tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28472258586656504942024-03-13T21:26:42.027-05:00Jesus HeartburnCarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-75473162690690102822013-08-24T22:34:00.001-05:002013-08-24T22:34:05.452-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://newtownbee.com/news/features/2013/08/02/resiliency-skills-and-fun-all-part-camp-noah/153094">http://newtownbee.com/news/features/2013/08/02/resiliency-skills-and-fun-all-part-camp-noah/153094</a></div>
Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-47477863806706469592013-08-19T21:59:00.003-05:002013-08-19T21:59:40.737-05:00Why me...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Brokenness...it's what I encounter everyday. I hear it in the music that my co-worker insists on playing loudly in the office. The lyrics haunt me with tales of broken hearts, sad relationships, and misplaced hope. Is that too judgemental? I'm just not one of thes people that can hear the music without the words...I hear every single word...help!
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Turn the radio to another station and I hear about brokenness in Egypt, Syria, Chicago, and across the world. Facebook tells me of shattered lives and babies dying and discontent. </div>
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My friend asked me recently...what do you think God is preparing you for? And she listed the places He's called me into over the last 10 years...lives broken by sin yet drawn to a church of messed up people, desperate children in a country struggling with povery and broken by shame, and homes and famlilies torn apart by disaster...natural and human-caused. I have looked into the eyes of the adulteress, the possessed, the defeated, the childless, the traumatized, the lonely, and the beggar and I have seen their pain and wondered so many times why me?</div>
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Why do I have the highest possible score on the resiliency test and a low score on ACES? (Meaning the odds that I would survive and thrive in this broken world were high from the moment I was born...great parents, church, medical treatment, education, family, friends and faith.) Why did I have the chance to go to college and buy a home and a car and put together a resume that got me a great job? Why me?</div>
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Why am I in these places of ministry? Most days it feels that I have so little to offer and more questions and no answers. Why me instead of someone else? Someone with more confidence and unshakable faith would be better. And someone who never faltered or wondered if God is enough? Someone who always relied on the Holy Spirit would be better...instead of the one who forgets to ask for help until it's too late! Why me?</div>
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I didn't have an answer for my friend...I wonder if I ever will! I'd like to escape the brokenness...spend a few more days in denial and forget the stories. But I can't forget the stories and the faces. No matter what corner of this earth we wander on, Africa or the richest suberbs of America, brokenness invades. It's unescapable. Children die, dreams are destroyed, theives steal, parents walk away from their families, tornadoes distroy, and hunger defeats.</div>
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BUT then I read this..."And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us....and from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace."(John <a href="">1:14</a>, 16) and I know a few of the answers to the questions I ask..Why me? because I have recieved grace upon grace upon grace upon grace. So much grace that I have grace to share. Why me? because children in every corner of this great world need to know that they too have recieved grace upon grace upon grace...that the Word understands their brokenness and pain and HE offers grace upon grace. I have the priveledge of knowing a few and offering them grace upon grace. Hope upon hope. Restoration upon restoration. And there is healing in grace and hope and restoration. Healing that comes in many forms but always through the Word who lived among us and looked into the eyes and held the hands of the adulteress, the possessed, the defeated, the childless, the traumatized, the lonely, the beggar...and ME. Why me? Grace upon Grace!</div>
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PS I'm going to try to start writting again. We'll see how long that lasts:) But this ones for you mom!</div>
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And if anyone is wondering what I am up to these days...campnoah.org is the answer:)</div>
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Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-1977909685098627292012-03-16T12:29:00.000-05:002012-03-16T12:29:27.398-05:00LeavingIt's been several months already, since I left Sierra Leone. And I've been afraid to write because there hasn't been much to say. It ha been an easy transition in many ways, and I feel like I missed something because everyone seems to expect me to be falling apart. I'm not, the Lord has blessed me with time and space to think and pray and dream, with tender family and friends who are there to listen and pray, with just enough finances to enjoy some of the things that are so "American" but so good--like coffee and fast Internet and hot showers with plenty of water each day and grocery stores filled with variety. I am truly, absolutely blessed. My savior delights in me and has met my needs in ways that I can't even express.
It hasn't all been easy or enjoyable though! I keep making driving mistakes...in MN it is NOT okay to skip stop signs, they are NOT suggestions. And there is a paralysis that comes over me when I stare at the seemingly endless choices on a restaurant menu (or restaurant type) and the isle of cereal choices. My garage door doesn't shut and I wish I could ask the security guard to take care of it or my neighbor but I don't have a security guard and I don't know my neighbors! The list could continue but these are surface issues...the ones underneath are about identity and questions oIf failure. They are about job options and calling; about what I really believe and what that means for tomorrow.
The answers started a few weeks ago with a statement that the Gospel is good news...duh!...but not just for those who don't yet know Jesus but for those of us who have been following Him for a long time. It is still good news...why? Because I still need to be rescued. I still need a savior! And it continues...I was crying out, begging for answers of what and who and how and the savior said, "Cari, I have the answer, but you are just not ready for it yet...and by the way, I AM the answer."
There have been many other moments in the last few weeks of returning and reminding. I left Sierra Leone early and I am not sure that I will ever return. I hope to, but I am not sure. I went hoping that this was the place, and these were the people God wanted me to serve...and they were for a while...but I clearly was released from there to come here...to what feels like nothing. But it is here that I can define myself by no other thing that Jesus. I wanted to be called to these orphans, to adoption, to fight there but I am not and I am jealous of those that are, of anyone who lives with a conviction to do something that is so strong that they can do nothing else. I have been longing for that.
