interesting than we even thought it would have been. I think most of it had to do was when they talked about the elephants we actually got to have our hands on at the same time!
But, what took the cake was getting a chance to ride! it was a wonderful day, that was capped off with a nice ride at dusk to wind down.
and that's about it for our short little holiday!
Love,
Mikey and Laura
All in all it was a nice relaxing time, but we did need to get moving because Laura found an Elephant Sanctuary on the way to Kruger that we were able to make a reservation for last minute.
At Elephant Whispers we had one of those experiences that you just don't have very often. We were able to learn a lot about the African Elephant and see it in action. It was actually way more interesting than we even thought it would have been. I think most of it had to do was when they talked about the elephants we actually got to have our hands on at the same time!
But, what took the cake was getting a chance to ride! it was a wonderful day, that was capped off with a nice ride at dusk to wind down.
and that's about it for our short little holiday!Love,
Mikey and Laura
Friday, August 7, 2009
Holiday - Part 1
Laura and i will get to celebrate our 4th anniversary on August 13th! Well, when planning what we would do, we realized getting back into the country on July 31st, and both of us starting jobs right after that (especially Laura getting back into teaching), chances of us getting to do something nice would be very unlikely, so...
we decided to take the opportunity to do get away while we were in South Africa...
we took two days, rented a car, and went on a bit of a scenic journey to some parts of the beautiful country we were already in! the following two posts are going to mostly be picture updates to give you a visual experience of what we did and where we went, but i will try to point out some things when it seems needed...
we started by headed up to a place called God's Window, which is apparently the South African version of going somewhere like the Grand Canyon. on the way up we stopped at a place called Harrie's Pancakes, which are slightly different from American pancakes, but stil "oh so tasty!". from there we went on to God's window, then stopped at a couple waterfalls, the first, Berlin Falls, then Lisbon Falls.
we ended our day at a little bed and breakfast in a town near our destination for the next day... Kruger Park :)
we decided to take the opportunity to do get away while we were in South Africa...
we took two days, rented a car, and went on a bit of a scenic journey to some parts of the beautiful country we were already in! the following two posts are going to mostly be picture updates to give you a visual experience of what we did and where we went, but i will try to point out some things when it seems needed...
we started by headed up to a place called God's Window, which is apparently the South African version of going somewhere like the Grand Canyon. on the way up we stopped at a place called Harrie's Pancakes, which are slightly different from American pancakes, but stil "oh so tasty!". from there we went on to God's window, then stopped at a couple waterfalls, the first, Berlin Falls, then Lisbon Falls.
we ended our day at a little bed and breakfast in a town near our destination for the next day... Kruger Park :)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
One Week Later
Wow, i don't even know where to start...
well, how about this; we're back in America. A week ago we were about to leave to go to the airport to head home from our trip and already we have made it back to the states, moved into our new apartment, had dinner with numerous people, and i have even started back at work! i know, a whirlwind right?
Laura and i are still processing all we saw, and experienced. we are thinking about all the people we met and relationships we made and how they will affect us forever (we hope!). i guess that is what friends, family, elders, and other people with a good listening ear are for. i wish i could describe it, but i think the thing that is sticking with us the most right now is something a friend told us before we came home, and that is, that lots of people refer to it as "going back" and then they do just that -- they go back; unchanged, forgetful, referring to their time as a "good time", etc. but we were encouraged to think of it as a time in our life that would change what our perspective of what "going back" looked like; that it doesn't have to be going "back" at all, but "going forward".
this encouraged us as we have no idea what lies ahead for us. Laura put it well when she said "i have to believe that going home is what i am meant to do next, even if it isn't as 'exciting' as being a missionary..." (know that this is a paraphrase). we are here, in Greensboro, NC, waiting in anticipation for what God is doing next -- but not waiting idly. We wait while enjoying the life that we have been given, and the friends and family that are here to support and love us. for this reason, we will probably actually continue to keep posting on this blog, though we are not currently in Africa (or some other fascinatingly different place) because we realized we are still two Fissels on a Mission. we hope that you will continue to come with us :)
Love,
Mikey & Laura
PS. We still do have a couple of follow up and catch up posts we want to do about our time in Africa, and hopefully i will get those up in the next few days with lots more pictures!
