I've been reading a lot lately. Just wanted to share some of the books I've been reading over the summer, in case you're looking for a good read.
Brother I'm Dying, by Edwidge Danticat. Danticat is a native of Haiti, who now lives in the United States. I've also read Breathe, Eyes, Memory by her. This latest one I'm reading is a biography about her father and uncle and their lives. It's fascinating to me, especially just coming off of a trip to Haiti.
Gossamer by Lois Lowry. In keeping with Lowry's genre of books like The Giver and Messenger, this is kind of a sci-fi look at the world. It is about these little creatures that give people dreams at night. They also fight off the enemy creatures to give people nightmares. It's actually a really neat idea, but for me it was really undeveloped. Might be a good read aloud for a classroom.
Everyone is Beautiful by Kate Center. Just happened to pick this one up at the library the other day. It's what I call "fluff" reading. There isn't much substance to it, but I can't put it down. The main character is a stay-at-home mom with three kids dealing with living in a new city, unhappiness with her life, and her parents moving away. It's funny and easy to identify with the narrator. I might try out her other book when I'm done with this one (I really like reading several books by the same author in a row.).
Still working on Radical by David Platt. It's stretching me and challenging me every day. I'm on the last chapter. Hope that I can actually make some life changes to follow my convictions.
Hope everyone has enjoyed some good reading this summer. There is nothing like a good book.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Thankful
I have been a little down these past few days. Not sure why, no big reason, but i know that the best way to combat this is to recognize how many wonderful things I have to be thankful for. So forgive me today as I list some of the many things I am thankful for (in no particular order):
*hot, Haitian coffee every morning
*kids who sleep well
*health
*my husband's job
*dvr
*listening to Noel make Elise laugh
*a good book (or 2)
*my guitar
*air conditioning
*a car that runs
*the internet
*getting to stay home with my kids
*truth
*Top Chef
*my kitchen
*hand-me-down toys, especially those with wheels and batteries
*baby wipes
*all the water I ever need
*chocolate
*my parents
Take a moment today to think about what you are thankful for, especially when you are tempted to complain. A little perspective goes a long way.
*hot, Haitian coffee every morning
*kids who sleep well
*health
*my husband's job
*dvr
*listening to Noel make Elise laugh
*a good book (or 2)
*my guitar
*air conditioning
*a car that runs
*the internet
*getting to stay home with my kids
*truth
*Top Chef
*my kitchen
*hand-me-down toys, especially those with wheels and batteries
*baby wipes
*all the water I ever need
*chocolate
*my parents
Take a moment today to think about what you are thankful for, especially when you are tempted to complain. A little perspective goes a long way.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
all out of ideas
It has been a fun summer that I've thoroughly enjoyed. Not only did I get to go to Haiti and take a mini-vacation with my husband, we also are planning an end-of-the-summer camping trip that will take place in a couple of weeks. I really think the kids have had a fun summer. We've tried every park in town (and some surrounding towns). Noel ran in the Coyote Kids races. We did story time and the reading program at the library. We've been swimming. Had popsicles. Gone on walks. Made homemade sidewalk chalk paint. Learned about the garden. Played outside. Even got in the sandbox a time or two.
But I'm on empty.
I've completely run out of ideas.
And with a week and a half to go before school starts, I'm a little stir crazy. I've been trying to stay clear of stores, because that just leads to unneeded spending, but we might have to visit Rural King today. At least I won't be tempted to buy too much there.
Does anyone have any free, fun ideas for a 3 year-old and a 15 month-old for the end of summer?
But I'm on empty.
I've completely run out of ideas.
And with a week and a half to go before school starts, I'm a little stir crazy. I've been trying to stay clear of stores, because that just leads to unneeded spending, but we might have to visit Rural King today. At least I won't be tempted to buy too much there.
Does anyone have any free, fun ideas for a 3 year-old and a 15 month-old for the end of summer?
Monday, August 09, 2010
There is room enough for all of us
God loves everyone.
Would you agree with that statement? I know most of us would quickly say, "Of course! John 3:16! You bet!"
Then how come most of us don't live that way?
As I finished reading the book of Jonah, I was sad and convicted. Here Jonah finally does what God says and goes to Ninevah. He preaches that the people need to turn to the one, true God, and they do. Time to rejoice, right?
Wrong.
Instead, Jonah is angry.
Say what?
He prays to God to take his life, because he is so upset.
See, Jonah believed that the Israelites were God's chosen people, and that the Ninevites didn't deserve the same love and blessing from their God. But that wasn't God's plan.
I read this, and I'm so sad for Jonah, because his outreach was actually working, but he was missing the entire thing. God even gives him a little object lesson where he grows a vine to shade Jonah and then takes it away, showing him that we have no right to question who God takes care of and how He takes care of them, because it's all God.
And at first I read this, shaking my head, thinking, "Poor Jonah, he really missed the boat (no pun intended!) on this one."
And then I realize that we are guilty of this all of the time. We pick and choose who we think "deserves" to know about God's love. We surround ourselves, our time, our activities, with people who we like. People we agree with. People who are similar to us in one way or another. And most of the time we forget completely about those out there who don't know God's love and the amazing gifts He has waiting for them.
Am I taking any action to make sure as many people experience God's love as possible? Or do I focus on those around me who are easy to love?
I don't want to repeat Jonah's mistakes.
Would you agree with that statement? I know most of us would quickly say, "Of course! John 3:16! You bet!"
Then how come most of us don't live that way?
As I finished reading the book of Jonah, I was sad and convicted. Here Jonah finally does what God says and goes to Ninevah. He preaches that the people need to turn to the one, true God, and they do. Time to rejoice, right?
Wrong.
Instead, Jonah is angry.
Say what?
He prays to God to take his life, because he is so upset.
See, Jonah believed that the Israelites were God's chosen people, and that the Ninevites didn't deserve the same love and blessing from their God. But that wasn't God's plan.
I read this, and I'm so sad for Jonah, because his outreach was actually working, but he was missing the entire thing. God even gives him a little object lesson where he grows a vine to shade Jonah and then takes it away, showing him that we have no right to question who God takes care of and how He takes care of them, because it's all God.
And at first I read this, shaking my head, thinking, "Poor Jonah, he really missed the boat (no pun intended!) on this one."
And then I realize that we are guilty of this all of the time. We pick and choose who we think "deserves" to know about God's love. We surround ourselves, our time, our activities, with people who we like. People we agree with. People who are similar to us in one way or another. And most of the time we forget completely about those out there who don't know God's love and the amazing gifts He has waiting for them.
Am I taking any action to make sure as many people experience God's love as possible? Or do I focus on those around me who are easy to love?
I don't want to repeat Jonah's mistakes.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
If you think your house is small, try the belly of a whale!
As I read Jonah 2, I had this whole blog post planned about how cool it was that Jonah spent his time praising God after he had been swallowed up by the huge fish. Why was he praising God? Because the alternative to being swallowed was death, and Jonah was incredibly grateful that God saved him from death. I also had this paragraph planned about how we can relate to the wordings that Jonah uses (distress, hurled into the deep, banished from God's sight, threatened), and how we should be thankful for God's salvation from all of those things.
Until I read verse 8
"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs."
And I couldn't get past that verse.
How many times have I read Jonah? How many sermons, Sunday School lessons, youth group skits, Veggie Tales movies, etc. have I experienced about Jonah and missed this verse.
"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs."
Our culture is full of worthless idols. In fact, anything we hold onto that isn't God is a worthless idol compared to Him. Money, material things, career, education, achievements, reputation, even relationships can NEVER take the place of God.
What am I clinging to that I am missing out on God's amazing grace?
What are you clinging on to?
I heard an illustration by Rob Bell one time in which he talks about his son picking up shells at the beach. He has his hands full of broken shells when he finally sees a beautiful sand dollar, and he really wants to pick it up. Rob is telling him to drop the broken shells and grab the sand dollar, but his son doesn't want to lose all of the broken shells he has collected. He doesn't realize that all of those shells are meaningless compared to the sand dollar.
Today, I want to encourage myself (and anyone who is reading this) to let go of the broken shells and embrace God and His wonderful grace. You can't grab onto him if your hands are full.
Until I read verse 8
"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs."
And I couldn't get past that verse.
How many times have I read Jonah? How many sermons, Sunday School lessons, youth group skits, Veggie Tales movies, etc. have I experienced about Jonah and missed this verse.
"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs."
Our culture is full of worthless idols. In fact, anything we hold onto that isn't God is a worthless idol compared to Him. Money, material things, career, education, achievements, reputation, even relationships can NEVER take the place of God.
What am I clinging to that I am missing out on God's amazing grace?
What are you clinging on to?
I heard an illustration by Rob Bell one time in which he talks about his son picking up shells at the beach. He has his hands full of broken shells when he finally sees a beautiful sand dollar, and he really wants to pick it up. Rob is telling him to drop the broken shells and grab the sand dollar, but his son doesn't want to lose all of the broken shells he has collected. He doesn't realize that all of those shells are meaningless compared to the sand dollar.
Today, I want to encourage myself (and anyone who is reading this) to let go of the broken shells and embrace God and His wonderful grace. You can't grab onto him if your hands are full.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Sink or Swim?
I started reading the book of Jonah today. I'm trying to look at it with fresh eyes and an open mind, because I think everyone knows this story so well that it's become cartoonish in our memories. As I read Jonah 1, I had some new thoughts:
*When God told Jonah (told, not asked), Jonah headed in the opposite direction for Tarshish. At first glance it looks like Jonah was just running away from God. But looking more closely I really think Jonah was planning on doing good things in Tarshish. What he was trying to do was what HE wanted versus what GOD wanted. It wasn't that Jonah was headed to be a pagan in Tarshish. He just didn't want to preach to the people in Ninevah. They were wicked and, in Jonah's opinion, didn't deserve to hear about God's truths. He probably had plans of telling the Tarshites (I just made that word up) about God's Word. But that was not what God told him to do.
Which leads me to the question: Is God telling me to do the things I'm doing "for Him"? Or am I doing it because I want to do it? Are there people whom God is telling me to minister to that I don't want to because I have a bias against them? Are there some people I think don't deserve to hear about God's love and forgiveness? I'd like to say no, but it's really easy to do. Think of those in prison, drug addicts, homeless, hard-to-love people. . .the list could go on and on.
No one is worthy of God's love. That's what makes it all the more amazing.
*This whole book emphasizes that God can use anything to speak to us. Weather, animals, pagan men on a ship, a tree, etc.
Does God still use these things to speak to us? Am I listening when He speaks in these ways? Not to over-spiritualize everything, but am I paying attention to what is going on around me and considering what God has to say though it?
*God takes our circumstances RIGHT WHERE WE ARE and uses them for His glory. Jonah ended up on a boat full of men who worshipped various pagan Gods. He ended up telling them about the one, true God. And when they threw him overboard (at his request), not only did the storm stop, but they acknowledged Jonah's God.
God is using every experience and occasion for His glory---if I act accordingly.
Just some thoughts from Jonah 1. More to come. . .
*When God told Jonah (told, not asked), Jonah headed in the opposite direction for Tarshish. At first glance it looks like Jonah was just running away from God. But looking more closely I really think Jonah was planning on doing good things in Tarshish. What he was trying to do was what HE wanted versus what GOD wanted. It wasn't that Jonah was headed to be a pagan in Tarshish. He just didn't want to preach to the people in Ninevah. They were wicked and, in Jonah's opinion, didn't deserve to hear about God's truths. He probably had plans of telling the Tarshites (I just made that word up) about God's Word. But that was not what God told him to do.
