Fifth Entries: 5-22-10
We’re back at base camp for a night. Prayer and fasting at Antelope Park was awesome. It was so cool to see how God is working, or “on the move” in Africa, as they say here.
So, Ginger and I moved rooms last night-I went to our room to take a rest before the evening activities; then at 10 til, Sue knocked on my door and I bounded up to open it, but couldn’t! It was jammed. I had Sue and our housekeeper, Goga, push against the door while I pulled, but still nothing. Sue sent for the maintenance man, Samo, who started from the outside, taking the doorknob off, but still couldn’t get it open. So, he came to my window and had me unscrew and lift out the grate that covered my window so he could climb in. (This made quite a mess of our room.) Then, he got the other part of the doorknob plate off and got out the jammed lock, and I was set free. A bit like being in prison, haha...
So, prayer and fasting-AWESOME. Luckily, I wasn’t too late because they pushed the start time to 6 pm. We sand songs a cappella-in Shona, Ndebele and English.
And now, a brief intermission for some Zimbabwean background: There are two groups of native people in Zimbabwe, the Shona and the Ndebele. Ndebele are typically located in the Southwest of the country, and are smaller in size and power than the Shona. Shona is the more dominant group, located everywhere else in Zimbabwe. The current president, Robert Mugabe, is Shona in ethnicity, and orchestrated a genocide of Ndebele early in his rule, which he now will not apologize for, but merely terms a “moment of madness.” Nevertheless, there is some latent tension between the two groups, although God is directing some wonderful acts of reconciliation. Now, imagine the lights in the theater flashing to signal that it’s time to return to your seats for the rest of the show.
The singing was king of like a Ladysmith Black Mombazo concert- the voices were so beautiful, harmonies naturally emerged. All this interspersed with prayers asking God to speak. Scott Marques shared about enjoying our time together, but trusting one another enough to go, similar to Fenway’s “gather to scatter” theme. We also talked and prayed on receiving God’s grace anew. It was a beautiful time.
Then, Ginger and I hung out with Sue, Shelton and Carola and got to hear about how God is working in Shelton’s life; he’s figuring out why God is opening so many doors. Afterward, Ginger and I had a great talk about mission and where God wants us.
So far this trip has shown me that I love Africa, but I also have a heart for the American church and Boston. I’ve realized too that it’s hard for me to be here because it is not my home, not where I live. Boston is really my city these days-I love it there and seeing change there is really what I desire. Maybe something that connects me to the nations is in store...maybe this trip will bury seeds in my heart that will come to fruition later in my life. I realized today my joy and contentment in serving college women. I really love building strong, loving relationships with them and investing in their lives. I want to be the woman in the church that a young woman needs, to confide in, or ask the hard questions. This is certainly an interesting thought to have here in Africa. More than ever, the idea of a bakery with good friends sounds great. I’d be ready to plant myself somewhere, or to bring a NewFrontiers church to California. All of these options that once felt like being “trapped in the states” now sound appealing. Am I clinging to home/fearful of mission? or is God revealing new attitudes in and to me?
This morning, prayer and fasting continued. We heard from all the different churches and areas NewFrontiers is working in in Zim and South Africa. It was great-to hear how reliance on God can change a nation, how people are trusting God despite failed crops, to hear prayers for real faith-that believes that a “kingdom on earth as it is in heaven” is possible and, more than that, is definitely coming. There were many prophetic words-I even got one about the 4 leaders in Harare, weird. That’s the second one I’ve got since being here. I wonder what God is stirring in me.
All ended well, and we are a delicious, celebratory lunch and then hung out with Tash and Molly. Oh, and I got to know Taps and his wife, Flora, and their daughter, better over lunch-they are wonderful people. Then we departed and arrived home. A little down time now and ostrich burgers for dinner.
Off for a stay in Kezi with Molly and Stephen tomorrow!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Zimbabwe, Fourth Entries
Fourth Entries: 5-21-10
I thought Africa would be different, different smelling air, etc...So far, I feel like I’m on vacation, enjoying much luxury. Antelope Park is such a beautiful place. We’ve just moved rooms due to the prayer and fasting, and now we’re quite removed from the goings-on at main camp. It’s very serene-a good place to rest and reflect.