Several days ago I landed (okay, I was strongly reminded by new friend) that when Peter asked Jesus about John and why his calling and ministry was so different than his own. Jesus said, "what is that to you? YOU follow me." I so want to be called to something other than this place of wrestling right now. I feel left out of the work of the Kingdom and like I am missing something; why can't I be more like them Lord? Is this wrestling and leaving full of lies and excuses or is there something different for me? And he says "What's that to you? You follow me! I am big enough to accomplish multiple agendas in multiple arenas over time with all kinds of people. An you are not "called" to anything other than FOLLOW ME and I will lead you to the poor, the orphan, the widow, the Somali's who spend their days at Starbucks too, the immigrant who works at Walmart, the neighbor who you think is weird and a big scary. I will lead you to where and who and how BUT you must follow ME!"
So, do I really believe that Jesus is the hope of my soul as well as the hope of the world? That HE is the answer? Then I can trust that this wrestling and uncertainty is right where I need to be and that if I am following HIM I won't miss the details around who and how and where. And I am that person of conviction that I long to be...excitd and curious about what the power of the Holy Sprit is doing all over the world to draw people to Jesus Christ. He is on the move and He won't leave me to wrestle forever. I am going to get the opportunity to be apart of it again! Right now though I need to hear "I AM the answer! YOU follow me."Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-699725907037355482011-10-29T15:31:00.000-05:002011-10-29T15:34:47.051-05:00A Wedding Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of our AUNTIES got married today! 24 children, 7 staff, and I traveled in the poda pod (OH MY!) all the way to the East End of town to enjoy the day. We started out at 8 and returned home 11 hours later but every hour spent stuffed in that van with 30 other people was worth it.<br />
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I was excited to see if a SL wedding was different from an "American" wedding. It's not that different. A bit more relaxed; you are free to yell and use silly string and confetti throughout the whole ceremony! There were 2 offering during the service, which I was NOT prepared for but thankfully I had a couple thousand in my purse. I think that at least 25 people signed the wedding license and there was a pledge time where people stood and pledged what they would give the couple in the future...they will be receiving LOTS of diapers if they ever are blessed with a little one:) And different groups and families wore matching clothes...you'll see our beautiful style below.<br />
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I have a few pictures of the day but none of the bride:(<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The children sang a song about marriage for the couple.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the reception to begin...HOT and TIRED and HUNGRY is the look on their faces!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The TRS staff sang LOUDLY and ENTHUSIASTICALLY and slightly out of tune.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But they DANCED well and they ENJOYED the party!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flower girls and the page boy...this is at the end of the day when we arrived back at the center...they could barely stand up straight they were so tired.</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-7175357759766561992011-10-28T08:12:00.000-05:002011-10-28T08:12:00.546-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">I've been having a lot of Elijah moments lately. I wish it were the BIG moments when he fed people or showed God's glory to hundreds of false god worshippers. It would be nice if it were similar to his prayers that stopped rain for 3 years and then got God to send rain again just at the right time. I'd like a dose of his confidence, his faithfulness, and his courage. But those aren't where I'm at right now. It would even be okay if they were the silent moments of Elijah...I'm sure there were many good things that he did that aren't recorded in history!</span><br />
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In 1 Kings 19 Elijah runs away...</div>
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He's just defeated a worship system that has enslaved people for years. </div>
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He's won ground for the Lord by showing that God's power is greater than any other.</div>
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He's killed hundreds of his enemies.</div>
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He ran a race and beat a king in a chariot.</div>
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He's prayed for rain and seen an immediate answer. </div>
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BUT he is threatened by a woman--yes she's the queen but he's faced her before--and he RUNS AWAY.</div>
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He goes and sits under a broom tree and asks God to finish him off. </div>
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He's tired.</div>
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crabby. </div>
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hungry.</div>
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thirsty.</div>
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He's wondering where God is. </div>
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Where's his reward.</div>
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protection.</div>
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success.</div>
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friends.</div>
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And I LOVE what God does next he sends an Angel with water, food, sleep and REST. Because God knows that we are whole people...that's how he made us...and we cannot function without enough food, water, and sleep...EVEN if we are doing good things for him, eventually we all come to the point where we have to sit down under the broom tree and get fed. And I don't think we are supposed to spiritualize this and say God gave him the spiritual food he needed to go on...that comes later...in this moment Elijah gets EXACTLY what he needs--real, physical food and water and sleep.</div>
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Then God addresses his crabbiness and his wonder with a question, "“What are you doing here, Elijah?” </div>
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And Elijah is not afraid to give his real, honest answer filled with all his wonders and self-righteousness...“I have zealously served the L<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">ord</span> God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” OR "I've done all that you asked. Why have you left me alone! Hello, I am following you and this is NOT the way the story is supposed to be!" </div>
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God's answer is beautiful.</div>
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a storm. </div>
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an earthquake. </div>
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a fire. </div>
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a whisper. (my translation says a thin silence)</div>
