Over the past week I’ve been in and out of the doctors. It started with my annual checkup and I’m ending the week with a uterine biopsy. What’s going on? Well, for the past 4-1/2 years I’ve been on three different medicines for my breast cancer. This last medicine, however, has caused some problems that would be from Tamoxifen. From the beginning, doctors wanted me to go on this particular medicine but I was afraid of blood clots (a side effect). The first 2 meds that I was on caused pain and swelling in my ankles and hands; I wanted some relief from that. So about a year or so ago, I decided to give Tamoxifen a try. Well, was it worth it? I’ll never really know, though my hands and feet are better. Not only does Tamoxifen cause blood clots, it also causes uterine cancer (I’m trying to eliminate cancer). So, here I am getting ultrasounds and now a biopsy. They think it’s probably just a thickened lining but there was a 3cm mass. And now comes the waiting.....
Is cancer on my mind? Yeah, sure it is. Am I trying not to go there? Yeah, I am trying. I realize there is always a chance of the cancer monster attacking. But I try not to let it get the better of me. All this to say--I’ve been re-evaluating my life. Why do things like this start us thinking?
Since I was diagnosed with cancer, I’ve done some soul searching. Not as much or as diligently as I should have I suppose, but nonetheless. I guess you could say I’m in the winter of my life, or at least the late fall and I’m wanting to finish well. A video posted on my Facebook today once again reminded me that we should be about our Father’s business. Clayton (the boy in the video) did just that. He lived out John 3:16 during his short life of 18 years. He still blesses us, teaches us, and reminds us that God is the answer. So how am I going to finish? Will it be the way I have been for the past few years, doing pretty much nothing? Or will I be about MY Father’s business?
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
A Heart for Africa
(Written a while back.)
For the past few days I have been watching videos and looking through pictures of African children. Children in the Kibera slums o Nairobi, Kenya having AWANA. Amazing the number of children that come to hear the word of God and play AWANA games. Then there are pictures of children in Tanzania and Ugand.
I’be been asked to pray for the children of Tanzania as well as all of Africa. It’s awesome to see God working throughout the continent.
Why is my heart being gripped by the children of Africa? What is it about these ids that has such a strong pull?
I think the first country I felt drawn to was Sudan. It was when I heard someone from Voice of the Martyrs speak on the persecuted church in that country. I’ve never had a particular country that I felt I was solely interested in.
When working with AWANA, we adopted a club in Zimbabwe. We corresponded with the AWANA missionary over the years and talked over the phone when he was in the states. We finally got to meet him this year when he stayed with us for a week. He is now Director of AWANA for the entire continent of Africa. (I blogged his visit several months ago.)
For the past few days I have been watching videos and looking through pictures of African children. Children in the Kibera slums o Nairobi, Kenya having AWANA. Amazing the number of children that come to hear the word of God and play AWANA games. Then there are pictures of children in Tanzania and Ugand.
I’be been asked to pray for the children of Tanzania as well as all of Africa. It’s awesome to see God working throughout the continent.
Why is my heart being gripped by the children of Africa? What is it about these ids that has such a strong pull?
I think the first country I felt drawn to was Sudan. It was when I heard someone from Voice of the Martyrs speak on the persecuted church in that country. I’ve never had a particular country that I felt I was solely interested in.
When working with AWANA, we adopted a club in Zimbabwe. We corresponded with the AWANA missionary over the years and talked over the phone when he was in the states. We finally got to meet him this year when he stayed with us for a week. He is now Director of AWANA for the entire continent of Africa. (I blogged his visit several months ago.)
Saturday, September 3, 2011
California Dreamin'
I’ve spent the past 3 weeks in CA and I must say I have enjoyed my time. The first 2 weeks were spent at the beach, the pier, Disneyland and with nieces and nephews. This past week I have been catching up with old friends in my hometown of Atascadero and Paso Robles. It has been such a blessing. I have been inspired by a few of them.
I have one friend who just amazes me. She’s battling breast cancer again and going through chemo. However, did that keep her from doing what she loves? No, not at all. She waited by the phone to see if her white blood cells had gone up at all so she could have her treatment the following day. They had and she bounced up to head for Morro Bay so she could paddle with the dragon boat ladies. 22 on the boat, all but a couple survivors of cancer. How exciting that was to watch. The team competes with other dragon boaters around the state. The following morning, before her chemo, she went to 2 exercise classes and the next morning climbed Cerro Alto before coming to say goodbye at the park. She’s such an inspiration. I think I’ll try a little harder to take a longer walk.
Next I visited S. She has been extremely busy caring for her mother, but she took the time to serve lunch. We had a wonderful time catching up and she always has a little encouraging word or food for thought. I think I’ll try a little harder to eat healthier.
I’ve struggled the past few years about what I should be doing with the rest of my life. I have been trying to figure it all out. P has an independent study program set me on the path to doing a little research and putting together some ideas for field trips and science. I think I’ll try a little harder to work on some plans.
These last 2 days I have spent with a dear friend whom I hadn’t seen in 3 years. We did some catching up, shed a few tears, went to the beach twice and took a walk through the manzanita forest on their property. The kids were amazing--a 3 year old telling me about Toyon berries and a little girl that can make a shelter. I think I’ll try a little harder to teach my little guy a more about nature and to take better care of the environment.
I also met a few more at the park. It was nice they could stop by. I got to hear some terrific kids recite their Bible verses they had memorized. Not just 1 verse, but an entire passage. Nice job C family. I think I’ll try a little harder to memorize a Scripture myself.
Thanks for all the inspiration friends. I hope I can stick with it.
I have one friend who just amazes me. She’s battling breast cancer again and going through chemo. However, did that keep her from doing what she loves? No, not at all. She waited by the phone to see if her white blood cells had gone up at all so she could have her treatment the following day. They had and she bounced up to head for Morro Bay so she could paddle with the dragon boat ladies. 22 on the boat, all but a couple survivors of cancer. How exciting that was to watch. The team competes with other dragon boaters around the state. The following morning, before her chemo, she went to 2 exercise classes and the next morning climbed Cerro Alto before coming to say goodbye at the park. She’s such an inspiration. I think I’ll try a little harder to take a longer walk.
Next I visited S. She has been extremely busy caring for her mother, but she took the time to serve lunch. We had a wonderful time catching up and she always has a little encouraging word or food for thought. I think I’ll try a little harder to eat healthier.
I’ve struggled the past few years about what I should be doing with the rest of my life. I have been trying to figure it all out. P has an independent study program set me on the path to doing a little research and putting together some ideas for field trips and science. I think I’ll try a little harder to work on some plans.
These last 2 days I have spent with a dear friend whom I hadn’t seen in 3 years. We did some catching up, shed a few tears, went to the beach twice and took a walk through the manzanita forest on their property. The kids were amazing--a 3 year old telling me about Toyon berries and a little girl that can make a shelter. I think I’ll try a little harder to teach my little guy a more about nature and to take better care of the environment.
I also met a few more at the park. It was nice they could stop by. I got to hear some terrific kids recite their Bible verses they had memorized. Not just 1 verse, but an entire passage. Nice job C family. I think I’ll try a little harder to memorize a Scripture myself.
Thanks for all the inspiration friends. I hope I can stick with it.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Leavin' On A Jet Plane...eventually!
Well, here’s how my day’s been. Got up early to talk to oncologist about the letter I received Saturday from imaging saying my mammogram was abnormal and I needed followup after I was told everything was fine. (is that a run-on sentence) I was reassured there must have been a mistake. They had me fax the letter to investigate. In the mean time, I called the imaging place again and she was all apologetic saying she didn’t know how she could have made such a mistake she was so sorry. I didn’t make a big stink but I’m thinking, this was the 2nd time for me and talking to 3 other people this weekend who’ve had problems, it makes me think they need to do something about it. And of course, I’m freaking out all this time wondering “What if...” Yes, I know what I should have been doing, but still....
Then, there was the problem with my bank. The other night, Cory and I were ordering our Disneyland tickets. The site wouldn’t allow me to purchase them together so after ordering mine, we went back to order hers. For some reason it wouldn’t work, over and over again. So, she used a different account. I then received an email saying they had blocked my account because of unusual activity. They wanted to make sure it was me making purchases. I’m not sure why they couldn’t call me to ask. And of course, this happened over the weekend so had to work it out this morning. That got straightened out.
Then, I had to get temporary insurance cards in case I drive while in California. We never received our new ones. The others expired in May.
To top it all off, we get to the airport only to find our flight delayed. Well, we had an inkling when we looked up our flight status online before leaving. We were to leave at 5:35 pm and were told to be on time in case the delay was adjusted. We went through security early and I had a voice message on my phone from the airline saying we wouldn’t be leaving until 7:10. That’s fine, but that would give us little time to connect in Las Vegas. So, we talk to the attendant and the flight in Vegas would be delayed also so shouldn’t be a problem. I hope not. I really don’t want to spend the night in the Las Vegas airport. Our plane is delayed due to bad weather conditions in Florida. Don’t you think a meal voucher would be nice?
So, here I sit, starting my vacation blog earlier than intended. But no problem, I’ve been wanting something to write about.
Let’s see, what’s going on in the Nashville airport? Oh, watch your step, you might trip over one of those names dropping on the floor. And then I had to move because of the smell of collard greens and mac and cheese across from me. There is live music close by at Tootsies Orchid Lounge. You can also find a Tootsie’s on Broadway, downtown.
Okay, so we finally got to board our plane around 7:15. Cory and I didn’t have any trouble finding seats together, in fact we had an extra seat. Just hope we make it to our connecting flight on time. The flight has been okay. Only once, so far, was there some turbulence and they had to turn on the “buckle your seat belt” sign. We did get a snack and drink, though I opted not to drink my Sprite, after seeing the flight attendant smashing the ice with a can, I figured I could do without. Trying to keep my legs moving. There is plenty of leg room which is nice. The plane has 2 rows of 3 seats each.
This seems to be a long flight. Well, we arrive in Las Vegas and we’re told the next plane was waiting for us, along with several others that need to catch their flights to various places. I was told that the Vegas airport was small, so I’m thinking maybe a little bigger than San Luis. How wrong I was! I think we walked a mile from one concourse to the other. As we were trying to rush, the pilot was there telling us not to worry, they were waiting for us. Besides, there were others that got there after we did. Though quite a bit of turbulence, the flight seemed like 10 minutes rather than 45. We arrived safely, Bennett and Rachel met us at baggage and all of our bags arrived as well.
We talked awhile then I finally went to bed, it was 3:15 a.m. by then, TN time.
Then, there was the problem with my bank. The other night, Cory and I were ordering our Disneyland tickets. The site wouldn’t allow me to purchase them together so after ordering mine, we went back to order hers. For some reason it wouldn’t work, over and over again. So, she used a different account. I then received an email saying they had blocked my account because of unusual activity. They wanted to make sure it was me making purchases. I’m not sure why they couldn’t call me to ask. And of course, this happened over the weekend so had to work it out this morning. That got straightened out.
Then, I had to get temporary insurance cards in case I drive while in California. We never received our new ones. The others expired in May.
To top it all off, we get to the airport only to find our flight delayed. Well, we had an inkling when we looked up our flight status online before leaving. We were to leave at 5:35 pm and were told to be on time in case the delay was adjusted. We went through security early and I had a voice message on my phone from the airline saying we wouldn’t be leaving until 7:10. That’s fine, but that would give us little time to connect in Las Vegas. So, we talk to the attendant and the flight in Vegas would be delayed also so shouldn’t be a problem. I hope not. I really don’t want to spend the night in the Las Vegas airport. Our plane is delayed due to bad weather conditions in Florida. Don’t you think a meal voucher would be nice?
So, here I sit, starting my vacation blog earlier than intended. But no problem, I’ve been wanting something to write about.
Let’s see, what’s going on in the Nashville airport? Oh, watch your step, you might trip over one of those names dropping on the floor. And then I had to move because of the smell of collard greens and mac and cheese across from me. There is live music close by at Tootsies Orchid Lounge. You can also find a Tootsie’s on Broadway, downtown.
Okay, so we finally got to board our plane around 7:15. Cory and I didn’t have any trouble finding seats together, in fact we had an extra seat. Just hope we make it to our connecting flight on time. The flight has been okay. Only once, so far, was there some turbulence and they had to turn on the “buckle your seat belt” sign. We did get a snack and drink, though I opted not to drink my Sprite, after seeing the flight attendant smashing the ice with a can, I figured I could do without. Trying to keep my legs moving. There is plenty of leg room which is nice. The plane has 2 rows of 3 seats each.
This seems to be a long flight. Well, we arrive in Las Vegas and we’re told the next plane was waiting for us, along with several others that need to catch their flights to various places. I was told that the Vegas airport was small, so I’m thinking maybe a little bigger than San Luis. How wrong I was! I think we walked a mile from one concourse to the other. As we were trying to rush, the pilot was there telling us not to worry, they were waiting for us. Besides, there were others that got there after we did. Though quite a bit of turbulence, the flight seemed like 10 minutes rather than 45. We arrived safely, Bennett and Rachel met us at baggage and all of our bags arrived as well.
We talked awhile then I finally went to bed, it was 3:15 a.m. by then, TN time.
California or Bust!
I’m really looking forward to our trip to California. It has been 3 years too long since I was home. I know home is where the heart is or where the family is; my family is in Tennessee but my heart is still in California.
There have been some good times here in Tennessee. I’ve seen some interesting and amazing things like the Great Smokey Mountains--in the snow, going back in the fall for colors; the Natchez Trace, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Amicalola Falls in North Georgia. Seeing where the Amish live was another interesting place to visit. We enjoy the fresh vegetables in the summer.
I do enjoy the thunderstorms but the tornados are quite scary-especially the ones that hit in nearby states--taking out so many homes. When the sirens go off, it’s in to the closet we go.
We’ve also been able to reconnect with some of mom’s relatives. She’s from Mississippi and Dad was from Arkansas, where I lived in first and second grades. It was fun to see mom’s birthplace, Duck Hill, MS and we even drove through West Memphis, Arkansas where I lived. It wasn’t the same of course.
I think we’ve had more visitors here--my sister and niece came from Hawaii one Christmas, another niece and her two teens from CA and our friend from Alaska.
We got to attend the Dove Awards at the Grand Ole Opry and the after party. Saw Nickel Creek at the Ryman and Peter Andrews at Christmas. I so wish to see Emmylou Harris at the Ryman, and I’d love to see Reba and the Judd’s.
