what we wear

A trip to the White House made it onto our agenda today. The kids sang for the President, his wife and guests after he signed the Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 that will spend $48 billion to help fight these devastating diseases. We had a nice time…What am I saying, the event was very special.

I had some interesting conversations with the kids about their experience. They were surprised by the President’s stature and appearance. They had expected someone with broad shoulders, big chest, tough-guy look dressed in special clothes with badges and gold and wearing a crown. Of course, these images come from their own country, I’m sure, but it was still something interesting to reflect on. He just looked like a normal guy. Claire surmised that with such a quick turn over rate of 4 or 8 years, people would be making new “special” clothes all the time for a president, sort of a waste. She’s a wise and logical girl. I rationalized the President’s wardrobe as a testament to the motto “For the people, by the people.” By looking like an ordinary American, the President can connect with the people he’s representing and not seem so far away from their feelings or desires.

Humans are so funny that way. We look at each other’s clothes, the fine jewelry, funky shoes, and create the story and justification behind it all. Then, depending on our approval of said items, we cheer or boo the person. How many times have I looked less than my very best? Oh, every time I come back from running in the South! Yet, I am hardly less of a person, less of a desirable friend, sister, daughter, or mate. I’m just me and a lot of sweat.

This is an old message, of course. Anyone who can think for themselves has been told not to judge a book by its cover. Yet, that phrase doesn’t magically turn us into silly baboons without discerning or judging capabilities or rational thought. We all need a reminder that our perceptions come at a price, and that is knowing a story only in part. What will we miss or decide is unimportant, unworthy just by our quick judgments? The cover might be plain, but the words inside sparkle. Likewise, our own covers need not be all that and a bag of chips to determine our worth. Our stories deep within are bright and dull and exciting and sorrowful. In sharing, they add value and dimension to other people’s story.
Whether dressed in concert outfits or a suit, the picture captures the heart of the matter.

So thanks, Mr. President, for dressing down in your suit and tie today. Now, let’s talk about what you have in mind for your next proposal…

whoever has ears...

We visited the Natural Museum of Science in Raliegh, NC. Talk about a place to fill a notebook of new knowledge.

• North Carolina was the first state to name and claim a state seashell. The Scottish Bonnet holds that honor in NC.
• Orkin.com- the website for the bug extinguishers- offers “tasty” recipes for all those critters you’d rather exterminate. Nothing like Cajun Crickets to wet you appetite for dinner.
• A passing shepherd found the Dead Sea Scrolls when he threw a stone into a cave and heard a pot break. Not knowing the value of his discovery, he sold the scrolls to an antique dealer.
• A distinguishing characteristic of lizards and snakes is not the seemingly obvious trait of legs. In fact, the difference between these species is the sense of hearing. Lizard have ears and snakes do not.

The final fact struck me in a profound way. Who of us are snakes and who of us are lizards? We might look like a lizard with legs, tails, bright colors, and long tongues, but do we have ears? Do we listen or just put on a show to attract trust and authority? There are moments in my life where I wish I could just start crawling on my belly so I didn’t have the responsibility of hearing, but in the end, I’m not made that way. The old cliché goes “humans have 2 ears and 1 mouth in order to listen twice as much as speaking.” So at the same moment, though, I love listening to stories, sharing in people’s joys and sorrows and speaking just enough to offer congratulations or condolences. Give me the tail, legs, and EARS anytime.

shared wisdom

Blogs feed blogs. There are many sources from which I take inspiration, but sometimes I just have to use the wisdom as it’s originally packaged. And why not…I’m sure blogs appreciate untainted food as much as I do. ☺

So I give Paulo Coelho all the credit for this thought.

“Choosing One’s Destiny”

“I am willing to give up everything”, said the prince to the master. “Please accept me as your disciple.”

“How does a man choose his path?” asked the master.

“Through sacrifice,” answered the prince. “A path which demands sacrifice, is a true path.”

The master bumped into some shelves. A precious vase fell, and the prince threw himself down in order to grab hold of it. He fell badly and broke his arm, but managed to save the vase.

“What is the greater sacrifice: to watch the vase smash, or break one’s arm in order to save it?” asked the master.

“I do not know,” said the prince.

