As I sit here in bed, alone, on a Friday night, listening to the rats in the ceiling, the crickets, and the occassional dog bark....I can't help but focus my attention heavenward. Occassinoally I drift into self-centered moods where all I think about is how left out I feel or maybe I really do do too much or am I really that stressed? or are people seeing my love for God at all? I don't like these kind of moods because they tend to make me quiet and sulky. In stead of focusing on the positive, "let's improve things" I usually dwell on the "pity me." Which is a shame, because I am not a quiet or sulky kind of person! However, I do tend to wear my heart on my sleeve; I just hate it when the shirt turns cold and grey. I prefer bright colors and at least warm temperatures. So, what is one to do when life momentarily looks bleak? Focus heavenward. Which brings me back to where I started. God. If only I could keep my focus there, where it should be. Life wouldn't ever look too bleak, since I would view it through God's grace! But....these rats are just so distracting. It's like spiritual ADD. Or maybe ADHD? Whatever, it leaves me feeling like Paul in Romans 7:15-24. But at least that is an encouraging thought.... I'm not alone!
are they playing football up there?!
Nov 17, 2012
Nov 16, 2012
10 snippets
snippets of funny from my students:
1) W: Is it a sin to be a hippie? me: not neccessarily W: so you can be a Christian hippie?!
2) I asked a student to take my lunch tray back to the kitchen....when he returned the only thing he said was, "your chips were salty."
3) So, 8th grade boys go in and out of arm-wrestling phases. I'm proud to say that I am a top contender in their competitions. This year I was volunteered by R. to arm-wrestle the best boy in 8th grade. I held him off for minutes, but he did finally beat me. I love how impressed the boys are! "Miss Jones, do you work out?!"
4) During spirit week this year, I dressed up as Batman for one day. All day long I kept hearing, "are you Miss Jones?!" and "Look! It's a girl Batman!"
5) normal conversation with 8th grade boys:
J: Who do you think would win in a fight, Chuck Norris or Jackie Chan? me: what are they allowed? J: knives me: I'll have to go with Chuck Norris.
As another boy walks by: Bruce Lee! Definitely Bruce Lee! He's like the best martial arts guy ever!
6) H: Miss Jones, this might be an innappropriate question, but did you Skype with your parents last night? me: uhm, no. why? H: cause your southern accent is really strong today.
7) As she walks past me in the hall, A. (special ed student): Is it tostume day? (costume day) I was almost offended until she said I looked like a celebrity.
8) In class one day we were telling crazy stories that had happened to us lately like attack of the snow foam and tranformers exploding outside our houses, and then a kid raises his hand and tells us about burning his toast. I don't think he understood the level of story going on.
9) Did you know that the plastic things on the end of shoe lacs are called "aglets?" Well, my students did! How did they know such an unimportant fact?! The kids' TV show, Phineas and Ferb.
10) My new favorite daytime TV show is: Middle School Flirting. It's both highly entertaining and instructive! I laugh my head off and learn so much about my students.
1) W: Is it a sin to be a hippie? me: not neccessarily W: so you can be a Christian hippie?!
2) I asked a student to take my lunch tray back to the kitchen....when he returned the only thing he said was, "your chips were salty."
3) So, 8th grade boys go in and out of arm-wrestling phases. I'm proud to say that I am a top contender in their competitions. This year I was volunteered by R. to arm-wrestle the best boy in 8th grade. I held him off for minutes, but he did finally beat me. I love how impressed the boys are! "Miss Jones, do you work out?!"
4) During spirit week this year, I dressed up as Batman for one day. All day long I kept hearing, "are you Miss Jones?!" and "Look! It's a girl Batman!"
5) normal conversation with 8th grade boys:
J: Who do you think would win in a fight, Chuck Norris or Jackie Chan? me: what are they allowed? J: knives me: I'll have to go with Chuck Norris.