Which leads me to the question: Is God telling me to do the things I'm doing "for Him"? Or am I doing it because I want to do it? Are there people whom God is telling me to minister to that I don't want to because I have a bias against them? Are there some people I think don't deserve to hear about God's love and forgiveness? I'd like to say no, but it's really easy to do. Think of those in prison, drug addicts, homeless, hard-to-love people. . .the list could go on and on.
No one is worthy of God's love. That's what makes it all the more amazing.
*This whole book emphasizes that God can use anything to speak to us. Weather, animals, pagan men on a ship, a tree, etc.
Does God still use these things to speak to us? Am I listening when He speaks in these ways? Not to over-spiritualize everything, but am I paying attention to what is going on around me and considering what God has to say though it?
*God takes our circumstances RIGHT WHERE WE ARE and uses them for His glory. Jonah ended up on a boat full of men who worshipped various pagan Gods. He ended up telling them about the one, true God. And when they threw him overboard (at his request), not only did the storm stop, but they acknowledged Jonah's God.
God is using every experience and occasion for His glory---if I act accordingly.
Just some thoughts from Jonah 1. More to come. . .
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Because everybody wants to see more Traverse City!
Just wanted to share a few photos and memories from our second day in Traverse City. I know everyone was just at the edge of their seats yesterday, thinking, "Yes, but what did they do the next day?"
Well, let me tell you.
First we enjoyed breakfast at the lovely hotel (sorry, no pictures), and then headed off to play mini-golf. The 18 holes were filled with ups and downs, highs and lows, balls in the water, and off the green. We had a great time!
At one point, I was winning, if you can believe it. I even got a hole in one.
But of course my golfer husband stayed the course and beat me in the end.
After golfing, we drove up to Leeland, which is at the top of a peninsula. The drive is beautiful, and Leeland is a quaint little town. We did a little shopping, walked a lot, and ate at The Cove, which had wonderful fish and chips.
Their signature drink was called the 'Chubby Mary', which was a Bloody Mary with clams in it. I'll pass, thank you.
We did more sightseeing, including another winery, which was beautiful. We also stopped off at the beach for a while. Sorry, no pictures of the beach. I have terrible luck with breaking cameras, and didn't want to even risk getting sand in ours.
For dinner we went to Boone's, which is kind of out in the country, but has great food and a fun atmosphere. There is a huge deck where you can eat and enjoy the view. Plus, there was some live entertainment. Two guys played guitar, and although they reminded us several times that their cd's were for sale, SOMEHOW we didn't get one. :)
After dinner, we drove back into downtown Traverse City to enjoy an outdoor movie on a huge inflatable screen. It was so much fun!!!
Who doesn't love a little "Raising Arizona"?
Anyway, Happy Early Anniversary, sweetheart! Every year brings my heart closer to yours.
Well, let me tell you.
First we enjoyed breakfast at the lovely hotel (sorry, no pictures), and then headed off to play mini-golf. The 18 holes were filled with ups and downs, highs and lows, balls in the water, and off the green. We had a great time!
At one point, I was winning, if you can believe it. I even got a hole in one.
But of course my golfer husband stayed the course and beat me in the end.
After golfing, we drove up to Leeland, which is at the top of a peninsula. The drive is beautiful, and Leeland is a quaint little town. We did a little shopping, walked a lot, and ate at The Cove, which had wonderful fish and chips.
Their signature drink was called the 'Chubby Mary', which was a Bloody Mary with clams in it. I'll pass, thank you.
We did more sightseeing, including another winery, which was beautiful. We also stopped off at the beach for a while. Sorry, no pictures of the beach. I have terrible luck with breaking cameras, and didn't want to even risk getting sand in ours.
For dinner we went to Boone's, which is kind of out in the country, but has great food and a fun atmosphere. There is a huge deck where you can eat and enjoy the view. Plus, there was some live entertainment. Two guys played guitar, and although they reminded us several times that their cd's were for sale, SOMEHOW we didn't get one. :)
After dinner, we drove back into downtown Traverse City to enjoy an outdoor movie on a huge inflatable screen. It was so much fun!!!
Who doesn't love a little "Raising Arizona"?
Anyway, Happy Early Anniversary, sweetheart! Every year brings my heart closer to yours.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Lovebirds on Vaca
This past week, David and I got to leave the kids with his parents and head to Traverse City for a little anniversary getaway. It is the first time we've been away together since Elise was born, so it was much needed. We were gone for only 2 nights, but we packed as much fun into those 2 nights as possible. And let me tell you that Traverse City is a really fun place to go. We hit the beach, played mini-golf (more on that later), visited a lighthouse, went to 2 wineries, did some window shopping, watched a movie at a film festival, and ate at some great restaurants.
But the best part was just being together. With 2 little ones around, it's hard to have long, in-depth conversations, so this was a wonderful time to just talk about whatever we wanted. And laugh. My husband cracks me up. This trip made me thankful all over again for our marriage, our friendship, and the way God works in wonderful ways every day.
Getting some soda on the way. I love me some fountain drinks!
David enjoying his sandwich at North Peak Restaurant. We ate almost every meal outside. The weather was beautiful!
We visited a couple of wineries, mainly for the scenery. It was so pretty with all of the rolling hills full of vineyards. Made me want to start my own.
The two of us at the Old Mission Lighthouse
But the best part was just being together. With 2 little ones around, it's hard to have long, in-depth conversations, so this was a wonderful time to just talk about whatever we wanted. And laugh. My husband cracks me up. This trip made me thankful all over again for our marriage, our friendship, and the way God works in wonderful ways every day.
Getting some soda on the way. I love me some fountain drinks!
David enjoying his sandwich at North Peak Restaurant. We ate almost every meal outside. The weather was beautiful!
We visited a couple of wineries, mainly for the scenery. It was so pretty with all of the rolling hills full of vineyards. Made me want to start my own.
The two of us at the Old Mission Lighthouse
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Penny for your thoughts
Our lives are cluttered. We have emotional clutter, relationship clutter, spiritual clutter, and of course material clutter.
Stuff.
We are overloaded with stuff. I was very aware of it before Haiti, but ever since I've been back it is even more apparent that we as a nation are consumed with consuming. We have to be buying something all of the time. Most of us (myself included) buy something every day, and a lot of that is not necessary. I look around at all of the things that fill our house, and realize that I could throw probably 60% of it away and still live my life exactly the same.
I want to change that. I don't want to buy things any more that are just things that we want for the moment, or something that will make me feel good for a little while. I want to think about how we spend our money and make sure it is put to good use. Now, I'm not saying we are going to live miserable, penny-pinching lives. I'm saying that when we buy something, it's going to mean something.
Sometimes we (especially women) can't seem to pass up a good deal, even though we didn't need that item to begin with. That is why I have quit going to garage sales for a while. They were an amazing resource when my kids were babies and I actually needed certain clothing items for them. But as I look at their full closets, and I know that there are even more clothes in storage for them as they get bigger, I realize that what I'm looking for at garage sales is not necessary for the time being. Shopping shouldn't be my pasttime anymore, and believe me, it is a fun pasttime that I miss at times.
I want to find the balance where money is not something I spend lots of time thinking about. I don't want to dwell of the "stuff" that I want, and I don't want to spend hours figuring out how to save 33 cents on a box of cereal. I want to live life to the fullest and not get bogged down with stuff. I want my children to see that what is in this house is nothing compared to who is in this house.
Stuff.
We are overloaded with stuff. I was very aware of it before Haiti, but ever since I've been back it is even more apparent that we as a nation are consumed with consuming. We have to be buying something all of the time. Most of us (myself included) buy something every day, and a lot of that is not necessary. I look around at all of the things that fill our house, and realize that I could throw probably 60% of it away and still live my life exactly the same.
I want to change that. I don't want to buy things any more that are just things that we want for the moment, or something that will make me feel good for a little while. I want to think about how we spend our money and make sure it is put to good use. Now, I'm not saying we are going to live miserable, penny-pinching lives. I'm saying that when we buy something, it's going to mean something.
Sometimes we (especially women) can't seem to pass up a good deal, even though we didn't need that item to begin with. That is why I have quit going to garage sales for a while. They were an amazing resource when my kids were babies and I actually needed certain clothing items for them. But as I look at their full closets, and I know that there are even more clothes in storage for them as they get bigger, I realize that what I'm looking for at garage sales is not necessary for the time being. Shopping shouldn't be my pasttime anymore, and believe me, it is a fun pasttime that I miss at times.
I want to find the balance where money is not something I spend lots of time thinking about. I don't want to dwell of the "stuff" that I want, and I don't want to spend hours figuring out how to save 33 cents on a box of cereal. I want to live life to the fullest and not get bogged down with stuff. I want my children to see that what is in this house is nothing compared to who is in this house.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Summer of Our Youth
This summer I have had the privilege (and I know that sounds odd to some of you) of spending lots of time with high school students. First, I went with them to Haiti. I've also been teaching a Bible study on Sunday mornings with them. Last week, most of them headed off to church camp, and while I couldn't make it for the week, I did go up for a day to visit. Yesterday I got to help lead music for our jr. high/sr. high worship service. And last night I went with several of them to Kokomo Urban Outreach. On Sunday afternoons Kokomo Urban Outreach grills out and serves hot dogs, chips, drinks, and snacks in one of the low-income housing neighborhoods in our town. They also have a table full of fresh produce which they give away. While they are doing that, we come and play with the kids. It takes zero preparation and hardly any effort, but it makes for a fun-filled afternoon. We played baseball, drew with sidewalk chalk, blew bubbles, and jump-roped (is that a word?). And all I could think about was how proud I am to be a part of this youth ministry.
Teenagers are often stereotyped as lazy, selfish, materialistic, and shallow. And some definitely are. But aren't a lot of adults the same way?
Over my 10 years as a youth leader, I have come to see that teenagers rise to the occasion when given the opportunity. They are hard workers. They give of themselves. They bring laughter and insight. They aren't content to stop changing and growing. They have hopes and dreams, and (I hope) a goal to share God's love with those around them.
Some people think it's a chore to spend my summer with high school students. I consider it an honor.
Teenagers are often stereotyped as lazy, selfish, materialistic, and shallow. And some definitely are. But aren't a lot of adults the same way?
Over my 10 years as a youth leader, I have come to see that teenagers rise to the occasion when given the opportunity. They are hard workers. They give of themselves. They bring laughter and insight. They aren't content to stop changing and growing. They have hopes and dreams, and (I hope) a goal to share God's love with those around them.
Some people think it's a chore to spend my summer with high school students. I consider it an honor.
Friday, July 23, 2010
What I'm Diggin' Right Now
Swimming. This is the first year that Noel has really enjoyed getting in the water. He took some swim lessons at the beginning of the summer and loves to play. I've always loved to swim, so it is fun to see him learn to enjoy it. Elise is still on the fence about whether she likes it or not.
The Garden. Our garden isn't doing quite as well as last year, but we are still getting lots of good veggies. This week we froze sweet corn, got overloaded with cucumbers, and picked the first tomato of the summer. I can almost taste the fresh salsa.
Air Conditioning. It has been hot. And I am very appreciative that we have a cool house to live in.
