As a child, I remember waiting for Christmas meant waiting to put up all the decorations, waiting to get to eat the Christmas cookies we had been making, watching all the gifts under the tree pile up, and finally waiting to see what was in my Christmas stocking.
As I live in Nigeria, my children experience some of these material parts of Christmas, the decorations, the cookies, and the stockings. But most Nigerians don’t think about Christmas until school is out and they decide where they will spend it; in their homes in the city or in the village where most people prefer and usually have a home. Of course my experiences come from northern Nigeria.
City Christmas doesn’t have much more than going to church and visiting family that might live nearby, but in the village, they DANCE! But still, there are few preparations, it just happens. All of a sudden, the church is decorated with lots of flashy decorations and lights around the altar, and the women and youth present their songs and dramas and after a long Christmas Eve Service everyone goes to the village center and the dancing starts.
On Christmas Day neighbors and extended family members exchange pots of rice and stew, little doughnut holes, a drink called kunun zaki or other foods they have an abundance of. Children wander around in groups in their new clothes (new clothes is usually their only gift from their parents) and collect Christmas sweets or a little money from extended family and friends.
At church, there is another long service lasting three to five hours. Then, after lunch, they gather at the village center again and the Boys Brigade parade around and a program is presented by some village group.
In the evenings, sometimes for several evenings, the dancing will continue until the wee hours of the morning. Sometimes a specific night might focus on the women or the men, but then the youth will take over and dance until they drop. Occasionally the youth will stay outside your compound singing and singing until you pay something to send them on their way.
While Christmas is celebrated with lots of fanfare in the village, I find I still have to search for the fragments of Christmas that are familiar and give meaning to my celebration. Usually I find meaning most in the scripture words that we read; the angels’ song and the shepherds’ awe, and the birth of the babe, Mary basking in the babe’s glory and knowing that Christ is still among us. That is what my Christmas involves. While I enjoy the village experience and feel very comforable with the extended family there, I find myself experiencing it more through my children's eyes and trying not to think of my own family in the US.
No matter how I many traditions I try to bring from my upbringing, it always seems to come down to Christ's birth and sharing time with family and friends that gives me the most joy to my Christmas.
May you each celebrate Christmas in a way that allows you too to bask in the babe’s glory so that the wonder of Christ’s birth might fill your hearts with peace and hope for the new year. Peace is something I crave this year, both inner peace and peace around me. May God's Peace, Love, Joy, and Hope fill your holiday season and the New Year.
Merry Christmas! Barka da Krismati! Happy Christmas!
Dorthea
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
A very crazy month, but never far from God
I don't know if all who read this heard about the Jos crisis. It started right after American Thanksgiving and was very intense for my family and I on Friday and Saturday.
Some say it was a religious crisis, but most who know Nigeria and Jos say it was far more political, but since nothing in Nigeria happens outside of religion, neither was this event absent from religious tension.
The guesthouse where we live and work is in a very Muslim neighborhood and when our neighbors started to riot, their cries were very disconcerting. On Friday morning we feared the rioters would enter our compound so we had to flee from the house and run two compounds over through at least one kind of hidden door.
That first day we did not hear police or military, but the second morning it started right after the dawn to dusk curfew ended and again found us in a corner of the next compound, only that time we could hear the rioters cries met by the military response. I must confess, hearing the military's strong presence as the Muslims refused to step down was very reassuring. (I was told later by my brother-in-law who ventured out later that morning that the street was full of corpses.)
That evening (Saturday) we began hearing rumors that the Muslims might try to come from the big rocks behind the guesthouse so we began making plans to leave. I did most of the packing for the kids and I by candlelight and the light of my cell phone. We had a place to stay that was furnished, but we needed to pack food items, some kitchen stuff and our personal things.
Before 6:30 the next morning we left with a military escort and a soldier in the car and drove across town.
The road we travelled on did not show many signs of fighting, but the four neighborhoods that were hit hardest were not on that road. Schools, mosques, churches, Christian homes, Muslim homes, businesses were all lost. A few days later relief groups counted three large refugee camps with 30,000 people. That doesn't count the many, many compounds that provided refuge to family and friends who lost everything. We passed through many military checkpoints on our way through town.
The reports of compassion come from both sides, as do the many accounts of barbaric violence. Even my girl was running through the house looking for bottles to give to her uncle to make gasoline bombs. (We thank God for the poor aim of those that threw a few over the guesthouse wall.)My prayer for Jos is that the hearts of those that have lost so much will be open to the Word of God.
