Called

Seriously praying about Africa.

1. Listen to the sermon from 5/16 here ---> Radical Missiology

2. Check out the 100 People Network here ---> 100 People Network

So Great a Cloud of Witnesses

I love the Book of Hebrews. We are wrapping it up in Bible tomorrow, but the last few weeks have been some of the best Bible discussions we've had all year.

In case you have never been introduced to, or it's just been a while since you've spent some time with them, I'd like to encourage you to spend some time getting to know the folks in Hebrews 11. Go ahead and follow through with chapter 12.

Thank you God that my pleasing you is not dependent on my impossible perfection. Thank you for promising to increase my faith if I will only ask. Thank you for giving me just the measure of faith and grace needed to endure through each new circumstance. Thank you for loving me enough to discipline me - even though discipline is not fun, I know it is to make me look more like Christ.

NASA 2010

How is it possible that NASA is over already? The trip was amazing, and I am so thankful for the community I work with. We had a few minor bumps along the way (docents who knew nothing about anything, a bus driver that was as nice as could be but a brick shy of a load, and rough winds that canceled our harbor tour), but in all the Lord blessed us with a great week with our kids and some of their parents.

I love this trip because it gives us all a chance to develop relationships with families we don't work with on a regular basis. We also get to interact with our kids on a different level than everyday classroom time allows. I really enjoyed all of the moments that I had with my kids - especially one-on-one time. I wish I wasn't such a weenie and had ridden Pharaoh's Fury with my class...sorry boys, but I just can't do it!

One of my favorite moments this whole school year happened last night around 9:30. My team and I were sitting in the lounge of the hotel sharing stories from the day (laughing so deliriously at some of Kyle's impersonations we were crying) when one of my kids came over. He asked something about ice cream that I misinterpreted as him asking for permission to get ice cream. I gave the standard answer (that if I said once I said 100 times on this trip) "Ask your chaperone." That's when J clarified...no, he wasn't asking permission for ice cream. He had already bought a pint and wanted to know if I wanted any. Precious. I went over to the breakfast bar and visited with him as he scooped me some bites into a bowl. After he scooped my portion, he asked if Brenda wanted some. And went on down the line until all the teachers (6 total) had been offered a bowl. He then took what little was left in the pint and went on his way to bed.

My patience tends to run thin too quickly sometimes, and I really don't really deserve little moments like that. But maybe that's exactly why God gives them to me. To remind me to slow down and and recognize the sweetness He has surrounded me with.

And in other news I am SO happy to be home with my husband!

Count your blessings; Name them one by one

I really don't think I can manage to count all of my blessings. When I do actively name them off I find myself in an increasingly good mood. Naming the blessings inevitably leads to memories and warm-fuzzy thoughts about the blessings (who are mostly people).

So seriously. You may think it's cheesy, but today I challenge you to count your blessings. A brief look at my list may help you get started (these are just the broad categories...when I'm counting I list every person individually)...

• My relationship with Jesus (if you don't know Him, I'd love to introduce you)
• My husband (see photo)
• Our family
• Our friends
• My job
• Our church family
• Our home
• Clay's job
• Living in Austin
• The Families who share their children with me
• The Children themselves
• My Education
• TEXAS
• My Health
• Our animals
• Our cars are both paid for
• Oh the list goes on!!!

Malaria

The last time I was in Lusaka I went to a bookstore at Manda Hill. I picked up a book written by a German guy back in the '30s and I was taken with a quote on the back. The gist of it was Africa is like malaria - it gets in your blood and you are forever infected by the land and her people.

To continue the simile, this week I had a relapse. I can't get Africa off my mind or out of my heart. I spent time poring over blogs of friends of friends who are there, reading up on missions organizations that work specifically in sub-Saharan Africa, talking to a friend who is preparing to head to Lusaka long-term, and thinking about how/when I will get back.

I don't know what the Lord's plans are. I have learned not to try to out-think Him, or guess at what His will is. He will reveal His perfect plan, in His perfect time. I am praying that I will be attentive to His direction.

Until then....

Kids crowding outside the bus in George Compound, Lusaka, Zambia

George Compound, Lusaka, Zambia

In Mtendere, Lusaka, Zambia with my Jonas and his sister at their school (Jesus Army)

On the road in Lusaka

Grocery Mtendere/Kalingalinga areas of Lusaka