Popsicles. We found these popsicles at Meijer that are kind of like Pop-Ice, but they come in a mesh bag. Anyway, the flavors are way better than Pop-Ice: Mango, Coconut, Pina Colada, etc. I have to remember to stock up every time I see them at the store.
Vacation Plans. Next week David and I are getting away by ourselves for the first time since Noel was a year and a half. We're leaving the kids with David's mom and heading to Traverse City for 2 days. Very excited to spend some time together and not have to wipe anything (a nose, a bottom, a face, a counter, anything!)
Music. I get to lead music for the jr. high/sr. high service Sunday morning. I love getting the chance to do that.
Reading. I've been reading some really good books lately. Right now I'm enjoying The Poisonwood Bible.
Bargains. I haven't done much shopping lately. Haiti has really convicted me about what I need versus what I want. But I did get some great deals on a couple of new work shirts for David, and I got a t-shirt for me that rang in at $1.06 after I used a coupon.
What are you enjoying this summer?
The Garden. Our garden isn't doing quite as well as last year, but we are still getting lots of good veggies. This week we froze sweet corn, got overloaded with cucumbers, and picked the first tomato of the summer. I can almost taste the fresh salsa.
Air Conditioning. It has been hot. And I am very appreciative that we have a cool house to live in.
Popsicles. We found these popsicles at Meijer that are kind of like Pop-Ice, but they come in a mesh bag. Anyway, the flavors are way better than Pop-Ice: Mango, Coconut, Pina Colada, etc. I have to remember to stock up every time I see them at the store.
Vacation Plans. Next week David and I are getting away by ourselves for the first time since Noel was a year and a half. We're leaving the kids with David's mom and heading to Traverse City for 2 days. Very excited to spend some time together and not have to wipe anything (a nose, a bottom, a face, a counter, anything!)
Music. I get to lead music for the jr. high/sr. high service Sunday morning. I love getting the chance to do that.
Reading. I've been reading some really good books lately. Right now I'm enjoying The Poisonwood Bible.
Bargains. I haven't done much shopping lately. Haiti has really convicted me about what I need versus what I want. But I did get some great deals on a couple of new work shirts for David, and I got a t-shirt for me that rang in at $1.06 after I used a coupon.
What are you enjoying this summer?
Thursday, July 22, 2010
In a pickle (subtitle: Is it illegal to poison your neighbor's dogs?)
I love my house. I love our back yard, the memories we've made here, the swing David made us, the big picture window where I can be very nosy. I love the fact that we fell in love in this house, became engaged in this house, brought both of our children (and Tee Dog) home to this house. I love walking on the sidewalks and being able to walk to a nearby park.
But I hate, I repeat HATE the dogs next door.
There are dogs all over our neighborhood, and I don't mind the occasional barking. I know our dog does her fair share. But you haven't heard the likes of these dogs. They are owned by Wendy, our 40-some year old neighbor, and her daughter. I understand that Wendy wants to keep said dogs for security reasons or whatever, but I have never seen her interact with the dogs. Ever.
Combine that with the fact that they are fenced in the back yard 100% of the time and are surrounded on either side by other dogs (ours included), and you have yourself a recipe for some Barky VonSchnauzertons.
They bark when you are in the back yard.
They bark when you are in the front yard.
They bark when cars go by.
And for all of those barks I am more than understanding.
It's the barking at night that takes me over the edge. Most nights, some time around 1-3, they are just going bonkers out there. Bonkers. For hours. And it makes me crazy (not to mention my patient, loving husband, who is at this moment researching animal poisons and how to cover them up).
Over the past several weeks they have kept themselves busy by trying to dig out of their yard. Every time they are successful, Wendy blocks up their holes. But last night one of the dogs got himself in a pickle. He dug himself out, but then didn't know what to do. So he decided to stand right outside our bedroom window and bark. And bark. And bark. This was around 12:45 am.
David tried to put him back in, but he ran right back out and started barking again. He (David, not the dog) even resorted to knocking on Wendy's door at 1 am. No answer. Either this woman is never home or is dead to the world when she's asleep. Eventually, David used some old bricks and a battery for a toy car to block the spot and the dogs stopped barking. But we definitely don't want to do this every night.
Any ideas what we should do?? I'm trying to keep a look out for Wendy today to see if we can talk to her about it. Either that or heading to buy some poison. Whichever comes first.
But I hate, I repeat HATE the dogs next door.
There are dogs all over our neighborhood, and I don't mind the occasional barking. I know our dog does her fair share. But you haven't heard the likes of these dogs. They are owned by Wendy, our 40-some year old neighbor, and her daughter. I understand that Wendy wants to keep said dogs for security reasons or whatever, but I have never seen her interact with the dogs. Ever.
Combine that with the fact that they are fenced in the back yard 100% of the time and are surrounded on either side by other dogs (ours included), and you have yourself a recipe for some Barky VonSchnauzertons.
They bark when you are in the back yard.
They bark when you are in the front yard.
They bark when cars go by.
And for all of those barks I am more than understanding.
It's the barking at night that takes me over the edge. Most nights, some time around 1-3, they are just going bonkers out there. Bonkers. For hours. And it makes me crazy (not to mention my patient, loving husband, who is at this moment researching animal poisons and how to cover them up).
Over the past several weeks they have kept themselves busy by trying to dig out of their yard. Every time they are successful, Wendy blocks up their holes. But last night one of the dogs got himself in a pickle. He dug himself out, but then didn't know what to do. So he decided to stand right outside our bedroom window and bark. And bark. And bark. This was around 12:45 am.
David tried to put him back in, but he ran right back out and started barking again. He (David, not the dog) even resorted to knocking on Wendy's door at 1 am. No answer. Either this woman is never home or is dead to the world when she's asleep. Eventually, David used some old bricks and a battery for a toy car to block the spot and the dogs stopped barking. But we definitely don't want to do this every night.
Any ideas what we should do?? I'm trying to keep a look out for Wendy today to see if we can talk to her about it. Either that or heading to buy some poison. Whichever comes first.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
A bag of cucumbers is all it takes
Over the past few weeks, I have really tried to start teaching Noel about service. Throughout his life he has been with us when we serve in different ways, but I realized that I need to make sure he understands why we do the things we do and go the places we go. It has started some really good talks between us, and I'm excited to see him learn more about helping others.
For example, yesterday we took cucumbers to Kokomo Urban Outreach. Our garden is overflowing with cucumbers, and there's only so many you can eat (although my husband tries to break records in that area). We had several extras, so we put them in a bag and headed out. Kokomo Urban Outreach, led by Jeff Newton, is doing wonderful things to help the people in Kokomo, especially those in financial need. Their church is right across the street from a low-income housing unit, and they have several other sights where they have set up headquarters to help other neighborhoods in great need. They realize that children who usually get the free lunch at school have nothing to eat for lunch during the summer, so they provide lunch. Every weekday. All summer. All on donations and volunteering.
It's a beautiful thing.
So I feel kind of silly just coming in with a bag of cucumbers and some non-perishables for the food pantry. But I wanted Noel to see service in action. We had a conversation on the way there about how some families don't have any food in their fridge. He asks, "Not even fruit snacks?" He's trying to get the concept! So he carries in the bag of cucumbers, and we take them to the office. I explain to them what we have and hand them off, and the nicest lady comes over to Noel, leans down and says, "Did you bring these for us?"
He nods.
She says, "There are some people who are going to have a wonderful salad today, thanks to you."
And Noel gets the biggest smile on his face.
I know it wasn't much, and I know it's gonna take a lot more than a bag of cucumbers to teach Noel about loving others like God loves them.
But it's a start.
Do something today to share God's love.
For example, yesterday we took cucumbers to Kokomo Urban Outreach. Our garden is overflowing with cucumbers, and there's only so many you can eat (although my husband tries to break records in that area). We had several extras, so we put them in a bag and headed out. Kokomo Urban Outreach, led by Jeff Newton, is doing wonderful things to help the people in Kokomo, especially those in financial need. Their church is right across the street from a low-income housing unit, and they have several other sights where they have set up headquarters to help other neighborhoods in great need. They realize that children who usually get the free lunch at school have nothing to eat for lunch during the summer, so they provide lunch. Every weekday. All summer. All on donations and volunteering.
It's a beautiful thing.
So I feel kind of silly just coming in with a bag of cucumbers and some non-perishables for the food pantry. But I wanted Noel to see service in action. We had a conversation on the way there about how some families don't have any food in their fridge. He asks, "Not even fruit snacks?" He's trying to get the concept! So he carries in the bag of cucumbers, and we take them to the office. I explain to them what we have and hand them off, and the nicest lady comes over to Noel, leans down and says, "Did you bring these for us?"
He nods.
She says, "There are some people who are going to have a wonderful salad today, thanks to you."
And Noel gets the biggest smile on his face.
I know it wasn't much, and I know it's gonna take a lot more than a bag of cucumbers to teach Noel about loving others like God loves them.
But it's a start.
Do something today to share God's love.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Pray with me
I'm going to do something that I don't normally do on my blog. I'm going to ask anyone who is reading this to do something. Usually my blogs are just for you to read what's inside my brain, but I feel compelled, and I need you (all 3 of you who might read this!!) to join me.
My friend Ginny needs a truck.
And I mean needs.
Ginny is a missionary in Haiti. She lives there full time with her 18 month-old daughter, Odessa, who was rescued from a mother trying to get rid of her about two months ago. Ginny lives in Jacmel and works in Jacmel and in Peredo, doing about a hundred different things to help the people of Haiti, but mainly in the medical area (she's a nurse from the Columbus area). She goes to Tent City and brings them much needed medicine. She holds medical clinics. She teaches about nutrition and childcare. And that's just the beginning.
But she has no vehicle.
For the summer, she is borrowing another missionary's truck because he is in the states. But even that truck doesn't run well. Case in point: yesterday was the first day of a nutrition program she is leading for pregnant moms. The truck broke down, so she had to take a tap-tap. A tap-tap is a pick-up truck that holds about 25 people in the back and takes you where you need to go. The problem is that you have to wait on a tap-tap and you don't know when or where it's going. And Peredo is an hour drive.
She needs a truck.
I feel like God has put it on my heart not just to pray, but to do something to help Ginny get the transportation she needs. I'm not sure what that "something" is just yet, so I'm praying. Getting a vehicle in Haiti is much more of a process than here in the states. You can't get a loan for one, and you can't rent one. And they have to be very durable to go thru all of the areas you have to drive through.
So I'm asking you to pray, too. Pray for a way to get HCO another vehicle that Ginny (an whoever else needs it)can use to keep showing God's love all over Haiti.
My friend Ginny needs a truck.
And I mean needs.
Ginny is a missionary in Haiti. She lives there full time with her 18 month-old daughter, Odessa, who was rescued from a mother trying to get rid of her about two months ago. Ginny lives in Jacmel and works in Jacmel and in Peredo, doing about a hundred different things to help the people of Haiti, but mainly in the medical area (she's a nurse from the Columbus area). She goes to Tent City and brings them much needed medicine. She holds medical clinics. She teaches about nutrition and childcare. And that's just the beginning.
But she has no vehicle.
For the summer, she is borrowing another missionary's truck because he is in the states. But even that truck doesn't run well. Case in point: yesterday was the first day of a nutrition program she is leading for pregnant moms. The truck broke down, so she had to take a tap-tap. A tap-tap is a pick-up truck that holds about 25 people in the back and takes you where you need to go. The problem is that you have to wait on a tap-tap and you don't know when or where it's going. And Peredo is an hour drive.