I think of the many Muslim widows and children who have lost their main provider and pray that their need will open the door for those ready to provide relief and a Word of Peace and Hope.
On December 4th the kids and I and one sister-in-law left Jos for our new house in Yola. From the moment we stepped in the door is seemed like we had come home. I remembered a few weeks earlier when I wondered if we were being selfish to build such a nice house when we had no long term plans to use it. I immediately felt God whispering to me, "Don't worry, you will have a need for it." I still don't know if He means more than this one month when our need has been great, but I see his hand in how hard Amson has been working on the house. I also see his hand in how He led me to get the marking I did before Thanksgiving and get it all entered into the school system.
When school was to start last week I just wasn't ready to head back. I thank God for those that stepped in to allow me the time to heal in Yola. Even now, when I think of going back, I feel the tears wanting to fall and yet I trust that when it is time, He will strengthen me. At this point we plan to return around January 8th.
In the meantime, I have other marking that I am trying to finish. The essays for AP World are done, now I am working on portfolio reports for my basic world history class and then I have some tests and essays to finish in US History. On Sunday Amson will come with part of the exams to mark, mostly essays and portfolios from my AP students. Much to think about while the holidays are going on and during the days we are in the village.
In some ways I feel the stress of the workload, but the peace in our Yola refuge still surrounds me and I know, in God's timing, all will work out.
God is in charge and even though crazy events like this happen in the world we have to trust that God is in control and remember, even when all seems well from the newsreports, there are still many who need your prayers to continue living and caring for their families.
Dorthea in Yola
Some say it was a religious crisis, but most who know Nigeria and Jos say it was far more political, but since nothing in Nigeria happens outside of religion, neither was this event absent from religious tension.
The guesthouse where we live and work is in a very Muslim neighborhood and when our neighbors started to riot, their cries were very disconcerting. On Friday morning we feared the rioters would enter our compound so we had to flee from the house and run two compounds over through at least one kind of hidden door.
That first day we did not hear police or military, but the second morning it started right after the dawn to dusk curfew ended and again found us in a corner of the next compound, only that time we could hear the rioters cries met by the military response. I must confess, hearing the military's strong presence as the Muslims refused to step down was very reassuring. (I was told later by my brother-in-law who ventured out later that morning that the street was full of corpses.)
That evening (Saturday) we began hearing rumors that the Muslims might try to come from the big rocks behind the guesthouse so we began making plans to leave. I did most of the packing for the kids and I by candlelight and the light of my cell phone. We had a place to stay that was furnished, but we needed to pack food items, some kitchen stuff and our personal things.
Before 6:30 the next morning we left with a military escort and a soldier in the car and drove across town.
The road we travelled on did not show many signs of fighting, but the four neighborhoods that were hit hardest were not on that road. Schools, mosques, churches, Christian homes, Muslim homes, businesses were all lost. A few days later relief groups counted three large refugee camps with 30,000 people. That doesn't count the many, many compounds that provided refuge to family and friends who lost everything. We passed through many military checkpoints on our way through town.
The reports of compassion come from both sides, as do the many accounts of barbaric violence. Even my girl was running through the house looking for bottles to give to her uncle to make gasoline bombs. (We thank God for the poor aim of those that threw a few over the guesthouse wall.)My prayer for Jos is that the hearts of those that have lost so much will be open to the Word of God.
I think of the many Muslim widows and children who have lost their main provider and pray that their need will open the door for those ready to provide relief and a Word of Peace and Hope.
On December 4th the kids and I and one sister-in-law left Jos for our new house in Yola. From the moment we stepped in the door is seemed like we had come home. I remembered a few weeks earlier when I wondered if we were being selfish to build such a nice house when we had no long term plans to use it. I immediately felt God whispering to me, "Don't worry, you will have a need for it." I still don't know if He means more than this one month when our need has been great, but I see his hand in how hard Amson has been working on the house. I also see his hand in how He led me to get the marking I did before Thanksgiving and get it all entered into the school system.
When school was to start last week I just wasn't ready to head back. I thank God for those that stepped in to allow me the time to heal in Yola. Even now, when I think of going back, I feel the tears wanting to fall and yet I trust that when it is time, He will strengthen me. At this point we plan to return around January 8th.
In the meantime, I have other marking that I am trying to finish. The essays for AP World are done, now I am working on portfolio reports for my basic world history class and then I have some tests and essays to finish in US History. On Sunday Amson will come with part of the exams to mark, mostly essays and portfolios from my AP students. Much to think about while the holidays are going on and during the days we are in the village.