We’ve had some great times with friends Bethany and Shannon throughout the year and some holidays. And of course I’ve enjoyed having Elijah once a week for the past few years, watching him grow up.
There have been some good times here in Tennessee. I’ve seen some interesting and amazing things like the Great Smokey Mountains--in the snow, going back in the fall for colors; the Natchez Trace, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Amicalola Falls in North Georgia. Seeing where the Amish live was another interesting place to visit. We enjoy the fresh vegetables in the summer.
I do enjoy the thunderstorms but the tornados are quite scary-especially the ones that hit in nearby states--taking out so many homes. When the sirens go off, it’s in to the closet we go.
We’ve also been able to reconnect with some of mom’s relatives. She’s from Mississippi and Dad was from Arkansas, where I lived in first and second grades. It was fun to see mom’s birthplace, Duck Hill, MS and we even drove through West Memphis, Arkansas where I lived. It wasn’t the same of course.
I think we’ve had more visitors here--my sister and niece came from Hawaii one Christmas, another niece and her two teens from CA and our friend from Alaska.
We got to attend the Dove Awards at the Grand Ole Opry and the after party. Saw Nickel Creek at the Ryman and Peter Andrews at Christmas. I so wish to see Emmylou Harris at the Ryman, and I’d love to see Reba and the Judd’s.
We’ve had some great times with friends Bethany and Shannon throughout the year and some holidays. And of course I’ve enjoyed having Elijah once a week for the past few years, watching him grow up.
Monday, August 8, 2011
The Road To Tennessee
In 2007 we decided to move to Tennessee. Carey had taken a job with Provident Music the year before and we had driven her car and some of her things out to her new “home”. At the time, Caleb was in L.A. ready to move to Portland and Cory was in Madagascar. Charley was up for it so we thought, “Why not!” California was getting expensive so thought we’d try out life in the south.
Jim could retire from Von’s/Safeway and we could all try to get work once we were in Tennessee. We had lined up a condo to move in to, about 45 minutes from Nashville.
However, as I look back, maybe we shouldn’t have made the move. I’ve thought of that more than once. It could look like coincidences to some, but I think it was more than that.
I believe that sometimes we may want something so badly that God allows us to have it, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it was the best for us. Let me explain.
We had planned on moving the first of March. Boxes were packed, everything was lined up and we were getting last minute appointments taken care of. I was overdue for a mammogram, so decided to go ahead and get one before leaving. Then on February 27, 2007--two days before our move--I get the dreaded news: “Breast Cancer”. After meeting with a surgeon, we decided I’d go ahead and get the treatment I needed before the move.
Jim called work and was able to keep his job. Also, the landlord let us stay in our condo.
I had a lumpectomy two days later and then went through radiation. Everything went well. When I think about it, this was our first roadblock.
The next round of frustration was in Camarillo--the moving van broke down. We called Penske from the motel where we were staying and they brought another truck to switch out all of our belongings. It took longer than expected so we stayed an extra night. (Roadblock #2)
We made it to Tennesse, just missing one tornado, and we moved in. It was good to see Carey and her friends Shannon and Bethany, who helped us out. Things were going okay, Jim found a job after only 3-4 weeks and Charley soon after.
In October, Cory had to return to the states from Madagascar because of some severe breathing issues. Of course, she hadn’t planned to come back, especially come back to Tennessee, allergy capital of the USA. She had left California, not the deep south. However, she needed treatments and was soon settled in. ( I guess that could be considered sort of like a roadblock.)
Then, in November, Carey lost her job. (Roadblock #3) She found another good job soon after but lost that one less than a year later. (Roadblock #4?) She is now a fulltime nanny.
In December, Mom decided to leave Hawaii and move in with us. So, again we had a house full.
I had good intentions to start some science classes with homeschoolers in the area, but that didn’t happen. A different breed of homeschoolers here I’m afraid. (Struck out again.)
I had also hoped to get involved with Sudanese refugees in the area since they were numerous. I did for a short time--not first hand but by writing a curriculum for their after school program. I don’t even know if it was used. Communication is difficult here I’ve found.
I also tried getting involved with missions but as far as that got me was helping with a Perspectives class when we first got here. My intentions may have been good-but my follow through failed. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. Or, perhaps I should have been more persistent.
After all of this, not a pity party, but an account of happenings, here is a list of things that did happen:
helped with Perspectives
wrote the after school curriculum for Sudanese children
wrote four literature workbooks for school children (a flop)
went through a real FUNK for almost a year after our two month journey to Madagascar
thoroughly enjoyed working with Elijah once a week--he brings a smile to my face
There have been some Highlights to our four years in Tennessee:
4 seasons--loving the snow (not the tornados)
Appalachias
Amicalola Falls (in Georgia)
Smokey Mountains
Radnor Lake
Jackson Falls
Natchez Trace
BBQ all over the place
downtown Franklin and Nashville
Ryman Theater
Chattanooga
McKay’s used bookstore
being in touch with relatives after many years (MS, GA, TX)
attended the DOVE awards at the Grand Ole Opry and after party
have spotted several stars around town and a few at church
Grace Chapel in Leiper’s Fork, TN
Amish country
People I would miss:
Shannon and Bethany
Elijah and his family
Gavin and his family
Hayes and his family
So there ya have it. A different lifestyle? Yes, definitely!
Totally a waste of time? No, not really! There have been some good times, happy times!
But I truly am missing the West Coast, my friends, my family, Moe’s, Pepper Plant, Sees, In ‘N Out, Chili Peppers, and of course, the ocean. Not sure how long we’ll be here, but I get to visit CA in a week. It’s been over 3 years so I’m definitely looking forward to it. Can you truly go home? I hope so.
Jim could retire from Von’s/Safeway and we could all try to get work once we were in Tennessee. We had lined up a condo to move in to, about 45 minutes from Nashville.
However, as I look back, maybe we shouldn’t have made the move. I’ve thought of that more than once. It could look like coincidences to some, but I think it was more than that.
I believe that sometimes we may want something so badly that God allows us to have it, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it was the best for us. Let me explain.
We had planned on moving the first of March. Boxes were packed, everything was lined up and we were getting last minute appointments taken care of. I was overdue for a mammogram, so decided to go ahead and get one before leaving. Then on February 27, 2007--two days before our move--I get the dreaded news: “Breast Cancer”. After meeting with a surgeon, we decided I’d go ahead and get the treatment I needed before the move.
Jim called work and was able to keep his job. Also, the landlord let us stay in our condo.
I had a lumpectomy two days later and then went through radiation. Everything went well. When I think about it, this was our first roadblock.
The next round of frustration was in Camarillo--the moving van broke down. We called Penske from the motel where we were staying and they brought another truck to switch out all of our belongings. It took longer than expected so we stayed an extra night. (Roadblock #2)
We made it to Tennesse, just missing one tornado, and we moved in. It was good to see Carey and her friends Shannon and Bethany, who helped us out. Things were going okay, Jim found a job after only 3-4 weeks and Charley soon after.
In October, Cory had to return to the states from Madagascar because of some severe breathing issues. Of course, she hadn’t planned to come back, especially come back to Tennessee, allergy capital of the USA. She had left California, not the deep south. However, she needed treatments and was soon settled in. ( I guess that could be considered sort of like a roadblock.)
Then, in November, Carey lost her job. (Roadblock #3) She found another good job soon after but lost that one less than a year later. (Roadblock #4?) She is now a fulltime nanny.
In December, Mom decided to leave Hawaii and move in with us. So, again we had a house full.
I had good intentions to start some science classes with homeschoolers in the area, but that didn’t happen. A different breed of homeschoolers here I’m afraid. (Struck out again.)
I had also hoped to get involved with Sudanese refugees in the area since they were numerous. I did for a short time--not first hand but by writing a curriculum for their after school program. I don’t even know if it was used. Communication is difficult here I’ve found.
I also tried getting involved with missions but as far as that got me was helping with a Perspectives class when we first got here. My intentions may have been good-but my follow through failed. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. Or, perhaps I should have been more persistent.
After all of this, not a pity party, but an account of happenings, here is a list of things that did happen:
helped with Perspectives
wrote the after school curriculum for Sudanese children
wrote four literature workbooks for school children (a flop)
went through a real FUNK for almost a year after our two month journey to Madagascar
thoroughly enjoyed working with Elijah once a week--he brings a smile to my face
There have been some Highlights to our four years in Tennessee:
4 seasons--loving the snow (not the tornados)
Appalachias
Amicalola Falls (in Georgia)
Smokey Mountains
Radnor Lake
Jackson Falls
Natchez Trace
BBQ all over the place
downtown Franklin and Nashville
Ryman Theater
Chattanooga
McKay’s used bookstore
being in touch with relatives after many years (MS, GA, TX)
attended the DOVE awards at the Grand Ole Opry and after party
have spotted several stars around town and a few at church
Grace Chapel in Leiper’s Fork, TN
Amish country
People I would miss:
Shannon and Bethany
Elijah and his family
Gavin and his family
Hayes and his family
So there ya have it. A different lifestyle? Yes, definitely!
Totally a waste of time? No, not really! There have been some good times, happy times!
But I truly am missing the West Coast, my friends, my family, Moe’s, Pepper Plant, Sees, In ‘N Out, Chili Peppers, and of course, the ocean. Not sure how long we’ll be here, but I get to visit CA in a week. It’s been over 3 years so I’m definitely looking forward to it. Can you truly go home? I hope so.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Georgia On My Mind....again!
Wednesday I got up at 7:30 a.m. (early for me) and got ready to leave for Georgia. Jim came back with a blue Corolla, we packed up and headed south. Around noon we stopped in Ringgold to see the damage from the April tornado that hit--a lot of damage and 9 lives lost.
One stop we made later made me laugh--Biscuits, Bait and BBQ and Tasty Tenders. Now, I love homemade biscuits and enjoy a good bbq, but with bait? I don’t think so.
On the road to Amicalola Falls we ran in to a little rain. We stopped at an Apple Farm for a few peaches and nectarines, along with a couple of delicious apple fritters and the rain poured down.
We arrived at the park around 4, picked up some maps at the Visitor Center and checked in to our room at the lodge. We found a spot close by for a picnic and ate a late lunch.
We decided we’d drive over to Dahlonega, a cute little gold mining town, to look for souvenirs to take back to California. Well, we arrived about 10 minutes before the town closed down, except for the fudge shop and the pizzaria. We picked up some fudge and hot out of the oven garlic rolls drenched in garlic butter.
We headed back to the lodge and Cory and I took a short walk around the loop trail. We watched a little TV then headed to bed.
What is it about nature that is so soothing, so healing, so serene? I love being out in nature, creation. I’m not an avid hiker--though I enjoy hiking. Not much of a camper, but I could be. But still, I love the mountains. I also love the ocean and even enjoy spending time in the flower beds.
It has been terrific seeing mountain ranges that I’ve never seen. I had been to the Rockies and Sierras but now I’ve seen the Smokey Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’ve walked on the old Natchez Trace and the approach trail to the Appalachian Trail, and I’ve been extremely close to the Trail of Tears.
For the next 2 days, I’ll be at the Amicalola Falls. I love it here. The view of the Blue Ridge Mountains is covered with a foggy mist. It does give it a bit of a blue haze.
The last time we were here was last October, when fall colors of orange, yellow and red covered the mountains. Now that it’s summer, the trees are green. It’s such a peaceful place. The back porch area is lined with big wooden rockers looking out over the mountains.
Tomorrow we’ll do some hiking on a few trails and enjoy the falls.
Thursday: We woke up this morning with a view of fog, lined with trees. We went down for our breakfast and now Cory and I are sitting on the porch waiting for the skies to clear. It is so nice out. Not too hot or humid yet. We plan to go hiking once we let our food to digest. Later we may go back to Dahlonega and to Helen, a little German town. Jim prefers staying in the room watching TV it seems.
It would be nice if there were bird feeders out on the deck to see more birds of the area. I haven’t seen too many, but did see a couple of squirrels and a deer and two ducks. On our hikes today, I saw a striped lizard, a few bullfrogs croaking loudly, bullfrog tadpoles and a trout being caught.
We went to Dahlonega again. Didn’t find much at the general store but got two glass creamers at the antique mall for $3 and a Disney Chevron car for $7. 2 kids sit in the car with Mickey Mouse ears.
Next we headed to Helen. It was quite hot and humid. We found a picnic table by the river to have a picnic lunch. There were lots of people in the water, tubing down the river, in bright pink and neon green inner tubes. We had seen a group earlier that take off from one destination and a bus picks them up at the end. Little kids--teens--adults--a grandma--some tied together--some singles--some with a stick to push off the rocks.
One little girl got out of her tube after losing her stick. Her friend wouldn’t stop--they were lashed together. She was running down the river trying to catch her inner tube. Fortunately for her, she had on sandals.
We walked around town--similar to Solvang--but German instead of Danish. We stepped into a few shops just to beat the heat and of course we couldn’t leave without a funnel cake to share. Since we never know when the fair is and we couldn’t make it to Paso’s fair, we got our grease saturated treat and went back to the lodge. Well, first we got lost. We took the wrong turn but we ended up finding something to eat for dinner.
We had decided we were too tired to go to the outlet mall or to get anything to eat because we were still full from the funnel cake. But Jim discovered we were going the wrong way back so we stopped for take out before getting back to our room. It’s not always easy to figure out the signs we’re supposed to be following. We ate our dinner out on the back porch of the lodge and then Cory and I just sat and rocked. It was pretty crowded out but still pretty quiet.
Friday: We got up and had breakfast at 9. Each morning we had 2 free breakfast buffets. The first morning, the waitress only charged Cory the child’s price, then this morning, the waitress gave us another free meal because of a wait. After breakfast, we went on the fitness trail--a mile walk through the woods.
Cory and I then sat on the back porch for awhile. It was just so nice, quiet, peaceful with the fog lifting, vultures and hawks soaring overhead. Cory and I enjoy listening to the quiet.
Just before check out, we packed up and headed to the top of the falls for a few pictures. We then drove down to the approach trail to the approach trail to the Appalachian Trail. Now that first approach trail is about a mile up and down the side of the mountain. I would love to walk the second approach trail and actually set foot on the Appalachian Trail. However, 8 miles in and turn around and walk the 8 miles back, and not knowing how strenuous, and getting a permit--well, we didn’t try it.