She needs a truck.
I feel like God has put it on my heart not just to pray, but to do something to help Ginny get the transportation she needs. I'm not sure what that "something" is just yet, so I'm praying. Getting a vehicle in Haiti is much more of a process than here in the states. You can't get a loan for one, and you can't rent one. And they have to be very durable to go thru all of the areas you have to drive through.
So I'm asking you to pray, too. Pray for a way to get HCO another vehicle that Ginny (an whoever else needs it)can use to keep showing God's love all over Haiti.
Monday, July 19, 2010
On the agenda
I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love a good to-do list. I feel such satisfaction crossing everything off as I "accomplish" tasks. Sometimes I even cheat a little by a)putting things on the list I've already done and b)writing down the most simple jobs (ie. eat lunch, change diapers) so that I feel more satisfaction.
Today is David's birthday. He is not much for birthdays, so we don't have anything huge planned. Plus, we had dinner with some friends Saturday night, which was SO MUCH FUN! (Thanks, Craws and Millers). Today, Noel and I are going to bake him a cake and decorate a card. Then we have some laundry and sweeping and mopping to do. Also on the list is getting a birthday gift for one of Noel's friends, so I get to check out the new Big Lots. Then there is the picking up, straightening, re-picking up, re-straightening of the house, which is an endless job with a 15 month-old and an almost 4 year-old.
But sometimes I get so focused on what "needs" to be done that I miss the fun and enjoyment of the every day. I miss the laughter my kids bring me, the time they want to spend playing outside, the sunshine and sweat and running and chasing and on and on and on. I've been trying really hard to leave our schedules open so that we can enjoy the summer, not just plow through it as fast as possible. So, today I'm reminding myself that even though there are lots of things that can be done, nothing is more important than being a servant to those around me, whether that is my kids, my spouse, my friends, strangers in need, or someone else.
Take time to look around today. Do something that's not on your list, and leave a comment about how it went.
Today is David's birthday. He is not much for birthdays, so we don't have anything huge planned. Plus, we had dinner with some friends Saturday night, which was SO MUCH FUN! (Thanks, Craws and Millers). Today, Noel and I are going to bake him a cake and decorate a card. Then we have some laundry and sweeping and mopping to do. Also on the list is getting a birthday gift for one of Noel's friends, so I get to check out the new Big Lots. Then there is the picking up, straightening, re-picking up, re-straightening of the house, which is an endless job with a 15 month-old and an almost 4 year-old.
But sometimes I get so focused on what "needs" to be done that I miss the fun and enjoyment of the every day. I miss the laughter my kids bring me, the time they want to spend playing outside, the sunshine and sweat and running and chasing and on and on and on. I've been trying really hard to leave our schedules open so that we can enjoy the summer, not just plow through it as fast as possible. So, today I'm reminding myself that even though there are lots of things that can be done, nothing is more important than being a servant to those around me, whether that is my kids, my spouse, my friends, strangers in need, or someone else.
Take time to look around today. Do something that's not on your list, and leave a comment about how it went.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Final (not really) thoughts on Haiti
I wanted to share a few overall lessons that I learned while on our trip to Haiti. This is by no means the end of my conversations about Haiti. I hope the people there, the mission, the school, the needs will always weigh heavy on my heart. But as I look back over my time, I took some things away from it:
*Lizards aren't as scary as they used to be.
*Language barriers are just challenges to communcation--don't stop trying.
*Patience. Patience. Patience.
*Throw your plan out the window and go with the flow.
*Missionaries are amazing people, and they make really good friends!
*Haiti doesn't need our junk. If you were going to throw it away or send it to Haiti, just throw it away. We threw out lots of expired food and medicine that people had donated that was wasted time, energy, and weight in someone's bags.
*My prayers are different now. I know names and faces. I've played with them, worked alongside them, laughed with them, even cried with them.
*We need to think globally--the world is much bigger than the U.S. and it's time we realize that.
*Some things we consider "needs" are not even necessary.
*I need to make every day count.
*Lizards aren't as scary as they used to be.
*Language barriers are just challenges to communcation--don't stop trying.
*Patience. Patience. Patience.
*Throw your plan out the window and go with the flow.
*Missionaries are amazing people, and they make really good friends!
*Haiti doesn't need our junk. If you were going to throw it away or send it to Haiti, just throw it away. We threw out lots of expired food and medicine that people had donated that was wasted time, energy, and weight in someone's bags.
*My prayers are different now. I know names and faces. I've played with them, worked alongside them, laughed with them, even cried with them.
*We need to think globally--the world is much bigger than the U.S. and it's time we realize that.
*Some things we consider "needs" are not even necessary.
*I need to make every day count.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The American Dream
I've been reading this book by David Platt called Radical. I'm not going to lie, it's a tough read. Not because it's confusing or boring, but because it is convicting to the point where I have to stop and digest what I've read before I move on. It's challenging me to change not only my ideas but my actions. And I want to change.
The book as a whole is about how we as Christians in America have gotten those 2 things all mixed up together, and in doing so have watered down what it means to be a Christian. Somehow we have come to believe that it's okay to have everything we want, live comfortable lives, enjoy everything we've earned, and then add church attendance to the end of that list.
But is that really what God wants?
Is that what the Bible is about?
Are we really studying and living out the Bible and what Jesus said to us while He was here on earth, or are we doing what we do because that's what all of the Christians around us are doing?
The "American Dream", in a nutshell, is all about working hard and achieving whatever you dream. And while there is nothing wrong with working hard, we need to be focusing on what God is doing and how He can work through us, not what we can achieve at our church with more programs, different songs, better preaching, etc. We have lost our need for faith in a God so much bigger than a church service or youth program.
And our faith should be taking us outside of our comfort zones. Probably even outside of our country.
Here are just a few quotes from his book that I found thought-provoking:
"God has designed a radically global purpose for our lives. . .to spend all of our lives for the sake of all of God's glory in all of the world."
"There are 4.5 billion people who, if the gospel is true, at this moment are separated from God in their sin. . .and most of them live outside the United States.. .Our hearts should be consumed with making the glory of God known in all nations."
"Would you say that your life is marked right now by desperation for the Spirit of God? Would you say that the church you are a part of is characterized by this sense of desperation?"
"The resources of heaven are ready and waiting for the people of God who desire to make much of Him in this world."
I want to make much of Him. I'm tired of making much of myself. I want to turn away from the American Dream and live God's dream. I want to take the blessings I've been given and use them to bless others. I hope you'll join me.
The book as a whole is about how we as Christians in America have gotten those 2 things all mixed up together, and in doing so have watered down what it means to be a Christian. Somehow we have come to believe that it's okay to have everything we want, live comfortable lives, enjoy everything we've earned, and then add church attendance to the end of that list.
But is that really what God wants?
Is that what the Bible is about?
Are we really studying and living out the Bible and what Jesus said to us while He was here on earth, or are we doing what we do because that's what all of the Christians around us are doing?
The "American Dream", in a nutshell, is all about working hard and achieving whatever you dream. And while there is nothing wrong with working hard, we need to be focusing on what God is doing and how He can work through us, not what we can achieve at our church with more programs, different songs, better preaching, etc. We have lost our need for faith in a God so much bigger than a church service or youth program.
And our faith should be taking us outside of our comfort zones. Probably even outside of our country.
Here are just a few quotes from his book that I found thought-provoking:
"God has designed a radically global purpose for our lives. . .to spend all of our lives for the sake of all of God's glory in all of the world."
"There are 4.5 billion people who, if the gospel is true, at this moment are separated from God in their sin. . .and most of them live outside the United States.. .Our hearts should be consumed with making the glory of God known in all nations."
"Would you say that your life is marked right now by desperation for the Spirit of God? Would you say that the church you are a part of is characterized by this sense of desperation?"
"The resources of heaven are ready and waiting for the people of God who desire to make much of Him in this world."
I want to make much of Him. I'm tired of making much of myself. I want to turn away from the American Dream and live God's dream. I want to take the blessings I've been given and use them to bless others. I hope you'll join me.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
My Friend, the Library
I must confess, I'm in a love affair. With the library. I love the library. All of the books, movies, magazines, all at the tip of your fingers for little to nothing. If you don't lose anything (which I've come close to, but that's a subject for another post).
Anyway, here are some things that I love about the library.
1. Story time. Most libraries offer a free story time for kids of all ages, and we definitely take advantage of it. It's fun, it's a place to meet people with kids the same age, and everyone loves our story time lady, Jo Kay.
2. Computers. Noel loves playing on the computer. It's the only activity in the house that I actually have to set a timer for, or else he would play all day on it. However, since he can't read, it's hard to find lots of different programs for him. However, the library has tons of games and programs that he can play on while I look for books. Plus, there are headphones. Need I say more?
3. Games. Both libraries we visit have lots of actitives out for the kids: puzzles, legos, and a reading loft to name a few.
4. "Request this Item". If you haven't taken advantage of your library's website, you should. You can look up where anything is, but more importantly, you can click a little button called "Request this Item" and they will hold it for you at the front desk. It's awesome. I can find all of my books and they call me when they're available.
5. Summer Programs. This summer we have had the chance to do several different summer activities that the library has planned. Noel has won prizes for reading books, we went to an animal show where we got to pet an alligator, and they had a bubble truck (you'll have to ask Noel about it--highlight of his summer--but I was in Haiti). It gives us fun stuff to do that's free and educational. Okay, the bubble truck might not have been the most educational, but you get the idea.
Now, there are a few things I don't like about the library (they charge for movies and music, they don't have a great selection of the newer books I'd like to read, due dates), but overall it is a great place to go. I'm trying to instill a love for reading into my son, and the library is helping me do that.
Read on!!!
Anyway, here are some things that I love about the library.
1. Story time. Most libraries offer a free story time for kids of all ages, and we definitely take advantage of it. It's fun, it's a place to meet people with kids the same age, and everyone loves our story time lady, Jo Kay.
2. Computers. Noel loves playing on the computer. It's the only activity in the house that I actually have to set a timer for, or else he would play all day on it. However, since he can't read, it's hard to find lots of different programs for him. However, the library has tons of games and programs that he can play on while I look for books. Plus, there are headphones. Need I say more?
3. Games. Both libraries we visit have lots of actitives out for the kids: puzzles, legos, and a reading loft to name a few.
4. "Request this Item". If you haven't taken advantage of your library's website, you should. You can look up where anything is, but more importantly, you can click a little button called "Request this Item" and they will hold it for you at the front desk. It's awesome. I can find all of my books and they call me when they're available.
5. Summer Programs. This summer we have had the chance to do several different summer activities that the library has planned. Noel has won prizes for reading books, we went to an animal show where we got to pet an alligator, and they had a bubble truck (you'll have to ask Noel about it--highlight of his summer--but I was in Haiti). It gives us fun stuff to do that's free and educational. Okay, the bubble truck might not have been the most educational, but you get the idea.
Now, there are a few things I don't like about the library (they charge for movies and music, they don't have a great selection of the newer books I'd like to read, due dates), but overall it is a great place to go. I'm trying to instill a love for reading into my son, and the library is helping me do that.
Read on!!!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
We interrupt this blogging
I know, I know, I've been blogging about Haiti for what seems like forever. So, for a change of pace, I need to share about one of the highlights of the summer for all of us Wittenbachs. You know you want some: I'm talking about the Howard County Fair.