well, how about this; we're back in America. A week ago we were about to leave to go to the airport to head home from our trip and already we have made it back to the states, moved into our new apartment, had dinner with numerous people, and i have even started back at work! i know, a whirlwind right?Laura and i are still processing all we saw, and experienced. we are thinking about all the people we met and relationships we made and how they will affect us forever (we hope!). i guess that is what friends, family, elders, and other people with a good listening ear are for. i wish i could describe it, but i think the thing that is sticking with us the most right now is something a friend told us before we came home, and that is, that lots of people refer to it as "going back" and then they do just that -- they go back; unchanged, forgetful, referring to their time as a "good time", etc. but we were encouraged to think of it as a time in our life that would change what our perspective of what "going back" looked like; that it doesn't have to be going "back" at all, but "going forward".
this encouraged us as we have no idea what lies ahead for us. Laura put it well when she said "i have to believe that going home is what i am meant to do next, even if it isn't as 'exciting' as being a missionary..." (know that this is a paraphrase). we are here, in Greensboro, NC, waiting in anticipation for what God is doing next -- but not waiting idly. We wait while enjoying the life that we have been given, and the friends and family that are here to support and love us. for this reason, we will probably actually continue to keep posting on this blog, though we are not currently in Africa (or some other fascinatingly different place) because we realized we are still two Fissels on a Mission. we hope that you will continue to come with us :)
Love,
Mikey & Laura
PS. We still do have a couple of follow up and catch up posts we want to do about our time in Africa, and hopefully i will get those up in the next few days with lots more pictures!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Quick Update
Hello again!
Laura and i were able to take a two day Holiday (vacation) last week before we needed to head out this week. since we've been back we have barely been able to sit down we've been so busy getting ready to come home. it has been exciting and hard to think of coming home. Our time of rest was very good and we will post pics from it soon, along with pics of our last couple of days around base. for now we have to figure out how to get tons more stuff than we brought into the suitcases that were full when we came! our next few days will be filled with traveling and more than likely, little to no internet access, so we will update again when we get home (hopefully friday). thanks to all of you who were a part of our time here, and hopefully we will be able to tell our stories first hand.
Cheers,
Mikey & Laura
Laura and i were able to take a two day Holiday (vacation) last week before we needed to head out this week. since we've been back we have barely been able to sit down we've been so busy getting ready to come home. it has been exciting and hard to think of coming home. Our time of rest was very good and we will post pics from it soon, along with pics of our last couple of days around base. for now we have to figure out how to get tons more stuff than we brought into the suitcases that were full when we came! our next few days will be filled with traveling and more than likely, little to no internet access, so we will update again when we get home (hopefully friday). thanks to all of you who were a part of our time here, and hopefully we will be able to tell our stories first hand.
Cheers,Mikey & Laura
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Building relationships
We are entering into our last full week here in White River, South Africa. As we look into our final days, our last events and final goodbyes, things seem hazy and unclear to me. My head is almost always full of thoughts, questions and reflections and I have to make an effort to pull myself out of that mist and engage what's going on around me.
As you can imagine, knowing us and the things we enjoy and are passionate about, relationships that we've developed here are going to be a challenging thing to leave behind. It's funny now to think back to our first week here, and how we felt so "on the outside" and longed for community. It's been many weeks now since we've had regular dinners and movie nights with friends here, and enjoyed so many conversations and community events with the team on base. In fact, this last week, Mikey and I had some intentional relationship-building time with two couples in particular. We took them out to dinner and enjoyed hearing more of their stories and sharing with them more of our own. I have to chalk some of those moments up as my favorite here in Africa. One night in particular, we sat at a dimly-lit table eating steak with Carla and John Shaw, engrossed as they openly shared about their lives. My heart was so moved to hear John express how God called him into relationship with Him and to listen to Carla express the first scary and exciting moments of being called into something new--moving to Africa this year.
In some ways, the people here have become voluntary orphans of the world--they have chosen to separate themselves from the "parent" that the world, that culture, can become. They have intentionally become "homeless" and left not only material possessions behind, but also meaningful relationships with others. All for what? To step into something new and scary, something that doesn't always have a visible reward, something that has no promise of physical safety. The more I am here, the more I see how attached I have become to the physical comforts of life. I have perhaps convinced myself that those things don't matter to me that much, that they wouldn't really factor into making life decisions. The more I think about what it would take to make that commitment to live here, the more I realize how heavy a weight they have in my life.
That's one of the biggest reasons Mikey and I came here. We wanted a break from living a life to work and buy things. We wanted to come to a place where, for many reasons, those material "blinders" had no place--so that we could see just a little more clearly. Now I'm sitting back and trying to articulate to myself what it is that I have seen. One thing that I know I see is that relationships, that people, mean more to me than anything. It has been so refreshing to be in a place where enjoying others (maybe sometimes because there's nothing else to do :D !) has been able to be at the top of our to-do list. In the end, though, it is going to make it that much harder to say goodbye than if our goal had been to accomplish a physical task. I am bracing myself for that moment and am not looking forward to its impact.Throughout the post, Mikey has included pictures of people we have met and built relationships with...