Lounging at Antelope Park
We had a horse ride through the bush this morning, in hopes of seeing some game. We didn’t see too much--a few impala, a kudu (author’s note: this is like a mix between a cow and a deer), a warthog (my favorite!). It was a beautiful ride. My horse, Jackson, along with Nathan’s, Jacko, were very slow. It was a nice ride, but my butt hurt after. I thought a lot about people train to ride horses in movies and how strong you must be to do it. The moment the horses actually picked up speed, I squealed and bounced all over the saddle!
Afterward, people began arriving for prayer and fasting. I met Mbonisi, a pastor in Bulawayo, an his wife Tash and their two beautiful boys. I also met Molly and her husband Stephen, who work at Ebenezer, and Taps who pastors a church in Mguza. It’s nice to finally put faces to the names I’ve heard at table-side chat with Sam, Marlene and Sue.
...
There are gorgeous birds here, that look plain black and boring, but in the sunlight are in fact navy blue, and when they spread their wings, have a bright blue and orange stripe. One just pooped, yuck. Not on me, thank goodness.
Sam said he thinks Zimbabweans are the most peace-loving people he’s ever met and Sue agreed. Despite power cuts (ie power goes out randomly) and poor political leadership, they are happy. It’s really wonderful to see God moving here and blessing Zimbabwe, building a strong, wonderful church. Molly shared that a few young men from Ebenezer have really changed and are now sold out for the Lord. So good to hear familiar phrases out of our sister’s mouth.
The housekeeper just came in. She was a beautiful, elderly black woman. Beautiful. She called me “mama.” So sweet.
Evidently, Harare can got without power for days, whereas power cuts are more predictable and occur 3 to 5 times a week, at that, in Bulawayo.
I had some good conversation today with Nathan and Greg. Oh! And we saw elephants feeding when we walked back to our room, so we snapped a few pictures.
Prayer and fasting in about an hour. Better rest up before that.
(napping commences)
I thought Africa would be different, different smelling air, etc...So far, I feel like I’m on vacation, enjoying much luxury. Antelope Park is such a beautiful place. We’ve just moved rooms due to the prayer and fasting, and now we’re quite removed from the goings-on at main camp. It’s very serene-a good place to rest and reflect.
Lounging at Antelope ParkWe had a horse ride through the bush this morning, in hopes of seeing some game. We didn’t see too much--a few impala, a kudu (author’s note: this is like a mix between a cow and a deer), a warthog (my favorite!). It was a beautiful ride. My horse, Jackson, along with Nathan’s, Jacko, were very slow. It was a nice ride, but my butt hurt after. I thought a lot about people train to ride horses in movies and how strong you must be to do it. The moment the horses actually picked up speed, I squealed and bounced all over the saddle!
Afterward, people began arriving for prayer and fasting. I met Mbonisi, a pastor in Bulawayo, an his wife Tash and their two beautiful boys. I also met Molly and her husband Stephen, who work at Ebenezer, and Taps who pastors a church in Mguza. It’s nice to finally put faces to the names I’ve heard at table-side chat with Sam, Marlene and Sue.
...
There are gorgeous birds here, that look plain black and boring, but in the sunlight are in fact navy blue, and when they spread their wings, have a bright blue and orange stripe. One just pooped, yuck. Not on me, thank goodness.
Sam said he thinks Zimbabweans are the most peace-loving people he’s ever met and Sue agreed. Despite power cuts (ie power goes out randomly) and poor political leadership, they are happy. It’s really wonderful to see God moving here and blessing Zimbabwe, building a strong, wonderful church. Molly shared that a few young men from Ebenezer have really changed and are now sold out for the Lord. So good to hear familiar phrases out of our sister’s mouth.
The housekeeper just came in. She was a beautiful, elderly black woman. Beautiful. She called me “mama.” So sweet.
Evidently, Harare can got without power for days, whereas power cuts are more predictable and occur 3 to 5 times a week, at that, in Bulawayo.
I had some good conversation today with Nathan and Greg. Oh! And we saw elephants feeding when we walked back to our room, so we snapped a few pictures.
Prayer and fasting in about an hour. Better rest up before that.
(napping commences)
Zimbabwe, Third Entries
Third Entries: 5-20-10
Good morning! Had a good sleep last night- again, in a bed. The mission house is so beautiful. I’m sitting under a thatch-roof hut that sits in the middle of the grounds. It’s cool and windy today and I’m still feeling a bit under the weather (Author’s note: I contracted a cold the day I left).