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Elijah goes to stand with God. WOW! and repeats the same thing...God asks, "why are you here?" Elijah responds, "It's not fair and I am all alone but I follow you!"</div>
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And God answers with EXACTLY what Elijah needs...Hope for the future! </div>
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New kings to anoint.</div>
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7,000 other followers who never bowed to false gods.</div>
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An apprentice to take his place when the time came for him to die.</div>
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Elijah goes away from this time with God refreshed physically. He's heard by a compassionate Father who reminds him gently that he is not alone and all is not lost. He steps back into life/ministry with a new plan. God gives him a companion and reminds him that the work of the Lord will go on through others long after he is gone. His plan is bigger.</div>
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than one event.</div>
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one moment.</div>
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one prayer.</div>
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one king.</div>
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one defeat.</div>
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one earthquake.</div>
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one prophet.</div>
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one nation.</div>
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There is so much we can learn from this account from Elijah. I shared the story at staff devotions and one staff member said he loved this story because it showed God's Word is inspired. If it wasn't the writer would have left out this part that makes Elijah look like anything but a hero. We like our heros to be strong always, unwavering in faith, and sure. But maybe that's why I love Elijah so much...he, like so many of the Bible's characters, was flawed and human! </div>
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I think that no matter where we serve or how we serve, if we are serving the Lord we all face Elijah moments...we face the ones where everything is good and God's hand on us is evident to all; we face the ones where we run away, get stuck under a broom tree, and have to have the Lord rescue us. He lovingly changes feeds us, listens to us, speaks to us in silence, and changes our focus. Maybe he gives us a new ministry or like Elijah shows us how to turn it over to someone next. I don't know where you are at...I know where I am.</div>
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I'm at the end of a season.</div>
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tired. </div>
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crabby.</div>
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hungry for home.</div>
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thirsty for diet coke.</div>
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Wondering what's next.</div>
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how do I finish well.</div>
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where do I go from here.</div>
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looking for a broom tree...not to die under! just to get some rest!</div>
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And God is gently reminding me his plan is bigger. </div>
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than one year.</div>
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one opportunity.</div>
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one dream. </div>
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one prayer.</div>
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one defeat.</div>
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one nation.</div>
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one idea.</div>
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He is always good, </div>
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His grace is sufficient</div>
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and I am always loved....and so are you.</div>
</div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-35616956521553054082011-10-27T07:08:00.000-05:002011-10-27T07:08:00.072-05:00A Birthday Celebration: July-September<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The CAKE...chocolate. YUMMY!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Grandpa lead the singing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7HTSa-2CT-8/TqabikazLwI/AAAAAAAAImA/FrL825HKy5I/s1600/100_6332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7HTSa-2CT-8/TqabikazLwI/AAAAAAAAImA/FrL825HKy5I/s320/100_6332.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The celebrants!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AmaCaJuoNyI/TqaboieyCkI/AAAAAAAAImI/ZLIvFbP8iIg/s1600/100_6336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AmaCaJuoNyI/TqaboieyCkI/AAAAAAAAImI/ZLIvFbP8iIg/s320/100_6336.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNBP3_YhPjg/TqabwME97iI/AAAAAAAAImQ/tpyfOhHUYUw/s1600/100_6358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNBP3_YhPjg/TqabwME97iI/AAAAAAAAImQ/tpyfOhHUYUw/s320/100_6358.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always ready to pose for the camera.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBY5c3XZFKI/Tqab1lv9P1I/AAAAAAAAImY/_IDnX2mlKk8/s1600/100_6361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBY5c3XZFKI/Tqab1lv9P1I/AAAAAAAAImY/_IDnX2mlKk8/s320/100_6361.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JUICE!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLbL1VGItSU/Tqab7iXIc2I/AAAAAAAAImg/15REq6JIiN8/s1600/100_6368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLbL1VGItSU/Tqab7iXIc2I/AAAAAAAAImg/15REq6JIiN8/s320/100_6368.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">POPCORN!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--cfnAY0iUAw/Tqab_uWwr4I/AAAAAAAAImo/DuhTp-yN90E/s1600/100_6374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--cfnAY0iUAw/Tqab_uWwr4I/AAAAAAAAImo/DuhTp-yN90E/s320/100_6374.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favorite Big Sister</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPyOFDPUOZA/TqacHzvAZQI/AAAAAAAAImw/9OHyQwmXvgU/s1600/100_6394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPyOFDPUOZA/TqacHzvAZQI/AAAAAAAAImw/9OHyQwmXvgU/s320/100_6394.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a fan of silly hats.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUB7kHM_pag/TqacMvwmtII/AAAAAAAAIm4/vGsCKHyc76I/s1600/100B6346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUB7kHM_pag/TqacMvwmtII/AAAAAAAAIm4/vGsCKHyc76I/s320/100B6346.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls.</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-38525910054354744892011-10-25T04:55:00.000-05:002011-10-25T04:55:00.470-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Over the last year I've gotten pretty good at ignoring the poverty around me. It's a terrible thing, perhaps, but it is also coping. Our Social Worker keeps telling me, "Cari if you try to help everyone you'll help no one and you'll have nothing left." I often find comfort in knowing that when Jesus walked this messy earth HE didn't heal everyone, talk to everyone, or rescue everyone. In fact, I don't know if he lifted a single person out of poverty. He fed a few, prayed with and for them but mostly he lived with them...as a poor man...and reminded them that there is more to life than what you do or don't have. He denounced the systems that held them captive and oppressed them and HE declared that rich or poor...the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is yours if you choose it. </span><br />
