It's December 21st and Christmas preparations are upon us.
I was out doing my last shopping (I hope!). Found a few gifts for the boys and Amson promised to get Annette's request (she really wants a phone and doesn't think she's getting one because last night he said no...don't tell her!)
Yesterday I did some baking and soon will continue. Tomorrow I have some friends with their kids to do some cookie decorating . I just heard one family is down with the flu that is going around. It stopped briefly at our house, but our kids just had minor cases.
I was playing some Christmas music yesterday to "catch the spirit" but even after all these years it's hard to believe Christmas is coming until it's upon us. I guess I still kind of remove myself emotionally so that I don't miss family that is far away.
One thing I have realized more and more since I've been in Nigeria; especially since I've had kids is how commercial Christmas in the USA is. Here I have to remind myself that the kids might want something fun, besided their Christmas clothes. I always wear myself out by baking cookies etc. Nigeria certainly has it's share of Christmas rush, but I don't sense the pushy-ness behind it.
One thing we started this year that we haven't done before is to share Advent devotions together in the evening. The kids seem to enjoy it and notice when we forgot or were busy with school activities (some nights we've had to read two or three readings to catch up). Nat, Annette and Daniel have all taken turns with our opening and closing prayers and Nat and Annette have helped with the readings. We all seem to enjoy the time as a family and it makes me realize how rarely we do something together. We try to pray in the morning, but it's hard to get the kids up so it's usually Amson, his sisters, and me.
A few weeks the five of us went out for Sunday lunch and a drive in our new van. It was nice to just have time together.
We'll be spending Christmas here in Jos. Christmas Eve we have an early church service and the kids can open their gifts in the morning. (not sure what else we'll do Christmas Eve) Christmas Day we have church and then will share a Love Feast with other church members. (Like a potluck.) On the 28th we'll head to Adamawa to stay in our house and spend at least two nights in the village over the 1st. I think we'll be back in Jos on the 6th, just in time for Daniel's 6th birthday on the 7th.
I pray that this season offers you time to share as a family so that together you can ponder on what Christmas means to you.
Merry Christmas!
Dorthea
Monday, December 21, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Maintaining a Vision
This morning I was reading a student's report about the development of the transcontinental railroad in the United States in the 1860's. He shared the information that it was in 1862 that President Abraham Lincoln signed an act to support the railroad's development. As I read this I was struck by the implications of such an act.
First of all, this was during the American Civil War and secondly it was only a few years before Lincoln was assassinated. As I pondered on this I couldn't help wonder how many of us allow ourselves to make important decisions about tomorrow when our today might be filled with havoc.
Granted, Lincoln had no idea his life would be cut short, but he certainly had no guarantees that a railroad could be built during a war or that the US would still be a nation when the railroad would finally be finished, and yet he did have Hope.
He had hope in the nation, hope that there would be people to benefit from such a decision. He did have a vision for a better tomorrow. No matter the wars, literal or figurative, that rage around us we should have hope for tomorrow.
We can plan for a better future for our children, ourselves, our church, our community, our nation, etc.
Advent begins November 29th. Advent is a time of preparing for Christ's coming. I guess you could say God was a visionary. He had stopped talking to His people for hundreds of years but planned for a better future by sending Jesus. During Advent Christians are encouraged to prepare their hearts, minds, and souls for when we remember Jesus' birth.
The weeks before Christmas are often busy with shopping, decorating, baking, extra cleaning, etc but if you want to truly maintain a clear vision for tomorrow then the best thing to do is to remember the meaning of Christmas and make sure Christ Jesus is the center of your preparations.
Yes, I would say God had a vision for us all and continues to maintain that vision; let us claim it for ourselves as well.
First of all, this was during the American Civil War and secondly it was only a few years before Lincoln was assassinated. As I pondered on this I couldn't help wonder how many of us allow ourselves to make important decisions about tomorrow when our today might be filled with havoc.
Granted, Lincoln had no idea his life would be cut short, but he certainly had no guarantees that a railroad could be built during a war or that the US would still be a nation when the railroad would finally be finished, and yet he did have Hope.
He had hope in the nation, hope that there would be people to benefit from such a decision. He did have a vision for a better tomorrow. No matter the wars, literal or figurative, that rage around us we should have hope for tomorrow.
We can plan for a better future for our children, ourselves, our church, our community, our nation, etc.
Advent begins November 29th. Advent is a time of preparing for Christ's coming. I guess you could say God was a visionary. He had stopped talking to His people for hundreds of years but planned for a better future by sending Jesus. During Advent Christians are encouraged to prepare their hearts, minds, and souls for when we remember Jesus' birth.
The weeks before Christmas are often busy with shopping, decorating, baking, extra cleaning, etc but if you want to truly maintain a clear vision for tomorrow then the best thing to do is to remember the meaning of Christmas and make sure Christ Jesus is the center of your preparations.
Yes, I would say God had a vision for us all and continues to maintain that vision; let us claim it for ourselves as well.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Annette's Birthday
Annette too had a birthday this month. We had planned to have a party at the house, but another classmate had one the same day so instead we made cake and cupcakes and sent minerals, t
hat's pop or soda to the rest of you.
The cake was a team effort, Kauna made them and I decorated them. Her smile of appreciation made it worth the while. It is fun to see children grow up, especially when they share such wonderful smiles!
hat's pop or soda to the rest of you.The cake was a team effort, Kauna made them and I decorated them. Her smile of appreciation made it worth the while. It is fun to see children grow up, especially when they share such wonderful smiles!
Nat and Boys Birgade
Not long ago I wrote about Nat (Pwanekam Nathaniel that is). This picture was taken soon after his 13th birthday ealier this month.
Nat joined Boys Birgade last year and this was one of the few times he wore it to church. When they wear their uniform it is usually to act as ushers
during a special service. They also have a band, mostly trumpet and drums so Nat is now taking trumpet lessons at school and his teacher says he's doing very well. It's the first time he's shown interest in playing a musical instruement, so it's easy to encourage him and after a few months I can already recognize the songs he's learning.
It's easy to be a proud Momma!