As another boy walks by: Bruce Lee! Definitely Bruce Lee! He's like the best martial arts guy ever!
6) H: Miss Jones, this might be an innappropriate question, but did you Skype with your parents last night? me: uhm, no. why? H: cause your southern accent is really strong today.
7) As she walks past me in the hall, A. (special ed student): Is it tostume day? (costume day) I was almost offended until she said I looked like a celebrity.
8) In class one day we were telling crazy stories that had happened to us lately like attack of the snow foam and tranformers exploding outside our houses, and then a kid raises his hand and tells us about burning his toast. I don't think he understood the level of story going on.
9) Did you know that the plastic things on the end of shoe lacs are called "aglets?" Well, my students did! How did they know such an unimportant fact?! The kids' TV show, Phineas and Ferb.
10) My new favorite daytime TV show is: Middle School Flirting. It's both highly entertaining and instructive! I laugh my head off and learn so much about my students.
Oct 5, 2012
the problems with personal prohibition
alcohol, alcohol, alcohol....I'm gonna get real personal here and spill my thoughts about alcohol. All my thoughts. First, I must briefly share why- the past two and half years I have faced the most adversity ever, in my life. I don't drink. Anything. I grew up in a family, school, church, society where most "good" Christians don't drink any alcohol. It was easy for me to adopt that mindset. Could I have drank in high school? Yeah, if I had sought it out. I was lucky to be surrounded by friends who didn't drink either. Could I have drank in college? Definitely. Even though I went to a Christian college that didn't allow drinking, I had plenty of options. I have never had a single drink. Go ahead, gasp out loud. Or maybe you're not surprised; the perfect little Christian girl would never have a drink. But, I haven't, whatever your thoughts. I'm a pretty stubborn person, and luckily, as a Christian, my stubborness helps me follow rules. I am not plagued by the desire to do things I know I shouldn't. The Holy Spirit has given me a pretty strong conscience. So, in high school there was no way I was drinking. It was against the law. After I was old enough, my college had a rule against it. However, by that time, my conviction had grown from just a "follow the rules"/"adopt my parents' view" stance. While having friends who used to drink and a few who still did, I had to know why I didn't. Number 1, the Bible clearly states that getting drunk is a sin. Ephesians 5:18 "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery." Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise." There are numerous other verses. It's quite plain, no one can contest, getting drunk is a sin. So, now you have the question, "what is drunkenness?" At what point do you cross into being drunk? Is there a certain blood alcohol level you can reach before you're drunk? Do you have to be competely wasted? Or just a little tipsy? I don't know. If you feel like you know exactly what God calls drunk, do share with the rest of the world. Until that day, I'm going to do everything within my power to stear clear of that unknown line. That's why I don't drink. Why would I walk the line of sin when it's so easy to stay away? I sin enough in one day already,without willingly adding another. I'm already consumed with negative thoughts, gossip, jealously, pride...why would I get so close to drunkeness when it's so simple- don't drink! No alcohol, no chance of sin! So, do I think that one single glass of wine is a sin? Nope. I do not think that drinking alcohol is a sin, I think the effects of it is. And, since I have no control over its effects on my body, I chose a long time ago to stay away from it. Do I want to drink? Sometimes, yeah; I wish I did. It's "cool," it can be classy, it's "fashionable." It would, socially, be a whole lot easier. The past two years, I have been surrounded with more people than ever before who drink regularly and think ill of me for not. Well, maybe I shouldn't say they think "ill" of me. I think most of it is the fact that they think, I think, they are wrong and sinful. I don't. I think they can follow the Holy Spirit's leading in their life, and I'll continue following Him in mine. It is hard sometimes though. Feeling uncomfortable around certain groups of people because look at me weird just because I don't drink. It's hard when everyone goes out on Friday nights to certain restaurants where they will sit and drink and have fun, and I go home because I wasn't exactly invited. I was halfway invited by the nice people, because they know I don't drink and they feel weird inviting me and weird not inviting me. I don't like alcohol in my house, and that causes lots of conflict and weirdness. Overall, it's just difficult to be in a Christian community, with Christian friends and have different views on alcohol. Will I ever change my views? Will I ever drink? I don't know. I doubt it. I've stuck it out this long, and my conviction hasn't changed at all. It has come in handy a few times while talking with people about God!