After our hike, we stopped off at the nature center for one last look then took off. We had to stop off at the Apple Farm to get more peaches in Ellijay. They’re delicious and I’m hoping mom will want to make a peach cobbler. We also got more of those apple fritters and a few other goodies.
Well, I really didn’t want to leave. I love the mountains. Actually, I prefer the mountains to the beach. I do miss the ocean though, now that I’ve lived in a landlocked state for 4 years and haven’t seen the ocean for at least 3 years. So, yes, I’m looking forward to my next trip--California Here I Come.
One stop we made later made me laugh--Biscuits, Bait and BBQ and Tasty Tenders. Now, I love homemade biscuits and enjoy a good bbq, but with bait? I don’t think so.
On the road to Amicalola Falls we ran in to a little rain. We stopped at an Apple Farm for a few peaches and nectarines, along with a couple of delicious apple fritters and the rain poured down.
We arrived at the park around 4, picked up some maps at the Visitor Center and checked in to our room at the lodge. We found a spot close by for a picnic and ate a late lunch.
We decided we’d drive over to Dahlonega, a cute little gold mining town, to look for souvenirs to take back to California. Well, we arrived about 10 minutes before the town closed down, except for the fudge shop and the pizzaria. We picked up some fudge and hot out of the oven garlic rolls drenched in garlic butter.
We headed back to the lodge and Cory and I took a short walk around the loop trail. We watched a little TV then headed to bed.
What is it about nature that is so soothing, so healing, so serene? I love being out in nature, creation. I’m not an avid hiker--though I enjoy hiking. Not much of a camper, but I could be. But still, I love the mountains. I also love the ocean and even enjoy spending time in the flower beds.
It has been terrific seeing mountain ranges that I’ve never seen. I had been to the Rockies and Sierras but now I’ve seen the Smokey Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’ve walked on the old Natchez Trace and the approach trail to the Appalachian Trail, and I’ve been extremely close to the Trail of Tears.
For the next 2 days, I’ll be at the Amicalola Falls. I love it here. The view of the Blue Ridge Mountains is covered with a foggy mist. It does give it a bit of a blue haze.
The last time we were here was last October, when fall colors of orange, yellow and red covered the mountains. Now that it’s summer, the trees are green. It’s such a peaceful place. The back porch area is lined with big wooden rockers looking out over the mountains.
Tomorrow we’ll do some hiking on a few trails and enjoy the falls.
Thursday: We woke up this morning with a view of fog, lined with trees. We went down for our breakfast and now Cory and I are sitting on the porch waiting for the skies to clear. It is so nice out. Not too hot or humid yet. We plan to go hiking once we let our food to digest. Later we may go back to Dahlonega and to Helen, a little German town. Jim prefers staying in the room watching TV it seems.
It would be nice if there were bird feeders out on the deck to see more birds of the area. I haven’t seen too many, but did see a couple of squirrels and a deer and two ducks. On our hikes today, I saw a striped lizard, a few bullfrogs croaking loudly, bullfrog tadpoles and a trout being caught.
We went to Dahlonega again. Didn’t find much at the general store but got two glass creamers at the antique mall for $3 and a Disney Chevron car for $7. 2 kids sit in the car with Mickey Mouse ears.
Next we headed to Helen. It was quite hot and humid. We found a picnic table by the river to have a picnic lunch. There were lots of people in the water, tubing down the river, in bright pink and neon green inner tubes. We had seen a group earlier that take off from one destination and a bus picks them up at the end. Little kids--teens--adults--a grandma--some tied together--some singles--some with a stick to push off the rocks.
One little girl got out of her tube after losing her stick. Her friend wouldn’t stop--they were lashed together. She was running down the river trying to catch her inner tube. Fortunately for her, she had on sandals.
We walked around town--similar to Solvang--but German instead of Danish. We stepped into a few shops just to beat the heat and of course we couldn’t leave without a funnel cake to share. Since we never know when the fair is and we couldn’t make it to Paso’s fair, we got our grease saturated treat and went back to the lodge. Well, first we got lost. We took the wrong turn but we ended up finding something to eat for dinner.
We had decided we were too tired to go to the outlet mall or to get anything to eat because we were still full from the funnel cake. But Jim discovered we were going the wrong way back so we stopped for take out before getting back to our room. It’s not always easy to figure out the signs we’re supposed to be following. We ate our dinner out on the back porch of the lodge and then Cory and I just sat and rocked. It was pretty crowded out but still pretty quiet.
Friday: We got up and had breakfast at 9. Each morning we had 2 free breakfast buffets. The first morning, the waitress only charged Cory the child’s price, then this morning, the waitress gave us another free meal because of a wait. After breakfast, we went on the fitness trail--a mile walk through the woods.
Cory and I then sat on the back porch for awhile. It was just so nice, quiet, peaceful with the fog lifting, vultures and hawks soaring overhead. Cory and I enjoy listening to the quiet.
Just before check out, we packed up and headed to the top of the falls for a few pictures. We then drove down to the approach trail to the approach trail to the Appalachian Trail. Now that first approach trail is about a mile up and down the side of the mountain. I would love to walk the second approach trail and actually set foot on the Appalachian Trail. However, 8 miles in and turn around and walk the 8 miles back, and not knowing how strenuous, and getting a permit--well, we didn’t try it.
After our hike, we stopped off at the nature center for one last look then took off. We had to stop off at the Apple Farm to get more peaches in Ellijay. They’re delicious and I’m hoping mom will want to make a peach cobbler. We also got more of those apple fritters and a few other goodies.
Well, I really didn’t want to leave. I love the mountains. Actually, I prefer the mountains to the beach. I do miss the ocean though, now that I’ve lived in a landlocked state for 4 years and haven’t seen the ocean for at least 3 years. So, yes, I’m looking forward to my next trip--California Here I Come.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
No Longer a Slumdog
A few weeks ago I ordered my free copy of No Longer a Slumdog by K. P. Yohannan. Some of you may know that Mr. Yohannan is the founder and international director of Gospel for Asia which brings hope to the people of India. The book is filled with stories of children rescued from dark situations and brought into one of the Bridge of Hope centers in their community. Here they learn that they are special in the eyes of the Lord. The children are given an education, basic necessities and health care. The community benefits as well with health education, vocational training and literacy classes. It is a program that we can get involved with by sponsoring a child for $28 per month.
There are 50 million child laborers in India alone and 1.2 million children are trafficked as slaves and prostitutes each year. In Matthew 18:10, Jesus said, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” The dictionary states the word “despise” means “to regard as unworthy of one’s interest or concern.” Jesus sees, He cares, and He feels the pain of these children.
Calcutta alone is home to more than 100,000 street children. They are left to fend for themselves.
In India, there are 11 million children who have been abandoned, and 90% of them are girls. Three million of these end up living on the streets. (Operation World)
According to UNICEF, more than 1 billion children around the world are deprived of one or more of these essentials: adequate shelter, food, safe water, sanitation, health care or education.
Some of the most disturbing information that I learned from this book was about the Dalit’s or Untouchables. I’ve heard them mentioned before but this gave me a closer look. Dalit literally means “broken,” “crushed” or “oppressed.” They are the lowest rung of the ladder in Hindu society. They are considered to be polluted or unclean. If they touch someone of a higher caste, the upper caste would supposedly become contaminated. How sad to be thought of in this way.
Psalm 10:17-18 says “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.”
For more information about Gospel for Asia, go to www.gfa.org.
There are 50 million child laborers in India alone and 1.2 million children are trafficked as slaves and prostitutes each year. In Matthew 18:10, Jesus said, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” The dictionary states the word “despise” means “to regard as unworthy of one’s interest or concern.” Jesus sees, He cares, and He feels the pain of these children.
Calcutta alone is home to more than 100,000 street children. They are left to fend for themselves.
In India, there are 11 million children who have been abandoned, and 90% of them are girls. Three million of these end up living on the streets. (Operation World)
According to UNICEF, more than 1 billion children around the world are deprived of one or more of these essentials: adequate shelter, food, safe water, sanitation, health care or education.
Some of the most disturbing information that I learned from this book was about the Dalit’s or Untouchables. I’ve heard them mentioned before but this gave me a closer look. Dalit literally means “broken,” “crushed” or “oppressed.” They are the lowest rung of the ladder in Hindu society. They are considered to be polluted or unclean. If they touch someone of a higher caste, the upper caste would supposedly become contaminated. How sad to be thought of in this way.
Psalm 10:17-18 says “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.”
For more information about Gospel for Asia, go to www.gfa.org.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Control or Out of Control
Control--it doesn’t have to be cutting to make us hurt. There can be physical pain of course, but there is also heartache, emotional pain. Voices--or noises--in our head sometimes won’t go away. I’ve had times with no peace in my head. There were many nights I couldn’t sleep. No peace. And I know the biggest peace giver--He gives peace like no one can. But peace was nonexistent.
I’m listening to the song “Control” by JJ Heller and it brings back memories. Me, I’ve come a long way but many nights I needed something to take the place of those “noises” swarming around up there. Music or videos on the ipod had to put me to sleep.
Sleep doesn’t/didn’t often come til 2 or 3 in the morning. I could have spent those hours praying but I was too restless--I couldn’t focus--I couldn’t think. It’s been slowly getting better. Sleep comes easier now.
During that time, I found a church where I felt safe and could heal. The worship was what I needed. The messages touched my heart once again.
“Beauty Will Rise” (Steven Curtis Chapman) from the ashes in the troubles and trials we may go through. “We know joy is coming in the morning....So take another breath for now and let the tears come washing down-and if you can’t believe, I’ll believe for you cause I have seen the signs of spring.”
(“Heaven is the Face” Stephen Curtis Chapman)
“God, you know, I just can’t SEE beyond the door,
But in my minds eye I can SEE a place where your glory fills every empty space.
All the cancer is gone
Every mouth is fed
And there’s no one left in the orphan’s bed
And no more not enough
And there’s no more enemy.”
I love that--every mouth is fed, no one left in the orphans bed. Jesus does care for these little ones, the least of these. He will one day ease their pain. He will one day hold them in His arms. Until then, what are we waiting for? He has given us a job to do. It’s amazing to see others take these little ones into their arms, hearts and homes and give them a safe place to live. A home. Blessed are those who are parents, grandparents, foster parents, adoptive parents, those who serve in orphanages, in the slums of Kibera or in the dumps of Ecuador.
I love that the cancer will be gone. I lost a brother and father to cancer. I’ve had cancer. My sister has had cancer. It’s a scary thing so we put our hope in Jesus. He is the Healer. He is the Great Physician.
I was on the border of belief and unbelief. I knew in my head I needed to believe but I chose to begin wondering why. And I hear a song that helps me see truth again.
(“I Will Trust You” SCC)
“...And I will trust you, even though I don’t understand,
even then I will say again you are my God
And I will trust you
“Jesus Will Meet You There” because “Spring Is Coming”.
When I first listened to Steven Curtis Chapman’s CD, “Beauty Will Rise”, I cried. I cried through every song. I had also just read, MaryBeth Chapman’s book, Choosing To See. That also helped to put the songs into perspective. This was his first record since his daughter Maria went to heaven. I can’t even begin to feel his pain, or that of his family. But as I listened again yesterday, on the way to the mountains, without tears I might add, the songs spoke another story for me. I’m thankful for music--how it speaks to me personally--how it related on different levels to what I may be going through or a friend or loved one.
That was just “On My Mind”.
I’m listening to the song “Control” by JJ Heller and it brings back memories. Me, I’ve come a long way but many nights I needed something to take the place of those “noises” swarming around up there. Music or videos on the ipod had to put me to sleep.
Sleep doesn’t/didn’t often come til 2 or 3 in the morning. I could have spent those hours praying but I was too restless--I couldn’t focus--I couldn’t think. It’s been slowly getting better. Sleep comes easier now.
During that time, I found a church where I felt safe and could heal. The worship was what I needed. The messages touched my heart once again.
“Beauty Will Rise” (Steven Curtis Chapman) from the ashes in the troubles and trials we may go through. “We know joy is coming in the morning....So take another breath for now and let the tears come washing down-and if you can’t believe, I’ll believe for you cause I have seen the signs of spring.”
(“Heaven is the Face” Stephen Curtis Chapman)
“God, you know, I just can’t SEE beyond the door,
But in my minds eye I can SEE a place where your glory fills every empty space.
All the cancer is gone
Every mouth is fed
And there’s no one left in the orphan’s bed
And no more not enough
And there’s no more enemy.”
I love that--every mouth is fed, no one left in the orphans bed. Jesus does care for these little ones, the least of these. He will one day ease their pain. He will one day hold them in His arms. Until then, what are we waiting for? He has given us a job to do. It’s amazing to see others take these little ones into their arms, hearts and homes and give them a safe place to live. A home. Blessed are those who are parents, grandparents, foster parents, adoptive parents, those who serve in orphanages, in the slums of Kibera or in the dumps of Ecuador.
I love that the cancer will be gone. I lost a brother and father to cancer. I’ve had cancer. My sister has had cancer. It’s a scary thing so we put our hope in Jesus. He is the Healer. He is the Great Physician.
I was on the border of belief and unbelief. I knew in my head I needed to believe but I chose to begin wondering why. And I hear a song that helps me see truth again.
(“I Will Trust You” SCC)
“...And I will trust you, even though I don’t understand,
even then I will say again you are my God
And I will trust you
“Jesus Will Meet You There” because “Spring Is Coming”.
When I first listened to Steven Curtis Chapman’s CD, “Beauty Will Rise”, I cried. I cried through every song. I had also just read, MaryBeth Chapman’s book, Choosing To See. That also helped to put the songs into perspective. This was his first record since his daughter Maria went to heaven. I can’t even begin to feel his pain, or that of his family. But as I listened again yesterday, on the way to the mountains, without tears I might add, the songs spoke another story for me. I’m thankful for music--how it speaks to me personally--how it related on different levels to what I may be going through or a friend or loved one.
That was just “On My Mind”.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Who's Your Neighbor?
God tells us in John 13:34 to love one another. That may be easy with family and friends. But when we are asked to widen the circle of our loving relationships to strangers in our community or around the world, it may become a challenge. We may ask:
Who is my neighbor?
What does loving them look like?
How do I respond?
If we are to be disciples of Jesus, we must love one another as God loved us. Not only love, but love as Jesus loves us.