Nat joined Boys Birgade last year and this was one of the few times he wore it to church. When they wear their uniform it is usually to act as ushers
during a special service. They also have a band, mostly trumpet and drums so Nat is now taking trumpet lessons at school and his teacher says he's doing very well. It's the first time he's shown interest in playing a musical instruement, so it's easy to encourage him and after a few months I can already recognize the songs he's learning.It's easy to be a proud Momma!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
God's Word: Is it your Greatest Treasure?
My husband is preparing his sermon for tomorrow and asked me to share my views on the text. When I read it, I had to laugh. The text is from Matthew 13:44-46 "The kingdom in heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field..."
Today we bought our first van. Even though it's not brand new, it is an amazing vehicle when you compare it to our other car or our previous cars. It has AC, a DVD player, and seats that will make travel to our home state very easy...even when it's over 100 degrees outside.
When I think of the verse above and the gleam in my husband's eye when he first described the van and explained how we shouldn't pass up the opportunity to buy it since they aren't often such good quality here in Nigeria, (All cars on the main market are used, or second new as we say here.) I began to wonder when I last became so persuasive over God's Word and His amazing love.
I must confess, I haven't felt God's wonder much these past weeks, rather I've felt pretty blah. This part of the school year is always tough because we don't always have a break between mid October and when we close for Christmas. It's tough too because there are tons of school activities for students and events for the community so everyone starts feeling pulled and drained. As such, it's easy to get tired and discouraged.
Yet when I think of these verses I have to stop and ponder on how easy it is to get excited about a new piece of property or something new in our life, like a "new" van or a new haircut, but how often do we rush to our friend and say, "Did you see this in the Bible? Do you know what this means to me? Can I share this precious gift with you?"
Growing up I used to hear the saying that suggested we should be careful with whom we talk politics and religion, but if we can't talk about God to those that are important to us or to those with whom we spend much of our work day, then what's the point? Why should we be so selfish to think that this special gift wouldn't be appreciated by someone else.
We often get so worried about rocking the boat or making someone uncomfortable by mentioning God, but in actuality, we end up not valuing those friends enough by being quiet. If there's a choice between sharing God's love with someone who might be seeking for the Truth and risking losing that friend if we mention God, we are being extremely selfish to decide to remain silent about our passion for God. (Psalm 39 talks about the anguish that can come when we do this and Psalm 40 talks of God's response to us.)
It's true, we shouldn't force God on anyone, or insist they understand our excitement, but I don't see anything wrong with letting others see a glimpse of our love relationship with God, to share a great insight we've gained from reading about Jesus life, or explain the new meaning revealed to us by the Holy Spirit during our personal devotion time. If God is really important to us, then let others see His Joy flow from our lives and when those blah days try to get you down, take time to stay in the Word and give thanks that God's Joy never fizzles out, even when our own threatens to do just that.
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to my heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 20:8
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. Psalm 33:3-4
Today we bought our first van. Even though it's not brand new, it is an amazing vehicle when you compare it to our other car or our previous cars. It has AC, a DVD player, and seats that will make travel to our home state very easy...even when it's over 100 degrees outside.
When I think of the verse above and the gleam in my husband's eye when he first described the van and explained how we shouldn't pass up the opportunity to buy it since they aren't often such good quality here in Nigeria, (All cars on the main market are used, or second new as we say here.) I began to wonder when I last became so persuasive over God's Word and His amazing love.
I must confess, I haven't felt God's wonder much these past weeks, rather I've felt pretty blah. This part of the school year is always tough because we don't always have a break between mid October and when we close for Christmas. It's tough too because there are tons of school activities for students and events for the community so everyone starts feeling pulled and drained. As such, it's easy to get tired and discouraged.
Yet when I think of these verses I have to stop and ponder on how easy it is to get excited about a new piece of property or something new in our life, like a "new" van or a new haircut, but how often do we rush to our friend and say, "Did you see this in the Bible? Do you know what this means to me? Can I share this precious gift with you?"
Growing up I used to hear the saying that suggested we should be careful with whom we talk politics and religion, but if we can't talk about God to those that are important to us or to those with whom we spend much of our work day, then what's the point? Why should we be so selfish to think that this special gift wouldn't be appreciated by someone else.
We often get so worried about rocking the boat or making someone uncomfortable by mentioning God, but in actuality, we end up not valuing those friends enough by being quiet. If there's a choice between sharing God's love with someone who might be seeking for the Truth and risking losing that friend if we mention God, we are being extremely selfish to decide to remain silent about our passion for God. (Psalm 39 talks about the anguish that can come when we do this and Psalm 40 talks of God's response to us.)
It's true, we shouldn't force God on anyone, or insist they understand our excitement, but I don't see anything wrong with letting others see a glimpse of our love relationship with God, to share a great insight we've gained from reading about Jesus life, or explain the new meaning revealed to us by the Holy Spirit during our personal devotion time. If God is really important to us, then let others see His Joy flow from our lives and when those blah days try to get you down, take time to stay in the Word and give thanks that God's Joy never fizzles out, even when our own threatens to do just that.
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to my heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 20:8
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. Psalm 33:3-4
Saturday, November 14, 2009
A busy but wonderful day!
Visiting the tailor to drop off cloth for Christmas clothes (we always have matching family attire), taking Annette to a birthday party, making granola, going to the food fair at school, and Internet time a few times to check FB and mail.
We tried to meet the tailor and waited for close to twenty minutes before having to leave to get Annette to her party. But while waiting I watched the market activity in front of the shop and realized how removed I have gotten from much of Nigerian life. This past year I've hardly gone to the market since my sisters-in-law have had more time than I have had. As I watched the traders and their many children running about I gave thanks that we can clothe our children well and that I usually have time to care for my kids, or at least know they are safe and being cared for.
Dropping Annette off at her classmate's birthday party I gave thanks that she could spend time with her friends. She doesn't have any girl friends on our compound and most of her friends live on the other side of town, near school. It was a great day for a swim party and she seemed to enjoy herself.
I've been missing granola for breakfast. Too often the past week I've been hungrier than when I eat a bowl of granola and have often bought fried potatoes and kosai from Ladi at break time. It always tastes great going down, but the abundance of oil hasn't sat so well the past few days!