Now, the fair is an amazing place. And when I say amazing, I mean that I'm amazed at the people, things, food, situations I encounter while I'm there. It's so much that I really can handle it for just one day a year. Any more and I'd be on fair-overdose. I love the collision of the different worlds: On one side you have the 4-H'ers. They are there to show animals or exhibit their projects. On the other side you have the carnival people. They are there to ride rides, find dates, show off new tattoos, and get some meat on a stick. And then there are the many of us stuck in the middle, watching it all transpire.
Here are some highlights/lowlights (it's all the same) from this year's fair:
*Tractors.
Of course, for both David and Noel the tractors are the first things you have to see. Noel sat on or climbed on nearly every moving piece of machinery in the entire fair. Our tradition is to have him sit in the wheel of the combine for a picture, noting his growth from the year before.
Noel also got to ride on the Bumpy Barrels, which was pulled by a tractor. Noel LOVED it.
*Food. We made some critical errors this year in the dining experience at the fair. First, we sat outside to eat, which completely sucked the life out of us for the rest of the evening. Nothing like hot brisket in your gut while you're looking at pigs. mmmmmmm. Secondly, we ate too much at the first stop, leaving little room for "extras". However, we did enjoy our sandwiches and of course relished the lemon shake up. Noel was more excited about the free popcorn from the big barn. And speaking of the big barn,
*Free Stuff. We got popcorn, suckers, coloring pages, balloons, a tractor keychain, and as much fair dust as you can carry home on you, all for free.
*Last, but not least, Granpa Crachit. Now I've seen this puppet for many years driving around telling kids about the show, but this was the first year I had a child begging me to see him. So we got to watch good ol' Granpa Crachit and all of his antics, which for some reason, every child is completely enthralled by. And then at the end, Granpa gives a sales pitch for his DVD, which is only $5 and you can enjoy all year long! Needless to say, the show ended in tears because we wouldn't get Noel a video.
By the end of the night, both kids had cried, we were sweaty and dirty and way too full, and a little poorer for the wear, which means our trip was a complete success.
Happy Fairing!
Now, the fair is an amazing place. And when I say amazing, I mean that I'm amazed at the people, things, food, situations I encounter while I'm there. It's so much that I really can handle it for just one day a year. Any more and I'd be on fair-overdose. I love the collision of the different worlds: On one side you have the 4-H'ers. They are there to show animals or exhibit their projects. On the other side you have the carnival people. They are there to ride rides, find dates, show off new tattoos, and get some meat on a stick. And then there are the many of us stuck in the middle, watching it all transpire.
Here are some highlights/lowlights (it's all the same) from this year's fair:
*Tractors.
Of course, for both David and Noel the tractors are the first things you have to see. Noel sat on or climbed on nearly every moving piece of machinery in the entire fair. Our tradition is to have him sit in the wheel of the combine for a picture, noting his growth from the year before.
Noel also got to ride on the Bumpy Barrels, which was pulled by a tractor. Noel LOVED it.
*Food. We made some critical errors this year in the dining experience at the fair. First, we sat outside to eat, which completely sucked the life out of us for the rest of the evening. Nothing like hot brisket in your gut while you're looking at pigs. mmmmmmm. Secondly, we ate too much at the first stop, leaving little room for "extras". However, we did enjoy our sandwiches and of course relished the lemon shake up. Noel was more excited about the free popcorn from the big barn. And speaking of the big barn,
*Free Stuff. We got popcorn, suckers, coloring pages, balloons, a tractor keychain, and as much fair dust as you can carry home on you, all for free.
*Last, but not least, Granpa Crachit. Now I've seen this puppet for many years driving around telling kids about the show, but this was the first year I had a child begging me to see him. So we got to watch good ol' Granpa Crachit and all of his antics, which for some reason, every child is completely enthralled by. And then at the end, Granpa gives a sales pitch for his DVD, which is only $5 and you can enjoy all year long! Needless to say, the show ended in tears because we wouldn't get Noel a video.
By the end of the night, both kids had cried, we were sweaty and dirty and way too full, and a little poorer for the wear, which means our trip was a complete success.
Happy Fairing!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Worship
One of the absolute highlights of our trip to Haiti was worshipping with Emmanuel Christian Church in Peredo. I wish I had some video footage of it, because words can't describe this. We pulled in (still riding in our cattle car--the church clothes were a nice touch) and church had already been going for quite a while. They had finished up Sunday School and were singing. There are no instruments, no p.a. system, no graphics on a screen. Just Toto leading 100+ believers in song. As soon as we came in, people moved children to the sides so we could have a seat (everyone is in church together--there aren't any other rooms!). I ended up sitting by Fanny and Cosine, two of the girls I had spent lots of time with so far on the trip. That turned out to be a bad thing, since they were both fighting so much that Gerard separated them during the sermon--yikes!
We sang a few hymns, most of which I could sing along to because they were old hymns I had grown up with. Then one man stood up and sang a song in Creole. It was really nice. Then another man came up. I found out later that this man was a new believer whose wife had been practicing voodoo until just a few months ago. He sang the song "He Touched Me" in English and then in Creole. I can tell you, there was barely a dry eye in the room. To look at this man and imagine all of the things he has gone through, and now finding out there is a Savior who loves Him and wants Him, it was completely evident on his face. I don't think I'll ever forget that.
Another "time-for tears" moment came when the students from our group got up and sang a worship song, led by my nephew on guitar. To see them all up there, singing with all of their hearts, about God changing them from the inside out, I don't think I've ever been more proud to be one of their leaders.
After communion and some more singing, Steve Allen, our preacher who came with us, preached while Gerard interpreted. It was great watching Gerard, because he is so animated, and you could tell that he was adding to what Steve was saying. The funniest part was when a cell phone went off. Gerard stopped the service to give a lecture to the church, but he was being really comical, telling them, "nobody cares what your ringtone is." I love him.
The whole service was beautiful, uplifting, emotional, and unforgetable. I love knowing that when we are in worship here in the states, that they are worshipping God all over the world, too. We can get so caught up in the latest songs, technology, etc. to try and wow the crowd, but if it's not from the heart, it's garbage. What matters is a heart focused on one thing: God.
Friday, July 09, 2010
That's the night that the lights went out in Jacmel
Let me tell you a little bit about our house and its ammenities. First off, we are in one of the nicest areas of Jacmel, so when you see the pictures, realize that this is not the norm for Haiti.
HCO (Haitian Christian Outreach) is currently renting the house, which they call L'Abri (I think it means rain). The house has a name because there are no street names or street signs. In facts, during my whole stay in Haiti, I saw one stoplight, and that was in Port-au-Prince.
The house has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a balcony, two meeting area, and a flat rooftop with an amazing view. It would be a great vacation condo. However, there are some factors in this house that make it very different from the usual house in the states. First of all, due to the poor plumbing situation, you can't flush any paper down the toilets. So everything goes in the trash. And while we're on the subject, every drop of water costs money. So you should only flush when absolutely necessary :) and showers had to be military-style: get wet, turn shower off, scrub down, turn shower back on, rinse.
Also, the water out of the faucet is not safe to drink, and there is no water heater. So you have to heat water to do dishes and you have to buy bottled water to drink. In fact, many Haitians drink water from plastic pouches instead of bottles to cut down on trash (by the way, there is no trash collection in Haiti. The trash just piles up until someone burns a pile of it.)
Electricity is not on all of the time. Some man has control over when the power comes on and goes off. Luckily, we were there during the World Cup, so he kept the power on pretty late into the night. Once the power goes off, you have to rely soley on a generator, which can be tricky sometimes. For example, one night at around 2 am, I start hearing this beeping. It came every few seconds for about a minute. Then, all of a sudden, all of the fans stopped and the beeping became one, long, constant beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep. After a couple of minutes, Tessa finally spoke up, "Am I the only one who can hear this??" Apparently the batteries on the generator were not completely charged, so we were out of power until city power came back on (around 9 am).
Another thing I was not prepared for was the little creatures we came to know during our stay at L'Abri. There were at least 3 lizards who stayed with us, along with some spiders and lots of ants. I definitely had to get over my fear of these things, since I was sleeping on an air mattress on the floor.
All of this said, the house was great. We had a wonderful stay there, and were so thankful that we had such a nice place to stay. Not to mention that the beach was about a 10-minute walk away and there were lots of beautiful neighborhood kids to play with whenever we went outside. I think everyone's favorite part of the house was the roof, where we hung out to meet in the evenings and take in the amazing views.
HCO (Haitian Christian Outreach) is currently renting the house, which they call L'Abri (I think it means rain). The house has a name because there are no street names or street signs. In facts, during my whole stay in Haiti, I saw one stoplight, and that was in Port-au-Prince.
The house has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a balcony, two meeting area, and a flat rooftop with an amazing view. It would be a great vacation condo. However, there are some factors in this house that make it very different from the usual house in the states. First of all, due to the poor plumbing situation, you can't flush any paper down the toilets. So everything goes in the trash. And while we're on the subject, every drop of water costs money. So you should only flush when absolutely necessary :) and showers had to be military-style: get wet, turn shower off, scrub down, turn shower back on, rinse.
Also, the water out of the faucet is not safe to drink, and there is no water heater. So you have to heat water to do dishes and you have to buy bottled water to drink. In fact, many Haitians drink water from plastic pouches instead of bottles to cut down on trash (by the way, there is no trash collection in Haiti. The trash just piles up until someone burns a pile of it.)
Electricity is not on all of the time. Some man has control over when the power comes on and goes off. Luckily, we were there during the World Cup, so he kept the power on pretty late into the night. Once the power goes off, you have to rely soley on a generator, which can be tricky sometimes. For example, one night at around 2 am, I start hearing this beeping. It came every few seconds for about a minute. Then, all of a sudden, all of the fans stopped and the beeping became one, long, constant beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep. After a couple of minutes, Tessa finally spoke up, "Am I the only one who can hear this??" Apparently the batteries on the generator were not completely charged, so we were out of power until city power came back on (around 9 am).
Another thing I was not prepared for was the little creatures we came to know during our stay at L'Abri. There were at least 3 lizards who stayed with us, along with some spiders and lots of ants. I definitely had to get over my fear of these things, since I was sleeping on an air mattress on the floor.
All of this said, the house was great. We had a wonderful stay there, and were so thankful that we had such a nice place to stay. Not to mention that the beach was about a 10-minute walk away and there were lots of beautiful neighborhood kids to play with whenever we went outside. I think everyone's favorite part of the house was the roof, where we hung out to meet in the evenings and take in the amazing views.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Roll with it
So if there's one lesson I've learned about life in Haiti, it's this:
All plans are subject to change. And usually do.
We learned this lesson very well on our second full day in Haiti. After most of us didn't get to travel to Peredo the first day, we were very excited to go. First, let me explain the transportation: Almost every time we traveled to Peredo, it was standing up in the back of a truck that resembles a cattle car (see picture). I laughed every day coming up with conversations Haitians must be having that day.
"Did you see Genio (the driver)? He went and found himself a load of Americans!!"
Anyway, this trip is about an hour long, but it also includes some beautiful scenery of the ocean and a couple of small towns (Kapotier & Peredo). The most exciting part of each ride was crossing two different rivers by driving through them, as I mentioned in my post yesterday.