People all around us are “our neighbors”, not just the ones that live next door to us. God has commanded us to love our neighbors. Someone in the Middle East suffering from war-induced hunger, needs to be fed. A homeless person asking for money may enjoy a good meal, a shower and a bed. A young boy in Tanzania is denied the opportunity to attend school because he can’t afford the mandatory uniform or school supplies. Perhaps I could provide that uniform and send needed supplies. Many women in developing nations walk miles each day to bring even dirty water to their families. I could raise money for a well or donate to a project of this sort. Two million children a year are forced into labor or prostitution to earn income. Young people like Zach Hunter, a young abolitionist, are freeing slaves by going without a fast food meal for instance. Two thousand children die each day from malaria, which has been eradicated in North America and Europe. So why hasn’t the problem been solved in the rest of the world? Doesn’t anyone care about these children? Governments need to step up and help their people. We can provide mosquito nets for a family for less than $10 which will help save lives. Women and children fleeing domestic violence and living in shelters or on the streets may not have health care. Again, governments and NGO’s need to continue working on this problem. Provide health care for less and provide health clinics in more villages, like Victor and his NGO are doing in Madagascar--training the people to dispense medicine and build small clinics to provide health care. If nothing else, I should be able to advocate for each of these causes. Let others become aware of the plight around the world. I could also do some fundraising and I could go.
Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has annointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
What leaves a deep impression on you about Jesus’ life and ministry on earth?
Who is my neighbor?
What does loving them look like?
How do I respond?
If we are to be disciples of Jesus, we must love one another as God loved us. Not only love, but love as Jesus loves us.
People all around us are “our neighbors”, not just the ones that live next door to us. God has commanded us to love our neighbors. Someone in the Middle East suffering from war-induced hunger, needs to be fed. A homeless person asking for money may enjoy a good meal, a shower and a bed. A young boy in Tanzania is denied the opportunity to attend school because he can’t afford the mandatory uniform or school supplies. Perhaps I could provide that uniform and send needed supplies. Many women in developing nations walk miles each day to bring even dirty water to their families. I could raise money for a well or donate to a project of this sort. Two million children a year are forced into labor or prostitution to earn income. Young people like Zach Hunter, a young abolitionist, are freeing slaves by going without a fast food meal for instance. Two thousand children die each day from malaria, which has been eradicated in North America and Europe. So why hasn’t the problem been solved in the rest of the world? Doesn’t anyone care about these children? Governments need to step up and help their people. We can provide mosquito nets for a family for less than $10 which will help save lives. Women and children fleeing domestic violence and living in shelters or on the streets may not have health care. Again, governments and NGO’s need to continue working on this problem. Provide health care for less and provide health clinics in more villages, like Victor and his NGO are doing in Madagascar--training the people to dispense medicine and build small clinics to provide health care. If nothing else, I should be able to advocate for each of these causes. Let others become aware of the plight around the world. I could also do some fundraising and I could go.
Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has annointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
What leaves a deep impression on you about Jesus’ life and ministry on earth?
Thoughts on "Precious in His Sight"
There are over 2 billion children in the world. Half of them live in poverty, living off of less than $1.00 a day. 10,198 children will die from hunger today. Each child was created by God and no matter where they live or what their circumstance, they should be free to be all God intended them to be. They live in their own part of the world and God loves each and every one of them. We have been blessed to be a blessing to these children. How can we help? The numbers are too many. 100 million children have no access to an education--60 million of those children are girls. There are things we can do to help. We can pray for these precious little ones. We can advocate on their behalf--telling others what needs to be told even though, often times, no one wants to hear. We can go to the least of these, care for them, bless them, provide for them, teach them. It hurts knowing there are so many children in desperate situations around the world and even in our own country.
We need to meet their needs both spiritually and physically--simultaneously--they go hand in hand. These children have real lives, real hopes and real dreams. What am I going to do to help meet those needs and help make those dreams come true?
We need to meet their needs both spiritually and physically--simultaneously--they go hand in hand. These children have real lives, real hopes and real dreams. What am I going to do to help meet those needs and help make those dreams come true?
Friday, June 3, 2011
Re-evaluating!
Life has no guarantees! We need to live life to its fullest while we can. This rings so true to me this week when I heard some devastating news from a friend. I do believe our lives are in God’s hands. He knows the end of our story. However, what can we do to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to the Lord, and one with meaning?
This week I received an email for World Vision ACT:S summer bucket list. Though this group is geared towards college students, I began advocating with them a couple of years ago. They list ideas to get involved in a cause or issue that you are passionate about. One of the suggestions is to make your own “bucket list”. You’ve seen that going around, things you want to do or accomplish in your lifetime. Well, I never thought of doing that before, making a list that is, but maybe I will. It’s interesting that I got this news and bucket list on the same day. Or is it?
For the past few months I’ve been re-evaluating my life. Why? Well, for the past four years (the time we’ve been living in Tennessee), I feel like I’ve wasted a lot of time. I haven’t been doing any ministry except for a couple of small projects. I’ve tried to get involved with homeschoolers, to no avail. So, I’ve wondered, “Why am I even here?”.
Since reading and studying David Platt’s book, Radical, and participating in World Vision’s ACT:S ReLentless during April, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. Thinking about what? Thinking about what I’m doing versus what I should be doing with my life.
I don’t believe that I was put on this earth to sit idly by while thousands of children die each day due to preventable diseases and millions are going to spend eternity in hell because they have never heard about Jesus.
If God didn’t care about orphans, widows, the poor and needy, and the oppressed, why did He bother putting around 2,000 verses in the Bible on those topics? Why should we care? Why should I care? Because God does!
So what will I do with what I’ve heard, learned, read, studied? Well, I believe I should go to God in prayer and ask Him what I can be doing, what I should be doing.
I keep thinking back to a time when I wondered about the children in developing nations who don’t have the opportunity for an education--perhaps they can’t pay for school fees, can’t buy a uniform, books or even a pair of shoes. Perhaps, they must work, or beg, to eat each day. Maybe they are caring for their siblings while parents work. Then, there is a chance that some of these children don’t have parents so they become the parent and must forgo school. Why do they have so little and we have so much? Could it be that God blessed us so that we could bless others? This is still an interest of mine and has been for several years.
Father, help me to be a blessing to someone.
This week I received an email for World Vision ACT:S summer bucket list. Though this group is geared towards college students, I began advocating with them a couple of years ago. They list ideas to get involved in a cause or issue that you are passionate about. One of the suggestions is to make your own “bucket list”. You’ve seen that going around, things you want to do or accomplish in your lifetime. Well, I never thought of doing that before, making a list that is, but maybe I will. It’s interesting that I got this news and bucket list on the same day. Or is it?
For the past few months I’ve been re-evaluating my life. Why? Well, for the past four years (the time we’ve been living in Tennessee), I feel like I’ve wasted a lot of time. I haven’t been doing any ministry except for a couple of small projects. I’ve tried to get involved with homeschoolers, to no avail. So, I’ve wondered, “Why am I even here?”.
Since reading and studying David Platt’s book, Radical, and participating in World Vision’s ACT:S ReLentless during April, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. Thinking about what? Thinking about what I’m doing versus what I should be doing with my life.
I don’t believe that I was put on this earth to sit idly by while thousands of children die each day due to preventable diseases and millions are going to spend eternity in hell because they have never heard about Jesus.
If God didn’t care about orphans, widows, the poor and needy, and the oppressed, why did He bother putting around 2,000 verses in the Bible on those topics? Why should we care? Why should I care? Because God does!
So what will I do with what I’ve heard, learned, read, studied? Well, I believe I should go to God in prayer and ask Him what I can be doing, what I should be doing.
I keep thinking back to a time when I wondered about the children in developing nations who don’t have the opportunity for an education--perhaps they can’t pay for school fees, can’t buy a uniform, books or even a pair of shoes. Perhaps, they must work, or beg, to eat each day. Maybe they are caring for their siblings while parents work. Then, there is a chance that some of these children don’t have parents so they become the parent and must forgo school. Why do they have so little and we have so much? Could it be that God blessed us so that we could bless others? This is still an interest of mine and has been for several years.
Father, help me to be a blessing to someone.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Gardening Brings Peace
I must say I love to work in the garden. Actually, I don’t have much of one but I do consider my flower beds garden also. I’ve often gone out to pull weeds and dig in the dirt when I’m sad, or angry, frustrated or depressed. It just seems to make me feel better. Yesterday I went out to work the beds because I was a little sad. My yard has the worse case of weed infestation and “devil” grass. I’ll explain later. It’s quite disturbing since the neighbor to the right of me has a lush, thick carpet of green surrounding his house. The yard across the street is similar and down on the corner as well. I love green. I love walking barefoot in soft, thick, grass. However, the landlord didn’t have the same idea. The tradition in the south for laying grass seed, is to put a layer of straw/hay over the top. Maybe that’s like a mulch, to keep the moisture in. However, I’m thinking, where is this straw/hay coming from? From a field someplace that contains weeds? That’s what I’m thinking. Plus, there are a couple of other reasons why I feel I have weeds. Anyway, as I was removing weeds from my flower beds, and trying to remove the “devil grass” (aka Bermuda grass) I began thinking about allegories.
I see the weeds in the yard as sins in our lives or trials we face. They become a pain and left unattended their roots dig deep into the ground (and into our lives). The Bermuda grass is that noxious grass that grows out further and further, laying down roots as it grows. It reminds me of Satan, slithering around attacking us. Each root it lays down is another jab or fiery dart trying to bring us down. So I get a little aggressive when trying to remove this grass from my beds, trying to devour the beautiful flowers and bushes, trying to strangle their beauty. It’s tiring work, and when there is too much it may take days to remove, but it looks so much nicer when finished. God is the Master Gardener. He created all of the beauty of springtime. Yes, he even created the weeds and Bermuda grass. He makes everything good. He’s also our Master Gardener, that is, if we let him. He created us, tends us, prunes us, lovingly speaks to us and wants to keep the fiery darts (or weeds) from choking us. He loves us that much--more than we might love our gardens.
I see the weeds in the yard as sins in our lives or trials we face. They become a pain and left unattended their roots dig deep into the ground (and into our lives). The Bermuda grass is that noxious grass that grows out further and further, laying down roots as it grows. It reminds me of Satan, slithering around attacking us. Each root it lays down is another jab or fiery dart trying to bring us down. So I get a little aggressive when trying to remove this grass from my beds, trying to devour the beautiful flowers and bushes, trying to strangle their beauty. It’s tiring work, and when there is too much it may take days to remove, but it looks so much nicer when finished. God is the Master Gardener. He created all of the beauty of springtime. Yes, he even created the weeds and Bermuda grass. He makes everything good. He’s also our Master Gardener, that is, if we let him. He created us, tends us, prunes us, lovingly speaks to us and wants to keep the fiery darts (or weeds) from choking us. He loves us that much--more than we might love our gardens.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Malaria No More
No child should die because of a mosquito bite. Together, we can end malaria in our lifetime.
Malaria is near and dear to our family, because Cory has had malaria several times. She lived in Madagascar, Africa for 8 years and contracted malaria for the first time during her first year there.
Many people who live in Africa and other countries as well are susceptible to a mosquito bite.
How can this dreaded disease be stopped? Well, one way is by providing bed nets treated with insecticides. One $6 bed net is large enough to protect 2 children or more for about 4 years.
Why is this cause important? Because more than 2,000 children die each day from malaria. (some sources say 3,000)
Malaria is a potentially fatal infection of the blood that is caused by a protozoan parasite called Plasmodium. An infection occurs when a person is bitten by a mosquito that carries the parasite.
Malaria is preventable and treatable. However, each year, 350-500 million people are infected with malaria. African children under the age of five account for 75% of those who die--that's 3,000 children each day and 20% of ALL childhood deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. (source: UNICEF)
Malaria endangers pregnant mothers and babies. It is responsible for as many as 10,000 maternal deaths a year. Women who contract malaria during pregnancy can run the risk of maternal anemia, spontaneous abortions and stillborn children. Their children may suffer from impaired fetal growth, premature birth or low birth weight.
Malaria symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and joint aches. If left untreated, malaria can develop into cerebral malaria that can cause a coma and even death.
Let's put an end to malaria. Bite Back! Donate $6 per bed net to World Vision or $10 per net to Compassion International!
HELP SAVE A LIFE!
Malaria is near and dear to our family, because Cory has had malaria several times. She lived in Madagascar, Africa for 8 years and contracted malaria for the first time during her first year there.
Many people who live in Africa and other countries as well are susceptible to a mosquito bite.
How can this dreaded disease be stopped? Well, one way is by providing bed nets treated with insecticides. One $6 bed net is large enough to protect 2 children or more for about 4 years.
Why is this cause important? Because more than 2,000 children die each day from malaria. (some sources say 3,000)
Malaria is a potentially fatal infection of the blood that is caused by a protozoan parasite called Plasmodium. An infection occurs when a person is bitten by a mosquito that carries the parasite.
Malaria is preventable and treatable. However, each year, 350-500 million people are infected with malaria. African children under the age of five account for 75% of those who die--that's 3,000 children each day and 20% of ALL childhood deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. (source: UNICEF)
Malaria endangers pregnant mothers and babies. It is responsible for as many as 10,000 maternal deaths a year. Women who contract malaria during pregnancy can run the risk of maternal anemia, spontaneous abortions and stillborn children. Their children may suffer from impaired fetal growth, premature birth or low birth weight.
Malaria symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and joint aches. If left untreated, malaria can develop into cerebral malaria that can cause a coma and even death.
Let's put an end to malaria. Bite Back! Donate $6 per bed net to World Vision or $10 per net to Compassion International!
HELP SAVE A LIFE!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Malaria--Cory's Story
Since today is World Malaria Day I thought it fitting to post Cory's encounter with the disease. (This is a little different version than last years post.)
I remember when I first got malaria in Madagascar in 1999 on an outreach.
I was with a team of about ten people, and I was the only 'white' person. The outreach had started out fine, until I started to feel sick. I didn't know what it was, but I had the chills, stomach ache, and loss of appetite. After a day or so, I was getting worse and so we called for a doctor. He came and knew right away it was malaria. I was put on some medication and then later a nurse came to start giving me shots. I had to have three shots, once a day. The following days, I still couldn't eat much and I had to pretty much wobble to get to the bathroom (which was outside) since I felt dizzy getting up and was completely weak. During this period, my teammates had to leave for an overnight trip to the bush. I stayed back at the house where a family was hosting us. I remember, as I was resting, or trying to rest, one of the helper guys was peeking in on me through the window. I was thinking, what's up with this guy...I guess he doesn't see too many white people, especially sick ones. So once he left I closed all the windows.