The highlight of the day was the school's food fair. There was an abundance of food; Nigerian, East African, Korean, Lebanese, American, European, Indian, Ethiopian, and Egyptian.
The basketball courts were all decked out with colorful banners streaming overhead and a stage where the choir sang a few numbers, a few groups danced on or around, and some students entertained with raps and jokes. We've never had such great entertainment and it was fun watching students and parents enjoy sharing their ethnic dances and just having fun together. I feel really lucky to be a part of the Hillcrest community. I enjoyed it even more because my husband joined us for the first time, only Nat opted to stay home so he wouldn't miss his soccer time with his compound friends and sharing his new soccer ball with them.
Well, I guess it's time to close for the day. Amson and Dan are sleeping and perhaps Nat too, Annette is waiting for me to see her to bed; we like to end the day together with special good night hugs and kisses (much like I often did with my own mom).
Yes, it was a busy, but wonderful day! Good nite!
We tried to meet the tailor and waited for close to twenty minutes before having to leave to get Annette to her party. But while waiting I watched the market activity in front of the shop and realized how removed I have gotten from much of Nigerian life. This past year I've hardly gone to the market since my sisters-in-law have had more time than I have had. As I watched the traders and their many children running about I gave thanks that we can clothe our children well and that I usually have time to care for my kids, or at least know they are safe and being cared for.
Dropping Annette off at her classmate's birthday party I gave thanks that she could spend time with her friends. She doesn't have any girl friends on our compound and most of her friends live on the other side of town, near school. It was a great day for a swim party and she seemed to enjoy herself.
I've been missing granola for breakfast. Too often the past week I've been hungrier than when I eat a bowl of granola and have often bought fried potatoes and kosai from Ladi at break time. It always tastes great going down, but the abundance of oil hasn't sat so well the past few days!
The highlight of the day was the school's food fair. There was an abundance of food; Nigerian, East African, Korean, Lebanese, American, European, Indian, Ethiopian, and Egyptian.
The basketball courts were all decked out with colorful banners streaming overhead and a stage where the choir sang a few numbers, a few groups danced on or around, and some students entertained with raps and jokes. We've never had such great entertainment and it was fun watching students and parents enjoy sharing their ethnic dances and just having fun together. I feel really lucky to be a part of the Hillcrest community. I enjoyed it even more because my husband joined us for the first time, only Nat opted to stay home so he wouldn't miss his soccer time with his compound friends and sharing his new soccer ball with them.
Well, I guess it's time to close for the day. Amson and Dan are sleeping and perhaps Nat too, Annette is waiting for me to see her to bed; we like to end the day together with special good night hugs and kisses (much like I often did with my own mom).
Yes, it was a busy, but wonderful day! Good nite!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Obligations
Growing up, even as a young adult, I never thought much about obligations. I guess that's more a part of the adult world...at least in Western culture.
Here in Nigeria I meet it much more often. I remember the first time I thought about it. I had gone to a village with a friend, her brother was my student and we went to greet the family. I thought it was a good visit, but I came to realize it was much different for my friend.
She worked in the town and had a decent job so when she went to the village she had to make sure she went with plenty of money so that she could give some sort of monetary gift to her uncles and other extended family members or neighbors who might be in need. She could not afford to go home often, the demands were often too great; her job was decent, but not a high position.
This weekend there is a wedding I could have gone to. Since my husband is out of town I probably should have gone...probably.... What can I say, I am still like the rebellious teenager who doesn't want to do what she SHOULD do.
I often wonder what Jesus did such situations. Did he go to those "should do's"? I guess he did go to the wedding of Canaan and even did what his mom asked him to with the wine; but then on the other hand, he didn't want to!
Out of respect for our church member I could still go to the reception, but it's been nice to have a rare slow morning and make pizza for lunch; not something I do very often. It was also good to give my sister-in-laws the afternoon off since they usually share the cooking and I rarely do much.
Obligations...I still don't know how to deal with them, but I do know that I would have gone if my husband had suggested I go, or if I had a personal invitation ,or I knew the wedding couple...as it is, I feel I needed some down time so I hope I made the right choice.
Here in Nigeria I meet it much more often. I remember the first time I thought about it. I had gone to a village with a friend, her brother was my student and we went to greet the family. I thought it was a good visit, but I came to realize it was much different for my friend.
She worked in the town and had a decent job so when she went to the village she had to make sure she went with plenty of money so that she could give some sort of monetary gift to her uncles and other extended family members or neighbors who might be in need. She could not afford to go home often, the demands were often too great; her job was decent, but not a high position.
This weekend there is a wedding I could have gone to. Since my husband is out of town I probably should have gone...probably.... What can I say, I am still like the rebellious teenager who doesn't want to do what she SHOULD do.
I often wonder what Jesus did such situations. Did he go to those "should do's"? I guess he did go to the wedding of Canaan and even did what his mom asked him to with the wine; but then on the other hand, he didn't want to!
Out of respect for our church member I could still go to the reception, but it's been nice to have a rare slow morning and make pizza for lunch; not something I do very often. It was also good to give my sister-in-laws the afternoon off since they usually share the cooking and I rarely do much.
Obligations...I still don't know how to deal with them, but I do know that I would have gone if my husband had suggested I go, or if I had a personal invitation ,or I knew the wedding couple...as it is, I feel I needed some down time so I hope I made the right choice.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
My son's turning thirteen!
Nat is changing before my eyes! He looked taller today as he came home with his new soccer ball and returned the change from the soocer shoes he couldn't find yet. I don't know what makes me prouder, to see him developing and getting older or watching him mature and get wiser. His birthday is Monday, November 2nd.
Even though I don't feel old enough to have a teenager, and certainly not wise enough, I am reminded of how perfect God's timing is. I am so thankful that God is in charge of my life and I can trust his wisdom in raising my children, teaching school, and in so many other challenges I face throughout my days.
I pray that as Nat and the other kids continue to grow and mature that I can teach them to be courageous in Christ. Life can challenging is so many ways that I know I often need God's courage to act boldly in the manner I believe he is calling me to act. May you also claim his courage!