Mission House in Bulawayo
We go to Antelope Park today, for some good time with wildlife. Hopefully its a bit warmer there so we can spend time outside.
It smells different here- a faint scent of burning, or of that which was once burned. Is this the life for me? This is the though I contemplate. Have I become so Americanized? So used to Boston living this this doesn’t jive with me? Am I forcing it? This is my first experience really living abroad. I know I fear making mistakes, and that learning a new culture, a different way of life is filled with mistakes. I’m already noticing my shortcomings, failing to choose the less-good food, eating seconds, taking the good chair--are these emanations of selfishness? My need for comfort? I am displeased with myself, but I also think I’m being too critical...
...
We arrived at Antelope Park! Our drive was pleasant--”the girls’ car” with Sue-an English woman who moved here from South Africa. She’s really sweet and wonderful. I got to know Marlene a bit better.
At the park, we met our guide, Evans. He’s a tall Zimbabwean who is soft spoken, but hilarious. Can’t wait to go on some adventures with him. We hung out a bit on the veranda, which was breathtaking. The sky here is so blue due to lack of pollution and the clouds billow and pile and roll in like cotton mounds. Just lovely. After getting our rooms, Nathan, Ginger and I went to walk with the lions! We hopped in the back of a buggy-jeep and drove out into the bush to a caged area where two 16 moth old lions, Meggie and Thulani, were kept. They came out and we walked with them, pet them, took pictures, held them by the tail. It was unbelievable. They were only two months from being trained to hunt as they would in the wild. It was just nuts!
My new lion friend
Then, we came back and Ginger and i got tea, took some sunset pictures, then visited with Sam and Marlene before Sam and Greg left for what is termed the “night encounter,” where the lions hunt and kill. While they were away, we had dinner and played Five Crowns, a really fun card game (Post-trip note: this game would fill a lot of our down time during the trip). After that was over, Sam and Greg still weren’t back. Ginger and I went out to a lonely firepit and chatted with some park guards, talking about travel and climate and our countries. They fetched more wood for us and then left us to listen to all the sounds of the night under a star and moonlit sky. It was so quiet--you could hear the fire burning, the lions roaring, birds chirping, plops in the water...all under a glorious African sky. I can’t believe I’m here.
I struggle with wanting to go back home immediately, anxious about the next days here and how they’ll pass, or wanting to stay forever. What does this mean?
Good morning! Had a good sleep last night- again, in a bed. The mission house is so beautiful. I’m sitting under a thatch-roof hut that sits in the middle of the grounds. It’s cool and windy today and I’m still feeling a bit under the weather (Author’s note: I contracted a cold the day I left).
Mission House in BulawayoWe go to Antelope Park today, for some good time with wildlife. Hopefully its a bit warmer there so we can spend time outside.
It smells different here- a faint scent of burning, or of that which was once burned. Is this the life for me? This is the though I contemplate. Have I become so Americanized? So used to Boston living this this doesn’t jive with me? Am I forcing it? This is my first experience really living abroad. I know I fear making mistakes, and that learning a new culture, a different way of life is filled with mistakes. I’m already noticing my shortcomings, failing to choose the less-good food, eating seconds, taking the good chair--are these emanations of selfishness? My need for comfort? I am displeased with myself, but I also think I’m being too critical...
...
We arrived at Antelope Park! Our drive was pleasant--”the girls’ car” with Sue-an English woman who moved here from South Africa. She’s really sweet and wonderful. I got to know Marlene a bit better.
At the park, we met our guide, Evans. He’s a tall Zimbabwean who is soft spoken, but hilarious. Can’t wait to go on some adventures with him. We hung out a bit on the veranda, which was breathtaking. The sky here is so blue due to lack of pollution and the clouds billow and pile and roll in like cotton mounds. Just lovely. After getting our rooms, Nathan, Ginger and I went to walk with the lions! We hopped in the back of a buggy-jeep and drove out into the bush to a caged area where two 16 moth old lions, Meggie and Thulani, were kept. They came out and we walked with them, pet them, took pictures, held them by the tail. It was unbelievable. They were only two months from being trained to hunt as they would in the wild. It was just nuts!