I don't really remember how I slept that night, since I was in a foreign place, I didn't speak the language yet, I was alone in the house, and there was a guy peeking in on me...it must have been all those drugs that I was on.
It took a good couple of weeks before I could regain my strength and feel like a part of the team again, doing ministry.
That wasn't the only time that I had malaria, as it stays in your blood once you get it. I got it again, worse than the first time in 2000. My friends were even saying if I needed to go home earlier (I was due for a furlough two months before I got sick), they would totally release me.
The symptoms were worse than before and I really thought it was going to be my last days. I got so weak that I couldn't do anything...I needed help getting to the bathroom (which was a bucket as I was on the top floor of the house and couldn't go up and down the stairs) and needed help eating, though I didn't eat much because I couldn't keep anything down.
As I lay there in bed, not knowing what was going to happen, being away from my family...people started praying for me more and more. One of the people I was staying with was a 'shepherd' from her church in Madagascar. The ‘shepherds’ go to different villages and pray for the sick and cast out demons. So this woman took her Bible and stood up on the bed that I was laying on and started praying and rebuking the enemy. Seriously, the next day and the days after that, I started to slowly get better. I was able to keep some food down. After two weeks I was able to regain my strength. I think that was the hardest time: being sick and being away from home. But you know, even as I lay there sick, there was a peace also upon me, knowing that if that was my time, it wasn't in vain.
The malaria didn't stop there though, I got it again in Tamatave around 2002. This case of malaria wasn't as bad as the first two but I was to be hospitalized if I didn't get better. Well, not wanting to be in a hospital bed, I prayed for healing and that the medicines would work. Praise God, He healed me once again.
World Malaria Day!
Malaria: A deadly threat with a simple solution
By Heidi Isaza and Peter Warski, World Vision U.S.
Rachel Chuya, mother of five in Zambia, remembers her family's battles with malaria.
"Malaria could not end in our household," she says. "It was like we were just exchanging [it]. When my husband suffered from malaria and he got healed, the next person [to get it] was me. When I got healed, the next [were] our children," she remembers.
"It was very painful."
She recalls the symptoms of this terrible disease -- such as fever, chills, yellow eyes, rashes, and vomiting -- and the terrible toll it took on her husband and children.
"It is difficult when a child is suffering from malaria," says Rachel. "As a mother, you are stuck. You get home [from the clinic], and you have nothing you can do. All that comes to mind is, 'I am waiting for my child to die.'"
Rachel had good reason to worry about her children. "I have seen a lot of people die from malaria," she says somberly.
Thankfully, none of her children died. But they did face consequences far beyond physical illness.
"When they suffered from malaria, they [would] take a minimum of two weeks to heal, and by the time they go back to school, they are left behind," Rachel says.
She knew the source of the problem -- and its solution. Infected mosquitoes that would bite her husband and children while they slept could be stopped with bed nets that cost less than $10 each. But for this struggling family, even the nets were cost-prohibitive.
"It has been a challenging thing to decide whether to buy a net or to buy food for the children," she says. "Of course you choose food, because [with] the little money you have, you just have to buy food for the children," she says, adding that her family can only grow their own food during the rainy season -- and even then, it's not enough.
But thanks to gifts given through World Vision's Gift Catalog, their community received bed nets -- including three for Rachel's family. Now, all of them are protected from malaria-carrying mosquitoes as they sleep.
"This time, we are very much free [from malaria] and my children are healthy," says Rachel. "Even at the clinic they are surprised. They say, 'Mrs. Chuya, you can't be seen here. What's happened?' And I tell them that I have no problems now that I've got the nets."
Lillian, 11, loves sleeping under her net. "I feel more secure because [the mosquitoes] are unable to come and bite us," she says.
And with the nets, the children can again succeed with their education. "Now, I am a proud mother. My children are healthy, and when they go to school, they are getting good results," Rachel says with a smile.
"Thank you so much to the donors who helped me get the mosquito nets. It has been a prayer answered to my household," she adds.
Thank God for bringing Rachel's family healing and relief after a long period of suffering. Pray for other families and communities still affected by deadly malaria, and pray for an end to this preventable, treatable disease.
Make a one-time gift to World Vision's Malaria Eradication Fund. Your donation will triple in impact to fight malaria in Africa with interventions like insecticide-treated bed nets, medical care, prevention education, and more.
Give monthly to help fight malaria around the world. Your monthly contribution will help us provide prevention and treatment against this deadly disease, like bed nets, medical care, prevention education, and more.
Send a message to your members of Congress. Ask them to oppose devastating funding cuts to the International Affairs Budget, which provides life-saving assistance to fight deadly but preventable diseases like malaria.
Please help if you can! Check out www.worldvision.org
By Heidi Isaza and Peter Warski, World Vision U.S.
Rachel Chuya, mother of five in Zambia, remembers her family's battles with malaria.
"Malaria could not end in our household," she says. "It was like we were just exchanging [it]. When my husband suffered from malaria and he got healed, the next person [to get it] was me. When I got healed, the next [were] our children," she remembers.
"It was very painful."
She recalls the symptoms of this terrible disease -- such as fever, chills, yellow eyes, rashes, and vomiting -- and the terrible toll it took on her husband and children.
"It is difficult when a child is suffering from malaria," says Rachel. "As a mother, you are stuck. You get home [from the clinic], and you have nothing you can do. All that comes to mind is, 'I am waiting for my child to die.'"
Rachel had good reason to worry about her children. "I have seen a lot of people die from malaria," she says somberly.
Thankfully, none of her children died. But they did face consequences far beyond physical illness.
"When they suffered from malaria, they [would] take a minimum of two weeks to heal, and by the time they go back to school, they are left behind," Rachel says.
She knew the source of the problem -- and its solution. Infected mosquitoes that would bite her husband and children while they slept could be stopped with bed nets that cost less than $10 each. But for this struggling family, even the nets were cost-prohibitive.
"It has been a challenging thing to decide whether to buy a net or to buy food for the children," she says. "Of course you choose food, because [with] the little money you have, you just have to buy food for the children," she says, adding that her family can only grow their own food during the rainy season -- and even then, it's not enough.
But thanks to gifts given through World Vision's Gift Catalog, their community received bed nets -- including three for Rachel's family. Now, all of them are protected from malaria-carrying mosquitoes as they sleep.
"This time, we are very much free [from malaria] and my children are healthy," says Rachel. "Even at the clinic they are surprised. They say, 'Mrs. Chuya, you can't be seen here. What's happened?' And I tell them that I have no problems now that I've got the nets."
Lillian, 11, loves sleeping under her net. "I feel more secure because [the mosquitoes] are unable to come and bite us," she says.
And with the nets, the children can again succeed with their education. "Now, I am a proud mother. My children are healthy, and when they go to school, they are getting good results," Rachel says with a smile.
"Thank you so much to the donors who helped me get the mosquito nets. It has been a prayer answered to my household," she adds.
Thank God for bringing Rachel's family healing and relief after a long period of suffering. Pray for other families and communities still affected by deadly malaria, and pray for an end to this preventable, treatable disease.
Make a one-time gift to World Vision's Malaria Eradication Fund. Your donation will triple in impact to fight malaria in Africa with interventions like insecticide-treated bed nets, medical care, prevention education, and more.
Give monthly to help fight malaria around the world. Your monthly contribution will help us provide prevention and treatment against this deadly disease, like bed nets, medical care, prevention education, and more.
Send a message to your members of Congress. Ask them to oppose devastating funding cuts to the International Affairs Budget, which provides life-saving assistance to fight deadly but preventable diseases like malaria.
Please help if you can! Check out www.worldvision.org
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
No Facebook
This week I decided to take myself off of Facebook for a few days. Actually it was a challenge from my Relentless journey to become forgotten. The thing I miss most I guess is the fact I couldn’t be a voice for the voiceless as readily as I could have been. Of course, I don’t always post intellectual or spiritual posts by a long shot. However, when something comes to mind to share, I enjoy sharing those thoughts. Facebook can be fun, and it does hold a purpose I suppose: chatting with friends and family that live a far away (or even in the same house-ha!), finding old friends and rebuilding relationships, and of course the games. LOL!!! I was able to figure out how to post something without actually being on Facebook--you may have noticed a couple that I posted on Tuesday.
I may never be in a situation like so many children around the world who find themselves living on the streets, in sewers or in orphan mills. And I will never truly know what it means to be completely hopeless and forgotten. But I can be a voice to those who are.
Do you remember who, on that Christmas night in Bethlehem, was told of Christ’s birth? God chose the shepherds--the forgotten and hopeless. He could have told kings or rulers and religious leaders. But he chose shepherds of all people. Shepherds in New Testament times were often despised because they lived with their flocks day and night. They were thought of as ceremonially unclean and not permitted to enter the temple. They resembled the hopelessness of children on the streets. However, Jesus is our HOPE--the hope for these children.
Do you know of anyone who has been forgotten? Pray for children around the world that feel hopeless and forgotten.
I may never be in a situation like so many children around the world who find themselves living on the streets, in sewers or in orphan mills. And I will never truly know what it means to be completely hopeless and forgotten. But I can be a voice to those who are.
Do you remember who, on that Christmas night in Bethlehem, was told of Christ’s birth? God chose the shepherds--the forgotten and hopeless. He could have told kings or rulers and religious leaders. But he chose shepherds of all people. Shepherds in New Testament times were often despised because they lived with their flocks day and night. They were thought of as ceremonially unclean and not permitted to enter the temple. They resembled the hopelessness of children on the streets. However, Jesus is our HOPE--the hope for these children.
Do you know of anyone who has been forgotten? Pray for children around the world that feel hopeless and forgotten.
25 Hours of Silence
For 25 years, the Lords Resistance Army has been committing terrible atrocities against innocent people in central Africa. After the LRA was driven out of northern Uganda in 2005, they have been occupying some of the most remote and isolated territory in the entire region. They are attacking communities that have virtually no way to communicate to the outside world. The cries of the victims go silent.
Therefore, on April 25th thousands around the world will go silent, to speak out without speaking.
For more information go to www.invisiblechildren.com
Invisible Children will also be on Oprah tomorrow, Wednesday April 20 if you have a chance to watch.
Therefore, on April 25th thousands around the world will go silent, to speak out without speaking.
For more information go to www.invisiblechildren.com
Invisible Children will also be on Oprah tomorrow, Wednesday April 20 if you have a chance to watch.
Monday, April 18, 2011
More Thoughts on Hopeless and Forgotten
Have you ever felt hopeless or forgotten at some time in your life? Do you remember what it felt like? When I was a little girl, maybe first grade, I walked home from school and no one was there. Where had my family gone? Was I forgotten? I felt so alone. I sat on the front porch until my family returned. I felt frightened and knowing me, I probably cried too. I can’t even imagine children on the street that feel all alone, as if no one cared, no one loved them. The orphans living on their own, possibly raising younger siblings instead of attending school or playing with friends--feeling all alone, helpless, hopeless, speechless, voiceless, forgotten, and the list goes on.
The poor and needy search for water,
but there is none;
their tongues are parched with thirst.
But I the LORD will answer them;
I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
--Isaiah 41:17
Not all of the children on the street choose to be there. They may be kicked out of their homes as Romeo was (previous story), by his stepmother who didn’t want her husband’s children. Perhaps the children can’t be fed or taken care of in the home. Some are sold into slavery, others are on the streets. Maybe, not all children who feel hopeless and forgotten live on the streets. They may live at home and in a family, but for whatever reasons, they still feel forgotten and alone.
Sometimes we may forget; we forget about God or other people in our lives and about ourselves.
For Romeo and each one of us, we can find comfort and peace in knowing God will never leave or forsake us. He will always remember who we are. Even when we feel forgotten or when we fail to remember Him or others around us, remember that God will always be faithful and remain with His people.
(parts of this writing was taken from World Vision act:s Relentless message)
The poor and needy search for water,
but there is none;
their tongues are parched with thirst.
But I the LORD will answer them;
I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
--Isaiah 41:17
Not all of the children on the street choose to be there. They may be kicked out of their homes as Romeo was (previous story), by his stepmother who didn’t want her husband’s children. Perhaps the children can’t be fed or taken care of in the home. Some are sold into slavery, others are on the streets. Maybe, not all children who feel hopeless and forgotten live on the streets. They may live at home and in a family, but for whatever reasons, they still feel forgotten and alone.
Sometimes we may forget; we forget about God or other people in our lives and about ourselves.
For Romeo and each one of us, we can find comfort and peace in knowing God will never leave or forsake us. He will always remember who we are. Even when we feel forgotten or when we fail to remember Him or others around us, remember that God will always be faithful and remain with His people.
(parts of this writing was taken from World Vision act:s Relentless message)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
End Malaria
Tonight 2,000 children will die from mosquito bites and it's entirely preventable. No child should die from a mosquito bite, and if we work together, no child will. Malaria was wiped out in the U.S. only 60 years ago. It took just 5 years. When made a PRIORITY, malaria can be stopped. Malaria is a deadly disease that threatens half of the world's population. (3 billion people) Each year, approximately 250 million people get infected. That is equal to 83% of the U.S. population. Nearly 750,000 African children die each year from malaria. That is equal to all the children in Florida under age 5.
Since 1950
20 million deaths from all wars
25 million deaths from AIDS
41 (to 65) million child deaths from malaria
Who can help? You and your family! Only $6 will buy an insecticide-treated bed net that will save 2 lives and help kill malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
To combat malaria effectively, the United States must increase its funding to at least $1 billion a year. They passed a law promising to do so, but haven't yet followed through. For information on how to contact your elected leaders to persuade your representative to fund life-saving interventions, visit: www.actstoendmalaria.org.
Millions of lives are depending on us. Pray about how you can get involved.
(information from World Vision act:s--www.actstoendmalaria.org)
Since 1950
20 million deaths from all wars
25 million deaths from AIDS
41 (to 65) million child deaths from malaria
Who can help? You and your family! Only $6 will buy an insecticide-treated bed net that will save 2 lives and help kill malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
To combat malaria effectively, the United States must increase its funding to at least $1 billion a year. They passed a law promising to do so, but haven't yet followed through. For information on how to contact your elected leaders to persuade your representative to fund life-saving interventions, visit: www.actstoendmalaria.org.
Millions of lives are depending on us. Pray about how you can get involved.