So there ya have it. That's what I think about alcohol. There are problems with my state of personal prohibition, but I'm stubborn; I'll stick to it.
So there ya have it. That's what I think about alcohol. There are problems with my state of personal prohibition, but I'm stubborn; I'll stick to it.
Sep 30, 2012
to return or not to return...
...that is the question.
That was the question of the weekend, anyway. Early Wednesday afternoon my director informed me that because my visa was soon to expire, the school needed me to fill out my "intent to return" form early. This form is usually due December 1. By mid-afternoon, I received an email informing me I had until October 1 to make my decision. Less than a week to decide what I was going to do, where I was going to work, what country I would live in, starting June 2013. Less than a week to make a major life decision. So, what do I do? Go on a staff retreat. It was the perfect time to be still and talk to God. What have decided? Not to return to West Nairobi School.
One of the major motivators in staying at WNS this school year, was to continue what I had started. I have several small things that I have started that I want to see become traditions/become grounded. I do not want to leave until I can be replaced.
With the new people who have come to the school this year, I am beginning to feel replaceable. What I have started has had 3 years of grounding, and now it's time for me to pass the torch. Not everything I do has a replacement yet, but we're getting there. I feel like God is confirming to me that I have done what I came to do, and it wasn't in vain.
Now, you've got to be wondering, "If you're ready to leave, you must know where you're going, right?" Nope! I sure don't. But that's ok! If I had to guess, I'll be headed a country over to Uganda. I have a couple interests there which are pulling on my heart. So, we'll see! I still have an entire school year here in Kenya, and I can't get ready to leave yet. I have to keep my head in the game.
Feel free to pray for me as I make my next step decision! I don't really know when I would like to know by, but maybe January? God knows. And for now, that's enough.
That was the question of the weekend, anyway. Early Wednesday afternoon my director informed me that because my visa was soon to expire, the school needed me to fill out my "intent to return" form early. This form is usually due December 1. By mid-afternoon, I received an email informing me I had until October 1 to make my decision. Less than a week to decide what I was going to do, where I was going to work, what country I would live in, starting June 2013. Less than a week to make a major life decision. So, what do I do? Go on a staff retreat. It was the perfect time to be still and talk to God. What have decided? Not to return to West Nairobi School.
One of the major motivators in staying at WNS this school year, was to continue what I had started. I have several small things that I have started that I want to see become traditions/become grounded. I do not want to leave until I can be replaced.
With the new people who have come to the school this year, I am beginning to feel replaceable. What I have started has had 3 years of grounding, and now it's time for me to pass the torch. Not everything I do has a replacement yet, but we're getting there. I feel like God is confirming to me that I have done what I came to do, and it wasn't in vain.
Now, you've got to be wondering, "If you're ready to leave, you must know where you're going, right?" Nope! I sure don't. But that's ok! If I had to guess, I'll be headed a country over to Uganda. I have a couple interests there which are pulling on my heart. So, we'll see! I still have an entire school year here in Kenya, and I can't get ready to leave yet. I have to keep my head in the game.
Feel free to pray for me as I make my next step decision! I don't really know when I would like to know by, but maybe January? God knows. And for now, that's enough.
Sep 13, 2012
10 snippets of middle school funnies
Sometimes the funnies are directed at me, other times I just simply overhear the hilarity...enjoy
1) student "How old are your parents? Are they in wheelchairs?" me "no! my parents aren't that old! my grandparents aren't even that old!" student "your grandparents are ALIVE?!.....are they in wheelchairs?"