My new lion friendThen, we came back and Ginger and i got tea, took some sunset pictures, then visited with Sam and Marlene before Sam and Greg left for what is termed the “night encounter,” where the lions hunt and kill. While they were away, we had dinner and played Five Crowns, a really fun card game (Post-trip note: this game would fill a lot of our down time during the trip). After that was over, Sam and Greg still weren’t back. Ginger and I went out to a lonely firepit and chatted with some park guards, talking about travel and climate and our countries. They fetched more wood for us and then left us to listen to all the sounds of the night under a star and moonlit sky. It was so quiet--you could hear the fire burning, the lions roaring, birds chirping, plops in the water...all under a glorious African sky. I can’t believe I’m here.
I struggle with wanting to go back home immediately, anxious about the next days here and how they’ll pass, or wanting to stay forever. What does this mean?
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Zimbabwe, Second Entries
Second Entries: 5-19-10
Arrived last night in South Africa about 9:10pm. I finally have stamps in my passport! After a somewhat stressful search for my ride and team, I found them. It was nerve-racking, walking around as a single white woman, looking lost, cabbies left and right offering rides. Nevertheless, I met up with Tim, our host, and Greg, one of my teammates. Time was really cool, impressed with my good packing job, and drove us to his house to stay the night. To be honest, it almost felt like California-a background with a playhouse and a trampoline, we watched Patch Adams while drinking Rooibos tea, chatting a bit. So, now, introducing the team...
Greg: a dad with 19 year old daughter on the year team in South Africa. He’s very kind, dad like and from Missouri. He and his wife started an appliance maintenance business and now they have funds to send and go, pretty cool.
Ginger: an (I’m guessing) 30 year old woman, from Oregon originially, now in St.Lous, did a year team in 1999, would like to live abroad, seems like a fun lady!
Nathan: a 26 year old, married with a new baby, enjoys coffee and talking...a very nice guy.
Everyone at this point is still in the “feeling each other out” stage, well, except for Greg--he seems really at ease, which is a comfort to me.
We had a nice breakfast and chat with Tim’s wife, Lindsey. Then, off to the airport. Nathan was on an earlier flight than the rest of us, so we all hung out at a cafe. Got through security and then took a bus to the plane. People are so friendly here, talking to you like they’ve known you for years. I just got this good treatment for an older woman with the calmest voice.
Then, we got dropped off at the tiniest plane, an MA 60. It’s pretty weathered and loud, but we’re in the air on the way to Zim.
...
Well, I’m now in Zim. The flight was weird, I’ll call it vintage. Sam picked us up-he’s very kind, I really like him. He really loves the Lord and serving Him in a practical way. He makes missioneering real for me, not something far off and unattainable.
The guys that gave us our visas were sweethearts--a bit embarrassed by their meager airport, ie a series of three corrugated steel barns. But, the real deal is being redone, hopefully “if they keep their word,” by the end of the year. A young man checked my bag named Providence-a coincidence? I think not...
After Sam picked us up, we went on a long drive to the house that will serve as our base. It’s beautiful. The grounds are gorgeous-well kept by the caretakers, Anderson and sheila. Same introduced us to his wife, who is the sweetest, most softly spoken woman. She reminds me of a younger version of my grandma. We chatted for a long time about customs and schedules. Here's the basic outline of the trip:
We met our guides for the week, a wonderful couple named Sam and Marlene Poe and had a great dinner, prayed a bit and got the basic outline of the trip. Here goes:
Wednesday: Arrive
Thursday: Go to Antelope Park.
Friday: Morning-Antelope Park
Afternoon-Prayer and Fasting to begin at 4:30
Saturday: Prayer and Fasting (12pm)
Afternoon-Return to Bulawayo Mission House
Sunday: Got to Kezi for the Crossroads Church service
Monday: Tour Ebenezer
Tuesday: More time in Kezi
Return to Bulawayo in the Afternoon
Wednesday: Leave to Mashonaland
Stay night in Harare
Thursday: Travel to Dotitto for Chronological Bible Storying (CBS) Training
Friday: Finish CBS training
Return to Harare
Saturday: CBS Training in Peri-Urban Areas
Sunday: Church service in Harare at Westgate
Drive back to Bulawayo Mission House and Pack Up
Monday: Fly to South Africa
Tuesday: Fly from South Africa to Atlanta (night)
Wednesday: Fly from Atlanta to Boston
And here's a map so you have a visual clue of whereall I went...
Then we have a delicious dinner of native foods-a salad of cucumber, tomato, and cabbage, beef and onions in a sweet curry sauce, and what Zimbabweans call “sweet potatoes”-a white potato with a delightfully subtle sweetness to it. Delish! Then tea and cookies for dessert. A good night.