“Then how can you guide your choice for sacrifice? The true path is chosen by our ability to love it, not to suffer for it.”

check mate

Chess takes skill, strategy, patience, and for me, luck. I will never come close to being the genius of Bobby Fischer who might not have needed luck. But for the average Joe, chess works with two independent minds that can be as unpredictable as predictable. Some people, I’m sure, can see the end of the game, just by the first few moves. I’m good to have the next move or two in mind much less executed according to how the opponent plays. Alas, the game remains a game without any definite winner until check mate is called.

During devotions, I took a firmer grasp on the fact that my life is not a chess game. I mean, I would look cute riding a horse as the knight or crowned as the queen (since I already have the princess thing covered), but I don’t move well in straight lines or L shaped patterns. In all seriousness, though, I don’t believe life is a random game of sacrificial players for the amusement of some higher power who only knows the next couple moves depending on Fate’s play. I see God as having the moves already choreographed, the result in mind, and victory with check mate declared. If you know the final score, the game is not so much a game.

Tonight I heard a child’s testimony about a mother’s illness cured even while the girl was away at training. Then, another girl’s story revealed that only boys had been sought on a particular trip to the village, but her talent on the drums had caught someone’s ear so she received a gift of a lifetime. On top of that, the choir had a spot to fill at the last minute which made the drummer girl’s participation possible. We might see these random moves as just that- random, unconnected, and certainly unplanned. Yet, I can’t help but believe that God’s providence is more powerful than randomness. I know it to be true in my own life. I know it to be true in lives of many of my friends, those who have that title because of God’s good game plan to put them in my life.

It’s a powerful admission to make that I don’t control my life. That I can make a move, but God is sovereign enough to know it’s coming. I wouldn’t have it any other way since such humility allows me to boast in Him when good things come along and trust in Him when bad things come along. In the end, I can’t lose- God has already claimed victory for my life.
CHECK MATE!

Mamma Mia (Act II)

Now, is it too bold to say it was the musical with song and dance that attracted and energized me and possibly many more? Could it just be the music? Could it just be the spirit of the art? Perhaps to all the above. But I submit, there are very few events that bring so much positive energy as a well written musical or singing/dance concert (I say that because I work with such a group and I’d be remiss not to include them in the genre because they bring it and bring out the enthusiasm of everyone.) Sporting matches get me juiced up just as much as the next guy, well maybe not as much as every guy. Symphony concerts or even rock concerts arouse a certain excitement and energy from deep in the soul. But never do I get as enthused or feel like I’m riding an emotional roller coaster as when I see a musical theatre production. The song, dance, and movement interwoven in a story generate a dynamic creation that’s lost without the collaboration.

Collaboration invites people with various expertise to create a single, unified project. Such a focus is necessary for musical theatre as disciplines of writing, acting, dance, song, and technical theatre are all integrated. Without one piece, the rest is just incomplete. I won’t be dancing in my seat/the aisle next to my seat without direction from the actors on stage. I can’t retell a story without a plot or characters to live with in those two hours at the theater. I don’t feel the full wave of emotions in my mind and soul without proper lighting or audio dynamics.

As much as I like musicals, I really like the word collaboration because it evokes the idea of community. Musicals provide a good image for collaboration and community. The actors feed off one another and rely on each other’s agreement to say yes to the moment and scene at hand. The producers and designers work together for a common goal. What better ambition of any community but to reach common goals? Neighborhoods seek the common desire of safety for kids, comfortable living, and peace. Churches seek to spread God’s message of love. Schools wish to educate and inspire children to meet their potential. Each one of these institutions has various means and ways of meeting the goal, but one thing is certain. Collaboration, working together, must be present. With a common goal in mind, more people are served and a closer bond can be found. While tiffs and power struggles can rear their ugly faces, hopefully the productive and positive means will make the end worthwhile. A collaborative community can create and improve the quality of life for the collective group in living out their spirit as people working together.

Mamma Mia (Act I)

Musicals make me smile. Sometimes they are cheesy, full of people breaking into random song at random times evoking random emotional effects. But mostly, I dig ‘em A LOT. Today I saw Mamma Mia on screen.