2) observation: student "You guys, you smell like humans. I'm a martian." - yeah, I have no idea either
3) just after I got a new plant for my classroom...student "Did you get a plant so we can have more oxygen?" -why yes, that's exactly what the plan was
4) I have some students who always think something is wrong, but I think I got the icing on the cake for "pain." During a movie on the freemasons, a girl comes to me asking to go to the nurse because her toe hurt. She thought she had something poking her, like a splinter except she never used that word. Anyways, I got this whole sap story and let her go to the nurse. When she came back she said it had quit hurting when she got there but still got some pain medicine just in case. Hypochondriac?
5) I have some replication of famous American documents, like the Declaration of Independence. It cracks me up how many students, with shock on their faces, ask me "Is this real?!" It's particularly funny when they ask after the document has been on the board for a week.
6) one girl to another who just got a good grade back "Stop! No! don't bring your good energy close to me." - enjoying the melancholy
7) best praise during prayer request time: "the new iOS6 is coming out soon!" - oh kids and their technology
8) I have this one student obsessed with paper origami. I get a new creation each week. It started out simple swans and now I'm getting hovercraft! Plus, I have to keep them all! I have a whole collection in my window seal.
9) Can I just say that my daily sugar intake has probably doubled since becoming a teacher. Actually, I didn't even have a daily intake before! chocolate=sanity.
10) I almost quit my job after this question... student "Miss Jones, what's the capital city of Islam?"
1) student "How old are your parents? Are they in wheelchairs?" me "no! my parents aren't that old! my grandparents aren't even that old!" student "your grandparents are ALIVE?!.....are they in wheelchairs?"
2) observation: student "You guys, you smell like humans. I'm a martian." - yeah, I have no idea either
3) just after I got a new plant for my classroom...student "Did you get a plant so we can have more oxygen?" -why yes, that's exactly what the plan was
4) I have some students who always think something is wrong, but I think I got the icing on the cake for "pain." During a movie on the freemasons, a girl comes to me asking to go to the nurse because her toe hurt. She thought she had something poking her, like a splinter except she never used that word. Anyways, I got this whole sap story and let her go to the nurse. When she came back she said it had quit hurting when she got there but still got some pain medicine just in case. Hypochondriac?
5) I have some replication of famous American documents, like the Declaration of Independence. It cracks me up how many students, with shock on their faces, ask me "Is this real?!" It's particularly funny when they ask after the document has been on the board for a week.
6) one girl to another who just got a good grade back "Stop! No! don't bring your good energy close to me." - enjoying the melancholy
7) best praise during prayer request time: "the new iOS6 is coming out soon!" - oh kids and their technology
8) I have this one student obsessed with paper origami. I get a new creation each week. It started out simple swans and now I'm getting hovercraft! Plus, I have to keep them all! I have a whole collection in my window seal.
9) Can I just say that my daily sugar intake has probably doubled since becoming a teacher. Actually, I didn't even have a daily intake before! chocolate=sanity.
10) I almost quit my job after this question... student "Miss Jones, what's the capital city of Islam?"
Aug 26, 2012
say that again!