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But this ignoring only goes so far, and there are days when I am so overwhelmed by what I see and what I have and many don't have that I can barely function. In living color I see the contrast between the house that I live in here with it's running water and electricity and the shack next door build out of tarps and tin. When I am driving, ALONE in my car I see the LOOOOOOONG lines of people waiting for a ride on a bus that should seat 10 but will seat 25+, or the new city buses that can hold hundreds if you pack them in tight enough. I drive by the market where people buy barely enough food--that's been sitting out in the hot sun covered with flies--for one meal; I am on my way to the supermarket where I have been known to complain when they don't have the kind of ice cream bar I like. </div>
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I had one of those days last week. I was out to get my weekly supply of groceries and on the way back all I could see was children. EVERYWHERE! Walking on the side of the road, shopping in the markets, selling cookies and fruit, and toting 5 gallon buckets of water. And my heart cried...Jesus, why?!? It's a school day! They look hungry! They should be playing and learning! WHY!?! and then I started to think...which one is mine to care for? I know I can only take one or maybe two, which one is mine? And the LORD who knows and understand me and loves me said this to my heart...."That one is mine! The one in the pink frilly dress, SHE IS MINE!" And I began to see the smiles on their faces. The adults around them who were holding their hands; the strangers who were helping them to cross the street. </div>
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There is a richness in followers of Christ here that I wonder if many who grew up in the US can truly understand or obtain. Pastor Daniel says often that riches come from a content heart...in knowing that God provides and trusting that provision however big or small is from HIM and is for a purpose. </div>
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My eyes have been opened to the world around me...but there is blessed and sweet rest for my soul in this...the God of the Universe, who created each one of these dear little ones, knows each by name. He watches over them. He might call me or you to care for a few; to be a part of HIS hand in their lives and we should listen when HE does and be ready. They are ALWAYS HIS. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>He is mine! </i><i>See the one who holds his hand, that is me. </i></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><i>She is mine! See that smile, I put it there.</i></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i> </i><i>That</i><i> one's mine!</i></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>You are mine! </i></span></i></div>
</div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-4520693223179886732011-10-21T12:33:00.000-05:002011-10-21T12:33:35.583-05:00A Queen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today we had a special visitor...Miss West Africa Sierra Leone!<br />
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She read to the children and talked to them about doing well in school and working to become someone someday. They told her they want to be lawyers, doctors, presidents, teachers, nurses, bankers, dolphins and sharks when they grow up:) Our girls all want to be African Queens now...me I was just amazed again at our children! They were warm and welcoming, they gave speeches and sang songs, and they impressed that Queen to tears!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is our own Miss TRS African Queen!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-17691177892644279232011-10-14T07:18:00.000-05:002011-10-19T05:20:19.835-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here's some pictures of our last few weeks at The Covering.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MwaW6g91dZA/TpQoMCfvSZI/AAAAAAAAIi8/1bB86Ok_BOM/s1600/100_5695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MwaW6g91dZA/TpQoMCfvSZI/AAAAAAAAIi8/1bB86Ok_BOM/s320/100_5695.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ruth girls came over for dinner. We ate chicken (including the bones), pizza, rice, and salad. YUM! We also told jokes and learned to eat with a fork and knife.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w7zxfMw7DNU/TpQoOV4JNVI/AAAAAAAAIjE/OpV3sFAItpE/s1600/100_5714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w7zxfMw7DNU/TpQoOV4JNVI/AAAAAAAAIjE/OpV3sFAItpE/s320/100_5714.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam's school doesn't start for a few weeks, I have been giving him assignments each morning...here he is writing a letter to a man in Spain who collects letters from all over the world. I'm not sure if he'll ever receive this one from Sierra Leone but the field trip to the post office was great fun.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWTWUSmPhyo/TpQoQ8bbjKI/AAAAAAAAIjM/cu-UsE34suE/s1600/100_5721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWTWUSmPhyo/TpQoQ8bbjKI/AAAAAAAAIjM/cu-UsE34suE/s320/100_5721.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are still getting a bit of rain. See the clouds? But recess is back!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kugy3vcT-bc/TpQoTWoc6QI/AAAAAAAAIjU/aCOIV3nt-Lo/s1600/100_5747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kugy3vcT-bc/TpQoTWoc6QI/AAAAAAAAIjU/aCOIV3nt-Lo/s320/100_5747.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The library is open!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HIBDjPEmOKI/TpQoVwXBFQI/AAAAAAAAIjc/Vzc2uto_vZE/s1600/100_5768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HIBDjPEmOKI/TpQoVwXBFQI/AAAAAAAAIjc/Vzc2uto_vZE/s320/100_5768.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hot and we are sweating all the time...mostly it's me that is sweating:)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQQ3b0-SHIM/TpQoYc3f7wI/AAAAAAAAIjk/ZdVLNRkcHuQ/s1600/100_5773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQQ3b0-SHIM/TpQoYc3f7wI/AAAAAAAAIjk/ZdVLNRkcHuQ/s320/100_5773.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Cari came to visit. She ate more rice than I did:)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_m3cnK1R6xA/TpQocZ7ZnSI/AAAAAAAAIjs/XO2gD4150YM/s1600/100_5784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_m3cnK1R6xA/TpQocZ7ZnSI/AAAAAAAAIjs/XO2gD4150YM/s320/100_5784.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The babies room got new bowls and spoons.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzx1AD8ckhs/TpQogeJp3WI/AAAAAAAAIj0/pGXyHMNUWBc/s1600/100_5785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzx1AD8ckhs/TpQogeJp3WI/AAAAAAAAIj0/pGXyHMNUWBc/s320/100_5785.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They also got new potties compliments of the Babies Room Staff. Amazing that they would donate to this ministry too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-Yh6p768TI/TpQoijKi3HI/AAAAAAAAIj8/ORX9CmzQqx0/s1600/pile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-Yh6p768TI/TpQoijKi3HI/AAAAAAAAIj8/ORX9CmzQqx0/s1600/pile.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This a daily occurrence. I get stuck under a pile of kids. Love it!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-58997117247403210102011-10-11T05:56:00.002-05:002011-10-11T05:57:30.543-05:00Water Wasted.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">I notice different things now when I read the Bible. Stuff I never saw before or thought of as important.</span><br />