I had been fortunate enough to see the live version a couple of years ago with my family in Denver. Over my Christmas break, my folks and brother met me in the city for an early Christmas present. Since the show had just begun it’s tour, a few of our friends heard crazy reviews of opening nights. "Fans came in go-go boots or old prom outfits: dresses and colorful tuxes alike." So what did my mom do but bring a few options for us to try out. And why not? We for sure tried on the dresses and got some photos, but alas the spring-time formals for a New Orleans prom weren’t quite appropriate for the winter wonderland of the Rockies. We should have gone for it anyway and just bundled up because by time even the first act was over, we were on our feet dancing and singing. At this point in the run of the show, the die hard fans had already seen the show a few times and couldn’t afford to grace the theater with their "in-style" evening wear. Despite the "matured" attire, the crowd relived the good ol’ days of ABBA or caught the vibe from those around who had lived it as was the case of my brother and I. We’re lucky enough to have a Dad who owns a few of their vinyls so we never missed a beat.

That’s how I felt about today’s experience. I didn’t miss a beat. I laughed so hard even in places where no one else did. I’m blessed with a silent laughter when I’m really worked up so it didn’t matter much, except, of course, when I came up for a big gasp of air. On top of that, I enjoyed the movie with 4 generations: a whole crowd of senior citizens made up the lower seats, with kids, teenagers, and parents throughout the theater. What a joyous occasion!

proportional

I recently read a book that offered this math fact. The tightness of a hug is proportional to the length of time between this and the next hug. When people go away for a significant time for school, deployment, vacation, or work, the farewell hugs seem to last forever with extra squeeze. At least in my experience the return hug on the other side of the parting is also intense. I think the author quantified that situation pretty accurately.

This found this situation follows the rule, too. The quality of one’s day is proportional to how much fruit one eats. I had three bowls of fruit at dinner, not to mention the couple of apples I consumed for Brunch. My day was FANTASTIC as most of them under this rule of statistics.

I noticed another proportional equation. The amount of joy/hurt one feels is proportional to the depth of one’s love and care for the other person. (I will qualify love really quickly as there might be misconception. Love is a deep affection and connection with another person in a way that allows you to know their soul. A kindred spirit is the best term.) When my students struggle in class, I often want to rush by their side to help, though recently, I show the same love by making them work through their English lessons. When my brother hits a triple, I am genuinely excited for him. When my aunt does a little jig after buying another pair of shoes, I dance along with her and her good fortune. And when my friend endures heart-wrenching circumstances, I want to take it on myself and be long-suffering by her side while she rests.

Proportional living isn’t really about formulas or ratios but about realizing how much one circumstance relates and can affect another. Even though I might understand this relationship, doesn’t mean I pop out an answer like on the other side of an equal sign. 2+2=5 (not quite)Instead, I gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the soul, the desire to understand it, and the hope that I ponder and act in ways that are intentional and optimistic.

lonely tortoise

“Do you think tortoises get lonely?” Lynate asked this morning.

The children had just come upon another tortoise in our yard. This one was the size of my two fists put together so everyone was super excited. The crowd had rushed to see the animal scurrying through the flowers in the moist ground covering. Eventually, Claudio caught the tortoise by the shell and transported it to our pond area created just for such visitors. Just a while back a wee tortoise crossed our path on the road. While we didn’t swerve the Red Pepper to avoid the little one, someone did jump out and to grab the otherwise certain roadkill. This creature initiated the creation of the pond and the subsequent adoption of his reptilian friend.

Instead of offering my opinion, I returned the question to Lynate. She in response said yes. “It’s good he has a friend. I don’t think animals are meant to live alone.”

What wisdom she brought to the event. And what clarity she brought to a subject continually discussed, debated, and pondered by authors, scholars, lecturers, and movies. Lynate said in her simple statement that we were created to be together, to be in relationship, and to be in the presence of one another.

And how appropriate that everyone was so excited to see another one. Not only was this tortoise significantly larger, but more importantly, it would be a great companion. I loved the excitement of the find, the enthusiasm to join the two creatures and the parade to make sure the new home would be suitable for all. The kids hovered around the make-shift pond for several minutes gazing at the meeting of the two who will surely be buddies. A party is a party because people gather, but wouldn’t it be extra special to party because there is a party? We’re not meant to live alone…let’s celebrate that we’re together.

My friend just recently received Leopard in the mail. The box came without holes since the contents would be going to her computer, not to a cage in the back yard. Ironically enough, she got another one. Did the Leopards know they would be separated and therefore found a way to reunite with their companion? This might be a different beast all together…

good to better to...