Even though I don't feel old enough to have a teenager, and certainly not wise enough, I am reminded of how perfect God's timing is. I am so thankful that God is in charge of my life and I can trust his wisdom in raising my children, teaching school, and in so many other challenges I face throughout my days.
I pray that as Nat and the other kids continue to grow and mature that I can teach them to be courageous in Christ. Life can challenging is so many ways that I know I often need God's courage to act boldly in the manner I believe he is calling me to act. May you also claim his courage!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Back at Dogon Dutse
Well, I'm back in Nigeria after about two months in Washington state, USA. It was a good time with family and friends.
For the most part, the kids and I just lived with my mom. We travelled to Bellingham once, Vancouver and Seaside twice for a little sightseeing with family and friends, but the kids spent most of their time bike riding in the neighborhood and to the lake nearby. They each made a few friends and reconnected with some old ones. We spent a fair amount of time shopping, the kids went to part of Vacation Bible School at my home church. They enjoyed the water slide and beach the most, but otherwise we just kind of hung out on Hemlock Street.
Amson was able to join us after the first month and was with us when we went to Bellingham and came back on the train.
I enjoyed seeing my sisters and brother and living with my mom. My siblings and some of our kids got together for a few days in early July and that was the first time we could be together since our Dad died in 2008 and our first time back in the old house.
My favorite time was early in the morning sharing breakfast time with my mom while the kids usually slept late. The last month we often slept out in the tent that has been in my family for over fifty years. It was also fun to spoil mom as I tried to do a fair share of the cooking, though she deserved it after all the driving around she did for us.
I had planned to get my drivers license, but couldn't prove my connection to the state until about two weeks before we travelled so could only get my drivers permit, but at least it should be easy to renew next time so there won't be such a delay. That meant Mom had to drive us everywhere! She was a really good sport about it, but the kids had far more energy than either of us and would have loved an outing every day had it been possible.
Toward the end of our time in the US, Annette and I were sitting on the back porch one evening and she asked me what I had missed most from Nigeria. Since I am still an American by instinct, I quickly thought in a material sense and could not think of one thing that I was missing! But then I thought a little harder with a broader perspective and realized that what I missed most was the priority placed on people and the strong sense of community.
As difficult as it can be to live in Nigeria, it is a great place to raise our children and to focus on family, faith, and fellowship with others. It is also a great place to live out my vocation as a teacher at an international Christian school.
As I report back to school tomorrow, I look forward to the new school year with Nat starting middle school, Annette finishing elementary, Daniel starting kindergarten, and I'll be back teaching three history courses, world geography with a twist (from a biblical perspective), US government after Christmas and advising the student council.
We continue to live at the guesthouse where Amson is busy with management and is now also pastor in charge of the Lutheran congregation on the adjacent compound and I look forward to getting back into my fellowship groups. It should be a wonderfully challenging year!
For the most part, the kids and I just lived with my mom. We travelled to Bellingham once, Vancouver and Seaside twice for a little sightseeing with family and friends, but the kids spent most of their time bike riding in the neighborhood and to the lake nearby. They each made a few friends and reconnected with some old ones. We spent a fair amount of time shopping, the kids went to part of Vacation Bible School at my home church. They enjoyed the water slide and beach the most, but otherwise we just kind of hung out on Hemlock Street.
Amson was able to join us after the first month and was with us when we went to Bellingham and came back on the train.
I enjoyed seeing my sisters and brother and living with my mom. My siblings and some of our kids got together for a few days in early July and that was the first time we could be together since our Dad died in 2008 and our first time back in the old house.
My favorite time was early in the morning sharing breakfast time with my mom while the kids usually slept late. The last month we often slept out in the tent that has been in my family for over fifty years. It was also fun to spoil mom as I tried to do a fair share of the cooking, though she deserved it after all the driving around she did for us.
I had planned to get my drivers license, but couldn't prove my connection to the state until about two weeks before we travelled so could only get my drivers permit, but at least it should be easy to renew next time so there won't be such a delay. That meant Mom had to drive us everywhere! She was a really good sport about it, but the kids had far more energy than either of us and would have loved an outing every day had it been possible.
Toward the end of our time in the US, Annette and I were sitting on the back porch one evening and she asked me what I had missed most from Nigeria. Since I am still an American by instinct, I quickly thought in a material sense and could not think of one thing that I was missing! But then I thought a little harder with a broader perspective and realized that what I missed most was the priority placed on people and the strong sense of community.
As difficult as it can be to live in Nigeria, it is a great place to raise our children and to focus on family, faith, and fellowship with others. It is also a great place to live out my vocation as a teacher at an international Christian school.
As I report back to school tomorrow, I look forward to the new school year with Nat starting middle school, Annette finishing elementary, Daniel starting kindergarten, and I'll be back teaching three history courses, world geography with a twist (from a biblical perspective), US government after Christmas and advising the student council.
We continue to live at the guesthouse where Amson is busy with management and is now also pastor in charge of the Lutheran congregation on the adjacent compound and I look forward to getting back into my fellowship groups. It should be a wonderfully challenging year!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Life on Hemlock Street
It's both fun and a little odd to be here in the same house that my parents lived in for nine years. I was about four when we moved so I have a few memories. Then, when I was about ten I started to take over the paper route that my brother started in the area. It was passed down from sibling to sibling so I did it about three times a week. As a result I can remember the area from then too.
Now we are discovering new areas, like the bike hills that were going in about the time I was in high school. Dan begged all day for me to take him there so we finally made it this afternoon.
There's a little store down the street where I remember buying little boxes of animal crackers, candy cigarettes, and rock candy. Now Nat and Annette like to take a run for a bag of chips at $1.29.
One thing I've begun to wtonder about life in America is how people afford anything!?! I'm not ashamed to say when we go shopping, my motto is now, "Look for the sale signs!" I was lucky to save $16.00 today on ..."unmentionables" (as my mommy taught me to say)!
Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the garage sales this weekend!