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Maybe because before this time in Sierra Leone I've always known that when you flip a light switch the lights come on...and if not it's on the news and everyone is talking about an outage. Here there is no pattern and no way to predict if there will be light or not. Everyday is a whole new adventure.</div>
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The water works that way too...sometimes you turn on a tap and NOTHING comes out. And it seems that everyday we have a discussion about the lack of water. I've never thought so much about water in my life.</div>
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So this week, when I was reading through 1 Kings, I read the familiar story of Elijah on Mnt. Carmel and was struck by something new...IT HADN'T RAINED FOR 3 YEARS! Imagine the water crisis! No wonder the king was crabby...he was also known as one who did more to anger the Lord than any king before him, not a great guy at all. Elijah calls the priests of Baal to call upon their god to consume their offering with fire and Baal doesn't show up; then he sets an offering out for YHWH. He has his servant gather 4 jars of water 3 times and pour it over the alter, in other words--Elijah WASTES water in the middle of a drought! I also feel compassion for that unnamed servant while reading this, to find that much water, in a drought, and haul it up the mountain was not an easy task! I've watched people carry 5 gallon buckets of water up a hill that I can barely climb without breathing like I just ran a marathon!</div>
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But back to the water...12 BIG jars full! GONE! This story is about so many things but I caught a glimpse...a picture, like the picture in the New Testament of a woman pouring perfume on the feet of Jesus...of faith that wastes what is most precious on earth to worship and express trust in a God who provides. Elijah had faith; he knew that when the people turned back to God because of this sacrifice and God's appearance on the mount, God would send rain. That which was "wasted" and consumed would be returned. Maybe Elijah wasn't sure of the results or the timing but he was simply sure that God would show up. Somehow, someway. He'd be there.</div>
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And after the confrontation is over, and Elijah has destroyed the priests of Baal (that's the edited for children's ministry version in the real version he slaughters them, but that's the stuff of nightmares and horror movies!) he prays for rain...and sends his servant 7 times to check to see if the rain clouds are gathering (again poor servant, he's go to be tired) and on the seventh time there is a cloud! The rain comes! Fast and furious! I imagine it to be like some of the rains we have here; not gentle and cleansing but FEIRCE and DRENCHING. </div>
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I used to think the water was only necessary so that everyone would know this is not a trick...now I wonder if it was something else entirely. Something to ponder anyway. I'm going to take some HUGE leaps here and share some things that I think might be for me in this new reading of the story...</div>
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God uses all kinds of things to get out attention...things that are good like miracles and rainbows and things that are hard like droughts and famines. </div>
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God cares about water...it's all over the place in the scriptures; must be important.</div>
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Sometimes it feels like I am wasting things that are precious on earth; it is not waste if it is done to bring glory to God. </div>
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Often when we waste things that are precious on earth, the God who provides often gives it back multiplied. </div>
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Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-32502704010995068742011-10-05T09:35:00.000-05:002011-10-05T09:35:12.374-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Got this song stuck in my head today...it's been a long time (I was a small girl) since I've had this one playing in my head:) but it's just what I need today.<br />
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<b>He's Still Working on Me</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: maroon;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">CHORUS:</span></span></b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be.<br />It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,<br />The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.<br />How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1. There really ought to be a sign upon the heart,<br />Don't judge her yet, there's an unfinished part.<br />But I'll be perfect just according to His plan<br />Fashioned by the Master's loving hands.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">CHORUS:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2. In the mirror of His Word reflections that I see<br />Make me wonder why He never gave up on me.<br />He loves me as I am and helps me when I pray<br />Remember He's the Potter, I'm the clay.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">CHORUS:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">by Joel Hemphill</span></span></span></b></div>
Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-24901917297865268412011-10-04T15:12:00.002-05:002011-10-04T15:12:45.932-05:00Day 35<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">September 28, 2011 </span><br />
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THE BEACH!</div>
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I have a serious love for the beach...WAVES, SUN, SAND, SHOPPING, FRESH SEAFOOD, DANCING (we had a sound system this time) and the SQUEALS and LAUGHTER of 90+ children and staff. It's my favorite day. I played "lifeguard" most of the time today...standing in the deep, watching to make sure no one got in over their head or swept up by a way...it's where I love to be, observing the joy and fun of others. I also took time to play; to dig my hands and toes into the sand and soak in the grace of God. He gives us all things to enjoy...good, perfect gifts...</div>
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Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-50306353590547369952011-10-04T15:11:00.001-05:002011-10-04T15:16:07.100-05:00Day 30<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">September 23rd, 2011</span><br />
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Today I've felt a gentle easing--a realization that there is life and joy in the ordinary. Not every day will be spectacular or filled with extraordinary things. Most days will be filled with the ordinary...small things like sitting at a table and sharing a meal with a child, smiles, emails, a few pictures, quick connections--that's all. </div>
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We had a welcome ceremony today for the new team that arrived. They always wonder when they come what their purpose here is and God has a way of revealing His purpose...for them this place, these children will transform their thinking about who God is and what He is calling all of us to do...but mostly they are here for the simple, the ordinary...</div>