Today was about getting better. Getting better where I have weaknesses. I was in the zone, being intentional, paying attention. So the day rocked. I don’t know where the focus came from or why I sometimes lack it, but I took notice of its presence in this day. I’m grateful I have been given the grace and ability to get better and somewhere to go.

One of my favorite Bible verses and daily goal says "Press on." "Forgetting what is behind and straining for toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:14)

It’s encouraging that high expectations are offered. Without such a gift, apathy, laziness, boredom, and eventually restlessness would set in to our body and spirit. There’s something to being in the zone that awakens our souls to be satisfied. Probably for the simple reason that was why we were made. To be fruitful and multiply. To work the land. To add to and revel in God’s economy.

Getting better at life, living awake and aware to the zone is what it’s all about. I’m far from being fully accomplished. But through intentional efforts and focus, my spirit will be happy and many others’ will enjoy refreshment.

"Tomorrow is a fresh, new day...with no mistakes in it."- Miss Stacey, Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maude Montgomery.

Jesus' frappuccino

What if Jesus came to earth to invent cell phones? Think about it. Here’s God, all-knowing being who simply came to hang out with humans. He chats with people on hill tops, eats dinner with “losers,” and endures tremendous physical torture not to mention that which is in his heart. So really, why didn’t he tried to help himself out with a few modern conveniences? Even refrigeration would have been a good gift for people. The 12 extra baskets of fish could have been saved for the next feeding of 5000 with a good freezer.

Sometimes I look forward to my day off with great anticipation as it will give me an opportunity to indulge in a drink from Starbucks. It’s simple and refreshing, but really can make the long week or hot days completely bearable and even pleasant. The fact that I can’t have them on a daily or even weekly basis makes the drink all that more of a treat. I have no power or wisdom especially about the future, but I know the effects of an iced green tea frappuccino on my psyche, so I run after them.

So back to Jesus, what was his Starbucks? He could have revolutionized civilization with modern conveniences of cell phones, email, video cameras, frozen dinners, and microwaves. He knew the realities of the 21st century even before the calendar started. With such inventions, life would have been so much easier: Need more food and drink for the party? Open up the wine cooler in the fridge and continue to enjoy chatting with the ladies on the deck. Need a few guys to go to the next town and tell them about your father’s message? Send an email. Need to tell the arrogant teachers that they got it all wrong? Leave a long voice mail. Need to get a drink of water? Grab a cold one from the mini-fridge and enjoy watching the rest of the Survivor finale with your buddies. What more could a person want?

And yet he didn’t fast forward the world to our modern living standards. He walked from town to town. He stopped at wells for drinks. He road on a donkey. He washed his friends feet with a basin and towel. He ate with friends and engaged them in conversation without any screens flashing pictures at his face. He survived without Starbucks.

My point is that of all people, Jesus had the right and ABILITY to make life way easier, pleasant, and convenient, and yet he kept it real. He kept it simple without fluff or manufactured distractions or pleasures. He did life with people and just people because that was most important to him. This real life stuff gave him pleasure, worked out his spirit, and encouraged him about the future more than any new iPhone capability will ever do. I appreciate his example because despite all these sparkling gadgets, I realize they don’t make it possible for me to reach the high standard of community and whole-living. Only Jesus’ way makes that possible. I can email, text, frappuccino my way through life, but in the end the real life moments of face to face conversations, a shared meal, or quiet time in prayer will refresh my spirit and the heart of God.

anniversary

Today marked a full year.
A moment in time mixed with excitement and fear.
I longed so much to invest in the choir,
Yet didn’t know how to always meet that desire.

Well, since that first day, I’ve learned a great deal
About living in community, parenting children, and making a living-faith real.
The year has opened my eyes to great potential
For these kids, the future, Africa, and people finally being intentional.

I have very few complaints, very few qualms.
I’m back for a second round through the storms and the calms.
I look forward to working with my great teams
And a group of kids who rock the world, it seems.

So how do I approach the coming term?
With fear, enthusiasm, a resolve steadfast and firm?
All of the above describe my state,
But who knows what will come? This revelation I eagerly await.

apply now/later in life

The day was nice and productive. I'm teaching the kids how to write stories with proper grammar and punctuation and using material that we've covered. I love applied lessons. That's why I use the word hypotenuse all the time. Why let such a concept and fun word go to waste when you can describe a route or dimension to someone? It's all about learning lessons AND applying them. Plus, without fail, nostalgia will overcome the listener as he thinks back to fond memories of jr. high math. Oh those golden days....