The kids have also had fun reconnecting with a friend, Zack, from the old neighborhood where my parents lived for 41 years. I walked around there tonight and thought about all those that lived there in the past years and wondering where each family had moved on to. I see some mentioned in the local paper and connect with a few on facebook, but it does seem like we all move on. Some we remember, some we don't. My prayer for the day is that we leave a positive memory for those that we connect with today.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Relating in the US
It has been a wonderfully long week, we have travelled to the US, started in on our shopping and have had some fun too.
We arrived in Longview Monday afternoon and had to go out the next day to buy some clothes for the kids. Got some used clothes, or second-new, as we say in Nigeria. The next day I realized I needed some clothes too and of course we found more for the kids and a run to Goodwill provided a few more things. Then there were garage sales yesterday and today; no wonder we're tired!
Today we went to the annual international festival at the community college. It was a lot of fun for the kids and mom and I enjoyed it too. Afterwards we dropped Annette off at a friend's house. She and Annelise have stayed connected over the past three years. Annelise's family used to live down the street from where my parents used to live.
After the rest of us got home Daniel started playing with the boys next door, Nat rode around on the bike loaned to Annette and he found a bike helmet at a nearby garage sale. Then Daniel went for a bike ride with the neighbor boy and his father, Mom went off to a friends, and an aqaintance from my high school days stopped by with his family. Mark and I recently connected on Facebook and I realized our kids were close in ages. (I am so thankful the kid's have all gotten bikes.)
After a short visit they took Nat to thier house for a few hours. Then Daniel and I went for a walk (found a the garage sale Nat had gone to). Daniel ended up back at his friend's house and after Mom got home I actually managed to get a short nap. I really needed it since I got up at 4:20 today. (The only time I can have any quiet time is before the kids wake.)
Now it is nearly bedtime. Daniel fell asleep around 7:30, Annette got home soon after, and Nat was home before 9:00. They all had fun and it was really good to see them connecting with other kids.
All in all, it was a good day and there were lots of fun moments for all of us. It is so nice to be here with Mom (and my nephew that lives with her). Life here is wonderfully predictable in so many, many ways that it is hard to explain. From the reliable electricity to the way people drive and relate to each other. I find the connections with family, friends, church people we have seen in town and people we cross paths with in shops...all the connections have been heart-warming and refreshing to me.
At the same time, I stay connected on the phone and internet with family back in Nigeria and colleagues and past students on Facebook. I have so much to be thankful for over the past week; journey mercies, reconnecting with family and friends, and in the way the kids and I have been able to adapt to life here. God is good!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Parting is sweet sorrow
Well, the bags are almost packed and I am ready to start the journey, that is until I remember that we're leaving people behind. It will be hard for the kids and I to say goodbye to Amson, the rest of the family here, and the guesthouse friends.
But on the other end, it will be great to see the family there and to share the kids with them, and at least Amson will join us in a month.
I must confess, I am a little anxious about travelling without Amson. (I never have told him about the time I came back after him and left the passports in my parents' home! We just barely had time to turn around, get them and still make the flight! That is not a drive I'd like to repeat!)
I pray that all will go well, but I find myselft thinking extra hard today and checking my lists to make sure I/we have what we will need and a few wants, but not more than we either want to return with or are willing to toss before we come back.
Looking back over the past year and a half when I was in the US with Daniel for my dad's funeral I feel like it's been an extra long time, and the past six months were the longest!
Well, I guess there's not much to write, just to ask for your prayers for "journey mercies" as we say here. One custom that I adopted on my first mission trip and is also followed here is that whenever we travel anywhere, we always pray first that God will be with, "the driver, other people on the road, and (Daniel insists) for the tires on the car!" This time we'll add, "for the pilots of the plane and others that might be in the air."
According to African time, we fly out at 9:25 pm, that's about noon NW, US time. The journey from our door to my mom's door will be about about 40 hours! Wow, I was thinking about 30 before, but 40 is a loonnngg time for the kids and I. Please do keep us in your prayers!
Dorthea
But on the other end, it will be great to see the family there and to share the kids with them, and at least Amson will join us in a month.
I must confess, I am a little anxious about travelling without Amson. (I never have told him about the time I came back after him and left the passports in my parents' home! We just barely had time to turn around, get them and still make the flight! That is not a drive I'd like to repeat!)
I pray that all will go well, but I find myselft thinking extra hard today and checking my lists to make sure I/we have what we will need and a few wants, but not more than we either want to return with or are willing to toss before we come back.
Looking back over the past year and a half when I was in the US with Daniel for my dad's funeral I feel like it's been an extra long time, and the past six months were the longest!
Well, I guess there's not much to write, just to ask for your prayers for "journey mercies" as we say here. One custom that I adopted on my first mission trip and is also followed here is that whenever we travel anywhere, we always pray first that God will be with, "the driver, other people on the road, and (Daniel insists) for the tires on the car!" This time we'll add, "for the pilots of the plane and others that might be in the air."
According to African time, we fly out at 9:25 pm, that's about noon NW, US time. The journey from our door to my mom's door will be about about 40 hours! Wow, I was thinking about 30 before, but 40 is a loonnngg time for the kids and I. Please do keep us in your prayers!
Dorthea
Friday, May 22, 2009
Summer is around the corner!
Yea! Classes are finished for the year, just exams remain. There is still plenty to do next week and this weekend will be busy, but it is good to see the end in sight.
It has been a very long year, full of ups and downs and challenges with classes, students, and life in general. It will be good to have a break so that I can gain some perspective.
Tonight I asked my son Nat what he thought about when he thought of us going to US soon and was actually relieved to hear he didn't have any expectations. Oh, I know he hopes to buy some air soft guns and would be totally amazed if he could somehow buy some kind of computer game that is the rage now. But nonetheless, it was good to know that he didn't have some expectations I might have to try to live up to. I've often thought it's better to go into a new situation without any preconceived ideas about what will happen. I think it's best to just go and enjoy whatever happens.
I was reading a student's paper on American consumerism and could so identify with US being seen as one big shopping mall. I must confess, I have a long list of purchases I hope to make. We tend to try to buy clothes for the next few years since most things purchased in Nigeria are not qualitative and never last very long.