Monday, July 20, 2009
SPORTS DAY!
What a long day we had on Friday, July 17. It was an event we had long been looking forward to, and it did not disappoint. We started at Stambiso's church (see earlier post) and ended at the soccer field there in Mbonisweni.
The agenda for the day began in the church building. It was the last day that King's Kids were going to perform in a community and what a success it was! At the other communities, their program went well and was enjoyed, but at Stambiso's church, it went a little differently. The whole youth choir and then the men's youth choir at the church blessed us visitors with several songs that were--as always--filled with pure worship and enjoyment. We sang some worship songs together as a "congregation" and then when the King's Kids got up to dance and act, the youth joined them by dancing and laughing along. It was very obvious how encouraging this interaction was to the King's Kids team--their performance was filled with an energy and excitement that we hadn't quite seen yet. It was quite an experience to witness the Holy Spirit moving in and joining together a community of believers--especially a community of believers of such different color, background and experience.
After the program in the church, we gathered around to eat (PAP and veggies of course!). I got to talk for a brief time to the pastor's wife--Tuli--which I always enjoy. She is a quiet, sweet girl who is so hospitable and joyful when we visit their church/home. She is one of the dear people here that I wish I had more time to get to know and love.
Lunch and dishes done, we walked a little ways up to the soccer field in Mbonisweni, which is very close to Mamma Victoria's house (where we have a weekly feeding program). This was an exciting time, as we bused some friends from Kabokweni so that they could compete in netball and soccer against our friends in Mbonisweni. Mbonisweni dominated in netball and men's soccer, but Kabokweni was unbeatable in lady's soccer. I was able to enjoy the mostly-friendly competition while sitting on a hillside surrounded by kids. Well, I say enjoyed but sometimes it was rather painful...there was a group of girls that did my hair for about two hours (a typical thing here) and at times, it was some of the worst pain I've felt in my life. I was surprised that I had hair in my head when it was all over. Mikey, after running errands between communities with John Shaw (a guy on the TTH team), was able to have great conversation and fellowship with John during the game (John is a fellow lover of Kraft Mac n' Cheese and misses it maybe even more than we do! BTW--Donna, we shared a box with him and I don't think I've ever seen so grateful a man!).
We arrived at Stambiso's church around 11 and left the soccer field as the sun went down around 5 so it was a long--though excellent--day. I'm not even sure what we did when we got home, but I think it probably involved activities that required no movement or energy...
Here's a short video I (Mikey) took of Laura blowing bubbles for some of the children!
The agenda for the day began in the church building. It was the last day that King's Kids were going to perform in a community and what a success it was! At the other communities, their program went well and was enjoyed, but at Stambiso's church, it went a little differently. The whole youth choir and then the men's youth choir at the church blessed us visitors with several songs that were--as always--filled with pure worship and enjoyment. We sang some worship songs together as a "congregation" and then when the King's Kids got up to dance and act, the youth joined them by dancing and laughing along. It was very obvious how encouraging this interaction was to the King's Kids team--their performance was filled with an energy and excitement that we hadn't quite seen yet. It was quite an experience to witness the Holy Spirit moving in and joining together a community of believers--especially a community of believers of such different color, background and experience.
After the program in the church, we gathered around to eat (PAP and veggies of course!). I got to talk for a brief time to the pastor's wife--Tuli--which I always enjoy. She is a quiet, sweet girl who is so hospitable and joyful when we visit their church/home. She is one of the dear people here that I wish I had more time to get to know and love.
Lunch and dishes done, we walked a little ways up to the soccer field in Mbonisweni, which is very close to Mamma Victoria's house (where we have a weekly feeding program). This was an exciting time, as we bused some friends from Kabokweni so that they could compete in netball and soccer against our friends in Mbonisweni. Mbonisweni dominated in netball and men's soccer, but Kabokweni was unbeatable in lady's soccer. I was able to enjoy the mostly-friendly competition while sitting on a hillside surrounded by kids. Well, I say enjoyed but sometimes it was rather painful...there was a group of girls that did my hair for about two hours (a typical thing here) and at times, it was some of the worst pain I've felt in my life. I was surprised that I had hair in my head when it was all over. Mikey, after running errands between communities with John Shaw (a guy on the TTH team), was able to have great conversation and fellowship with John during the game (John is a fellow lover of Kraft Mac n' Cheese and misses it maybe even more than we do! BTW--Donna, we shared a box with him and I don't think I've ever seen so grateful a man!).