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to give a plastic bag of water</div>
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a piece of cheese</div>
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a piece of bread</div>
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to look a child in the eyes</div>
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say "I love you"</div>
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to pray and be prayed for</div>
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to be a "jungle gym" for a few days</div>
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paint a wall </div>
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HUG.</div>
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that's all but the ordinary will bring such joy to all of us and it will become extraordinary!</div>
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Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-52154778073901812522011-10-04T14:39:00.000-05:002011-10-04T14:40:21.336-05:00Day 28<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">September 21, 2011</span><br />
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Anna Logan...my sister-in-love! How I love you!</div>
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Your encouragement, your prayers, and your love remind me that there is joy and life everyday. It's your birthday today and I am so grateful for you. Happy Birthday!</div>
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Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-80036836107863850592011-10-02T13:09:00.004-05:002011-10-02T13:09:45.818-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you didn't get the email...here's my <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0BzfbCuzI0-TENGU4ODA3NGItZDQzYi00MjAwLTkwMGItMjBlMmY1NTllMjM4&hl=en_US">newsletter</a> for September!</div>
Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-22057190489356815422011-09-21T12:48:00.000-05:002011-09-21T12:48:13.263-05:00Day 26<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
September 19th, 2011<br />
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Me...I'm always making plans and lists and goals. Most of the lists and plans and goals never make it any farther than a piece of paper tucked away and eventually forgotten BUT I have made another plan and today I took the first step to carry it out!<br />
I've decided that I will have everyone at the center over to the Guest House for dinner before I return to the states. WOW! That's a LOT of food...thank goodness Aunty M. likes my plan and has agreed to help:) Okay, I'll be honest, she does ALL the cooking. I just move a few chairs and greet the guests. She won't even let me help with the dishes and I'm totally fine with that too. I'll admit it, I'm lazy.<br />
We've made a schedule and made sure that everyone will get a chance and tonight we started with Room 3 boys...the oldest ones! I am a bit scared of the room of 25 4-7 year old boys so I thought I'd start out on the easy end. <br />
They came! Some of them didn't eat their rice for lunch because they were so excited to FEAST on Aunty M.'s chicken and fried rice and PIZZA! They were early! This is extremely unusual in Sierra Leone and I think it was because Pastor D. was in charge of them for the night and they were all EXCITED. We played a few board games...one of them decided to play a few tricks on me and hide some of my things! And we had a lesson in table manners--important for boys who are used to throwing food they don't want on the floor, eating only with spoons, and licking the top of ketchup bottles! And after we ate we sat and talked about life, speaking in tongues, and family curses. (Um, Pastor D. talked and answered their questions, I listened:)<br />
One of the other things on my joy/meaning list a few days back was sharing meals with people. I also love to host meals...the kind where you make your best food, set the table nice, and plan to sit for a long time and enjoy each other. I don't do that enough and I can sense another plan...list...goal coming on for where ever I "land" next. <br />
Oh, and can you please pray for me? That group of 25--I split them into two groups and they'll be coming on 2 different nights in October. BUT I'm still scared!</div>
Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-43368048015311975002011-09-21T12:32:00.003-05:002011-09-21T12:33:01.748-05:00Day 21<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
September 14th, 2011<br />
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Today I came back to the Guest House from the Center and found "We love you Aunty Karl" written on the fridge! This was obviously for me becuase we are missing some magnetic letters for our alphabet...the "C" and the "i"...and there are no karl's around. And, in high school some people called me Carl once in a while because they engraved my name wrong on my freshman yearbook! So it had to be for me!<br />
Several of the girls had come over earlier in the day with another aunty to play in the activity room and visit Aunty M. <br />
I didn't see it for a while...I sat down to eat my supper and there in front of me was another reminder that God is good. </div>
Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-10084875753584872992011-09-21T12:26:00.000-05:002011-09-21T12:27:02.582-05:00Day 17<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
September 10th, 2011<br />
Today I took 2 boys from the center and we went to visit Aunty M.'s house. She's been on vacation for a while now and I have been missing her! She wanted me to come and see all the work she has done on her house...<br />
Several of us visited her house a few months ago and she showed us how terrible her roof was. The zinc had rusted and the rain was soaking through the plywood ceiling and flooding the house. The cement siding was cracked and the foundation was being eaten away. It was the begining of the rainy season so she was in great need of some help.<br />
Some friends and I donated some money...some other friends donated some labor...and she now has a new roof and ceiling...and no more leaking means that she can save and buy one bag or two of cement at a time and repair the walls and foundation.<br />
The transformation was amazing! She has decorated and set up a corner for a dining room where she can invite guests and family to come and enjoy her FANTASTIC food. And so we ATE...chicken, spagetti, and chocolate cake with fudge frosting--of course. Wow!<br />
So here's what I realized...I love seeing tangible ways where I have been able to make a difference. I think sometimes I just need to see it. Something concrete, something finished, or something the is clearly defined. I know that God is always working...always moving and providing...but when I see a rainbow (saw one of those today too!) or I see a miracle I am reminded of His power and His work...otherwise I forget. It's the same way in helping others...I know that the little things we do...the ordinary, everyday ways that we reach out and love...make a long-term difference for Christ's-sake in others but I like to see the results sometimes!</div>
Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-78486101131073098852011-09-13T11:15:00.001-05:002011-09-13T11:16:13.576-05:00The Begining of a New School Year!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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September brings turning leaves, cooler temps, and fall wardrobes...WAIT! In Sierra Leone, September is the end of the rainy season and the temperature is warming up, daily! The sky turns beautiful colors over the ocean but the leaves remain the same. BUT new wardrobes come out in the form of school uniforms.</div>