In some ways I feel the stress of the workload, but the peace in our Yola refuge still surrounds me and I know, in God's timing, all will work out.
God is in charge and even though crazy events like this happen in the world we have to trust that God is in control and remember, even when all seems well from the newsreports, there are still many who need your prayers to continue living and caring for their families.
Dorthea in Yola
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Family
Family is on my mind a lot these days. November is an important month for my family as both Nat and Annette were born in this month. Today is Annette's birthday and Nat's was two weeks ago. Both had parties the day before with their friends and classmates.
This month I've been thinking of my parents and siblings too as my mom is preparing to sell the home I grew up in and called home for forty years. When I was in the house last January, after my father died, I "said goodbye" and knew I would not return.
Goodbyes are never easy; losing loved ones, seeing ones children growing up and losing their innocence (Nat becomes a teenager next year!), constantly seeing students graduating or returning to their home countries, and the list goes on. I've never been so social that I quickly make friends, and yet these past years in Nigeria seeing so many come and go has made it even harder to connect when I know that I might have to say goodbye in a relively short time.
It's a good thing I deal more with the here and now or I'd suffer from homesickness much more often than I do. Though I guess I am feeling more homesick than usual this past week. There was a group of Lutherans from the US here at the guesthouse for a few days, and I really missed not having time to connect more with them. It wasn't until they left that I realized how nice it was to connect with people from the church I grew up in; my Lutheran roots run pretty deep.
I guess that's one of the reasons why my faith is so important to me. In Luke 7:11-17, we read how Jesus reached out and physically touched a widow's dead son in an effort to bring the boy back to life and relieve the mother's suffering. In verse 13 Jesus spoke to the widow-mother and said, "Don't cry!" He reached out to her, not in pity or because he was uncomfortable or annoyed by her tears, but because Jesus stands for life. Anything related to death greives him deeply.
Jesus constantly and consistently showed compassion for those that came to him. I know for myself that His compassion and never-ending love is something that I need greatly.
I grew up in a family that hugged a lot, but that form of expression is not common in traditional Nigeria so I am fortunate that my kids are good huggers; Daniel and Annette are very affectionate and now and then I can still get a hug out of Nat and my husband has learned that sometimes I just need a hug.
Over the years there have been times when I have just had to reach up and claim a hug from my Father God and amazingly, I have always felt his overwelming love be returned. May you too claim and be touched by His love!
This month I've been thinking of my parents and siblings too as my mom is preparing to sell the home I grew up in and called home for forty years. When I was in the house last January, after my father died, I "said goodbye" and knew I would not return.
Goodbyes are never easy; losing loved ones, seeing ones children growing up and losing their innocence (Nat becomes a teenager next year!), constantly seeing students graduating or returning to their home countries, and the list goes on. I've never been so social that I quickly make friends, and yet these past years in Nigeria seeing so many come and go has made it even harder to connect when I know that I might have to say goodbye in a relively short time.
It's a good thing I deal more with the here and now or I'd suffer from homesickness much more often than I do. Though I guess I am feeling more homesick than usual this past week. There was a group of Lutherans from the US here at the guesthouse for a few days, and I really missed not having time to connect more with them. It wasn't until they left that I realized how nice it was to connect with people from the church I grew up in; my Lutheran roots run pretty deep.
I guess that's one of the reasons why my faith is so important to me. In Luke 7:11-17, we read how Jesus reached out and physically touched a widow's dead son in an effort to bring the boy back to life and relieve the mother's suffering. In verse 13 Jesus spoke to the widow-mother and said, "Don't cry!" He reached out to her, not in pity or because he was uncomfortable or annoyed by her tears, but because Jesus stands for life. Anything related to death greives him deeply.
Jesus constantly and consistently showed compassion for those that came to him. I know for myself that His compassion and never-ending love is something that I need greatly.
I grew up in a family that hugged a lot, but that form of expression is not common in traditional Nigeria so I am fortunate that my kids are good huggers; Daniel and Annette are very affectionate and now and then I can still get a hug out of Nat and my husband has learned that sometimes I just need a hug.
Over the years there have been times when I have just had to reach up and claim a hug from my Father God and amazingly, I have always felt his overwelming love be returned. May you too claim and be touched by His love!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
It has been several weeks since I've written due to computer connection problems, but several times I have thought, "oh, that would make an interesting blog"!