On the flipside, I’m not quite sure why I’m here. I guess I’m a bit disappointed. I feel like I don’t have the answers that people want from me, I’m unimpressive...maybe this is God working on my people-pleasing and showing me that faith is not found in people’s approval, but in Him...
Headed to Antelope Park tomorrow. Maybe I’ll walk with the lions?! (Post-trip remark: I did.)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Arrived last night in South Africa about 9:10pm. I finally have stamps in my passport! After a somewhat stressful search for my ride and team, I found them. It was nerve-racking, walking around as a single white woman, looking lost, cabbies left and right offering rides. Nevertheless, I met up with Tim, our host, and Greg, one of my teammates. Time was really cool, impressed with my good packing job, and drove us to his house to stay the night. To be honest, it almost felt like California-a background with a playhouse and a trampoline, we watched Patch Adams while drinking Rooibos tea, chatting a bit. So, now, introducing the team...
Greg: a dad with 19 year old daughter on the year team in South Africa. He’s very kind, dad like and from Missouri. He and his wife started an appliance maintenance business and now they have funds to send and go, pretty cool.
Ginger: an (I’m guessing) 30 year old woman, from Oregon originially, now in St.Lous, did a year team in 1999, would like to live abroad, seems like a fun lady!
Nathan: a 26 year old, married with a new baby, enjoys coffee and talking...a very nice guy.
Everyone at this point is still in the “feeling each other out” stage, well, except for Greg--he seems really at ease, which is a comfort to me.
We had a nice breakfast and chat with Tim’s wife, Lindsey. Then, off to the airport. Nathan was on an earlier flight than the rest of us, so we all hung out at a cafe. Got through security and then took a bus to the plane. People are so friendly here, talking to you like they’ve known you for years. I just got this good treatment for an older woman with the calmest voice.
Then, we got dropped off at the tiniest plane, an MA 60. It’s pretty weathered and loud, but we’re in the air on the way to Zim.
...
Well, I’m now in Zim. The flight was weird, I’ll call it vintage. Sam picked us up-he’s very kind, I really like him. He really loves the Lord and serving Him in a practical way. He makes missioneering real for me, not something far off and unattainable.
The guys that gave us our visas were sweethearts--a bit embarrassed by their meager airport, ie a series of three corrugated steel barns. But, the real deal is being redone, hopefully “if they keep their word,” by the end of the year. A young man checked my bag named Providence-a coincidence? I think not...
After Sam picked us up, we went on a long drive to the house that will serve as our base. It’s beautiful. The grounds are gorgeous-well kept by the caretakers, Anderson and sheila. Same introduced us to his wife, who is the sweetest, most softly spoken woman. She reminds me of a younger version of my grandma. We chatted for a long time about customs and schedules. Here's the basic outline of the trip:
We met our guides for the week, a wonderful couple named Sam and Marlene Poe and had a great dinner, prayed a bit and got the basic outline of the trip. Here goes:
Wednesday: Arrive
Thursday: Go to Antelope Park.
Friday: Morning-Antelope Park
Afternoon-Prayer and Fasting to begin at 4:30
Saturday: Prayer and Fasting (12pm)
Afternoon-Return to Bulawayo Mission House
Sunday: Got to Kezi for the Crossroads Church service
Monday: Tour Ebenezer
Tuesday: More time in Kezi
Return to Bulawayo in the Afternoon
Wednesday: Leave to Mashonaland
Stay night in Harare
Thursday: Travel to Dotitto for Chronological Bible Storying (CBS) Training
Friday: Finish CBS training
Return to Harare
Saturday: CBS Training in Peri-Urban Areas
Sunday: Church service in Harare at Westgate
Drive back to Bulawayo Mission House and Pack Up
Monday: Fly to South Africa
Tuesday: Fly from South Africa to Atlanta (night)
Wednesday: Fly from Atlanta to Boston
And here's a map so you have a visual clue of whereall I went...
Then we have a delicious dinner of native foods-a salad of cucumber, tomato, and cabbage, beef and onions in a sweet curry sauce, and what Zimbabweans call “sweet potatoes”-a white potato with a delightfully subtle sweetness to it. Delish! Then tea and cookies for dessert. A good night.
On the flipside, I’m not quite sure why I’m here. I guess I’m a bit disappointed. I feel like I don’t have the answers that people want from me, I’m unimpressive...maybe this is God working on my people-pleasing and showing me that faith is not found in people’s approval, but in Him...