When I think about what kind of memories I want to create for the kids, I think of going to the public library, hanging out with my mom and hopefully other members of my family, being there for Vacation Bible School, hiking and playing at the lake, and yes, shopping is on the list.
But most of all, I look forward to having a break from school responsibilities and being able to focus on the kids and being an American in America for a little while. As I reread that I realize that I do need some other projects to keep me going so it's good that I have to read a book for renewing my teaching certificate and revise my curriculum for one class I'll teach in the fall. Apart from that, I need to encourage Nat and Annette to be reading more, that's why the library is on the list.
So I guess that means that the next time I write I may be in the US! I might have time next week, time will tell. One thing is for sure, it will be a very, very busy next week!
Dorthea
It has been a very long year, full of ups and downs and challenges with classes, students, and life in general. It will be good to have a break so that I can gain some perspective.
Tonight I asked my son Nat what he thought about when he thought of us going to US soon and was actually relieved to hear he didn't have any expectations. Oh, I know he hopes to buy some air soft guns and would be totally amazed if he could somehow buy some kind of computer game that is the rage now. But nonetheless, it was good to know that he didn't have some expectations I might have to try to live up to. I've often thought it's better to go into a new situation without any preconceived ideas about what will happen. I think it's best to just go and enjoy whatever happens.
I was reading a student's paper on American consumerism and could so identify with US being seen as one big shopping mall. I must confess, I have a long list of purchases I hope to make. We tend to try to buy clothes for the next few years since most things purchased in Nigeria are not qualitative and never last very long.
When I think about what kind of memories I want to create for the kids, I think of going to the public library, hanging out with my mom and hopefully other members of my family, being there for Vacation Bible School, hiking and playing at the lake, and yes, shopping is on the list.
But most of all, I look forward to having a break from school responsibilities and being able to focus on the kids and being an American in America for a little while. As I reread that I realize that I do need some other projects to keep me going so it's good that I have to read a book for renewing my teaching certificate and revise my curriculum for one class I'll teach in the fall. Apart from that, I need to encourage Nat and Annette to be reading more, that's why the library is on the list.
So I guess that means that the next time I write I may be in the US! I might have time next week, time will tell. One thing is for sure, it will be a very, very busy next week!
Dorthea
Saturday, May 16, 2009
A Rainy Saturday
It's a rainy afternoon and I don't really know what I am going to write, but I've been enjoying reading some other blogs and feel it's time to write again.
This was the first Saturday morning I haven't had to rush to Women's Fellowship at church because we shifted it to Sunday after service. Many women have a hard time getting there Saturday because they either work, have classes or struggle to find childcare. Since I am leaving for the US soon, I think tomorrow will be the last time I lead. I hope attendance becomes more regular so it works to make a schedule; if I continue to lead when I get back from the US I think I'll lose some of the joy of getting to know the other women.
Tomorrow I plan to talk about the importance of daily devotions; not just reading the Word, but actually pondering on it and if possible, studying with a commentary or Bible Study.
These past few years I have gone through four of Beth Moore Bible Studies and have really appreciated both the depth and the frequent delving into the Word that the studies require. The ways the studies have impacted me are sometimes difficult to pinpoint, but the need to read almost daily has been a discipline that has impacted me on a holistic level. What I mean by the use of that word is that as I read and ponder on a regular basis, more regularly than I have for some years, I find that my mind and spirit are more in tune with God and in the process he is transforming my whole being and my whole worldview to be more one with Him.
When I was teaching English in at Bronnum Lutheran Seminary and then Lutheran Junior Seminary in Adamawa State of Nigeria I used to tell my students that studying English is a process and each time you look at it from a higher grade and a more mature/deeper level you in turn gain a deeper understanding of it. Now I feel the same way about my faith. I have been a Christian for many years, but I love that my faith too is an ongoing process in which I continue to take my relationship with God at a deeper level. I still find that I learn some lessons over and over and often gain different perspectives about how God is revealed in my life but when I hit those low and difficult times the depth of my relationship enables me to turn that much faster to God's wisdom, grace, and unending love and forgiveness.
I hope that as I share some of these insights with the women tomorrow, I can do so without sounding too perfect, like I think I'm better than anyone else because of my discoveries, but rather that my excitement, joy, and appreciation for my relationship with God will challenge them to also seek a deeper level of their own relationship with God. That is my prayer for you too. Quality relationships take a commitment of time, and that includes a relationship with God. May you too seek a deeper relationship with the one true God.
Dorthea
This was the first Saturday morning I haven't had to rush to Women's Fellowship at church because we shifted it to Sunday after service. Many women have a hard time getting there Saturday because they either work, have classes or struggle to find childcare. Since I am leaving for the US soon, I think tomorrow will be the last time I lead. I hope attendance becomes more regular so it works to make a schedule; if I continue to lead when I get back from the US I think I'll lose some of the joy of getting to know the other women.
Tomorrow I plan to talk about the importance of daily devotions; not just reading the Word, but actually pondering on it and if possible, studying with a commentary or Bible Study.
These past few years I have gone through four of Beth Moore Bible Studies and have really appreciated both the depth and the frequent delving into the Word that the studies require. The ways the studies have impacted me are sometimes difficult to pinpoint, but the need to read almost daily has been a discipline that has impacted me on a holistic level. What I mean by the use of that word is that as I read and ponder on a regular basis, more regularly than I have for some years, I find that my mind and spirit are more in tune with God and in the process he is transforming my whole being and my whole worldview to be more one with Him.
When I was teaching English in at Bronnum Lutheran Seminary and then Lutheran Junior Seminary in Adamawa State of Nigeria I used to tell my students that studying English is a process and each time you look at it from a higher grade and a more mature/deeper level you in turn gain a deeper understanding of it. Now I feel the same way about my faith. I have been a Christian for many years, but I love that my faith too is an ongoing process in which I continue to take my relationship with God at a deeper level. I still find that I learn some lessons over and over and often gain different perspectives about how God is revealed in my life but when I hit those low and difficult times the depth of my relationship enables me to turn that much faster to God's wisdom, grace, and unending love and forgiveness.