Brian Regan has a funny gig about “applying things later in life.” He talks about his time in little league when the coach told the fielders to chatter. “Hey pitcher, pitcher! Is that for the batter’s benefit?” He goes on to apply this chattering to “adult” activities saying, “Hey golfer, golfer. PUTT, Golfer! PUTT! SUE Lawyer, SUE!” And why, because we were suppose to apply those lessons of the baseball field later in life?

It’s a funny gig which makes me think of all the lessons and routines I practice everyday without much of a care why. Why do I hurry from one activity to the next? Because I always ran off the soccer field when I subbed out? Why do I bow my head in prayers? Because I did it as a kid? Why do I make points supported by at least three reasons when I’m arguing with someone? Because I wrote 5-paragraph comps until they came out my ears? Most of these are good lessons that are worth “applying later in life.”

However, what are the lessons and habits I’m creating right now that might not be good to apply later in life? Just because I had happy meals as a child (well Hamburger Stand meals- we NEVER ate at the Arches), doesn’t mean I exaggerate and apply the lessons of over indulgence, poor eating habits, and squandering money.

Most importantly, am I willing to apply the lessons such as love, grace, and mercy that I’ve heard hundreds of times? What does that look like, and can I exaggerate it with the unbridled energy of a little leaguer “chattering” at the opposing team? In the end, this application is the one that counts. Hopefully we were taught these vital lessons through parents, friends, teachers, church members, and even strangers. If we didn’t, we need to get edumicated. We cannot ignore or forget these lessons like some of us did with the concept once we heard the title Quadratic Formula. The lesson and application matter to our own intellectual/spiritual growth for this moment in “later life.” And it matters to those who still need to learn so they have lessons to “apply later in life.”

carabiner

I dig carabiners. They come in fun colors, weird shapes, and various strengths. But most importantly, their function gives them great purpose regardless of one's rock climbing skill. A carabiner clips onto an object to connect it to a foundation, keep the object from being lost, or link objects together. Best of all, once linked, one has to be intentional about removing the said object from the carabiner. A carabiner just snaps into place and will remain there steady and formidable, taking on stresses and also hanging loosely when not being used.

A friendship has similar qualities of a carabiner. Once people are connected, it takes great force to completely sever the relationship. Two of my roommates from college came to visit me in NC on their road trip home from Maine to California- I was on the way. Despite the fact we have talked only sporadically over the last two years, we are still linked without appeal. When we finally reunited last night, new and old stories flooded the conversation table. The carabiner of our friendship has been lasting and steadfast allowing us to pick up where we left off. Plus, the carabiner has attached us with an extra safety hold of joy and laughter we share. I have confidence this simple tool will continue to link and bind us throughout the years and bring us back together.

the creation of success

Success! What an exciting moment and treasured accomplishment! After all the hard work, sweat and toil, a good show can be PARTY worthy. That happened last night as the kids performed in their first “theatre” type show in San Francisco. We had a great audience and local crew who all made us look and sound fabulous. But the performers brought it. I mean brought it. To the very end they had the focus, energy, and joy that made the whole expereince worthwhile. I say performers because while the kids were excellent and cute, but the African adults provided the glue that really held the show together. And yet, it was like rubber cement; their energy just bounced off them and hit the kids. Impressive.

The creation story comes to my head as I think about our night. Strange, I know, but there’s something very similar to our time with this show and the first six days of the world. After each day God said, “It is good.” Such is the case with this show, “It was GOOD!” But God didn’t stop after one successful day of creating. He kept going. And this process took time and effort as much as that can be quantified with God. But none the less, he didn’t just wake up and the next day was done. He had to do more than just pronounce the day good. He had to set the sun and moon in their place. He had to make the creatures of the land and the see. Each new day that followed a “good” day included work and growth beyond what existed. So I don’t think a better analogy could be said of the choir. They had a good day, and tomorrow will be another day to work at making good. Of course, flying home to NC doesn’t really count, but the following days and weeks will include rehearsals, other concerts, school, and play. Each one of those moments is work toward a good day- another good day on stage and in heaven where the angels are dancing.