Headed to Antelope Park tomorrow. Maybe I’ll walk with the lions?! (Post-trip remark: I did.)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Zimbabwe, First Entries
Hello all. Three months after the fact, I'm finally getting to sort through my journal covering my time in Zimbabwe...so, over the next week, I'll be posting the summaries, reflections, and ruminations from the amazing trip I had in Zimbabwe. I've edited a bit for interest and grammar, but this is mostly everything I wrote during my time there. So, without further ado, enjoy...
First Entries: 5-18-10
Well, I made the first leg. I’m currently sitting in Amsterdam’s Schiphol (pronounced Skip-Hole) airport awaiting my flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. The first flight was pretty painless for being 6 hours and 43 minutes - I was able to sleep through most of it - so I’m pretty much adjusted to Zimbabwe time now - same as Amsterdam time. It’s about 9am here, an hour and a half til take off.
God blessed me with a great row buddy for my flight - Cynthia from Vermont, a gardener turning nurse, who classifies herself as “always random, never sketchy,” and, cherry on top, Christian! She prayed for me before we landed. She hadn’t flown in 8 years - she had been all over the world, but never much liked the flying. She was headed to Rome to visit her best friend whom she hadn’t seen in decades. I held her hand during both takeoff and landing and she tugged my sweater back across me when it fell while I was sleeping (“the mom instinct,” according to Cynthia). And get this, she has a friend in Zimbabwe, who has a game park by Bulawayo--perhaps the one we’re visiting. (Post-trip remark: this was not the game park we visited.)
The Amsterdam airport is a bit like being in a giant IKEA. Everything is very sleek and modern. The signs are golden IKEA yellow, nearly everything that can be automated is--mini-victory--I successfully exchanged USD for Euros and got Starbucks for breakfast--just like home! It’s those little familiarities that have helped so far. .
Getting on the plane was a bit nuts. I was in line to go through the gate, and then they had to check my passport because I’d checked in online. After a successful passport check and descent down the loading tunnel, I realized I was missing my sweater--kind of a big deal when its the only one you brought for two and a half weeks. I got it back, after being questioned by 3 people. Then on the plane and all good.
On the plane in Amsterdam...definitely getting the international flavor--the older Spanish gentlemen seated by me, the old friends at Starbucks chatting in Dutch as one points out the schmutz on the other’s face. Beauty in simple things, not lost in translation.
Weird covers of current songs are playing on the airplane, like Kings of Leon “Use Somebody” sung much slower, just voice and piano, by a girl. Bizarre.
I’m still not really in a “God-place”--it’s been awhile since I’ve spent real time with Him apart from church. I think today on the plane will provide a lot of opportunity. I don’t really know what God has in store for me. But I pray He speaks, directs me and helps me discern.
Before I went through security at Boston, Katie and I prayed and she told me about a man who was a missionary to the US from Rwanda. He said, “I never worry about getting there, because God called me to that place. It’s the getting back that I worry about.” Needless to day, that helped me relax a bit, and it was a sweet moment with Katie.
Now, on to 10 hours and 43 minutes in the air...let’s hope I can stay awake.
Reflection on plane, whilst an hour outside of South Africa:
I’m excited to pray and hear God speak to us and the people we meet. No doubt, I’m a bit nervous and scared, but I know God’s got me in His hand-safe and empowered by the Spirit. I have to try in order to learn. Shortcomings are okay, God covers and uses them.
...
First Entries: 5-18-10
Well, I made the first leg. I’m currently sitting in Amsterdam’s Schiphol (pronounced Skip-Hole) airport awaiting my flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. The first flight was pretty painless for being 6 hours and 43 minutes - I was able to sleep through most of it - so I’m pretty much adjusted to Zimbabwe time now - same as Amsterdam time. It’s about 9am here, an hour and a half til take off.
God blessed me with a great row buddy for my flight - Cynthia from Vermont, a gardener turning nurse, who classifies herself as “always random, never sketchy,” and, cherry on top, Christian! She prayed for me before we landed. She hadn’t flown in 8 years - she had been all over the world, but never much liked the flying. She was headed to Rome to visit her best friend whom she hadn’t seen in decades. I held her hand during both takeoff and landing and she tugged my sweater back across me when it fell while I was sleeping (“the mom instinct,” according to Cynthia). And get this, she has a friend in Zimbabwe, who has a game park by Bulawayo--perhaps the one we’re visiting. (Post-trip remark: this was not the game park we visited.)