I hope that as I share some of these insights with the women tomorrow, I can do so without sounding too perfect, like I think I'm better than anyone else because of my discoveries, but rather that my excitement, joy, and appreciation for my relationship with God will challenge them to also seek a deeper level of their own relationship with God. That is my prayer for you too. Quality relationships take a commitment of time, and that includes a relationship with God. May you too seek a deeper relationship with the one true God.
Dorthea
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Religious Freedom in Nigeria
These past days I have been reading a Randy Alcorn novel about religious persecution in China over the years. It was an intense book to read and often made me to pause and thank God for the religious freedom in Nigeria.
That may sound odd to some, especially if you read my blogs since December, but it is true. In spite of the lack of religious toleration in Nigeria, people are, for the most part, free to worship in any manner they wish.
In fact, I would say that religious worship is one area of life that most Nigerians place at the top of their list. Granted, there are several different forms of religious practice; Christianity, Islam, sects, cults, traditional worship, etc but nonetheless, one or the other is important to most Nigerians. As a result, we have a lot of public holidays here. Most are holy days; Christian or Islamic, and the rest are considered important by the government.
When one considers Nigeria's many other challenges, religious freedom is often over looked, but after reading how Chinese Christians have been persecuted for generations, I have to give thanks for this part of Nigeria.
That may sound odd to some, especially if you read my blogs since December, but it is true. In spite of the lack of religious toleration in Nigeria, people are, for the most part, free to worship in any manner they wish.
In fact, I would say that religious worship is one area of life that most Nigerians place at the top of their list. Granted, there are several different forms of religious practice; Christianity, Islam, sects, cults, traditional worship, etc but nonetheless, one or the other is important to most Nigerians. As a result, we have a lot of public holidays here. Most are holy days; Christian or Islamic, and the rest are considered important by the government.
When one considers Nigeria's many other challenges, religious freedom is often over looked, but after reading how Chinese Christians have been persecuted for generations, I have to give thanks for this part of Nigeria.
God's Presence in the Midst of Chaos
Today is Saturday, but last Monday was a really tough day at school. I think I spent too much time over the long weekend looking forward to having two months in the US and not having to spend so much time marking papers and doing other teacher stuff.
As a result, Monday's classes did not go well, I hate to admit it, but there were moments that could only be described as chaotic! At one point I mentally stood back and asked myself, "How did this happen?!?"
At the end of the day I shared my struggles with the high school principal and asked for his prayers. He gave me some good, practical advice and assured me that he would pray for me. At home that night I had more time to reflect and pray. Thankfully, the rest of the week went much better and felt I regained focus. In some ways it had been a case of "teacher-itus", which I am thankful hit me like a 24 -hour bug and has not returned.
I am still looking forward to travelling to the US in only three weeks, but in the meantime we have two weeks of classes, exams, marking to finish, several end-of-the-year events, grades to enter, graduation and then a couple of days to pack. I guess chaos is still a word that describes the next weeks, but the anxiety that had started to crowd in seems to have passed. Please keep me in your prayers, not only me, but my students and the rest of the staff too.
At a school like Hillcrest the end of the year means saying a lot of good byes and it can be tough knowing that some may never even return to Nigeria and many will be scattered around the world in a matter of days. At least there is Facebook and emails to connect!
Dorthea
As a result, Monday's classes did not go well, I hate to admit it, but there were moments that could only be described as chaotic! At one point I mentally stood back and asked myself, "How did this happen?!?"
At the end of the day I shared my struggles with the high school principal and asked for his prayers. He gave me some good, practical advice and assured me that he would pray for me. At home that night I had more time to reflect and pray. Thankfully, the rest of the week went much better and felt I regained focus. In some ways it had been a case of "teacher-itus", which I am thankful hit me like a 24 -hour bug and has not returned.
I am still looking forward to travelling to the US in only three weeks, but in the meantime we have two weeks of classes, exams, marking to finish, several end-of-the-year events, grades to enter, graduation and then a couple of days to pack. I guess chaos is still a word that describes the next weeks, but the anxiety that had started to crowd in seems to have passed. Please keep me in your prayers, not only me, but my students and the rest of the staff too.
At a school like Hillcrest the end of the year means saying a lot of good byes and it can be tough knowing that some may never even return to Nigeria and many will be scattered around the world in a matter of days. At least there is Facebook and emails to connect!
Dorthea
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Nigerian Traditions
These pictures were taken on February 14th, 2009. My son Daniel was the page boy and the groom is my husband's cousin. Annette was the oldest flower girl. The first picture includes my mother-in-law in the center and other women in the village.Marrying in Nigeria gave me a large extended family and I am so fortunate that my husband's family is very welcoming and is made up of some great people.
Since my husband is the oldest child we have always had extended family living with us. They help me with the kids, especially when they were young, and help with the cleaning and cooking. At present there are two sisters living with us, one brother eats with us and the youngest brother heads back to boarding school tomorrow. We have helped educate most of them and now the oldest sister is helping us out with some of the youngest brother's needs and helps us by living in our new house in Adamawa State so that it doesn't stand empty.
As you read this, you may think it is a lot to ask of an American wife, but more often than not, I feel far more on the receiving end. They give so much and without all their help I could never do the work I do at Hillcrest and work the long hours at school and with marking etc at home.
Pwakavi, the groom in the picture, is Nat's baptismal sponsor and has been a good uncle to the kids. Last December Nat spent several nights with him when we were in Adamawa. He also lived with us for a time and now continues to teach in the same Lutheran school I used to work at. He often says that, traditionally, he should be the one to provide for a lot of Nat's needs. I am so glad the kids feel comfortable with their Nigerian uncles and aunts and thank God for my in-laws. May 4th is our wedding anniversary, I guess that's why I am sharing my thankfulness for all of them.
Dorthea
P.S. I'll try to remember to take a picture of the two of us soon so you can see us together.
Dorthea
Friday, May 1, 2009
Happy May Day!
We have today off in Nigeria, but I was thinking about May Day when I grew up and putting flowers on neighbors' porches and then running off after ringing the bell. One man really shouted at us until he saw the flowers. I still think of that whenever I pass his house!