So...apparently I'm a hick. Or a redneck. Or just country. Or just Southern. Maybe it's a combination of all those. My new roommate is from Texas. Oh Texas! she's southern/country then! Wrong. She is a city girl. Hailing from the grand metroplex of Dallas. And she thinks I'm that combination above. I, or course, don't mind. I will gladly claim whatever title people throw at me, just as long as it's under the Mason-Dixon. Here's a few of the reasons I am the above mentioned:
1) I can build a fire
2) I can cook from scratch when I need to
3) I don't throw things away
4) I like to camp, in a tent
5) I don't mind peeing on the ground, or in a hole
6) I like being outside
7) I'll eat food I've dropped on the floor
8) I can use tools like a hammer and saw and build things
9) I pronounce "Appalachia" correctly...I had to repeat that one for her
10) I have the accent
1) I can build a fire
2) I can cook from scratch when I need to
3) I don't throw things away
4) I like to camp, in a tent
5) I don't mind peeing on the ground, or in a hole
6) I like being outside
7) I'll eat food I've dropped on the floor
8) I can use tools like a hammer and saw and build things
9) I pronounce "Appalachia" correctly...I had to repeat that one for her
10) I have the accent
parasites and paint
For the first time in Kenya, and third time in my life, I got a parasite. This "little buddy" wasn't the worst I've had, but it did last a long time! I wasn't completely rid of him for two solid weeks. That's a lot of trips to the toilet. I don't actual know what type of parasite/ameba it was, but I got some powerful meds and it finally died. Not eating for a few days does make ya feel a little weak though. Thankfully, my mom had brought over about 57 packs of gatorade (at my request) so I never got dehydrated! Yeah for electrolites! I have determined that I got the little buddy from the water at my new house. Ya see, my water is a little gross. It kinda has a bit of a film over it and sometimes there's little particles floating in the bottom...but other than that it looks clear! I've never drank the tap water in Kenya (I'm not that dumb) but I did use it to brush my teeth. Not any more! I've had to revert back to using clean water to brush my teeth/rinse my mouth/rinse my toothbrush, which actually gets a bit annoying. I've also had to start hard boiling, 20 minute hard boil in a pot on the stove, and filtering my water! It's a long process. Oh well! TIA! (This Is Africa)
On a lighter note, we got our house painted! Well mostly. I have a painter guy I like to use, called Bernard, who does a nice job for an excellent price. It's so worth it. We pick out the colors, he does all the rest. We had him come on days we have house help, and we don't even have to be here! It did take him five days in the house, plus some repainting. I don't know what he was thinking, but he painted the top half of our hallway yellow, when it wasn't even supposed to be painted! We had talked through the areas to be painted in person in the house, I had texted him the wall/color combos, I had left written instructions, and I labeled the actual walls. He still got it wrong. He did correct it though! He also had to repaint my bedroom. I had picked out this nice tan with a pink undertone (I figured I should go girly while I still can) and it came out straight up pink. I like pink, sure, but not on my walls. Not really in my house at all. Needless to say, I picked out a new color and now it is a tan/green. Mostly green. But I like it! We did get most of our other rooms painted as well, and now we just have a couple pieces of furniture to buy and some decorating to do! The house definitely feels like home!
On a lighter note, we got our house painted! Well mostly. I have a painter guy I like to use, called Bernard, who does a nice job for an excellent price. It's so worth it. We pick out the colors, he does all the rest. We had him come on days we have house help, and we don't even have to be here! It did take him five days in the house, plus some repainting. I don't know what he was thinking, but he painted the top half of our hallway yellow, when it wasn't even supposed to be painted! We had talked through the areas to be painted in person in the house, I had texted him the wall/color combos, I had left written instructions, and I labeled the actual walls. He still got it wrong. He did correct it though! He also had to repaint my bedroom. I had picked out this nice tan with a pink undertone (I figured I should go girly while I still can) and it came out straight up pink. I like pink, sure, but not on my walls. Not really in my house at all. Needless to say, I picked out a new color and now it is a tan/green. Mostly green. But I like it! We did get most of our other rooms painted as well, and now we just have a couple pieces of furniture to buy and some decorating to do! The house definitely feels like home!
Jul 31, 2012
10 snippets of observation on new teachers...
1) most are scared of Nairobi traffic, and don't really want to drive
2) it's freezing cold...at least it's way colder than they ever thought Africa could get
3) you kinda have to know how to cook
4) everything takes at least twice as long as you think it should
5) it's a beautiful place
6) we do have good restaurants, stores, and malls
7) what you think would be cheap are expensive, and what you think would be expensive is cheap
8) power/electricity is not consistent...especially when you're trying to cook taco meat for 18 people on your electric eye because you don't have a gas tank yet. with your head lamp on.