During our recent mid-term break I often found myself playing referee with my kids fighting. It's not a position I like, but it rarely works to let them settle it between themselves. Sometimes I feel my main role is to be a listening ear when they are ready to vent their frustrations.
It finally hit me the other day, that they main reason they sometimes struggle to get along is because they expect everyone else, including their siblings, parents, aunties and uncles living in the house and so on, to understand them fully, respect where they are coming from and basically to never disappoint them! Those are hard demands to meet...actually just impossible! Yet that is what so many of us continue to expect as we grow into adulthood and enter into the workforce, marriage, relate to neighbors, etc.
You'd think that as we grow and mature we would learn that such expectations will only lead to disappointment, but few learn to lower their sights. In fact, there is only one who can meet those expectations...God.
At some point in life we should realize that no one in this world is perfect; not me, not you, not our spouse, parent, sibling, neighbor, boss...not even our pastor! If we can learn and accept that as fact, and rest knowing that God alone fully knows and understands us then we can go to him each day and be filled by his unconditional love.
As each day wears on we often share that love and sometimes, by the end of the day, we may even be running on empty. But even when that happens we can trust that our return to God will fill us again. Along the way we often meet others that remind us of God's love. Sometimes it is our child's hug, a word of thanks from a spouse, co-worker or student, a stranger's willingness to let us enter a lane of traffic, or even our ability to laugh at our own mistakes. Whatever it is, the point is that we don't have to stay on empty.
If you are filling empty as you read this, then know that God's love is real and that His Word is true! God knows our heart and wants to fill us with his presence. Even though no one can claim to be perfect, God is perfect and God is ALWAYS waiting with open arms to hold us like only a loving parent can. If you are seeking for peace and truth like I am, then start with Him today! Let Him fill you up and then go out to share that love with those you meet today. Who knows, you may even get home with an over-flow!
Luv ya!
Dorthea
During our recent mid-term break I often found myself playing referee with my kids fighting. It's not a position I like, but it rarely works to let them settle it between themselves. Sometimes I feel my main role is to be a listening ear when they are ready to vent their frustrations.
It finally hit me the other day, that they main reason they sometimes struggle to get along is because they expect everyone else, including their siblings, parents, aunties and uncles living in the house and so on, to understand them fully, respect where they are coming from and basically to never disappoint them! Those are hard demands to meet...actually just impossible! Yet that is what so many of us continue to expect as we grow into adulthood and enter into the workforce, marriage, relate to neighbors, etc.
You'd think that as we grow and mature we would learn that such expectations will only lead to disappointment, but few learn to lower their sights. In fact, there is only one who can meet those expectations...God.
At some point in life we should realize that no one in this world is perfect; not me, not you, not our spouse, parent, sibling, neighbor, boss...not even our pastor! If we can learn and accept that as fact, and rest knowing that God alone fully knows and understands us then we can go to him each day and be filled by his unconditional love.
As each day wears on we often share that love and sometimes, by the end of the day, we may even be running on empty. But even when that happens we can trust that our return to God will fill us again. Along the way we often meet others that remind us of God's love. Sometimes it is our child's hug, a word of thanks from a spouse, co-worker or student, a stranger's willingness to let us enter a lane of traffic, or even our ability to laugh at our own mistakes. Whatever it is, the point is that we don't have to stay on empty.
If you are filling empty as you read this, then know that God's love is real and that His Word is true! God knows our heart and wants to fill us with his presence. Even though no one can claim to be perfect, God is perfect and God is ALWAYS waiting with open arms to hold us like only a loving parent can. If you are seeking for peace and truth like I am, then start with Him today! Let Him fill you up and then go out to share that love with those you meet today. Who knows, you may even get home with an over-flow!
Luv ya!
Dorthea
Friday, September 12, 2008
Called to Serve
It's Friday evening. I'm recovering from the first part of a root canal. I'm lucky it didn't hurt, but I sure am tired!
I left the dentist today thanking God that for missionary dentists. Those who have been on the mission field know that it takes all kinds of people to serve growing churches and the support areas that the families of missionaries need too.
Now that I am teaching at an international school, I think some people think I am not a "real missionary" (like when I was teaching at a Nigerian school) but I am thankful that by teaching at Hillcrest I can be a support to both missionary parents and Nigerian parents who can afford quality education for their kids. I'm also thankful that my own kids can to there.
I remember that before I became a missionary I read that whoever wants to be a missionary should start where they were at that time. You can't begin serving when you decide to be a missionary, you need to start serving wherever God can use you. Even as a high school student I thought that made a lot of sense.