As we pulled into the camp at Peredo, we were greeted by the school children, who are just about as adorable as it gets. Talk about melting your heart. They lined up and sang some songs for us, and then we started working. And by working, I mean that most of us carried rocks by hand. Big rocks. By hand. To fill up a hole that will eventually become a basketball goal.
(Did I mention that the students on my trip are awesome? Because they are. They could have moaned and groaned all day about having to carry rocks in empty cement bags and on rusty wheelbarrows in the sweltering heat, but they didn't. I was so proud as a sponsor to be with them.)
After we had been working for about an hour and a half, we noticed the school children all disappeared. Then it started to rain. Then it started to pour. And we all ran for cover.
As we're waiting it out in the camp gazebo, Toto (who works there) is telling Ginny something in Creole that doesn't sound good. He is concerned that the rain will make the rivers rise too much, and we will get stuck here. We need to leave.
No problem, right?
Problem: Genio (our driver) took the big truck back to Jacmel.
Plan B: We take people one load at a time in HCO's pick-up truck across the two rivers to wait for our big truck to come back and get us. I don't think I'll ever forget riding in the truck as Toto is driving, heading towards the river. I ask him, "How can you tell if the river is too high?" His reply? He just laughs!!!
Thankfully, the first group made it across the rivers. Then we had to wait. The only place we could find was a lean-to, and I use that word lightly.
In hindsight, I'm not sure it was any better than just standing in the pouring rain, but that's where we stood and waited for what seemed like forever (probably 40 minutes or so). Then the second load of people came. Of course, only then did we realize that there was a shelter just up from the lean-to that was much nicer. I'm guessing it was a bar during the evenings, but was not in use at the moment. The owners were very kind to let us stay there as we waited some more. While we were waiting, Ginny, Laura, and Lesley were making sandwiches in the pick-up truck for us to eat. I went out to check on them, and right as Genio pulls up with the big truck, we realize that now the truck Ginny is driving has a flat tire. Her reaction? She just laughs (I think there's something to this laughing thing). But with help from some locals we were back and ready to head home.
After the rain eventually stopped, we went outside and played with the neighborhood kids in Jacmel. We were thankful that everything turned out okay, and that God took care of us. In the states, it would have been easy to be upset that we didn't get much "done" that day, but consider what we did "do":
*met and encouraged the school children
*started working on the camp
*relied on God (and Toto) and learned about faith
*met and hung out with Haitians in a bar in Peredo, who we probably would never have met.
*spent a rainy evening doing the Hokey Pokey with Katia, Bernadine, Rosalund, and many others
I think some days God looks at our "plans" and laughs. He has so much in store for us that can't be contained on a check list. Thank you, God, for showing us that.
All plans are subject to change. And usually do.
We learned this lesson very well on our second full day in Haiti. After most of us didn't get to travel to Peredo the first day, we were very excited to go. First, let me explain the transportation: Almost every time we traveled to Peredo, it was standing up in the back of a truck that resembles a cattle car (see picture). I laughed every day coming up with conversations Haitians must be having that day.
"Did you see Genio (the driver)? He went and found himself a load of Americans!!"
Anyway, this trip is about an hour long, but it also includes some beautiful scenery of the ocean and a couple of small towns (Kapotier & Peredo). The most exciting part of each ride was crossing two different rivers by driving through them, as I mentioned in my post yesterday.
As we pulled into the camp at Peredo, we were greeted by the school children, who are just about as adorable as it gets. Talk about melting your heart. They lined up and sang some songs for us, and then we started working. And by working, I mean that most of us carried rocks by hand. Big rocks. By hand. To fill up a hole that will eventually become a basketball goal.
(Did I mention that the students on my trip are awesome? Because they are. They could have moaned and groaned all day about having to carry rocks in empty cement bags and on rusty wheelbarrows in the sweltering heat, but they didn't. I was so proud as a sponsor to be with them.)
After we had been working for about an hour and a half, we noticed the school children all disappeared. Then it started to rain. Then it started to pour. And we all ran for cover.
As we're waiting it out in the camp gazebo, Toto (who works there) is telling Ginny something in Creole that doesn't sound good. He is concerned that the rain will make the rivers rise too much, and we will get stuck here. We need to leave.
No problem, right?
Problem: Genio (our driver) took the big truck back to Jacmel.
Plan B: We take people one load at a time in HCO's pick-up truck across the two rivers to wait for our big truck to come back and get us. I don't think I'll ever forget riding in the truck as Toto is driving, heading towards the river. I ask him, "How can you tell if the river is too high?" His reply? He just laughs!!!
Thankfully, the first group made it across the rivers. Then we had to wait. The only place we could find was a lean-to, and I use that word lightly.
In hindsight, I'm not sure it was any better than just standing in the pouring rain, but that's where we stood and waited for what seemed like forever (probably 40 minutes or so). Then the second load of people came. Of course, only then did we realize that there was a shelter just up from the lean-to that was much nicer. I'm guessing it was a bar during the evenings, but was not in use at the moment. The owners were very kind to let us stay there as we waited some more. While we were waiting, Ginny, Laura, and Lesley were making sandwiches in the pick-up truck for us to eat. I went out to check on them, and right as Genio pulls up with the big truck, we realize that now the truck Ginny is driving has a flat tire. Her reaction? She just laughs (I think there's something to this laughing thing). But with help from some locals we were back and ready to head home.
After the rain eventually stopped, we went outside and played with the neighborhood kids in Jacmel. We were thankful that everything turned out okay, and that God took care of us. In the states, it would have been easy to be upset that we didn't get much "done" that day, but consider what we did "do":
*met and encouraged the school children
*started working on the camp
*relied on God (and Toto) and learned about faith
*met and hung out with Haitians in a bar in Peredo, who we probably would never have met.
*spent a rainy evening doing the Hokey Pokey with Katia, Bernadine, Rosalund, and many others
I think some days God looks at our "plans" and laughs. He has so much in store for us that can't be contained on a check list. Thank you, God, for showing us that.
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Charlotte
June 23 was our first full day in Jacmel. Our original plans of heading to Peredo were changed because they thought it would rain, so a small group of the guys went and the rest of us stayed back. We would later figure out why the amount of rain is so important: the road trip to Peredo, which is about an hour, involves crossing two rivers. Not on bridges. Not on boats. Just driving straight through the rivers. If the river is up too high, you're stuck on whatever side you're on. More on that tomorrow.
The rest of us who were left behind were put to work doing various jobs. We sorted medicines and donations and painted bunk beds. During a lull, Alex, who works at the house, took us on a walk down to the ocean. Most of us were a little discouraged because we didn't get to do much, but that is part of Haiti--learning to deal with changes whenever they pop up. I kind of thought the day was a waste.
And then I met Charlotte.
During her stay here in Haiti, Ginny (the missionary we stayed with) has formed many connections with people all over Haiti. We teased her because she has "a guy" for every job you can imagine. "I have a lobster guy", "I have a generator guy", "I have a UN guy", etc. Anyway, one of Ginny's connections is in Tent City, and her name is Charlotte. After the earthquake, hundreds of thousands of Haitians lost their homes, their land, and their families. Jacmel has several different Tent Cities throughout the town, and Charlotte lives in one of those Tent Cities. Charlotte has basically taken it upon herself to be what I would call the mayor of her Tent City. She looks out for everyone. She makes sure people who are unjustly arrested are pleaded for. She finds medical help for the hurting. And in the course of this, she found Ginny. Now, when Charlotte has a medical need, she contacts Ginny, who is a nurse, and Ginny comes out to Tent City to help.
The day I went to Tent City with Ginny, she was headed there to give a young child a shot. They had a swolen lymph node, and needed antibiotics right away. Here in the U.S. a problem like this would have never even become this bad of an issue, but this is common in Haiti.
I'm guessing that this Tent City is about the size of two football fields, rowed with military style tents, attached right next to each other. The tents actually create "roads" within the city to walk. Along one wall of the city is a row of outhouses, which I learn are the second set built since the earthquake (the others are completely full!) There is a huge bladder of water under a tarp, which is for those who live in the tents, but the water still has to be boiled. There is little food, no running water, and no electricity. The people there have hardened faces. They seem to look right through you, and it takes your breath away for a minute, knowing this is their reality. Not a temporary fix; a permanent reality for them.
As we pull in, we wait for Charlotte to meet us, and Ginny's only directions are, "Please try not to cry." She takes us to the sick child, and while we walk, little hands grab onto ours, sometimes two and three to a hand. The children, despite the circumstances are filled with joy. One boy came up to us and practiced what little he knew of English. Many kids wanted you to take their picture. Almost all of them were smiling. It was too much to take in.
As we leave, Charlotte talks with Ginny about some other concerns she has, and while we are there for the next week Ginny will go several more times to Tent City. Every time, Charlotte is there, fighting for her people, people who have no one else fighting for them.
As I went to bed that night, I could barely remember the walk to the beach and the jobs we had done around the house. All I could see in my mind was Charlotte and her heart for the lost.
I want to be like her.
Monday, July 05, 2010
Reality Check
I am rich.
And so are you.
Don't think so? Drive through Port-au-Prince sometime. You'll think differently.
We left Chicago early on June 22. Both of our flights went very well, except for one small delay. As soon as we landed in Port-au-Prince, we realized that there was no turning back. As you leave the terminal, you are taken by a bus to customs, which went really smoothly (especially considering the two sisters on the trip accidentally used each other's passports!!). Baggage claim was a chaotic mess, since we had 48 bags (half of which being supplies and tools we were bringing with us). After all of the bags were counted, we realized we had lost three. But thankfully they were not anyone's personal bags. Just another lesson that we need to be ready for the rules to change at any minute.
Then the craziness really began. We had a caravan of luggage carts overloaded with our bags, and we had to push them to our truck, which meant going through a crowd of people and over a rocky path. One of our carts kept falling over, spilling the bags out, but we eventually got everything loaded up and we got into the vans. The highlight of this day for me was seeing Gerard, a missionary and friend whom we have been praying for. He lost his house and all of his belongings in the earthquake. It was very emotional for me to finally see him after we have been praying for him for so long.
The drive through Port-au-Prince is indescribable. The area surrounding the airport was not really affected too badly by the earthquake, but as soon as you get close to the city, all you see is devastation. About every other building is just rubble. It was hard to take it all in, especially since we were driving quickly and the sun was going down. The one image that will stay in my head forever was looking at a little girl, who couldn't have been much older than Noel, filling a bucket with water from a mud puddle and using an old shirt to strain it. I realized that she was gathering water for her family to use.
And I complain when our power goes out for an hour.
After our ride, which was about three hours and included going over a mountain, we arrived at L'Abri, which is the house HCO has rented for Ginny (one of the missionaries) and any missions teams who come to work. It is a really nice house, with room for everyone to sleep. We were given our first taste of local food with some Haitian spaghetti, which is kind of like our spaghetti, but with hotdogs and a thinner sauce. We had a short orientation and got the house put in order for the night. I don't think I've ever slept so hard in my life.
All in all, our first exposure to Haiti was a reality check. All of the pictures and videos we'd seen over the past several months were now right in front of us, and we would never be the same.
And so are you.
Don't think so? Drive through Port-au-Prince sometime. You'll think differently.