9) your shower's electric instant water heater can shock you
10) bugs, and bug bites, are a normal part of life
Karibu Nairobi, Kenya!
Welcome to Nairobi, Kenya!
2) it's freezing cold...at least it's way colder than they ever thought Africa could get
3) you kinda have to know how to cook
4) everything takes at least twice as long as you think it should
5) it's a beautiful place
6) we do have good restaurants, stores, and malls
7) what you think would be cheap are expensive, and what you think would be expensive is cheap
8) power/electricity is not consistent...especially when you're trying to cook taco meat for 18 people on your electric eye because you don't have a gas tank yet. with your head lamp on.
9) your shower's electric instant water heater can shock you
10) bugs, and bug bites, are a normal part of life
Karibu Nairobi, Kenya!
Welcome to Nairobi, Kenya!
Jul 25, 2012
snippets of reflextion
My “summer to do list” review:
1) renew my driver’s license- check
2) figure out how to renew my teaching license- kinda check
3) turn in my request for an absentee ballot- check
4) buy and learn to play guitar- nope
5) figure out and apply to grad school- uh, nope
6) become a Daughter of the American Revolution- almost!
7) start a class of 2006 newsletter- working on it
8) do my taxes- nope
9) practice archery- nope
10) learn about the UN- check
Things I am anxious to get back to:
1) my classroom
2) my new house
3) driving without rules
4) cheap fruit
5) my students
6) a schedule/deadlines (I like to work)
7) being unpacked
8) friends (new and old)
9) the rest of my closet
10) Ethiopian food
Things I will miss (besides the usual: family, friends…):
1) my niece
2) fast food
3) hot water in my sink
4) green: grass, trees, etc.
5) mom’s cooking
6) mountains and hills
7) my pastor’s preaching
8) wall-mart
9) krispie kreme
10) real ice cream
Highlights of the summer:
1) my niece knowing me and loving me
2) seeing practically all my family
3) catching up with friends
4) looking at fossils
5) eating homemade food and ice cream
6) sleeping, a lot
7) watching tv
8) fast internet all the time
9) shopping
10) relaxing
1) renew my driver’s license- check
2) figure out how to renew my teaching license- kinda check
3) turn in my request for an absentee ballot- check
4) buy and learn to play guitar- nope
5) figure out and apply to grad school- uh, nope
6) become a Daughter of the American Revolution- almost!
7) start a class of 2006 newsletter- working on it
8) do my taxes- nope
9) practice archery- nope
10) learn about the UN- check
Things I am anxious to get back to:
1) my classroom
2) my new house
3) driving without rules
4) cheap fruit
5) my students
6) a schedule/deadlines (I like to work)
7) being unpacked
8) friends (new and old)
9) the rest of my closet
10) Ethiopian food
Things I will miss (besides the usual: family, friends…):
1) my niece
2) fast food
3) hot water in my sink
4) green: grass, trees, etc.
5) mom’s cooking
6) mountains and hills
7) my pastor’s preaching
8) wall-mart
9) krispie kreme
10) real ice cream
Highlights of the summer:
1) my niece knowing me and loving me
2) seeing practically all my family
3) catching up with friends
4) looking at fossils
5) eating homemade food and ice cream
6) sleeping, a lot
7) watching tv
8) fast internet all the time
9) shopping
10) relaxing
the past few months
The past few months:
Where to start… the school year seemed to end in a blur of activity. I was stressed, busy doing (probably) too many things, packing in as many lessons as possible into each work day, house-hunting and then moving, trying to share a car amid it all, and then entertaining the best guests possible- my parents! I had some hard days in there, but I also learned some good lessons. (More to come in a later blog about my biggest lesson learned this year.)