Today I pray that wherever you are, you allow God to use you in whatever way he can! You too are called to serve!
Dorthea
I left the dentist today thanking God that for missionary dentists. Those who have been on the mission field know that it takes all kinds of people to serve growing churches and the support areas that the families of missionaries need too.
Now that I am teaching at an international school, I think some people think I am not a "real missionary" (like when I was teaching at a Nigerian school) but I am thankful that by teaching at Hillcrest I can be a support to both missionary parents and Nigerian parents who can afford quality education for their kids. I'm also thankful that my own kids can to there.
I remember that before I became a missionary I read that whoever wants to be a missionary should start where they were at that time. You can't begin serving when you decide to be a missionary, you need to start serving wherever God can use you. Even as a high school student I thought that made a lot of sense.
Today I pray that wherever you are, you allow God to use you in whatever way he can! You too are called to serve!
Dorthea
Monday, September 1, 2008
Beside still waters...
Last week my son Daniel came home with his first library book that he checked out himself. It's titled Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth. In it the main character is a large Panda named Stillwater. When he moves into a new neighborhood he meets three children that he befriends. As each sibling goes to spend the day with him he tells them a short story that has a teaching moment.
After reading the book to Daniel and talking a little about the meaning of the stories we started reading the book again. Then, all of a sudden Daniel exclaims,"I know that one!" and he proceeds to recite Psalm 23 until he got to the place where it goes "...beside still waters". I was amazed to realize that he not only seemed to understand why the author chose to call the main character "Stillwater" but that he made the connection with Psalm 23.
Since then I have been thinking about the areas in my life where I have a sense of increasing peace. It has also been a topic in my history classes as we discuss the Classical Empires of India, China, Greece, and Rome. They too sought peace and harmony in a variety of ways. They all had different belief systems or religions. Most people who study religion include Christianity as a religion, but at our school staff retreat last weekend the speaker made the comment that Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship and that those who claim to be Christains are definitely "counter culture".
Seeking peace and harmony is certainly not a new thing, but choosing to be part of a counter culture is far more acceptable today than it was before Jesus walked on this earth. In the ancient past, social order was maintained by getting rid of any who challenged it; that certainly held true in Jesus' time too.
Choosing to follow in Jesus footsteps continues to bring its challenges, but I also find that it brings tremendous peace. A few minutes ago Daniel was reciting Psalm 23 again as he continues to learn a little more each day. I invite you to take time to meditate over Psalm 23 again, and may you find refreshment as God refreshes you with still waters in your own life.
Dorthea
After reading the book to Daniel and talking a little about the meaning of the stories we started reading the book again. Then, all of a sudden Daniel exclaims,"I know that one!" and he proceeds to recite Psalm 23 until he got to the place where it goes "...beside still waters". I was amazed to realize that he not only seemed to understand why the author chose to call the main character "Stillwater" but that he made the connection with Psalm 23.
Since then I have been thinking about the areas in my life where I have a sense of increasing peace. It has also been a topic in my history classes as we discuss the Classical Empires of India, China, Greece, and Rome. They too sought peace and harmony in a variety of ways. They all had different belief systems or religions. Most people who study religion include Christianity as a religion, but at our school staff retreat last weekend the speaker made the comment that Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship and that those who claim to be Christains are definitely "counter culture".
Seeking peace and harmony is certainly not a new thing, but choosing to be part of a counter culture is far more acceptable today than it was before Jesus walked on this earth. In the ancient past, social order was maintained by getting rid of any who challenged it; that certainly held true in Jesus' time too.
Choosing to follow in Jesus footsteps continues to bring its challenges, but I also find that it brings tremendous peace. A few minutes ago Daniel was reciting Psalm 23 again as he continues to learn a little more each day. I invite you to take time to meditate over Psalm 23 again, and may you find refreshment as God refreshes you with still waters in your own life.
Dorthea
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Back to School
It has been a couple of weeks since I last wrote; life has been busy now that the kids and I are back to school. The year has started out amazingly well. After experiencing so much stress the first few years and never feeling like I quite knew what I was doing, it is such a relief to feel like I have entered my comfort zone and am really enjoying all of my classes.
I feel very fortunate that one of my classes, African History, was cancelled. (I had so many take it last year that it ended up with only one student and he didn't really need the course.)
Now I can focus on my two main classes; US History and World History. Plus I have my favorite course, AP World History. It actually takes most of my planning time, but it's a fun class, well, I don't think the students are having fun yet, they're still getting used to frequent quizzes and a variety of assignments (often more than one a night!)