The Amsterdam airport is a bit like being in a giant IKEA. Everything is very sleek and modern. The signs are golden IKEA yellow, nearly everything that can be automated is--mini-victory--I successfully exchanged USD for Euros and got Starbucks for breakfast--just like home! It’s those little familiarities that have helped so far. .
Getting on the plane was a bit nuts. I was in line to go through the gate, and then they had to check my passport because I’d checked in online. After a successful passport check and descent down the loading tunnel, I realized I was missing my sweater--kind of a big deal when its the only one you brought for two and a half weeks. I got it back, after being questioned by 3 people. Then on the plane and all good.
On the plane in Amsterdam...definitely getting the international flavor--the older Spanish gentlemen seated by me, the old friends at Starbucks chatting in Dutch as one points out the schmutz on the other’s face. Beauty in simple things, not lost in translation.
Weird covers of current songs are playing on the airplane, like Kings of Leon “Use Somebody” sung much slower, just voice and piano, by a girl. Bizarre.
I’m still not really in a “God-place”--it’s been awhile since I’ve spent real time with Him apart from church. I think today on the plane will provide a lot of opportunity. I don’t really know what God has in store for me. But I pray He speaks, directs me and helps me discern.
Before I went through security at Boston, Katie and I prayed and she told me about a man who was a missionary to the US from Rwanda. He said, “I never worry about getting there, because God called me to that place. It’s the getting back that I worry about.” Needless to day, that helped me relax a bit, and it was a sweet moment with Katie.
Now, on to 10 hours and 43 minutes in the air...let’s hope I can stay awake.
Reflection on plane, whilst an hour outside of South Africa:
I’m excited to pray and hear God speak to us and the people we meet. No doubt, I’m a bit nervous and scared, but I know God’s got me in His hand-safe and empowered by the Spirit. I have to try in order to learn. Shortcomings are okay, God covers and uses them.
...
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sorry, I'm a Christian
Hey world. My roommate posted this to his facespace the other day and it resonated with me. As you know, I'm a fan of Don Miller. In his book, Blue Like Jazz (which sorry, I keep harping on about), he and his friends at Reed college in Oregon put together a "confession booth" wherein, rather than people coming in and confessing to them, they confess to the people, apologizing for the terrible things they've done, the terrible things Christians over history have done, the way Christians fail in their daily lives and end up as hypocrites. This is a modern, poetry-jam version of what I imagine Don saying to people. In fact, it recounts several things he does mention saying in his book. Anyway, this guy Chris Tse is pretty great.
Warning, he uses language many would term, and in fact one comment-poster labeled, "non-Christian" (ie the f-word). This comment-poster questions Chris Tse's identity as a Christian because of the use of this one word and the way he describes the failings of the Christian church. The comment poster said we should pray for Chris Tse to know Christ. To me, it is blatantly obvious that this poet is Christian, is expressing his raw anger and sadness and repentance for the things he and others have done in the name of Christ. I think we need to be careful to use "prayer" as a form of pity. It seems at face value that this poster pities the poet and is using the term "pray for him" to condemn the poet. Let's not use "prayer" to slight someone, but to lift them up. And let's refrain from judging. ( I know, hypocritical I am--judging this comment-poster to an extent). Anywho, let us lift one another up and bear with one another in love.
Sweet, enjoy the video friends. I hope it finds some relevance with you.
Warning, he uses language many would term, and in fact one comment-poster labeled, "non-Christian" (ie the f-word). This comment-poster questions Chris Tse's identity as a Christian because of the use of this one word and the way he describes the failings of the Christian church. The comment poster said we should pray for Chris Tse to know Christ. To me, it is blatantly obvious that this poet is Christian, is expressing his raw anger and sadness and repentance for the things he and others have done in the name of Christ. I think we need to be careful to use "prayer" as a form of pity. It seems at face value that this poster pities the poet and is using the term "pray for him" to condemn the poet. Let's not use "prayer" to slight someone, but to lift them up. And let's refrain from judging. ( I know, hypocritical I am--judging this comment-poster to an extent). Anywho, let us lift one another up and bear with one another in love.
Sweet, enjoy the video friends. I hope it finds some relevance with you.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
In An Instant
I am comfortably sitting on the carpet of Logan Airport Terminal B awaiting a flight home. But, how I got here today was not so simple. I was with someone when they're life changed in an instant.