The highlight of it all had to be the visit from my parents. I had been dreaming of the day someone would visit, and felt confident my parents would come, at least. However, I did have my doubts. Until the tickets were purchased, I didn’t believe they were coming. But they came! My last week or so in Kenya was spent with my parents by my side. Since this was their first time to Kenya, first time to Africa, I wanted them to do the touristy thing. And I love being a tourist. It’s my favorite. I knew they would get tired if we sat around, so we didn’t. We ran a crazy race that took us to all the sights around Nairobi, Karen, and to the Masai Mara. We visited Karen Blixen’s House and a tea plantation like tourists, yet played with orphans in a slum. They saw museums and colonial homes, my school and church, my “luxurious” old apartment and “rustic” new house, my favorite children’s home and open markets. They experienced the third world at its finest. And African savannah at its best! The Masai Mara is incredible! We saw practically every animal you could expect, stayed in a beautiful lodge, and got covered in dust. It was perfect.
We all three flew home together to enjoy a summer full of nothings. At least, it wasn’t very busy. I was able to relax and sleep like I hadn’t done in a year! It was marvelous. I spent my precious weeks between Tennessee and West Virginia. I visited with almost every family member possible, and saw my closest friends. The highlight of my time spent at home, was getting to know my niece. The last time I had seen her, she was 6 months old and standing up. Now, she’s 1 year old and running. Phone calls and Skype don’t really allow babies to get to know someone, so my little Emma had to get to know me this summer. I decided that if she just recognized me (and liked me) by the end of the summer, I’d be doing good. I think we passed that goal. Since I lived with her half the summer, we got pretty tight. But she’s just a year old and we’ll probably have to do the whole thing over again next time I see her. Oh well. This summer was wonderful memories I will cherish.
Where to start… the school year seemed to end in a blur of activity. I was stressed, busy doing (probably) too many things, packing in as many lessons as possible into each work day, house-hunting and then moving, trying to share a car amid it all, and then entertaining the best guests possible- my parents! I had some hard days in there, but I also learned some good lessons. (More to come in a later blog about my biggest lesson learned this year.)
The highlight of it all had to be the visit from my parents. I had been dreaming of the day someone would visit, and felt confident my parents would come, at least. However, I did have my doubts. Until the tickets were purchased, I didn’t believe they were coming. But they came! My last week or so in Kenya was spent with my parents by my side. Since this was their first time to Kenya, first time to Africa, I wanted them to do the touristy thing. And I love being a tourist. It’s my favorite. I knew they would get tired if we sat around, so we didn’t. We ran a crazy race that took us to all the sights around Nairobi, Karen, and to the Masai Mara. We visited Karen Blixen’s House and a tea plantation like tourists, yet played with orphans in a slum. They saw museums and colonial homes, my school and church, my “luxurious” old apartment and “rustic” new house, my favorite children’s home and open markets. They experienced the third world at its finest. And African savannah at its best! The Masai Mara is incredible! We saw practically every animal you could expect, stayed in a beautiful lodge, and got covered in dust. It was perfect.
We all three flew home together to enjoy a summer full of nothings. At least, it wasn’t very busy. I was able to relax and sleep like I hadn’t done in a year! It was marvelous. I spent my precious weeks between Tennessee and West Virginia. I visited with almost every family member possible, and saw my closest friends. The highlight of my time spent at home, was getting to know my niece. The last time I had seen her, she was 6 months old and standing up. Now, she’s 1 year old and running. Phone calls and Skype don’t really allow babies to get to know someone, so my little Emma had to get to know me this summer. I decided that if she just recognized me (and liked me) by the end of the summer, I’d be doing good. I think we passed that goal. Since I lived with her half the summer, we got pretty tight. But she’s just a year old and we’ll probably have to do the whole thing over again next time I see her. Oh well. This summer was wonderful memories I will cherish.