It's also a lot of fun to just enjoy students, even the ones I don't have in class right now are fun to connect with in the hall or in the Canteen/Student Lounge.
In many ways I can really identify with the school theme for the year, "Be transformed" from Romans 12:2.
In so many ways I feel my teaching and my attitude towards teaching has become so much less stressful and more ... joyful I guess! I thank God I can enjoy teaching and guiding my students. I only hope that they too can enjoy my classes and see God in me.
It's not easy to be the one to set the example, especially when I still have my own issues to work on, things like getting to school on time (I haven't been late yet!), keeping up on my marking (I need to get some tests marked tonight if I am going to keep to the three-day turn around goal), staying organized (my desk is still a mess, but I'm keeping to my new syllabi) and the list goes on.
I pray that you too might find yourself transformed in a way that your goals can be met and that your relationship with God is at the top of that list. May your transformation be a time of movement; moving closer to God and letting Him infiltrate and be in charge of every aspect of your life. I hope you find it as fun and yes, as joyful as I do!
Dorthea
I feel very fortunate that one of my classes, African History, was cancelled. (I had so many take it last year that it ended up with only one student and he didn't really need the course.)
Now I can focus on my two main classes; US History and World History. Plus I have my favorite course, AP World History. It actually takes most of my planning time, but it's a fun class, well, I don't think the students are having fun yet, they're still getting used to frequent quizzes and a variety of assignments (often more than one a night!)
It's also a lot of fun to just enjoy students, even the ones I don't have in class right now are fun to connect with in the hall or in the Canteen/Student Lounge.
In many ways I can really identify with the school theme for the year, "Be transformed" from Romans 12:2.
In so many ways I feel my teaching and my attitude towards teaching has become so much less stressful and more ... joyful I guess! I thank God I can enjoy teaching and guiding my students. I only hope that they too can enjoy my classes and see God in me.
It's not easy to be the one to set the example, especially when I still have my own issues to work on, things like getting to school on time (I haven't been late yet!), keeping up on my marking (I need to get some tests marked tonight if I am going to keep to the three-day turn around goal), staying organized (my desk is still a mess, but I'm keeping to my new syllabi) and the list goes on.
I pray that you too might find yourself transformed in a way that your goals can be met and that your relationship with God is at the top of that list. May your transformation be a time of movement; moving closer to God and letting Him infiltrate and be in charge of every aspect of your life. I hope you find it as fun and yes, as joyful as I do!
Dorthea
Friday, August 1, 2008
New Beginnings, New Challenges
I reported back to school today and have a few days to get ready for the first day of classes on August 6th. It was good to be back.
I am fortunate to work in an environment where we have the dual purpose of educating our students and showing/teaching them how to live for God. These past years I think I have learned even more than my students!
It looks like it will be a good year. I thought I would have a lot of students, but my class numbers are much lower this year, which is good because last year I couldn't spend as much time on skill building, like giving essays and other assignments that took longer to mark.(Last year I had about 83 students 2nd semester and this semester I'll have around 50. Plus I had two new classes)
Even so, there was one point today where I started to feel overwhelmed when I was trying to focus on what needed my attention first. I had to just sit down and remind myself that it was God who called me to the task and trust He would continue to show me how to carry out my work. I really believe that it is Satan that fosters doubt in each of us and if we don't contradict him right away, those doubts will just build and build until we can't do anything!
So, if you start stressing out about any new challenge, just trust that the God who brought that challenge your way has already given you the tools to tackle the challenge, you just have to pick up those tools and start using them! Not only that, God knows our needs even before we ask them, so trust the solution is in sight!
I am fortunate to work in an environment where we have the dual purpose of educating our students and showing/teaching them how to live for God. These past years I think I have learned even more than my students!
It looks like it will be a good year. I thought I would have a lot of students, but my class numbers are much lower this year, which is good because last year I couldn't spend as much time on skill building, like giving essays and other assignments that took longer to mark.(Last year I had about 83 students 2nd semester and this semester I'll have around 50. Plus I had two new classes)
Even so, there was one point today where I started to feel overwhelmed when I was trying to focus on what needed my attention first. I had to just sit down and remind myself that it was God who called me to the task and trust He would continue to show me how to carry out my work. I really believe that it is Satan that fosters doubt in each of us and if we don't contradict him right away, those doubts will just build and build until we can't do anything!