We arrived at Stambiso's church around 11 and left the soccer field as the sun went down around 5 so it was a long--though excellent--day. I'm not even sure what we did when we got home, but I think it probably involved activities that required no movement or energy...
Here's a short video I (Mikey) took of Laura blowing bubbles for some of the children!Sunday, July 19, 2009
Dwalini
A new team here means new adventures. On July 14, a YWAM team from Colorado (called King's Kids) arrived at the base. It was cool to get to know new people, as per usual, and join with them in their calling to bless people here in SA. They came prepared with a series of skits and dances and brought balloons, bubbles and other fun stuff for the kids. It was really cool that they arrived this week because they were able to be a part of a day that was a big deal for TTH (Ten Thousand Homes): on Thursday, we had a kick off for a brand new feeding scheme in a new community!
We are so excited about this community--DWALINI--because its a new chance to partner with a great group of people who have already stepped in to care for the community they live in. There is a group of women who have been running a home based care center for the orphans and vulnerable children in Dwalini. They are wonderful women, who have welcomed us into their existing ministry with open arms and beautiful, big smiles. The few times I have been able to go out to talk with them, they have always been enjoyable to be around and talk to--they love to laugh and fellowship. The first time I met them, they sent me home with two HUGE avocados! In Dwalini, there is a pastor named Kyle who is the father of 6 and has been in Africa for almost 9 years. He has been working with these home based care ladies and has been able to get a nice big house for them to do some ministry out of. This is where we will start to feed kids--the ladies cook and encourage the kids in their neighborhood to come, and we provide the food and come on Thursdays to help cook, fellowship with the volunteers and play with the kids.
Back to the kick off :)! On Thursday, we fed the kids for the first time--our feeding scheme kick-off! Everything came together (we even had a little sunshine on what promised to be a gray, rainy day) for an excellent time of fellowship in Dwalini. The King's Kids performed and led us in worship, then we ate the amazing food cooked for us by the women and one of our guys here (a professional chef back home, who got his first chance to cook over an open fire!) and played games.
Mikey even got to join some guys for a little rugby, which he was happy to engage in, since rugby is much more like American football than it is like soccer :). It was fun to watch him and our friend Mangaliso banter and battle against each other as they played with some neighborhood kids.
Over all, we had a blessed day, and took joy in being able to be a blessing to others. As I was there in Dwalini, I felt like God was reminding me that His Kingdom is going to be built whether I help or not, but that it is His joy to give me opportunities to be involved. What a thought--that it is actually a gift to be able to serve and do kingdom-building. A gift TO me, not FROM me.
We are so excited about this community--DWALINI--because its a new chance to partner with a great group of people who have already stepped in to care for the community they live in. There is a group of women who have been running a home based care center for the orphans and vulnerable children in Dwalini. They are wonderful women, who have welcomed us into their existing ministry with open arms and beautiful, big smiles. The few times I have been able to go out to talk with them, they have always been enjoyable to be around and talk to--they love to laugh and fellowship. The first time I met them, they sent me home with two HUGE avocados! In Dwalini, there is a pastor named Kyle who is the father of 6 and has been in Africa for almost 9 years. He has been working with these home based care ladies and has been able to get a nice big house for them to do some ministry out of. This is where we will start to feed kids--the ladies cook and encourage the kids in their neighborhood to come, and we provide the food and come on Thursdays to help cook, fellowship with the volunteers and play with the kids.
Back to the kick off :)! On Thursday, we fed the kids for the first time--our feeding scheme kick-off! Everything came together (we even had a little sunshine on what promised to be a gray, rainy day) for an excellent time of fellowship in Dwalini. The King's Kids performed and led us in worship, then we ate the amazing food cooked for us by the women and one of our guys here (a professional chef back home, who got his first chance to cook over an open fire!) and played games.
Mikey even got to join some guys for a little rugby, which he was happy to engage in, since rugby is much more like American football than it is like soccer :). It was fun to watch him and our friend Mangaliso banter and battle against each other as they played with some neighborhood kids.
Over all, we had a blessed day, and took joy in being able to be a blessing to others. As I was there in Dwalini, I felt like God was reminding me that His Kingdom is going to be built whether I help or not, but that it is His joy to give me opportunities to be involved. What a thought--that it is actually a gift to be able to serve and do kingdom-building. A gift TO me, not FROM me.
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