take and give

Something became very clear to me this morning. In order to be a good friend or in relationship at all, one must be vulnerable. One must not worry about the reaction of the other person when offering up words in confidence. There is no "worse case scenario" because if the relationship is to be and to grow, only receiving the precious humility of the giver is proper and therefore positive. In receiving, one gives a gift that is far greater that of any notes, chocolate bars, conversation, flowers, or hugs.
One gives freedom to speak and be heard.
One gives trust and care.
One releases the captive giver of angst about sharing a message once held so tightly.
One gives and also receives the gift of friendship.

distractions

It’s easy to get distracted. I want to go to bed, but I keep looking up things on the Internet. I will be chatting online and the phone rings- boy, any multi-tasking skills I thought I had fly out the window. All I can do at the same time is walk and talk on the phone or run and breathe. Even listening to music on the trail is an overstatement. I’ll definitely hear it, but not everything, especially words, will sink into the deep consciousness of my mind.

I wonder if we’re meant to be multi-taskers or one-job-at-a-time creation. The latter would certainly make road trips a drag for the driver. Driving and NOTHING else! I definitely don’t fit that description of human creation if that’s the divine consensus. What about Broadway musicals? A person could bust out into random song only to be stopped dead in her tracks due to the shut down of any other functions like dancing, acting, seducing the man, dreaming of the perfect life, or moving with any sort of grace and finesse much less avoiding the edge of the stage.

Obviously, we are not suppose to be one-thing-only people in daily life. Our own bodies don’t even function that way, though sometimes my stomach thinks it’s the only important organ. And yet, a better quandary might be what are the tasks that really shouldn’t be multiplied with anything. Chewing gum and swimming. Reading and walking a tight rope. Driving and talking on a cell phone ☺. Hunting and polishing your toe nails.
How about giving a hug while talking to someone else and squirming around? Or promising to offer assistance while watching TV and making a grocery shopping list?

I’m proud to know so many people who multi-task with great skill and do it in a way that make you feel like the only thing on their plate when a conversation with you is one of their many tasks. My grandpa can join me with a glass of lemonade and shut off the rest of the world to show me his undivided attention.
The pleasure of accomplishment for multi-taskers often seems to outweigh that of single-task moments, and yet the single-task could mean everything to the recipient in that moment. Whether it’s a dog who gets to be petted without pause, a friend who wants to talk about life on the phone or a child who offers a hug just to get one back, these undistracted moments are worth finding. Worth taking off the hard-hat needed for the busy and dangerous work of multi-tasking. Be careful.

who are we?

This afternoon/evening we went to the lake with J&J’s invitation. What a pair of blessed souls! They utterly love these kids, the chaperons and ACC in general. They do their best to follow the guidelines we’ve set up. I hope with all my heart that they know our appreciation and gratitude for all they do and all they mean to the kids and the organization. It’s quite the undertaking for them, but it brings them so much joy.

It makes me think of how we’re impacted differently by the choir. I had only a concert and overnight stay to sell me to the choir. These people get to share Sunday worship services, dinners, events, and neighborly activities. Their kids can hang out all the time with them. Some get to share a regular Sunday School time with them. I don’t say this to set the kids apart as celebrities or untouchable queens and kings. I say it because there is no doubt in my mind that love and blessings are flowing in and through them and trickling into the lives that surround them. I know it to be true for myself, and that was part of the reason I signed up for this gig in the first place. I marvel at how their Christlike example can touch so many people in different profound ways.

Families talk about their hosting opportunities which last a night or two. They reminisce with such joy and appreciation for the time spent together. I know because my family happen to be one of those host families of old. So what are people who spend even more time saying about the children or their own changed lives? I pray that each interaction is another edifying and uplifting experience of Joy and Hope.

It’s easy how we can take for granted the great relationships and connections we have with special people like our parents, professors, pastors, co-workers, new and old friends. Of course, for most of us, these folks don’t hail from Uganda, have maybe never left the country, and probably couldn’t harmonize with 25 other random people if put in the same room (I’m not even going to bring up drumming and dancing.) And yet, these people in our lives have God’s favor upon them just for being alive. While some express this truth with enthusiasm and others don't, blessings and love can still flow through and between us all. If I was to go to a random host family without the kids, would I bring as much goodness to their house? When I interact with friends, do they go to bed at the end of the day thankful to know me? I hope so.