(information from World Vision act:s--www.actstoendmalaria.org)
Hopeless & Forgotten
Hopeless: By Gerta Hagen, December 2009
Albania
Street children in Albania are hidden, unseen, ignored. The majority of Albanian society either despises them or doesn’t know that they exist. They are the invisible begging, windshield-washing, can-collecting kids that no one knows about. They often fall prey to recruitment into illicit activities and organized trafficking, both inside the country and abroad.
Romeo* is only one of these street children. He is fifteen years old, even though his frail frame makes him look much younger. He is a little shy, but a very sharp child full of life and dreams.
“There [were] five of us that [slept] in this one room. I had just fallen asleep. You know, I didn’t have any money and so I went out and collected cans,”
Romeo recalled, keeping his eyes downcast as he fiddled with his warm soup - the only meal he was having for the day. “I had a bag full of them right next to my bed. But I guess I got too wet and chilled so I was feeling sick. My friend, he comes in late because he was working in a parking garage. As soon as he stepped in the door, I heard the police screaming right after him.
“The police walked right in the room and started yelling and kicking us and telling us to get down. So I told him that I was sick and I couldn’t go out in the rain because I had a fever. He yelled some more and got us all down with very little clothing on. Then he lined us up in the rain and was asking many questions.
“The police do that every time something bad happens in Blloku**. However, I don’t blame them; they have to do their job too, so whenever they don’t find the ‘real’ guy who did the bad things they harass us. I was telling him, ‘But sir we only collect cans or beg. We have not done anything bad.’ Then someone called him on the radio and then he let us go, after he got us all wet.”
Romeo’s mother fled from the Albanian capital, Tirana, to Greece after being brutally beaten by her husband. Romeo’s father remarried and his stepmother no longer wanted her husband’s children to live with her. Both brothers, then aged 13 and 12 respectively, were forced to leave their home.
“I haven’t gone to school since,” said Romeo, quick to add, “But I didn’t leave because I was a bad student, I had really good grades. I love Math but didn’t do very well in English.”
After Romeo was thrown out onto the street, he tried to flee to Greece, to beg and do other odd jobs.
“We went through the mountains, a group of seven boys; we walked several kilometers a day,” he said. “When we went to Greece I would beg, but then this one time I got so hungry, I hadn’t eaten for two days, so I went and handed myself to the police. They gave me food and sent me back to Tirana.”
Life for children on the street is hard. Their undernourished bodies are frequently exposed to the natural elements. Their human dignity is often destroyed by the heels of passers-by who don’t think twice before hitting or cursing them. Their dreams are crushed by their lack of choices and opportunities.
“But I don’t beg anymore,” said Romeo. “I feel ashamed of myself when I do and even when I collect cans. Sometimes people hit you and curse at you on the street.
“My biggest wish is that my friends and I no longer work on the street. I want to learn computer, play football and learn how to be a plumber. When I have my own family, I am going to make my children go to school. What kind of person doesn’t let children go to school?!” demands Romeo, with a big smile that hints of hope in his dark eyes.
* This story is the true account of a street-working child in Tirana. The name of the child has been changed to protect his identity.
** Blloku is one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in Tirana.
REFLECTION:
We might not know what it’s like to live on the street, but this week we will seek to experience the hopelessness of Romeo’s situation through the lens of being forgotten.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK’S EXPERIENCE:
• Deactivate your Facebook and other social media accounts for the week. Don’t worry; this is not the same as deleting your Facebook account. You can reactivate your account and everything will remain the same. For more information, visit Facebook’s Help Center: https://www.facebook.com/help/?page=842
• Each day this week, go to a different friend’s room and remove everything that is related to you. Keep a pile of the objects in a prominent space in your room and return the objects after the week is over.
If none of the suggested experiences work for you, we encourage you to adjust them or come up with your own. Choose something to commit to while remembering that we are giving up some “hope” for this week by doing something to feel forgotten.
--Written by Jeff Shieh and Derek Tang
Albania
Street children in Albania are hidden, unseen, ignored. The majority of Albanian society either despises them or doesn’t know that they exist. They are the invisible begging, windshield-washing, can-collecting kids that no one knows about. They often fall prey to recruitment into illicit activities and organized trafficking, both inside the country and abroad.
Romeo* is only one of these street children. He is fifteen years old, even though his frail frame makes him look much younger. He is a little shy, but a very sharp child full of life and dreams.
“There [were] five of us that [slept] in this one room. I had just fallen asleep. You know, I didn’t have any money and so I went out and collected cans,”
Romeo recalled, keeping his eyes downcast as he fiddled with his warm soup - the only meal he was having for the day. “I had a bag full of them right next to my bed. But I guess I got too wet and chilled so I was feeling sick. My friend, he comes in late because he was working in a parking garage. As soon as he stepped in the door, I heard the police screaming right after him.
“The police walked right in the room and started yelling and kicking us and telling us to get down. So I told him that I was sick and I couldn’t go out in the rain because I had a fever. He yelled some more and got us all down with very little clothing on. Then he lined us up in the rain and was asking many questions.
“The police do that every time something bad happens in Blloku**. However, I don’t blame them; they have to do their job too, so whenever they don’t find the ‘real’ guy who did the bad things they harass us. I was telling him, ‘But sir we only collect cans or beg. We have not done anything bad.’ Then someone called him on the radio and then he let us go, after he got us all wet.”
Romeo’s mother fled from the Albanian capital, Tirana, to Greece after being brutally beaten by her husband. Romeo’s father remarried and his stepmother no longer wanted her husband’s children to live with her. Both brothers, then aged 13 and 12 respectively, were forced to leave their home.
“I haven’t gone to school since,” said Romeo, quick to add, “But I didn’t leave because I was a bad student, I had really good grades. I love Math but didn’t do very well in English.”
After Romeo was thrown out onto the street, he tried to flee to Greece, to beg and do other odd jobs.
“We went through the mountains, a group of seven boys; we walked several kilometers a day,” he said. “When we went to Greece I would beg, but then this one time I got so hungry, I hadn’t eaten for two days, so I went and handed myself to the police. They gave me food and sent me back to Tirana.”
Life for children on the street is hard. Their undernourished bodies are frequently exposed to the natural elements. Their human dignity is often destroyed by the heels of passers-by who don’t think twice before hitting or cursing them. Their dreams are crushed by their lack of choices and opportunities.
“But I don’t beg anymore,” said Romeo. “I feel ashamed of myself when I do and even when I collect cans. Sometimes people hit you and curse at you on the street.
“My biggest wish is that my friends and I no longer work on the street. I want to learn computer, play football and learn how to be a plumber. When I have my own family, I am going to make my children go to school. What kind of person doesn’t let children go to school?!” demands Romeo, with a big smile that hints of hope in his dark eyes.
* This story is the true account of a street-working child in Tirana. The name of the child has been changed to protect his identity.
** Blloku is one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in Tirana.
REFLECTION:
We might not know what it’s like to live on the street, but this week we will seek to experience the hopelessness of Romeo’s situation through the lens of being forgotten.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK’S EXPERIENCE:
• Deactivate your Facebook and other social media accounts for the week. Don’t worry; this is not the same as deleting your Facebook account. You can reactivate your account and everything will remain the same. For more information, visit Facebook’s Help Center: https://www.facebook.com/help/?page=842
• Each day this week, go to a different friend’s room and remove everything that is related to you. Keep a pile of the objects in a prominent space in your room and return the objects after the week is over.
If none of the suggested experiences work for you, we encourage you to adjust them or come up with your own. Choose something to commit to while remembering that we are giving up some “hope” for this week by doing something to feel forgotten.
--Written by Jeff Shieh and Derek Tang
Speechless--the Conclusion
Speechless: The Response by Youra Soeum, October 2010
One day, Ka planned and executed a daring plan to escape from her brothel prison: she traded a condom for a cell phone. “I told him, I will not use the condom, but you have to exchange something for me. Would you please let me use your mobile phone?’” she said.
Ka passed the cell phone to one of the other girls, then bravely performed her “duties” while one of the other girls called the police. Two days later, they came.
“I was very, very happy. We felt like we have a new day,” said Ka.
This time things were different. Instead of simply being put out on the street, Ka was taken to World Vision’s Trauma Recovery Project, also known as the Neavear Thmey--the “New Ship“--where they could start a new journey.
Ka is just one of more than 800 girls and women who have gone through World Vision’s Trauma Recovery Program. She received physical, psychological and spiritual counseling as well as job skills training so that when she leaves the center she will have skills that can help her get a real job.
Things have changed a lot for Ka, now 20. “I have become more mature. I can think about things different now. I can see light coming into my life and I can think about the future,” she said with a smile. “I would like to have a small house, living with my husband. I am sure I will work in sewing things. I could even teach the other [girls] in the community how to sew.”
After several unfortunate cycles, Ka was able to break free from the ring of child prostitution and the Cambodian sex industry, thanks to the help of World Vision. Unfortunately, many girls are not so fortunate. “We are only touching the tip of the iceberg with these kids,” said Joshua Pepall, Technical Advisor to World Vision’s Trauma Recovery Project. “There are kids sitting in brothels because all of the shelters are full. We can’t raid them. We can’t remove them because they’ve got nowhere to go. All the centers are maxed out.”
One day, Ka planned and executed a daring plan to escape from her brothel prison: she traded a condom for a cell phone. “I told him, I will not use the condom, but you have to exchange something for me. Would you please let me use your mobile phone?’” she said.
Ka passed the cell phone to one of the other girls, then bravely performed her “duties” while one of the other girls called the police. Two days later, they came.
“I was very, very happy. We felt like we have a new day,” said Ka.
This time things were different. Instead of simply being put out on the street, Ka was taken to World Vision’s Trauma Recovery Project, also known as the Neavear Thmey--the “New Ship“--where they could start a new journey.
Ka is just one of more than 800 girls and women who have gone through World Vision’s Trauma Recovery Program. She received physical, psychological and spiritual counseling as well as job skills training so that when she leaves the center she will have skills that can help her get a real job.
Things have changed a lot for Ka, now 20. “I have become more mature. I can think about things different now. I can see light coming into my life and I can think about the future,” she said with a smile. “I would like to have a small house, living with my husband. I am sure I will work in sewing things. I could even teach the other [girls] in the community how to sew.”
After several unfortunate cycles, Ka was able to break free from the ring of child prostitution and the Cambodian sex industry, thanks to the help of World Vision. Unfortunately, many girls are not so fortunate. “We are only touching the tip of the iceberg with these kids,” said Joshua Pepall, Technical Advisor to World Vision’s Trauma Recovery Project. “There are kids sitting in brothels because all of the shelters are full. We can’t raid them. We can’t remove them because they’ve got nowhere to go. All the centers are maxed out.”
Sunday, April 10, 2011
SPEECHLESS
In this week’s story, a Cambodian girl finds herself utterly “speechless”: no one listens to her pleas for mercy, no one ever responds to her cries for help, and absolutely no one cares about her rights to freedom and respect as a human being.
Speechless: By Heidi Isaza, February 2010
Cambodia
“My parents were so poor. When I was young, we didn’t even have a house. [We] used to sleep on the street sometimes. Sometimes I slept under the pergola. Sometimes I slept by a nearby grave,” she remembered.
Ka is one of four children. Instead of starting school at age 5, like other children, she started helping her siblings scavenge for cans and other waste that could be recycled and beg for money on the streets. “I help a lot with my mom to find money to support the family. When there was a wedding in the village we would go and beg for the beer cans to sell them,” she said.
As they grew older, Ka’s older brothers got more formal jobs in manufacturing plants but as they formed their own families, their ability to financially support their parents and younger siblings diminished. As a result, Ka felt the need to also find a more formal job that would provide her with greater income. “I left home when I was 16 because of the poverty,” she said. “I left to the Thai border because one of my friends told me that if you go to work over there, you will earn a lot of money. So, I went.”
She started off working in a karaoke club, which are often used as fronts for brothels. Ka wasn’t completely sure what was happening behind the scenes. “I could see many things. It was very complicated,” she said. “I worked as the girl who sold the beer. Some men would touch my body, some men would kiss me,” she said, looking down.
The men who visited the club would often offer—even force—her to drink. After just two weeks she ended up unconscious in the hospital. She decided to leave that club and look for another job. She found one, at another club. “The owner was a man and he was a creepy guy. He wanted me to sleep with him, but I didn’t want to,” she said. “I remember one customer came in, he was Cambodian, and [the owner] asked me to go and sleep with him. When I went to sleep with the guy, I had the opportunity to escape.”
Alone and unemployed once again Ka was approached by a woman. “She asked me, ‘You want a job? You want to work?’ I said, ‘Yes, as long as it is a place with no alcohol and there’s no violence,’” Ka said. The woman took her to lunch and then told her to lie down and take a nap. “I asked her what my role would look like and she didn’t say anything,” Ka went on. “The woman just left me alone. I didn’t know at that time it was a brothel.”
It didn’t take her long, however, to find out. “At that time, I was very young and I didn’t really understand the process. The first day that I came, they bought me a lot of nice clothes,” she said. “It was quite late [when we got back] and there were some guys. They asked, ‘Are there any new girls?’”
The owner said yes and pointed to Ka. “The one in the black t-shirt, she’s a new girl,” the woman responded.
After two days, when Ka realized she was in a brothel, she got up the courage to try to leave, only to find out that according to her “employer” she owed them 25,000 Cambodian Reil, an amount that to her represented a lot of money. She owed about $6.
Ka worked in forced prostitution, serving between five and ten men per night, for more than two years to try to pay of her “debt” before the brothel was raided by the police and the girls were set free.
After two years of forced prostitution, Ka found herself unemployed, alone and on the street—again. “I didn’t have any chance. I didn’t have a job. I didn’t have anywhere to go,” she explained. She was, again, convinced to work in another brothel. This time, however, it was worse.
“When I was in the second brothel, I could see the sunlight, but I could never see the sun,” she said. She and the other girls were never even allowed to leave the building. As if that was not enough, they beat the girls regularly. “I was afraid of my employer. I can remember one time when I was pregnant, the owner told me to do the abortion and I didn’t want to, so they said, ‘If you don’t want to do it, let me do it for you.’ It was very hurtful,” she said. Two weeks later, they beat her up again.
Ka’s hopes for her future were extinguished in that brothel, like a plant that never receives sunlight, she wilted on the inside. “I didn’t even think about future. All I could think about was that I would be dead someday because I wasn’t allowed to go out, I wasn’t allowed to see my family and I was always threatened,” she said.