I'm no saint
Dear brothers and sisters:
Thank you for not forgetting me in my long absence from the world-wide-web. I am so sorry I have not kept you better informed on what has been going on the past few months. Before I tackle a little bit of that, let me muse on why I have been absent.
I don’t like to write. I never have. As far as I can remember, I’ve received an “A” in all my English classes, so I do have the ability to write. But only when forced. Let me change that, only when needed. And this is a need. I need your continued interest. I need your prayers and support and encouragement. I need you! But since I live on the other side of world from most of you, it’s hard to get you interested in my life. I can’t hang out with you, see you at church, or run into you at Wall-Mart. Writing seems to be the best avenue to accomplish my goal. So, because God made us missionaries needy people who are forced to rely on Him first and then on you, fellow believers… I am writing again. I hope not to bore you with my pointless ramble or snippets of information, but to give you some type of insight into God’s work in my life. In my mind right now, I will branch out and write about deeper, more interesting things; but we’ll see. I have been encouraged by some dear friends, and with a prayer, I will succeed. Stay tuned.
Thank you for not forgetting me in my long absence from the world-wide-web. I am so sorry I have not kept you better informed on what has been going on the past few months. Before I tackle a little bit of that, let me muse on why I have been absent.
I don’t like to write. I never have. As far as I can remember, I’ve received an “A” in all my English classes, so I do have the ability to write. But only when forced. Let me change that, only when needed. And this is a need. I need your continued interest. I need your prayers and support and encouragement. I need you! But since I live on the other side of world from most of you, it’s hard to get you interested in my life. I can’t hang out with you, see you at church, or run into you at Wall-Mart. Writing seems to be the best avenue to accomplish my goal. So, because God made us missionaries needy people who are forced to rely on Him first and then on you, fellow believers… I am writing again. I hope not to bore you with my pointless ramble or snippets of information, but to give you some type of insight into God’s work in my life. In my mind right now, I will branch out and write about deeper, more interesting things; but we’ll see. I have been encouraged by some dear friends, and with a prayer, I will succeed. Stay tuned.
Feb 21, 2012
ema - wish
My 7th graders are learning about Japan and with it, Shinto. One custom is to write an "ema" or wish/hope while at a shinto shrine. Each student wrote their own "ema." Here's what they wish for:
-I wish to be a rich man and go to heaven and be wise
-When I die I want to go to heaven and live with God
-I wish I could be rich and sucessfull and wise
-I wish that I'll have the most shimmery converse EVER!!!
-I wish for a beautiful dress
-I wish I can grow up rich and wise
-For everyone 2 be happy
-I wish I would live to 100 years
-I wish I could have a very successful job and live somewhere grand
-I hope for more wisdom of the Bible and Christianity
-peace in the world
-to go to a good college, and have a good future
-I wish that I would be safe in the bus ride
-I wish for a lot of wisdom
-I wish I could be with the one I love forever
-more freedom!!!
-I wish and hope that the world would come to peace and the wars are resolved
-to be happy
-I want a lion cub for a pet.
-I wish my parents would give me more freedom.
-I wish that when I die I would go to heaven.
-I pray I become an actor.
-I wish to be a rich man and go to heaven and be wise
-When I die I want to go to heaven and live with God
-I wish I could be rich and sucessfull and wise
-I wish that I'll have the most shimmery converse EVER!!!
-I wish for a beautiful dress
-I wish I can grow up rich and wise
-For everyone 2 be happy
-I wish I would live to 100 years
-I wish I could have a very successful job and live somewhere grand
-I hope for more wisdom of the Bible and Christianity
-peace in the world
-to go to a good college, and have a good future
-I wish that I would be safe in the bus ride
-I wish for a lot of wisdom
-I wish I could be with the one I love forever
-more freedom!!!
-I wish and hope that the world would come to peace and the wars are resolved
-to be happy
-I want a lion cub for a pet.
-I wish my parents would give me more freedom.
-I wish that when I die I would go to heaven.
-I pray I become an actor.
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