We left Chicago early on June 22. Both of our flights went very well, except for one small delay. As soon as we landed in Port-au-Prince, we realized that there was no turning back. As you leave the terminal, you are taken by a bus to customs, which went really smoothly (especially considering the two sisters on the trip accidentally used each other's passports!!). Baggage claim was a chaotic mess, since we had 48 bags (half of which being supplies and tools we were bringing with us). After all of the bags were counted, we realized we had lost three. But thankfully they were not anyone's personal bags. Just another lesson that we need to be ready for the rules to change at any minute.
Then the craziness really began. We had a caravan of luggage carts overloaded with our bags, and we had to push them to our truck, which meant going through a crowd of people and over a rocky path. One of our carts kept falling over, spilling the bags out, but we eventually got everything loaded up and we got into the vans. The highlight of this day for me was seeing Gerard, a missionary and friend whom we have been praying for. He lost his house and all of his belongings in the earthquake. It was very emotional for me to finally see him after we have been praying for him for so long.
The drive through Port-au-Prince is indescribable. The area surrounding the airport was not really affected too badly by the earthquake, but as soon as you get close to the city, all you see is devastation. About every other building is just rubble. It was hard to take it all in, especially since we were driving quickly and the sun was going down. The one image that will stay in my head forever was looking at a little girl, who couldn't have been much older than Noel, filling a bucket with water from a mud puddle and using an old shirt to strain it. I realized that she was gathering water for her family to use.
And I complain when our power goes out for an hour.
After our ride, which was about three hours and included going over a mountain, we arrived at L'Abri, which is the house HCO has rented for Ginny (one of the missionaries) and any missions teams who come to work. It is a really nice house, with room for everyone to sleep. We were given our first taste of local food with some Haitian spaghetti, which is kind of like our spaghetti, but with hotdogs and a thinner sauce. We had a short orientation and got the house put in order for the night. I don't think I've ever slept so hard in my life.
All in all, our first exposure to Haiti was a reality check. All of the pictures and videos we'd seen over the past several months were now right in front of us, and we would never be the same.
Sunday, July 04, 2010
This is really turning into an adventure, and we haven't even left Indiana yet.
At around 1:00 on Monday, June 21, 13 students, 7 adults, and around 45 bags packed up and headed towards Chicago to prepare for an early flight for the next day. Emotions were all over the place. Some tears, lots of laughter and card playing, and a few worries. We didn't know what God (and Haiti) had in store for us over the next 10 days.
Our first adventure began before we even left the state. As we were driving up 65, one of the tires blew on a church bus we had borrowed from another church. Tanya, our driver, was so calm as we pulled over. We immediately started looking for a spare, and then realized that this was a bus with dual tires in the back, and that there was no way to jack up that kind of vehicle and replace a tire. We called the van ahead of us to let them know what was going on. They stopped at the next exit, and wouldn't you know it? The very first building at that exit was a tire store. The store had one tire that fit the bus, so after coming to get the kids (who had been running around in the woods and acting like hooligans) , Tanya and my brother Dave got the bus to the tire store and had it changed while the rest of us waited at a Burger King.
I was so impressed by everyone throughout this situation. It could have been so easy to already be frustrated and upset, but the kids (and the adults) were in great moods. Some of the kids made a "Honk 4 Jesus" sign and tried to get trucks to honk while we waited. Those who were waiting at Burger King sat and talked, not complaining about the time they had to spend. And about an hour and a half later we were on our way. As the rest of the trip played out, I'm glad this group was okay with things not going as planned, as you'll see in upcoming posts.
After finally getting to Chicago and waiting for Mac, our Haitian Christian Outreach leader, to arrive, we had our last "American" meal: pizza and ice cream drumsticks, and settled into our plush hotel rooms for one last night of air conditioning, long showers, and cell phones for quite a while. We were about to be taken out of every comfort zone we could imagine, and it was, as our Haitian friend Alex says, "Very good."
Saturday, July 03, 2010
In my mind I'm going to . . .Jacmel?
Well, our group made it back safe and sound from our 11 day adventure to Haiti. Over the next several posts I'd like to share some stories from our trip. There is so much still in my brain that I'm trying to process, but I want you to know about the people of Haiti, the work being done there, and the power of God.
More to come. . .
More to come. . .
Friday, June 18, 2010
What's Cooking?
Actually, not much. This week has been a whirlwind of activities, leaving most nights to either eathing out or eating leftovers. But yesterday I did grill some chicken, and it was pretty good. I wanted to share the recipe, since this is grilling season, and who doesn't love honey mustard? Plus, I broke down a whole chicken for the very first time. I can't believe I'm almost 35 and have never broken down a chicken. I've cooked whole chickens and then taken the meat off several times, but never broken up a chicken to grill. It was actually pretty easy, and very affordable. I should be doing this more often. Anyway, here's the recipe: (For the record, it did not take as long for my chicken to get done, so watch carefully and baste often)
honey-mustard chicken
1 c. pineapple juice
3/4 c. honey
1/2 c. dijon mustard
1 t. ground mustard
2 T. cornstarch
1/4 c. cold water
1 broiler/fryer chicken (around 3-4 lbs.) cut up
In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juce, honey, mustard, and ginger; bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and water; gradually whisk into honey mix. Cook and stir for 2-3 minutes or until thickened. Reserve 3/4 c. to serve with chicken.
Baste chicken with remaining glaze. Grill, covered, over medium-low heat for 30 minutes. Turn chicken; brush again with glaze. Grill, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until juices run clear. SErve with reserved glaze if desired.
honey-mustard chicken
1 c. pineapple juice
3/4 c. honey
1/2 c. dijon mustard
1 t. ground mustard
2 T. cornstarch
1/4 c. cold water
1 broiler/fryer chicken (around 3-4 lbs.) cut up
In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juce, honey, mustard, and ginger; bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and water; gradually whisk into honey mix. Cook and stir for 2-3 minutes or until thickened. Reserve 3/4 c. to serve with chicken.
Baste chicken with remaining glaze. Grill, covered, over medium-low heat for 30 minutes. Turn chicken; brush again with glaze. Grill, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until juices run clear. SErve with reserved glaze if desired.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Already Learning
I knew when I signed up for this upcoming trip to Haiti that it would definitely be a learning experience. I just didn't know that the learning would start so early.
My preparing to leave entails a lot more than just packing my bags and going. I have to prepare my house, my kids, basically our every day lives for an upheaval for 11 days. And my first huge realization is that I am a control freak. I guess I've always know that, but this experience is just reiterating it.
For 11 days I have to give up control of
*my children (including their schedule, their safety, their time)
*my house
*my plans (I will have zero say in what we do or when we do it in Haiti. Definitely not used to that)
And it is already hard. Hard knowing that if there is a question, I can't answer it. Or if Noel is trying to explain something to his grandma, I can't be there to help him. Or if I'm frustrated beyond belief because I would have done something differently.
I like things easy. Don't we all?
But easy isn't always good.
Easy doesn't stretch us. Easy doesn't take us out of our comfort zone. Easy doesn't make life-changing memories.
So as I begin this journey, I realize that, although I think I'm in control most of the time, it's an illusion. This world is not about me, my plans, my decisions. This world is about showing God's love in our every day lives.
Maybe I need to lose control more often.
My preparing to leave entails a lot more than just packing my bags and going. I have to prepare my house, my kids, basically our every day lives for an upheaval for 11 days. And my first huge realization is that I am a control freak. I guess I've always know that, but this experience is just reiterating it.
For 11 days I have to give up control of
*my children (including their schedule, their safety, their time)
*my house
*my plans (I will have zero say in what we do or when we do it in Haiti. Definitely not used to that)
And it is already hard. Hard knowing that if there is a question, I can't answer it. Or if Noel is trying to explain something to his grandma, I can't be there to help him. Or if I'm frustrated beyond belief because I would have done something differently.
I like things easy. Don't we all?
But easy isn't always good.
Easy doesn't stretch us. Easy doesn't take us out of our comfort zone. Easy doesn't make life-changing memories.
So as I begin this journey, I realize that, although I think I'm in control most of the time, it's an illusion. This world is not about me, my plans, my decisions. This world is about showing God's love in our every day lives.
Maybe I need to lose control more often.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Date Night
As I said in my post yesterday, on Tuesday I got to have a kid-free afternoon AND evening with my husband. We went to this winery in the afternoon, and then did some driving, shopping, talking, and playing with the company car and navigation system.
Enter our Michael Scott scenario.
We had planned on eating dinner at Bravo in Castleton, and we knew where it was, but since a)we had the cool navigation system in the car and b)there is tons of construction around the Keystone/465 area, we opted to set our destination and follow the car's directions.
We're lucky we didn't end up in a pond.
The directions took us to the middle of an industrial park NOWHERE NEAR BRAVO. It was incredibly frustrating at the time, but now it's funny, thinking about how we just followed every step, never thinking that we would be led astray.
In the end, we found the restaurant and had a wonderful dinner, capped off by a new can to keep our compost in before it goes out to the big bin in the back yard. (yet another subject for another post: How I love compost and my husband's great gardening skills)
Happy Driving!!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Sigh of Relief
I know most of you know this already, but I love college basketball. Love it. I enjoy watching lots of different sports, especially live, but there is something about college basketball that I love.
Did I mention I love it?
And when David and I got together, he introduced me to another love: Tom Izzo. Head coach of the Michigan State Spartans Men's Basketball Team. I'm not gonna lie. It took me a while to be persuaded not to always cheer for the Illini (which I still do wholeheartedly--EXCEPT when they play MSU), but over the years I have come to really love watching Izzo coach. He cares about his players. He has a passion that is palpable without being over the top. Plus, he's from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Who doesn't love a U.P.er?
So when rumors started swirling last week about Izzo being offered the job coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers, I was disappointed. Not so much because Izzo would consider leaving MSU, but because he would leave it to go to the NBA. I can't stand the NBA. And I'm not sure watching Tommy :) coach an NBA team would sweeten the deal for me.
All week, David and I were nervous to check espn.com to see if the announcement had been made. And then today, after a fun day away with my hubby (a subject for another post), we come home to find out that he's staying.
Sigh.
Now we can relax.
I'm so glad that Coach Izzo is staying. He is so good not only for the Spartans, but for the Big Ten. I can't wait until November!!!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Haiti on my mind
80% of Haitians live in poverty.
The average daily earnings for a Haitian is around $2. Two dollars.
As I prepare for our trip to Haiti next week, I'm asking anyone who is reading this to pray for the people of Haiti. They are the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and there is no solid government to help them change that.
Money isn't everything. I firmly believe that. But it's pretty hard to survive on $2 a day.
God, help me to not take one dollar for granted, because I know that some don't even have that much.
The average daily earnings for a Haitian is around $2. Two dollars.
As I prepare for our trip to Haiti next week, I'm asking anyone who is reading this to pray for the people of Haiti. They are the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and there is no solid government to help them change that.
Money isn't everything. I firmly believe that. But it's pretty hard to survive on $2 a day.
God, help me to not take one dollar for granted, because I know that some don't even have that much.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Everybody's Different
David and I often talk about how we wish we had a camera in our car, because living where we do we run into a lot of this:
So we're driving home from Coyote Kids* last night and this was the car in front of us.
In case you can't read it, the sticker across the top of the car reads:
Sgt. Big Nasty.
That's right, you read it correctly. Sgt. Big Nasty.
Who drives this car?
Who decides their identity is best defined not just by Big Nasty (which would be mind-boggling itself), but to declare yourself the Sargeant of Big Nasty?