No matter how hard Ka and the other girls “worked” they could never pay off their debts, especially as they were constantly forced to use drugs. “They gave me drugs because if I don’t take the drugs, I could not do it. I don’t have enough energy to work,” she explained.
REFLECTION:
Ka faced some horrible experiences that oppressed her ability to determine the course of her own life. Do you know what it is like to be speechless?
SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK’S EXPERIENCE:
• Give up your personal decisions / opinions for a week—choose a friend to make all those decisions for you.
• Give up electronics that are not critical for school or work—isolate yourself from all forms of communication and means of contacting the outside world.
• Do not speak about anything not critical to school or work. A variation of this can be to duct tape your mouth shut every day.
Feel free to modify these suggestions as you feel fit, and if none of these suggested experiences work for you, we encourage you to come up with your own creative way of experiencing the lack of control over your own life.
Speechless: By Heidi Isaza, February 2010
Cambodia
“My parents were so poor. When I was young, we didn’t even have a house. [We] used to sleep on the street sometimes. Sometimes I slept under the pergola. Sometimes I slept by a nearby grave,” she remembered.
Ka is one of four children. Instead of starting school at age 5, like other children, she started helping her siblings scavenge for cans and other waste that could be recycled and beg for money on the streets. “I help a lot with my mom to find money to support the family. When there was a wedding in the village we would go and beg for the beer cans to sell them,” she said.
As they grew older, Ka’s older brothers got more formal jobs in manufacturing plants but as they formed their own families, their ability to financially support their parents and younger siblings diminished. As a result, Ka felt the need to also find a more formal job that would provide her with greater income. “I left home when I was 16 because of the poverty,” she said. “I left to the Thai border because one of my friends told me that if you go to work over there, you will earn a lot of money. So, I went.”
She started off working in a karaoke club, which are often used as fronts for brothels. Ka wasn’t completely sure what was happening behind the scenes. “I could see many things. It was very complicated,” she said. “I worked as the girl who sold the beer. Some men would touch my body, some men would kiss me,” she said, looking down.
The men who visited the club would often offer—even force—her to drink. After just two weeks she ended up unconscious in the hospital. She decided to leave that club and look for another job. She found one, at another club. “The owner was a man and he was a creepy guy. He wanted me to sleep with him, but I didn’t want to,” she said. “I remember one customer came in, he was Cambodian, and [the owner] asked me to go and sleep with him. When I went to sleep with the guy, I had the opportunity to escape.”
Alone and unemployed once again Ka was approached by a woman. “She asked me, ‘You want a job? You want to work?’ I said, ‘Yes, as long as it is a place with no alcohol and there’s no violence,’” Ka said. The woman took her to lunch and then told her to lie down and take a nap. “I asked her what my role would look like and she didn’t say anything,” Ka went on. “The woman just left me alone. I didn’t know at that time it was a brothel.”
It didn’t take her long, however, to find out. “At that time, I was very young and I didn’t really understand the process. The first day that I came, they bought me a lot of nice clothes,” she said. “It was quite late [when we got back] and there were some guys. They asked, ‘Are there any new girls?’”
The owner said yes and pointed to Ka. “The one in the black t-shirt, she’s a new girl,” the woman responded.
After two days, when Ka realized she was in a brothel, she got up the courage to try to leave, only to find out that according to her “employer” she owed them 25,000 Cambodian Reil, an amount that to her represented a lot of money. She owed about $6.
Ka worked in forced prostitution, serving between five and ten men per night, for more than two years to try to pay of her “debt” before the brothel was raided by the police and the girls were set free.
After two years of forced prostitution, Ka found herself unemployed, alone and on the street—again. “I didn’t have any chance. I didn’t have a job. I didn’t have anywhere to go,” she explained. She was, again, convinced to work in another brothel. This time, however, it was worse.
“When I was in the second brothel, I could see the sunlight, but I could never see the sun,” she said. She and the other girls were never even allowed to leave the building. As if that was not enough, they beat the girls regularly. “I was afraid of my employer. I can remember one time when I was pregnant, the owner told me to do the abortion and I didn’t want to, so they said, ‘If you don’t want to do it, let me do it for you.’ It was very hurtful,” she said. Two weeks later, they beat her up again.
Ka’s hopes for her future were extinguished in that brothel, like a plant that never receives sunlight, she wilted on the inside. “I didn’t even think about future. All I could think about was that I would be dead someday because I wasn’t allowed to go out, I wasn’t allowed to see my family and I was always threatened,” she said.
No matter how hard Ka and the other girls “worked” they could never pay off their debts, especially as they were constantly forced to use drugs. “They gave me drugs because if I don’t take the drugs, I could not do it. I don’t have enough energy to work,” she explained.
REFLECTION:
Ka faced some horrible experiences that oppressed her ability to determine the course of her own life. Do you know what it is like to be speechless?
SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK’S EXPERIENCE:
• Give up your personal decisions / opinions for a week—choose a friend to make all those decisions for you.
• Give up electronics that are not critical for school or work—isolate yourself from all forms of communication and means of contacting the outside world.
• Do not speak about anything not critical to school or work. A variation of this can be to duct tape your mouth shut every day.
Feel free to modify these suggestions as you feel fit, and if none of these suggested experiences work for you, we encourage you to come up with your own creative way of experiencing the lack of control over your own life.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Godless--The Conclusion
Last week I posted a story from World Vision about Shimelis who was persecuted for his faith in Ethiopia. Here is the conclusion of his story. Though the government thought they could stop the spread of Christianity in their country--God had other plans.
Godless: The Response
By Kari Costanza, July 2009
As the government changed in Ethopia, the prisoners were freed. The church kept growing. Persecution hadn’t been able to stop it. “In the face of persecution,” says Shimelis, who had suffered much in the name of Christianity, “the Christians continued to emerge. People came to Jesus even in the face of persecution.” The church became harder to manage when there was freedom. “There wasn’t adequate administration,” says Shimelis.
Now Shimelis works to keep Christianity thriving in Ethiopia. His time in prison shaped and strengthened him. But one memory he looks on fondly. “While we were in prison, we continued to preach,” he says. “We got 46 people believing in Jesus—including policemen!”
Shimelis’ work is supported by World Vision, especially in the area of community care. World Vision has trained his Hope Team—volunteers who counsel the sick. They use money from the church budget to provide people living with HIV and AIDS with food and support. And each member contributes one Ethiopian Birr a month toward the fund. World Vision gives them material support as well.
Godless: The Response
By Kari Costanza, July 2009
As the government changed in Ethopia, the prisoners were freed. The church kept growing. Persecution hadn’t been able to stop it. “In the face of persecution,” says Shimelis, who had suffered much in the name of Christianity, “the Christians continued to emerge. People came to Jesus even in the face of persecution.” The church became harder to manage when there was freedom. “There wasn’t adequate administration,” says Shimelis.
Now Shimelis works to keep Christianity thriving in Ethiopia. His time in prison shaped and strengthened him. But one memory he looks on fondly. “While we were in prison, we continued to preach,” he says. “We got 46 people believing in Jesus—including policemen!”
Shimelis’ work is supported by World Vision, especially in the area of community care. World Vision has trained his Hope Team—volunteers who counsel the sick. They use money from the church budget to provide people living with HIV and AIDS with food and support. And each member contributes one Ethiopian Birr a month toward the fund. World Vision gives them material support as well.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Be the Change
I love reading stories of young people who want to change their world. I've posted about the young boy, Austin Gutwein" who started "Hoops for Hope" (Take Your Best Shot) and the young abolitionist, Zach Hunter (Be the Change). I just read a blog the other day about Mikaela in California who raises money for children with cancer and helps other non-profits working to eradicate poverty, human trafficking, world hunger, and infant mortality. Today I was reminded of another young girl, at the age of 10 who decided to bring hope to the children in the Kibera slums of Kenya by raising funds for education. Every year she holds a 5k run in Nashville with other cultural activities throughout the park. To date, $275,000 has been raised since 2004. I sit back and wonder, "What have I been doing with my life?" I've been asking myself that question for some time now, waiting for an answer. Maybe I should just get up and do something. Something that has been on my mind for years actually. Be the Change is what I want to be.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Barefootin'
Yes, I kept my shoes off all day. At times the ground was cold and I’d step out into the sun. They were even cold at night on the wood floor.
This years Barefoot Day was similar to last years and the year before. Cory, Charley and I set out, barefoot, for town. I stopped off at the library to make copies of a flyer I had written up to pass out, informing people of TOMS One for One campaign. I had no trouble from the librarian. Next we stopped off at Publix (grocery store) to go to the bank and pick up a drink. No problems. Off we went to downtown Franklin. We did see one other person with no shoes. We stopped in to a couple of stores and we were asked why we weren’t wearing shoes. Once they were told they thought that was great so didn’t have a problem with our barefeet, even at Starbucks (Charley had to go in for his free cup of coffee.) A lady at the carpet store told Charley he could use the change from his carpet squares to buy some shoes. Ha! We decided to eat at Mellow Mushroom (pizza parlor) but asked permission before we went in. The hostess was nice enough to seat us, looking the other way.
By the end of our outing my feet were quite dirty and a little sore. However, I was fortunate enough to have warm, running water to wash my feet off when I got home, unlike many children around the world. Then at the end of the day, I could turn up the heat in my comfortable house, put on my cozy slippers, or tuck myself into a soft, cozy bed with 3 warm blankets to keep my feet warm. Yes, I have it much too easy. And I’ll probably take some of these things for granted from time to time, but I will definitely try to remember the many children around the world that have no shoes.
Monday, April 4, 2011
National Barefoot Day!
Tuesday, April 5, is National Barefoot Day! We’re going barefoot--how about you?
This is a simple day with a powerful message. There are thousands of people all over the world that have never had a pair of shoes while so many of us have several. Just take one day and walk in their footsteps. Go barefoot and experience life as they do.
Fact #1: Growing Up Without Shoes: In many developing countries, children must walk barefoot for miles to school, clean water and medical help.
Fact #2: Injury & Disease: Hundreds of millions of children are at risk of injury, infection and soil-transmitted diseases that most can’t afford to prevent and treat.
Fact #3: Education & Opportunity: Children who are healthy are more likely to be successful students, and access to education is a critical determinant of long-term success.
Fact #4: A Better Tomorrow: Healthy, educated children have a better chance of improving the future of their entire community.
In regions of Ethiopia, wearing shoes and practicing good hygiene can prevent podoconiosis, a disease that causes swelling of the feet and legs due to prolonged exposure to irritant soil. In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital,
In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in Argentina
and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by TOMS customers.
Tom’s partners work with HIV positive and street children, giving shoes to protect them from the dangerous city streets littered with glass, metal, and even sewage.
As of September 2010, TOMS has given over one million pairs of new shoes
to children in need through Giving Partners around the world.
SEE YOU ON THE STREET--IN YOUR BARE FEET!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
GODLESS
By Kari Costanza, July 2009
Ethiopia
Shimelis Hapte, 43, has seen persecution and has lived to tell about it, but the memories make him cry. He knew as a child that he wanted to serve the Lord. In 1984, the Holy Spirit came upon him while he was in prayer. “I was born again at that time,” he says. “I was very happy.” But that happiness was not to last.
“Starting from 1984,” he says, “the government was opposing Christian life. They tried to destroy it. They took everything—our Bibles, musical instruments, our spiritual books. They took it by force and put Christians in prison.
“I hid to worship. If two people together were reading a Bible, they were arrested and sent to prison. We hid ourselves and joined with underground churches. Especially at night.”
In 1990, Shimelis was caught worshipping. He was imprisoned. “They ordered us to take off our shoes. They tied us together with rope. Our feet were scraped and bleeding. They took us to the police. First they asked about Christianity. They asked us to deny Jesus Christ. None of us did. We passed by the police. They beat us with sticks, one by one. It was painful.”
Shimelis and 15 others were held in a 2-by-2 meter (6.5-by-6.5 foot) room. “People slept on top of people. We were interlocked. After one week we went to the big prison. It was like a concentration camp. Worms entered our skin. Flies got into our legs. And there were lice. One night we counted the number of lice on me—there were 78. In the morning, the lice marched away like marching ants. People died from disease. They cooked our food in rusted metal dishes. Our hands were covered in rashes.” The prisoners included Shimelis’ future wife, Atakilt. Her face still bears the scars of persecution. Her right eye droops where she was beaten during those terrible times.
REFLECTION:
This week we will put away our resources and freedom to worship publicly as we experience what it’s like to be “godless” with the persecuted church.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK’S EXPERIENCE:
• Hide or put away all signs and symbols of religion in your room, including your Bible
• Hand copy a page of the Bible and use only this page as your Scripture for the entire week
• Don’t attend any religious services or meetings for the week
As always, you can adjust these experiences or come up with your own. Commit to one, remembering that we are trying to step into what it would feel like to be unable to have access to spiritual resources (in Shimelis’ case, it was lack of the resource of freedom to be a Christian and worship).
Also, listen and ask God to speak to you in new ways this week as you leave behind some of the normal means through which you might hear Him. Consider how believers all over the world have a life-changing relationship with Christ even though they may not have Bibles, worship bands, and public meetings. Ask God to challenge and grow your knowledge of Him and faith in Him as He does theirs.
--Written by Sarah Brubaker
Ethiopia
Shimelis Hapte, 43, has seen persecution and has lived to tell about it, but the memories make him cry. He knew as a child that he wanted to serve the Lord. In 1984, the Holy Spirit came upon him while he was in prayer. “I was born again at that time,” he says. “I was very happy.” But that happiness was not to last.
“Starting from 1984,” he says, “the government was opposing Christian life. They tried to destroy it. They took everything—our Bibles, musical instruments, our spiritual books. They took it by force and put Christians in prison.
“I hid to worship. If two people together were reading a Bible, they were arrested and sent to prison. We hid ourselves and joined with underground churches. Especially at night.”
In 1990, Shimelis was caught worshipping. He was imprisoned. “They ordered us to take off our shoes. They tied us together with rope. Our feet were scraped and bleeding. They took us to the police. First they asked about Christianity. They asked us to deny Jesus Christ. None of us did. We passed by the police. They beat us with sticks, one by one. It was painful.”