My dear friend, Noelle, and I hopped into a cab to go to the airport today. We chatted about going home, our relationships with our parents...the typical hummings of pre-departure. The roads are packed this day, as they have been for the past few, as thousands of students exit the city in hopes of a spring break to remember. Amidst our buzzing conversation, our cab collided into the car in front of us in an swift moment. Brakes screeched. Air-bags deployed. Seat belts stretched taut.
See, a person two cars ahead of us had come to a dead stop, for no particular reason. The car in front of us did as our driver did, slammed on their brakes to avoid hitting the one in front of us. Well, neither of the cars brakes were good enough and hence the collision. Here's the cherry-topper--the first car in the build-up, yeah, he split, leaving two car-fuls of people without words.
Our driver drove out of the tunnels with the people we hit. They exchanged information and we continued to the airport. We asked our dear driver if he was alright. He said yes, but this meant the end of his job. One accident=no more car in the cab-driving industry, or at least the cab company he worked for. As he raised his hand to scratch his head, we noticed a hospital band on his arm with the handwritten word "BOY."
"Have you had a child recently?" Noelle asked.
"Yes, just two hours ago. A boy," he replied.
A picture of his daughter hung from the sun-blinder just above where the airbag had deployed. We did our best to encourage him. When we got to the airport, we saw the real damage. The front of the car was completely smashed in; the back of the SUV we ran into had simply glided over the cab's bumper and taken out the front half of the car. We said our goodbyes and then stood in the airport to pray for that man, to praise God for getting us to the airport safely, that God would help this man with two children. This man's life changed in an instant, and we were there for that instant. His life will not be the same from that point. He has no job, a recovering wife, and two children to care for. Needless to say, the social worker in Noelle and I both rose to the surface, but all we could do for him in that moment was pray. So, that's what we did.
I still don't really know what to make of this moment. Not everything comes to easy conclusions, nor does everything wrap up into perfect packages with sparkly bows. Maybe, if you could pray for this man. Maybe if we realized how quickly things can change, instead of drumming along through life. I don't know. Take what you will.
And as a side note, I'm perfectly fine. Praise God. That's really all it comes down too.
My dear friend, Noelle, and I hopped into a cab to go to the airport today. We chatted about going home, our relationships with our parents...the typical hummings of pre-departure. The roads are packed this day, as they have been for the past few, as thousands of students exit the city in hopes of a spring break to remember. Amidst our buzzing conversation, our cab collided into the car in front of us in an swift moment. Brakes screeched. Air-bags deployed. Seat belts stretched taut.
See, a person two cars ahead of us had come to a dead stop, for no particular reason. The car in front of us did as our driver did, slammed on their brakes to avoid hitting the one in front of us. Well, neither of the cars brakes were good enough and hence the collision. Here's the cherry-topper--the first car in the build-up, yeah, he split, leaving two car-fuls of people without words.
Our driver drove out of the tunnels with the people we hit. They exchanged information and we continued to the airport. We asked our dear driver if he was alright. He said yes, but this meant the end of his job. One accident=no more car in the cab-driving industry, or at least the cab company he worked for. As he raised his hand to scratch his head, we noticed a hospital band on his arm with the handwritten word "BOY."
"Have you had a child recently?" Noelle asked.
"Yes, just two hours ago. A boy," he replied.
A picture of his daughter hung from the sun-blinder just above where the airbag had deployed. We did our best to encourage him. When we got to the airport, we saw the real damage. The front of the car was completely smashed in; the back of the SUV we ran into had simply glided over the cab's bumper and taken out the front half of the car. We said our goodbyes and then stood in the airport to pray for that man, to praise God for getting us to the airport safely, that God would help this man with two children. This man's life changed in an instant, and we were there for that instant. His life will not be the same from that point. He has no job, a recovering wife, and two children to care for. Needless to say, the social worker in Noelle and I both rose to the surface, but all we could do for him in that moment was pray. So, that's what we did.
I still don't really know what to make of this moment. Not everything comes to easy conclusions, nor does everything wrap up into perfect packages with sparkly bows. Maybe, if you could pray for this man. Maybe if we realized how quickly things can change, instead of drumming along through life. I don't know. Take what you will.
And as a side note, I'm perfectly fine. Praise God. That's really all it comes down too.
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