So, if you start stressing out about any new challenge, just trust that the God who brought that challenge your way has already given you the tools to tackle the challenge, you just have to pick up those tools and start using them! Not only that, God knows our needs even before we ask them, so trust the solution is in sight!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Abide in Me
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself , unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. John 15:4
These past days I have been waiting for some great insights to share with you, but it dawned on me yesterday that my walk with God is spent more in the valleys and climbs than on any mountain top where I feel jolted by God's greatness.
Instead, I have been reminded that our walk with God should be a daily occurrence, a daily "plugging in". I am realizing that the act of plugging in is not just an act of daily devotions, but an act of centering ourselves on God.
I remember when I first came to Nigeria and was teaching English at a Lutheran seminary in Yola, Adamawa State. One assignment I gave was for students to write a paragraph to share the first things they do each day.
I was amazed that the replies were almost 100% uniform: "Sit up (while still in bed), thank God for seeing me through the night and ask him to be with me in the new day, wash my face, get dressed, greet my family and neighbors."
Meeting God from the moment we open our eyes to the time we close them again at the end of our day is what it means to abide in me.
Throughout the day that means reading His Word, seeking his will in decisions big and small, living out our faith when we connect with our children, spouse, family members, colleagues, people on the road, in the store, at school, on the phone, as we decide what to watch on TV or listen to in the car...etc. Centering ourselves in God's will starts with us meeting God one on one in prayer and reading the Bible, but most of our time is spent in our daily activities. How we carry ourselves in our daily activities is the true test of whether or not we are abiding in Him.
I pray that as you abide in Him you can remember that, as great as those mountain top experiences can be, we live down in the valley and it is there we live out our faith and testify of His greatness to those we meet along the way. We need the constant source of encouragement, comfort and guidance that we gain from abiding in Him to get through each day So let us meet him first in His Word and again and again in our prayers of thanks and our petitions for encouragement, comfort and guidance so that we can stay on track throughout the day. Then, when those mountain top experiences do occur, we will treasure them even more because we will have a better understanding of all aspects of what it means to abide in me.
Dorthea
These past days I have been waiting for some great insights to share with you, but it dawned on me yesterday that my walk with God is spent more in the valleys and climbs than on any mountain top where I feel jolted by God's greatness.
Instead, I have been reminded that our walk with God should be a daily occurrence, a daily "plugging in". I am realizing that the act of plugging in is not just an act of daily devotions, but an act of centering ourselves on God.
I remember when I first came to Nigeria and was teaching English at a Lutheran seminary in Yola, Adamawa State. One assignment I gave was for students to write a paragraph to share the first things they do each day.
I was amazed that the replies were almost 100% uniform: "Sit up (while still in bed), thank God for seeing me through the night and ask him to be with me in the new day, wash my face, get dressed, greet my family and neighbors."
Meeting God from the moment we open our eyes to the time we close them again at the end of our day is what it means to abide in me.
Throughout the day that means reading His Word, seeking his will in decisions big and small, living out our faith when we connect with our children, spouse, family members, colleagues, people on the road, in the store, at school, on the phone, as we decide what to watch on TV or listen to in the car...etc. Centering ourselves in God's will starts with us meeting God one on one in prayer and reading the Bible, but most of our time is spent in our daily activities. How we carry ourselves in our daily activities is the true test of whether or not we are abiding in Him.
I pray that as you abide in Him you can remember that, as great as those mountain top experiences can be, we live down in the valley and it is there we live out our faith and testify of His greatness to those we meet along the way. We need the constant source of encouragement, comfort and guidance that we gain from abiding in Him to get through each day So let us meet him first in His Word and again and again in our prayers of thanks and our petitions for encouragement, comfort and guidance so that we can stay on track throughout the day. Then, when those mountain top experiences do occur, we will treasure them even more because we will have a better understanding of all aspects of what it means to abide in me.
Dorthea
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Pizza or Shinge?
In Nigeria we have a kind of long-winged termite that comes out during the rainy season. Many people like to eat them. Kids especially like to catch them in a big bowl of water and drown them before frying them. In Yola, Adamawa State where we used to live, they even sell them in the market and women can make a fair amount of money. Tonight my daughter and her friends were catching them and now she wants to fry them.
Me, I made pizza today and much prefer it to shinge!
But then, I guess we all have our preferences. Some people can't imagine traveling to Nigeria and these days just leaving one's country is harder than it was before 9/11. As for me, I now feel like a foreigner in the USA.
Soon I will start teaching US History again and have realized that I need to find a way to enjoy it more so that my students can enjoy it too, I much prefer world history and diversity it offers.