Being a celebrity is not on my 5 year plan right now, but neither is it on any of the lips of these children. We don't need to be. They will continue to live obediently and joyfully, being ambassadors of Christ as they study English, play Sunday School games, and eat meals with guests. It’s simple and yet requires us to pay attention to the blessings around us and how our own lives can be a gift.

blackout

Perhaps I foreshadowed the blackness (a little lighting pun) or my prayers to really understand African life came true at the crack of lightning. Either way, the evening created a great story that this author can only chronicle rather take any credit for its ingenuity despite the possible use of literary tools.

We made spiral ham with mashed potatoes for dinner. Oh my- it was tasty. The aromas brought back memories of Christmases past, when we gathered around the table and did our best to get in at least three servings of mashed potatoes before we were stuffed. If Granny June had just “happened to have an apple pie,” the meal would have been completely heavenly. I mentioned this memory to my co-cook, and we started talking about holiday traditions. Right as the children lined up to eat, the thunder cracked and the afternoon sky grew dark and grey. Suddenly, without warning, the lights went out.

This tends to be a common occurrence in Africa including times at the training center in Uganda because generators go out or the power just disappears. Even our African choir manager has commented that she felt back at home when the power goes out.

Well, not being fully acquainted with this typical way of life and still needing to clean the kitchen, torches were sought out from every drawer, nook, and cranny. (Small aside, this experience was a bit more positive than what would occur at my normal house. Torches would be found, maybe, but inevitably the batteries would be dead. Thankfully, I can count on my mom to have the house well supplied with candles to reestablish mood lighting.)
We also found three candles to light. Immediately, I took the cue to start Silent Night. The other chaperons joined me with beautiful harmonies long enough to grace the children with the first two verses. What a magical meal!

Foreshadowing is mysteriously fantastic that way. It prompts me to relive, reread or review the story to pick out the instances that give clues about the struggle or the climax. I appreciate each moment as it did happen because most of the time, I would never come up with something so clever and spectacular. Truth is funny and perfect that way.

sweating salt

Tonight Liz and I made Fish ‘N Chips. Oh my UKish (including British, Irish, Scottish) friends would be proud of my attempt at “Chippies.” For a bit more flavor we added garlic and onions to the dish…I must admit the fish were baked not fried. But here’s my point, the meal was tasty. We could not have succeeded without a bit of seasoning especially from the garlic and onions. It was in the midst of this process that we decided that working with this organization has really blessed us by allowing us to be single. Otherwise, we would try to avoid such smelly meals like these in order to be even remotely attractive. “Yes,” I said. Single…for tonight, it’s great.” Meanwhile Liz said, “Yes, I like onions and garlic. [sarcastically snorting at singleness]” Apparently, even a great meal can’t attract one to a nun's life forever.

What is attractive in life is some spice. We’re meant to be salt of the earth.
Season it. Preserve it.

Salt gives a bit of extra flavor to a dish and helps bring out the goodness already inherent in the food. The same is true about us. We can provide a joy and perspective of possibility to life that might otherwise seem hopeless, flavorless, and unworthy of being tasted.

Salt helps keep meats from rotting, a practiced used in tropical places that don’t have refrigeration. Again, as salt we have an opportunity to seek out and bring about the potential in the world. We make a difference for good through our thoughts, words, and actions. No one can deny that the world is rotting with wars, disease, corruption, and heartache, but by really rubbing deep into the world, these rotting agents will shrink away. The world will last for future generations of salt lovers to enjoy it.

How do we maintain such a quality without sweating garlic or stinking of potato chips?
Rubbing in salt sums it up. We have to be intentional about this. Meat sprinkled with salt is just salty rotten meat that might bring a smile to one person. That’s before it hits the stomach, of course, where nightmares will occur. But with salt rubbed in, really taken care of for preservation, the meat will be good to eat long after it should have rotted away. The world needs us to be intentional about caring for the creation, the people, and the cultures.

goosebumps from God

Today I heard a conversion story of new Christian man who, only six months after surrendering his life and accepting God’s gift, is heading to Haiti to be a missionary. The mother who told me this story said his physical appearance changed when he completely sold out for God. Vices are just falling off of him including foul language, womanizing, and selfish living. Such a testimony amazes me (a shiver ran up my back) especially as I think about how much of God’s love he had been exposed to and nourished in by being born and raised in a Christian home.