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Ours are blue and white as you can see below; when driving through town I see uniforms of every color! I love the bright pink and brown of the school down the road and the reds and greens of others. One thing that becomes apparent now though is how many children are on the street when they should be in school. One of our children told us that her last school had 500 students in one class! Can you imagine teaching that?!?! Her teacher didn't show up most days.</div>
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Parents can't afford school fees or the uniform or the shoes or the book OR their children bring income into the family by selling or working on the street and they can't afford the loss of that. And even those that are priveledged to go to school can't expect a good education in overcrowded classrooms with underqualified teachers.</div>
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What is the future for a child that doesn't go to school? If they can't read or write they might still get a job but chances are their employer will rip them off in some ways. Without an education will they know enough not to take out a loan or make an agreement with someone who is trying to force them into slavery? And when they have children of their own, the cycle will simply repeat itself.</div>
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One thing that I have become aware of in new and fresh ways is how grateful I am for my education. I was priveledged to attend elementary-high school in a school where I had the right amount of attention from teachers. I had parents who never considered sending me out to get a job to support the family...they didn't need to consider it. </div>
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Our children at The Covering have this same opportunity; they recieve an education that is far better than most of the children of this country. You can see it in their smiles below. They love the chance to learn; I've never seen children so excited about booksd or so grateful for the chance to sit in a classroom. </div>
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I thought I'd share with you some pictures of the first days of school this school year at The Covering. Enjoy!</div>
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Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-65038637890201873902011-09-09T09:28:00.000-05:002011-09-09T09:28:04.310-05:00picts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the sun shines during the day....it makes the evening better too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another birthday lunch! No pizza for him, CHICKEN!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlcIFA0r-cM/TmocnO9-k7I/AAAAAAAAIec/-L1byRhHK78/s1600/100_5342+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlcIFA0r-cM/TmocnO9-k7I/AAAAAAAAIec/-L1byRhHK78/s320/100_5342+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun with a bottle top and a string.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hf-TpVMnfHA/TmodiSsigdI/AAAAAAAAIeo/XWmdCeioR8k/s1600/100_5346+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hf-TpVMnfHA/TmodiSsigdI/AAAAAAAAIeo/XWmdCeioR8k/s320/100_5346+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy...just happy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmquWDHfwFs/TmoeptWXWPI/AAAAAAAAIew/RxDOhlZQ7MU/s1600/100_5363+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmquWDHfwFs/TmoeptWXWPI/AAAAAAAAIew/RxDOhlZQ7MU/s320/100_5363+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More smiles!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4C1ePuMip-k/Tmof1NVtAyI/AAAAAAAAIe4/0wVtgRVS9Z8/s1600/100_5369+%2528768x1024%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4C1ePuMip-k/Tmof1NVtAyI/AAAAAAAAIe4/0wVtgRVS9Z8/s320/100_5369+%2528768x1024%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I chased my motor car up and down, up and down, and now I am tired!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-37467568336379938272011-09-07T14:16:00.000-05:002011-09-07T14:16:12.081-05:00Day 12: THE SUN!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s the rainy season and it feels as if it has been raining all day, EVERY day for years. No joke! It’s like MN in January and February when you don’t see the sun for long stretches of time and you believe it is there but you are known at times to doubt its existence. Okay I might be exaggerating a bit. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The sun came out today though and it felt so good. There’s no school this week so there were hours of fun outside in the sun! And because of the cooler temps it was a perfect day to play. They played balance ball, football, tag, and chased motorcars down the slop. I watched, enjoying the moments when someone would stop, come over to me and give me a hug or tell me a story or pull my hair. But mostly I enjoyed the sun!</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Side note: It’s not MN COLD! They tell me it’s cold here but I would guess the temp to be 70F at the lowest</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(September 5, 2011)</span></div></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-28401428203462131752011-09-07T14:14:00.000-05:002011-09-07T14:14:46.424-05:00Day 9: J<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> J. has been my constant companion these days. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He runs to me and throws his arms around me in the morning and 15 minutes later he is doing whatever he can to make me turn away from him. I have been intently seeking his attention for months now and I don’t know if he knows what to do with it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He is not a small boy! One minute he’ll want to sit on my lap and the next he is pinching me and pushing me around. But this is it…I know that slowly and gently his heart is being changed. I know that this little-big boy who sobbed for over an hour in the office today is figuring out who he is when he is loved; his tears are healing. I told him today, as I squeezed him as tight as I could after he stole my phone, threatened to break my glasses, and pinched me so hard I almost started crying—that I love him (I also told him that I am not going to put up with his behavior so he needs to think about apologizing) and that always would…even if I’m not around to give him a squeeze!</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(September 2, 2011)</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-64445015779905558402011-09-07T14:12:00.002-05:002011-09-07T14:12:53.919-05:00Day 8: Sharing a Meal with others.