Perhaps that's one reason we can have so many different preferences, we live in a diverse world, but diversity can be scary at times, just as the unknown can be terrifying, or at least uncomfortable. Change is like that too.
One of the things I like about living in Nigeria is that it is harder to get in a rut here. Ruts tend to choke me and stifle my creativity.
I guess that's why one of my favorite Bible verses is, "Behold, I am doing a new thing;now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:19
There is so much going on around us that it seems crazy to me not to appreciate the diversity, whether it is people or new food like shinge. (I have tried them in the past, and did today too when Annette insisted!)
My prayer for you today is that you can take time to enjoy something new in God's creation. May it bring joy in your heart and may you find a way to share it with others. If you want, you could even come to Nigeria and try shinge!
Dorthea
Me, I made pizza today and much prefer it to shinge!
But then, I guess we all have our preferences. Some people can't imagine traveling to Nigeria and these days just leaving one's country is harder than it was before 9/11. As for me, I now feel like a foreigner in the USA.
Soon I will start teaching US History again and have realized that I need to find a way to enjoy it more so that my students can enjoy it too, I much prefer world history and diversity it offers.
Perhaps that's one reason we can have so many different preferences, we live in a diverse world, but diversity can be scary at times, just as the unknown can be terrifying, or at least uncomfortable. Change is like that too.
One of the things I like about living in Nigeria is that it is harder to get in a rut here. Ruts tend to choke me and stifle my creativity.
I guess that's why one of my favorite Bible verses is, "Behold, I am doing a new thing;now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:19
There is so much going on around us that it seems crazy to me not to appreciate the diversity, whether it is people or new food like shinge. (I have tried them in the past, and did today too when Annette insisted!)
My prayer for you today is that you can take time to enjoy something new in God's creation. May it bring joy in your heart and may you find a way to share it with others. If you want, you could even come to Nigeria and try shinge!
Dorthea
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Give us patience to endure life's challenges!
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. James 5:13
Yesterday I was reading a news article where Americans were wondering what they had to celebrate about on the 4th of July. I was relieved when, at the end of the article, the writer did mention that some were turning to the church.
So often the way we move on after, or in the midst of life's challenges is determined by our attitude and where we turn for comfort and encouragement. If we turn to a bottle, it will finish, if we turn to a person, they might leave us, if we turn to work, it might one day end, but if we turn to God, He is ALWAYS there!
I finally started learning that when I discovered Matthew 28:19-20 back in my elementary days. I consider it a fact that God will be with us until the "close of the age"! That fact has stayed with me as I studied in Norway, travelled to Colombia, toured in Europe and now as I live and work in Nigeria. Situations may change, but God doesn't! People may come and go, even we ourselves change, but God is constant and never-ending and God is SOOOO big that His Word speaks to us in every new situation and every new stage of our life.
As I dwell on this, joy fills my heart. I pray that you too might recognize the joy that is offered to you!
Dorthea
Yesterday I was reading a news article where Americans were wondering what they had to celebrate about on the 4th of July. I was relieved when, at the end of the article, the writer did mention that some were turning to the church.
So often the way we move on after, or in the midst of life's challenges is determined by our attitude and where we turn for comfort and encouragement. If we turn to a bottle, it will finish, if we turn to a person, they might leave us, if we turn to work, it might one day end, but if we turn to God, He is ALWAYS there!
I finally started learning that when I discovered Matthew 28:19-20 back in my elementary days. I consider it a fact that God will be with us until the "close of the age"! That fact has stayed with me as I studied in Norway, travelled to Colombia, toured in Europe and now as I live and work in Nigeria. Situations may change, but God doesn't! People may come and go, even we ourselves change, but God is constant and never-ending and God is SOOOO big that His Word speaks to us in every new situation and every new stage of our life.
As I dwell on this, joy fills my heart. I pray that you too might recognize the joy that is offered to you!
Dorthea
My first blog...
Living a life for God is a wonderful challenge wherever one lives, but teaching and living in Nigeria makes life a constant adventure. After eighteen years of working with the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, marrying a Nigerian pastor, starting a family and more recently being a part of the LCCN Guesthouse in Jos as well as teaching at Hillcrest School I find I would like to share my challenges and experiences with more people.
That is why I am starting this blog. I hope you will enjoy being part of my adventure and that we can grow and reflect together as God takes us where he will.
Dorthea
That is why I am starting this blog. I hope you will enjoy being part of my adventure and that we can grow and reflect together as God takes us where he will.
Dorthea
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