I appreciate that I have been given the free will to choose my God even though he had chosen me a long time ago. I rejoice in the fact that his grace rests upon all of us and will meet us wherever we go. And I love that he gives us people to be his tangible arms of love, hugs, accountability, and encouragement. It takes all of those things to bring any of us closer to him. Regardless of upbringing, life history or current circumstances the choice is available to everyone. Such a choice can rock your world as it has mine and that of this young man. And as you're rocked, the deep passion and desire for God will guide your journey and give you peace…and probably even goosebumps of excitement.

unexpected

The unexpected takes me a minute to catch my breath. Or should I say left field surprises make my heart race and random days off are pleasantly refreshing.

Not knowing what the day would hold, I went about my daily routines: running, sweating A LOT, drinking 8 glasses of water, etc. This morning David surprised me with a special treat- fruit smoothies. This drink is the best post-workout snack ever. Mmm…tasty.

Then I started reading. Not that it’s completely unexpected, but I enjoyed a nice power nap. That one didn’t really make my heart rate go up.

We headed off into town, where the car conversation took me into thinking about creative projects that I want to undertake: writing a book, playing the guitar, painting, and choreographing a dance. Totally unexpected…and fascinating.

I sat down in my usual chair at Borders to enjoy the pile of books I grabbed from the shelves only to be interrupted by a very strange phone call. The offer on the other end (PS- not marriage) was very exciting and shot my heart rate through the roof. Despite the phone call being completely out of nowhere, I enjoyed the fun roller coaster ride. I eventually calmed down and thought practically about the proposition. I had to decline, but all the same, the day had been jumbled again just a little bit.

The unexpected makes me laugh as much as run around with my head cut off, but I like days like these. I appreciate the problem solving, decision making, the creative thinking, and the squealing and relaxing. Perhaps like abundance, it’s about perspective. I can’t say. I’ll leave the unexpected to surprise me again however it can.

abundance

I love it when abundant blessings overwhelm me. They are such surprises with no end. Something I have no control over.

Abundance overwhelmed this day. It all started when I went shopping. Every shelf was fully stocked just so I could take exactly what I wanted. Plus, I found Buggles which will allow day after day to be a dizzying delight. The cashier seemed to be especially friendly and competent at his job so we chatted about “Sam’s Club Calisthenics and Team building” going on in the background. A great idea, and I’m glad I was just watching. The abundance made itself apparent when we returned home from shopping and the cupboards and refrigerators seemed to expand as more food entered.

Then I experienced abundant energy. And as many of you know, such silly, giggly liveliness is dangerous for me so I productively put on my running shoes and hit the road. Hills are the perfect way to harness extra energy for a good and fun purpose.

I received a letter from a friend which reminded me that her abundant love is truly a gift. Such relationships somehow create a catalyst for this abundance of giving and caring to multiply and redouble itself back to the source and also beyond to other friends and family.

Finally, the day ended with a great party and fellowship with friends from church. Adults and kids alike flooded the back yard with shouts, laughter, and chatting, not to mention lots of splashing in the pool. Everyone reached their fill of the delicious food. Still there were enough leftovers to feed the choir two more meals. The ACC children couldn’t have had a better time in the pool where a never-ending supply of noodles and other floating toys abounded. This abundance was a “lifesaver” in many ways because without, most of the kids would have been stuck on the steps or clinging to the chaperons’ backs.

While all these moments of abundance might seem small, I can’t help but realize that none of them were my doing. None of the abundance came from my beckoning, coaxing, or pleading. It was offered freely and abundantly with personal and Godly love behind it all. Folks from KPIC pay for our food, and Sam’s Club provides food for families. The state park workers make sure my trail is “groomed” so that many can enjoy recreation in the outdoors. And Friends of Mirembe seek out ways to share their resources and excitement for the choir over and over. These are my/our direct sources of the abundance, but such gifts can only be given by hearts that already know what it’s like to receive regardless of merit or position. A life of abundance is not hard to have- it’s mostly about perspective. Life itself is a pretty phenomenal introduction to all the abundance here and in the future.

And I did nothing but receive. wow.