I love this town. Never a dull moment.
Footnote
*Coyote Kids is a free running program at our local park that is so much fun! Kids of all ages race and get popsicles and sweat and play and burn off lots of energy. And did Imention it's free?
So we're driving home from Coyote Kids* last night and this was the car in front of us.
In case you can't read it, the sticker across the top of the car reads:
Sgt. Big Nasty.
That's right, you read it correctly. Sgt. Big Nasty.
Who drives this car?
Who decides their identity is best defined not just by Big Nasty (which would be mind-boggling itself), but to declare yourself the Sargeant of Big Nasty?
I love this town. Never a dull moment.
Footnote
*Coyote Kids is a free running program at our local park that is so much fun! Kids of all ages race and get popsicles and sweat and play and burn off lots of energy. And did Imention it's free?
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Still a long way to go
I love my husband. Incredibly. But I know I'm not always the best at showing it or helping him to be the best person he can be. I listened to a Christian radio program on the internet today about things I can do to be a better wife, and here are some things I took from it:
*My job as David's wife is to be his cheerleader. He has enough people in his life who point out his flaws. I'm here to encourage, support, and cheer him on.
*Respect is key. The speaker said men would rather feel respected than loved. Not sure if every guy feels this way, but it is definately true with most men. It's so important that I show David that I respect him. Not second-guess him or try to undermine him. This is also a great example to our children and to the youth group kids we work with of how I should treat my husband.
*The most important point I took from it was to show grace to my husband. He said to do for your husband what God does for you. It's so easy for me to hold a grudge or bring up the past, but that's not what God does, so I shouldn't do that with my husband, the most important person to me here in earth.
Does anyone out there have any other good marriage advice?
*My job as David's wife is to be his cheerleader. He has enough people in his life who point out his flaws. I'm here to encourage, support, and cheer him on.
*Respect is key. The speaker said men would rather feel respected than loved. Not sure if every guy feels this way, but it is definately true with most men. It's so important that I show David that I respect him. Not second-guess him or try to undermine him. This is also a great example to our children and to the youth group kids we work with of how I should treat my husband.
*The most important point I took from it was to show grace to my husband. He said to do for your husband what God does for you. It's so easy for me to hold a grudge or bring up the past, but that's not what God does, so I shouldn't do that with my husband, the most important person to me here in earth.
Does anyone out there have any other good marriage advice?
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
And so it begins
Yesterday was Noel's first day taking swim lessons. It's our first "lesson" of any kind. And it went pretty well, considering he's 3 and hasn't really been in the water very much.
He loved it.
He jumped up and down.
He kicked.
He waved at me every 18 seconds.
But he wouldn't leave the edge of the pool.
And all of a sudden, I had to fight the urge not to be a pageant mom and try and get him to do exactly what his teacher was telling him to do. I wanted his teacher to know how wonderful he is and how good he is at so many other things. That this is his first time doing this, and to not give up. But I had to let it go. I can't make Noel do exactly what I want, and I can't make everyone love him as much as I do.
And so it begins.
So I'll hold on when I should, and try to let go when it's time, and trust God to help me know the difference.
He loved it.
He jumped up and down.
He kicked.
He waved at me every 18 seconds.
But he wouldn't leave the edge of the pool.
And all of a sudden, I had to fight the urge not to be a pageant mom and try and get him to do exactly what his teacher was telling him to do. I wanted his teacher to know how wonderful he is and how good he is at so many other things. That this is his first time doing this, and to not give up. But I had to let it go. I can't make Noel do exactly what I want, and I can't make everyone love him as much as I do.
And so it begins.
So I'll hold on when I should, and try to let go when it's time, and trust God to help me know the difference.
Monday, June 07, 2010
My little ones
I've been trying to post all day, and for some reason I couldn't get my page to let me make a new post. So it's almost bedtime for the kiddos, and I'm all out of words to share. Instead, I will share a few photos of my sweeties.
One year picture Makaya took. Love it.
Elise investigating the flowers. To eat or not to eat???
Attempting to smile for the camera
Friday, June 04, 2010
Making up for lost time
As the countdown to Haiti gets closer, I start to realize not only how much I will miss my family, but how much time I will miss out on being with them. That being said, I tried to cram as much summer fun into this week as we could handle. So here's the rundown:
Playgrounds Visited--4
Pools Swam In--2
Ice Cream Treats--2
Library Trips--1
Outdoor Play--too many to count
Scrapes on Knees--2
Tractor Rides--As many as you could fit into 3 days on the farm
Dirty Outfits--As fast as I can put them on, they're dirty again
Picnics-1
Smooches & Laughter--Never Enough
Motherhood is a challenge. It is, at various times, stressful, chaotic, lonesome, hilarious, educational, tedious, interesting, and heart-melting. I'm so thankful that I get this opportunity to see life from my two children's perspectives. To witness someone figure out that after stepping in a puddle you can make footprints on the porch. The laugh as my little girl waves at every person who drives by our house, now that she can see out the front window. To answer questions by the dozens from a curious child who wants to know EVERYTHING. Some days they make me crazy, and by the end of most nights I'm glad to see them go to bed, but I am thankful to be their mom. So let the pile of dirty clothes continue to pile up. . .
Playgrounds Visited--4
Pools Swam In--2
Ice Cream Treats--2
Library Trips--1
Outdoor Play--too many to count
Scrapes on Knees--2
Tractor Rides--As many as you could fit into 3 days on the farm
Dirty Outfits--As fast as I can put them on, they're dirty again
Picnics-1
Smooches & Laughter--Never Enough
Motherhood is a challenge. It is, at various times, stressful, chaotic, lonesome, hilarious, educational, tedious, interesting, and heart-melting. I'm so thankful that I get this opportunity to see life from my two children's perspectives. To witness someone figure out that after stepping in a puddle you can make footprints on the porch. The laugh as my little girl waves at every person who drives by our house, now that she can see out the front window. To answer questions by the dozens from a curious child who wants to know EVERYTHING. Some days they make me crazy, and by the end of most nights I'm glad to see them go to bed, but I am thankful to be their mom. So let the pile of dirty clothes continue to pile up. . .
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Needs vs. Wants
I'm reading a great book right now: Half-Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls. I'm not even done with it, and I'm going to already come out and say it's great--that's how great it is. A friend of mine gave me Walls' first book, The Glass Castle, and I really enjoyed it. It is a memoir of a girl growing up with a very unconventional family, moving all over the country, living in shacks, learning how to make do with nothing, and dealing with two parents who cared about themselves more than their children. It was kind of sad and frustrating, but Walls is a wonderful writer. So when I saw she had another book, I grabbed it off the library shelf.
In Horses, Walls tells the life story of her grandmother, Lily, from Lily's perspective. She grew up during the turn of the century on a farm in New Mexico. I won't tell you any more about the book, but I will just say that I love the voice Walls has created for her grandmother. She has so many great lines in this book--very poignant.
One part that has really stuck with me is a scene in which Lily and her husband have to move out of their house (it's been foreclosed) and to a cattle farm. This is about her first visit to the outhouse.
"A distinctly malodorous aroma arose from the hole, and for a moment I missed my snazzy mail-order toilet with the shiny white porcelain bowl, the mahogany lid, and the nifty pull-chain flush. As I sat down, though, I realized that you can get so used to certain luxuries that you start to think they're necessities,but when you hve to forgo them, you come to see that you don't need them after all. There was a big difference between needing things and wanting things--though a lot of people had trouble telling the two apart--and at the ranch, I could see we'd have pretty much everythingwe'd need but precious little else.
Next to the seat was a stack of Sears, Roebuck catalogs, and I picked one up and leafed through it. I came to a page advertising silk bodices and lacy chemises. I won't be ordering from this page, I thought, and when I was done with my business, that was the one I tore out and used."
Truer words were never spoken.
Enjoy the day, and be thankful that we have everything we need and much more!
In Horses, Walls tells the life story of her grandmother, Lily, from Lily's perspective. She grew up during the turn of the century on a farm in New Mexico. I won't tell you any more about the book, but I will just say that I love the voice Walls has created for her grandmother. She has so many great lines in this book--very poignant.
One part that has really stuck with me is a scene in which Lily and her husband have to move out of their house (it's been foreclosed) and to a cattle farm. This is about her first visit to the outhouse.
"A distinctly malodorous aroma arose from the hole, and for a moment I missed my snazzy mail-order toilet with the shiny white porcelain bowl, the mahogany lid, and the nifty pull-chain flush. As I sat down, though, I realized that you can get so used to certain luxuries that you start to think they're necessities,but when you hve to forgo them, you come to see that you don't need them after all. There was a big difference between needing things and wanting things--though a lot of people had trouble telling the two apart--and at the ranch, I could see we'd have pretty much everythingwe'd need but precious little else.
Next to the seat was a stack of Sears, Roebuck catalogs, and I picked one up and leafed through it. I came to a page advertising silk bodices and lacy chemises. I won't be ordering from this page, I thought, and when I was done with my business, that was the one I tore out and used."
Truer words were never spoken.
Enjoy the day, and be thankful that we have everything we need and much more!
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
What to pray. . .
I am not a good pray-er. Never have been.
I can sit and read the Bible and study and write lessons and sing praise songs and on and on. . . but it is such a struggle for me to quiet myself and pray. I've tried all different kinds of strategies, and I will never give up, but I wish I had the passion for prayer that others have. I know how important it is, and when some kind of emergency occurs, of course it's easy for me to pray. But the every day, kneeling before God and listening to Him, is hard for me.
As I was sitting here this morning thinking of how to pray for our upcoming trip to Haiti, God really put it upon my heart to pray just what it says in the scriptures. I just started reading Philippians a few days ago, and as I start reading chapter 2 this morning, the first 2 verses read this way:
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose."
So, this is my prayer for the upcoming trip:
That we will encourage each other and be an encouragement to those we minister with in Haiti.
That we will be united.
That we will be a source of comfort to the people of Haiti. Show them God's grace and love.
That our times of fellowship will be God-focused and memory-making.
That we will show tenderness and compassion when it might be easy instead to be judgmental and critical.
That we will choose joy instead of reasons to complain.
That we will work together, being like-minded, even when plans don't go our way.
Thank you, God, for hearing our prayers. May we not take it for granted.
I can sit and read the Bible and study and write lessons and sing praise songs and on and on. . . but it is such a struggle for me to quiet myself and pray. I've tried all different kinds of strategies, and I will never give up, but I wish I had the passion for prayer that others have. I know how important it is, and when some kind of emergency occurs, of course it's easy for me to pray. But the every day, kneeling before God and listening to Him, is hard for me.
As I was sitting here this morning thinking of how to pray for our upcoming trip to Haiti, God really put it upon my heart to pray just what it says in the scriptures. I just started reading Philippians a few days ago, and as I start reading chapter 2 this morning, the first 2 verses read this way:
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose."
So, this is my prayer for the upcoming trip:
That we will encourage each other and be an encouragement to those we minister with in Haiti.
That we will be united.
That we will be a source of comfort to the people of Haiti. Show them God's grace and love.
That our times of fellowship will be God-focused and memory-making.
That we will show tenderness and compassion when it might be easy instead to be judgmental and critical.
That we will choose joy instead of reasons to complain.
That we will work together, being like-minded, even when plans don't go our way.
Thank you, God, for hearing our prayers. May we not take it for granted.
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