Shimelis and 15 others were held in a 2-by-2 meter (6.5-by-6.5 foot) room. “People slept on top of people. We were interlocked. After one week we went to the big prison. It was like a concentration camp. Worms entered our skin. Flies got into our legs. And there were lice. One night we counted the number of lice on me—there were 78. In the morning, the lice marched away like marching ants. People died from disease. They cooked our food in rusted metal dishes. Our hands were covered in rashes.” The prisoners included Shimelis’ future wife, Atakilt. Her face still bears the scars of persecution. Her right eye droops where she was beaten during those terrible times.
REFLECTION:
This week we will put away our resources and freedom to worship publicly as we experience what it’s like to be “godless” with the persecuted church.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK’S EXPERIENCE:
• Hide or put away all signs and symbols of religion in your room, including your Bible
• Hand copy a page of the Bible and use only this page as your Scripture for the entire week
• Don’t attend any religious services or meetings for the week
As always, you can adjust these experiences or come up with your own. Commit to one, remembering that we are trying to step into what it would feel like to be unable to have access to spiritual resources (in Shimelis’ case, it was lack of the resource of freedom to be a Christian and worship).
Also, listen and ask God to speak to you in new ways this week as you leave behind some of the normal means through which you might hear Him. Consider how believers all over the world have a life-changing relationship with Christ even though they may not have Bibles, worship bands, and public meetings. Ask God to challenge and grow your knowledge of Him and faith in Him as He does theirs.
--Written by Sarah Brubaker
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Father's Love Letter
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1
For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27
I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12
I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
And I brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26
In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39
Love, The Father
For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27
I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12
I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
And I brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26
In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39
Love, The Father
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Careless
Careless: By Vichheka Sok, June 2010
Cambodia
Sokha is ten-years-old and is a single daughter from a poor family. Her father died from AIDS when she was three years old. Her father passed HIV to her mother, Bopha, a thirty-five-year-old farmer. Sokha suffered disdain for years from other children in the village, her schoolmates as well as her neighbors. “My mother lives with HIV and everyone hates me, and I didn’t have any friends to play with because they were scared of HIV and AIDS,” cried Sokha. “My mother lives with HIV, I love her so much.”
Sokha could not stop her tears while telling her story. She continued with loud sobs, “I remember that my mother was really skinny with itchiness covering all of her body as well as her head. She looked dirty. I really pitied her and I love her so much. I always pray for her to get better soon. She couldn’t move her body, and she seemed to have no energy. She couldn’t go to the toilet herself, my grandmother and I always had to help her to move to anywhere. And every day, I cleaned her body with a wet towel because she couldn’t take a bath by herself.”
Sokha always walked to school and her school is far from home. She walked alone without any friend to walk with and or talk to. “I was really depressed and angry with other children who said to me, ‘Your mother lives with HIV and AIDS,’” said Sokha. “I didn’t want to go to school, and I really wanted to fight those who used those words of contempt to call to me. Yet, I could only cry and deeply pity my mother.”
In 2008, Sokha went to get a blood test to make sure that her mother didn’t transmit HIV to her. Luckily, Sokha tested negative for HIV. She is safe, which makes her mother happy. Her mother has hopes for Sokha’s long future.
REFLECTION:
Life is very lonely for Sokha, who faces ridicule and isolation due to the stigma of AIDS. Sokha lost her father due to the disease and must care for her own mother in her illness; who is there to care for Sokha? Through no fault of her own, Sokha faces much of the hardships of her life alone.
It might seem hard to imagine if you’ve grown up with one or two (or more) caring family members, but many children in today’s world lack that guidance and care. This week, we will be taking time to experience and understand that reality.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Christine's Story Revisited
Remember the story about little 6 month old Christine who suffers from bouts of malaria? (below, under Helpless) Well, if you read it, here’s more of her story. Christine lives in Uganda. Her mother, Rebecca, walks for miles to receive medicine for her baby when she has the money. Often upon arriving the health clinic has run out of the help she needs.
In Uganda, malaria is the major killer of children, causing about 70,000 to 110,000 deaths annually. (Ministry of Health website) It goes on to say that without treatment a child may die within 24 hours. Going untreated, the child can have stunted growth (as in Christine’s case), get brain damage from cerebral malaria or pass away. Without the full dose, the patient can become resistant to treatment.
Insecticide treated mosquito bed nets play an important role in preventing malaria. World Vision has distributed nets to each of their sponsored children. Other organizations do the same. Unfortunately, Rebecca’s children aren’t sponsored by WV, though they do use an old mosquito net.
Pray for those around the world who are facing “helpless” situations like Rebecca. Ask God to reveal the role you can play in helping in some way. Find an organization, such as World Vision, that helps to alleviate poverty, and see how you can get involved.
(www.worldvision.org)
Remember, World Malaria Day is April 25--the goal is to end malaria deaths by 2015. (www.actstoendmalaria.org)
In Uganda, malaria is the major killer of children, causing about 70,000 to 110,000 deaths annually. (Ministry of Health website) It goes on to say that without treatment a child may die within 24 hours. Going untreated, the child can have stunted growth (as in Christine’s case), get brain damage from cerebral malaria or pass away. Without the full dose, the patient can become resistant to treatment.
Insecticide treated mosquito bed nets play an important role in preventing malaria. World Vision has distributed nets to each of their sponsored children. Other organizations do the same. Unfortunately, Rebecca’s children aren’t sponsored by WV, though they do use an old mosquito net.
Pray for those around the world who are facing “helpless” situations like Rebecca. Ask God to reveal the role you can play in helping in some way. Find an organization, such as World Vision, that helps to alleviate poverty, and see how you can get involved.
(www.worldvision.org)
Remember, World Malaria Day is April 25--the goal is to end malaria deaths by 2015. (www.actstoendmalaria.org)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Who Will Love Them For Him?
I don't know if you're familiar with J.J. Heller's music or not, but she has a peaceful, sweet voice. Two of her songs can be found on my playlist to the right. Since starting this Relentless Acts of Justice journey, as well as other issues that have been on my mind, one of her songs really opened up some emotions-- "What Love Really Means". You may want to take a listen. As I've thought of the poor, needy, oppressed, and destitute during the past two weeks, I've also thought about the conditions that some of our brothers and sisters live in. The first verse of this song fits so well and then I just penned another verse of my own that asks "who will love them for Him"?
"What Love Really Means" by J.J. Heller
He cries in the corner where nobody sees.
He's the kid with the story no one would believe.
He prays every night "Dear God won't you please...
Could you send someone here who will love me?"
Who will love me for me?
Not for what I have done or what I will become.
Who will love me for me?
'Cause nobody has shown me what love
What love really means.
(My addition)
She's a woman who's scorned
by those all around.
She feels of no worth
And poverty abounds.
Her children are sick and no food to provide.
She must choose to provide before somebody dies.
Who will love them for Him?
Not for where they were born
But from the love that's within.
Who will love them for Him?
Reach deep down inside and see what you find...
Will you love them for Him?
"What Love Really Means" by J.J. Heller
He cries in the corner where nobody sees.
He's the kid with the story no one would believe.
He prays every night "Dear God won't you please...
Could you send someone here who will love me?"
Who will love me for me?
Not for what I have done or what I will become.
Who will love me for me?
'Cause nobody has shown me what love
What love really means.
(My addition)
She's a woman who's scorned
by those all around.
She feels of no worth
And poverty abounds.
Her children are sick and no food to provide.
She must choose to provide before somebody dies.
Who will love them for Him?
Not for where they were born
But from the love that's within.
Who will love them for Him?
Reach deep down inside and see what you find...
Will you love them for Him?
TB Elimination: Together We Can!
World TB Day is March 24, an event that commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. 1/3 of the world’s population is infected with TB. It is the leading killer of people who are HIV infected.
Tuberculosis, being airborne, is a highly contagious and easily transmittable disease that is treatable and curable, but only for those who know they have it. Each year 9.4 million new cases of active TB are diagnosed and 1.7 million TB related deaths are reported globally; annually. Every day 4500 people die from tuberculosis. TB is among the 3 greatest causes of death among women aged 15-44.
Numbers are high in India and China and the disease mainly affects 20-40 year olds.
(information from World Health Organization, medindia.net)
Monday, March 21, 2011
World Water Day
Water is one of the world’s most precious natural resources. However, 80 countries regularly experience serious water shortages. Children’s tiny bodies are particularly dependent on clean water and susceptible to water related diseases and parasites.
Every 21 seconds, a child dies from a water-related illness.
More than 2.7 billion people have inadequate or nonexistent access to proper sanitation.
When a community gains access to clean water, its child mortality rate drops by half.
Every day, nearly 4,000 children die as a result of drinking unsafe water.
Every 22 seconds a child perishes from waterborne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery.
Six million people are blind as a result of contaminated water and bacteria.
To give water is to give life.
Clean water can cut a community’s child mortality rate in half.
It means food for families whose crops are failing due to drought.
It saves livestock.
It gives parents a powerful way to improve the health, hygiene, and well-being of their children.
(Information taken from World Vision's site.)
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Helpless: Baby Christine's Story
This particular story comes at an appropriate time since April 25 is World Malaria Day--Cory's day! She has fought off malaria several times, however, she's been fortunate to have some means to pay for the medicine. A mother shouldn't have to choose between medicine for her baby or food for her family. Read about Christine and her mother's struggles of helplessness. Then, at the end, if you'd like to take part in this weeks experience, there are ideas below.
We’re always told that life is full of choices, and often we have the option of making good choices over bad ones. But what if there was no option to make the “good” choice? In this week’s story, we will read about a mother whose choices in life are severely limited. It’s a different kind of trap.
Uganda
Sitting on a torn piece of sisal mat behind their mud and wattle house, Christine Asobora looks like an ordinary six-month-old baby. Stained by patches of grey soil, her legs are spread out before her. Her eyes, dancing with excitement, follow her three-year-old brother Innocent Murungi as he jumps up in the air, attempting to grab one of the low-hanging branches on the tree under which she is sitting. She tries to move towards him, but she cannot.
She gets bored, sticks her thumb in her mouth, and her gaze wanders to the chicken scratching about in the garden. Unsuccessful, Innocent eventually comes and sits next to Christine, starts making funny faces, and is rewarded with a toothy smile.
Christine is not six months old; she has actually just marked her first birthday. Something that is worrying her mother is her small frame and the fact that at one year she cannot crawl, a milestone that on average babies achieve at seven months. She is also underweight, weighing only 6.5 kilogrammes (14.3 pounds), yet at birth she came at a healthy 3 kilogrammes (6.6 pounds).
“At this age she should be standing or walking, but that might not happen soon,” says her mother, 40-year-old Rebecca Asiimwe.
Christine has just recovered from a bout of malaria. Her small light face is dotted with a skin rash, which has also spread to the rest of her body. Her hair is soft and light, resting flat on her head. Her mother says she gets fever (malaria) very often, accompanied by cough and flu, which has most likely contributed to the slowness in her growth.
“Whenever she attempts to start crawling, she gets fever, becomes weak and cannot make an effort to crawl,” Asiimwe explains.
Christine has stunted growth, caused by frequent malaria episodes that go untreated. She would not be falling sick as regularly if she was getting the right treatment. When she falls sick, her mother takes her to Buhimba Health Centre III, which is about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) away. Not owning a bicycle, Assimwe uses the next available transport option and walks for one and a half hours to get to the health centre.
“I would not mind the distance if my daughter were getting treatment. But many times I take her to the clinic and they just make a diagnosis. They then write for me the medicine and ask me to buy it from the drug shop,” says Asiimwe.
She says that often she does not have money to buy the medicine.
“If I have money, I buy the medicine. When I fail, I just take her back home and when I later get money, I go and look for the prescribed medicine,” she says resignedly.
For a woman whose husband was recently diagnosed with a liver problem, it is easy to understand Asiimwe’s situation. Before he developed complications, John Asiimwe used to work with his wife at their brick-laying business. The money they got would cater for some household needs and school fees for their children. For food, they plant cassava, sweet potatoes, beans and maize, which sustain the home.
John was recently advised to keep away from any strenuous work, leaving his wife to fend for the family.
“I make around 5,000 bricks in six months. From their sale, I get Ush150,000 (US$91). After paying off the laborers who help me, I am left with Ush50,000 (US$30) for us to live on. How then can I buy medicine off Ush10,000 (US$6)?” Asiimwe asks.
Apart from treatment, proper nutrition is important in surviving a malaria attack. Christine is still being breastfed, and, at her age, she needs to supplement this with either formula or cow milk and other solid foods. Asiimwe says she does not have enough breastmilk; the milk comes if she has a good diet, one that is made up of, say, fish, matooke (green bananas) and vegetables.
However, her family mainly feeds on cassava and beans, and when there are no beans, they “simply eat the cassava only.” Cassava is eaten either boiled or in the form of bread – it is dried, pounded and made out of the flour. Christine’s diet is no different.
“She can even spend a month without tasting cow milk because I cannot afford it. When I get money, I buy it for her. Otherwise she eats cassava bread like the rest of us,” Asiimwe says bluntly.
All along, Asiimwe has been speaking with a certain nonchalance, seeming accustomed to accepting things the way they are. However, Asiimwe’s real feelings are revealed when she voices her dreams for her last born.
“I would love to see her not falling sick, sleeping well and eating well like other children,” she says, fondly caressing Christine’s head. “Which mother wouldn’t?”
REFLECTION:
Rebecca‘s impossible choice between buying medication to treat her daughter’s malaria and using the money to provide food for the rest of her family is a choice no one should have to make, but many do. Her situation is essentially “helpless.” This week, we will carry out acts that simulate experiencing helplessness.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK’S EXPERIENCE:
• Take away a tool that you depend on. Some options include: pens, pencils, paper, internet search engines, your cell phone or its apps, text messaging, your car, public transportation, your computer, etc.
• Go without a coat or something else that keeps you physically protected.
• Write some of your computer passwords on a sheet of paper and give copies to some trusted friends. Throughout the week, think about what would happen if they actually used your passwords and saw your entire life without filters.
• Each day, commit to telling a stranger (which also means you must meet a stranger) or a different friend a secret about your life.
You can come up with your own experience, but the common theme of all our acts is that they make us feel vulnerable – something Rebecca feels everyday. And as we go through our “helpless” experiences, let us remember that Jesus, Son of God, selflessly became man and experienced vulnerability in order to restore our relationship with God.
Thanks for taking on this experience of helplessness in observance of Lent 2011.
--Written by Laura Dassama
Laura Dassama is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology at the Pennsylvania State University. She serves as lead of the Intercessory Prayer Team at Harvest Global Mission Church, and she is a food enthusiast.
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