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Aunty M. has been on leave, a much needed rest between teams and 17 hour days. But I am a bit lost without her. I have been so spoiled while living in Salone. I haven’t had to cook for myself or worry about coming home after a day at the center and finding something to eat. I’ve dined on some of the best Chinese stir-fry ever, ground-nut stew that is heavenly, and chocolate cake (although I would never be allowed to eat just chocolate cake for dinner!) With my “Sierra Leone Mother” gone I’ve been fending for myself and gotten pretty good at noodles and laughing cow cheese! <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">However, the worst part is not my cooking—it’s eating alone. I don’t really care for it. And I can’t simply sit and enjoy a meal alone; I must find something else to do while eating! This has all lead to me eating lunch with the kids at the center occasionally. Tuesday’s are my favorite days because we have beans! Today though, it was crain-crain. Another green leaf mixed with palm oil, maggi, and pepper and boiled and put on top of rice. Honestly the food itself doesn’t bring much joy. Some days there is so much pepper in it my upper lip sweats and I wonder if I am going to make it through the bowl in front of me. But I’ve realized that the joy comes in sharing a meal with others. And didn’t Jesus say something about fellowshipping around a table? And Paul about eating with one another? <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It seems somehow sacred to sit and share in the abundance of food that these precious children have begun taking for granted…they always say thank you…but I think that they are trusting that they will be provided for. That food is not something they need to worry about right now; they can be children and play and not starve. And they fight over which table I should sit at and which one gets to watch “the white man eat black food” and they claim that cassava is making my skin darker!<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> (September 1, 2011)</span></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-13926367895843784462011-08-28T14:32:00.000-05:002011-08-28T14:32:04.611-05:00and again I say REJOICE.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am sorry for those of you who have not had the opportunity to experience worshiping with our kids at The Covering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s one of the most beautiful things you will ever participate in. I used to get caught up in the words…I lead worship for kids and wanted to make sure the songs were theologically correct and developmentally appropriate and all that…but now I don’t even know some of the words and I don’t worry one bit about it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning we sang a song where the main word is Bellow or Mellow or something else that rhymes with low and I love it! You sing that word, whatever it is, over and over and over along with a little hip action and hand waving and then you sing “see what the Lord has done!” I just have to laugh and trust that the Lord is honored by the intention of our hearts to praise him!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here, there are no lyrics on a screen, no guitars or “mood” lighting, no prescribed set or timing (except we sing Praise a.k.a. fun and fast with louder drums first, and worship a.k.a. slow and prayerful last), no arguments over hymns or choruses or whatever, and no quality controls or standards! The only thing is that you should sing as loudly as possible and dance or clap or play your harmonica if you have one. I didn’t do such a good job of the clapping and singing loudly today…I found out about 1 minute before the service that I was giving the message for the morning! I remember being told that a pastor should always have a message ready in case they are called on but I didn’t have anything ready; it’s hard to sing loud when you are trying to figure out what to say. I finally just gave up, picked a verse I’d underlined in Thessalonians and “winged” it and enjoyed some loud singing!<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hear them now, a block away, singing praises and I am sure that God is smiling with me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This, for me today is joy: witnessing and participating in the praises of children being lifted up to the Lord!<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847225858665650494.post-17620260600626492942011-08-25T12:39:00.000-05:002011-08-25T12:39:36.768-05:00Joy and Meaning<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The strangeness of all of this is that 6 months ago I never thought I would make it this far…to actually STAY and live in Freetown for more than another day was CRAZINESS to me. But just over 12 months ago I thought I might just be moving to stay here forever—the glamorous life of a missionary was calling my name. And now, just over 2 months away from the time when I’ll leave this not so glamorous but not torturous season of my life, I am amazed that I made it here…and I don’t really know where here is but it’s where I am and where God is meeting me these days.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been reading a book…okay, I know some of you can’t imagine me NOT reading a book so that statement is really unnecessary; I don’t think I’ve been without a book to read since I learned to read which I’m sure was when I was 3 or 4 judging as to how brilliant I am. HA! Anyway, I digressed big time…I was challenged in this book today to make a list of things that bring joy and meaning to my life and compare them with the things that I would say are my goals. I don’t really have a goal list right now save a hot, clean shower and a big glass of ICE COLD MILK but I am going to work on the joy and meaning list. So I started this morning and didn’t get very far; it’s harder than I thought! I decided that I will “study” my life over the next few weeks and months and see what really brings me joy and makes “my heart sing”, and to keep myself accountable I’ll share some of these things with you on a some-what regular basis. I’m also praying that God will reveal through these things what He might be calling me to do in the next season. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day One: Today I threw peanuts at William and Joseph! They snuck in the office, whispering and nudging each other like there was something BIG going on. They sneak in nearly everyday and just stand quietly or hang on someone. Seriously, it’s got to be the most boring place…imagine a 11 year old boy wanting to stand and watch 5 adults type! So today, when they walked in I grabbed some boiled peanuts (which DO NOT bring me joy of any kind, YUCK!) and attempted to start a food fight. Yesterday and lunch I wanted so badly to fling a spoonful of cassava and rice at the older boys. Just for fun but I was afraid they’d make me clean up the mess which would not be fun! The boys looked at me like I was the crazy white lady (nothing new) and picked up the peanuts and ate them; then they sat down in the chair next to my desk, and stared at me while I typed. I was disappointed that they didn’t start chucking peanuts back at me or laughing or screaming in outrage…they acted like it was just another day. Hmm…must do something crazier next time! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I won’t be putting “throwing peanuts at 11 year olds” on the list! Instead I’m thinking…doing the unexpected or acting like a child once in a while or getting kids to smile or maybe all three</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rejoice always! 1 Thessalonians 5:16<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8dkNVQV0dE/TlaHdkUSzVI/AAAAAAAAIcE/cV1AWpUe_mE/s1600/100_5228+%25281024x745%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8dkNVQV0dE/TlaHdkUSzVI/AAAAAAAAIcE/cV1AWpUe_mE/s320/100_5228+%25281024x745%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NuNBOGbYiBc/TlaH8NtWrvI/AAAAAAAAIcI/hqcRsQt9txw/s1600/100_5225+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NuNBOGbYiBc/TlaH8NtWrvI/AAAAAAAAIcI/hqcRsQt9txw/s320/100_5225+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06675827880159270919noreply@blogger.com1