Funny how those memories stick in our brains! As we prepare for about two months in the US I have started to think about memories I want to stick in my kids' brains! I was so glad this morning when I read that Vacation Bible School at my home church is while we will be in town. Nat and Annette have gone at least twice in the past so it will be fun for them I suppose this will be Nat's last since he is 12 while it will be Daniel's first.
I've been telling my mom about foods I want us to have and thinking about little short jaunts we can make to show the kids the area.
Well, I don't really have much to write. We have today off so no real plans. Annette is out washing her sneakers, we call them canvass, I guess tennie runners is what I also called them when I was young. I've been trying to write more often here, but wonder if anyone is reading it. It would be fun to get some comments.
I was trying to add titles and labels, but they all end up in some asian script so make no sense to most of us, hey, maybe that would be a way to draw attention to my blog in another part of the world. I guess I'll try!
Have a great day and if you're a parent, think about how you can give great memories to your kids today. This morning Daniel needed A LOT of tickles, even before breakfast and now he's asking for me to read a Curious George book so bye for now! I thank God I have a little extra time for him today.
Dorthea
We have today off in Nigeria, but I was thinking about May Day when I grew up and putting flowers on neighbors' porches and then running off after ringing the bell. One man really shouted at us until he saw the flowers. I still think of that whenever I pass his house!
Funny how those memories stick in our brains! As we prepare for about two months in the US I have started to think about memories I want to stick in my kids' brains! I was so glad this morning when I read that Vacation Bible School at my home church is while we will be in town. Nat and Annette have gone at least twice in the past so it will be fun for them I suppose this will be Nat's last since he is 12 while it will be Daniel's first.
I've been telling my mom about foods I want us to have and thinking about little short jaunts we can make to show the kids the area.
Well, I don't really have much to write. We have today off so no real plans. Annette is out washing her sneakers, we call them canvass, I guess tennie runners is what I also called them when I was young. I've been trying to write more often here, but wonder if anyone is reading it. It would be fun to get some comments.
I was trying to add titles and labels, but they all end up in some asian script so make no sense to most of us, hey, maybe that would be a way to draw attention to my blog in another part of the world. I guess I'll try!
Have a great day and if you're a parent, think about how you can give great memories to your kids today. This morning Daniel needed A LOT of tickles, even before breakfast and now he's asking for me to read a Curious George book so bye for now! I thank God I have a little extra time for him today.
Dorthea
Sunday, April 26, 2009
GOD IS SOOOOO GOOD!
I have only a moment to write as there is no light and my battery is nearly dead, but these past days I have often been reminded of how great God is and wanted to share my thoughts with you.
These are very busy days; we have only about four and half weeks of school left and in about five weeks the kids and I will be visiting my family in America.
As busy as these next weeks are, I trust God will guide me to get everything done and still remind me to take time for myself.
As a teacher, and now even more so as a mother too, it is very easy to get busy taking care of everyone and forget to make sure I get a good night's sleep, allow myself to have a few moments of pleasure with a novel or a moment to gaze at the trees blowing in the wind or the welcome rain pouring down.
A few years ago we had thieves twice in a few months and after that I found myself having to begin each night sleeping with the children. I found that the extra sleep did wonders for my mindset and gave me more energy to be creative at school. Reading novels helps too; when my mind and soul are fed by novels or sharing in the Word I find it much easier to deal with challenges I meet in the classroom or at home.
I pray that, no matter how busy you find yourself and how much you feel you must do, that you too will take time to ponder on God's word, stare in wonder at His creation and just relish the gifts he provides and the many ways He shows His care and concern for you and those close to you. God is good! (At church the congregation always responds, "All the time!") May you fully enjoy God's goodness!
Dorthea
I have only a moment to write as there is no light and my battery is nearly dead, but these past days I have often been reminded of how great God is and wanted to share my thoughts with you.
These are very busy days; we have only about four and half weeks of school left and in about five weeks the kids and I will be visiting my family in America.
As busy as these next weeks are, I trust God will guide me to get everything done and still remind me to take time for myself.
As a teacher, and now even more so as a mother too, it is very easy to get busy taking care of everyone and forget to make sure I get a good night's sleep, allow myself to have a few moments of pleasure with a novel or a moment to gaze at the trees blowing in the wind or the welcome rain pouring down.
A few years ago we had thieves twice in a few months and after that I found myself having to begin each night sleeping with the children. I found that the extra sleep did wonders for my mindset and gave me more energy to be creative at school. Reading novels helps too; when my mind and soul are fed by novels or sharing in the Word I find it much easier to deal with challenges I meet in the classroom or at home.
I pray that, no matter how busy you find yourself and how much you feel you must do, that you too will take time to ponder on God's word, stare in wonder at His creation and just relish the gifts he provides and the many ways He shows His care and concern for you and those close to you. God is good! (At church the congregation always responds, "All the time!") May you fully enjoy God's goodness!
Dorthea
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
GOODBYES ARE NEVER EASY...
Progress reports are due on Monday, that means the quarter is running down and we only have about four weeks of teaching and then exams left. The last few weeks are always so full and stressful.
At a school like Hillcrest we not only have to deal with wrapping up the curriculum and have end-of-year activities like student council elections, awards ceremonies, and graduation itself, but we also have to deal with saying farewell to the graduating class and others that are leaving for good, or at least furlough.
I've only taught four years at Hillcrest, but goodbyes are never easy. In fact, I think saying goodbye is one of the hardest parts of being a missionary. First you have to say goodbye to family you leave behind and then there are frequent goodbyes on the mission field as other missionaries and their families are always coming and going.
Sometimes it makes it hard to want to get close to people, especially if they are only here a short time.
Marrying here, having my own family, and being part of Niger Wives, other women married to Nigerians, has made it easier, but I don't look forward to the next time one of my kids has to say goodbye to a special friend. I guess that's why I go through times of not wanting to reach out to people beyond my family and school, it's not easy to stretch oneself.
This week I am remembering the life of one of my Nigerian fathers, Dr. Rekab Bongi. Dr. Bongi died last week after being ill for some time. His wife was my principal and has been my Nigerian mother since I was teaching in a Lutheran Nigerian secondary school. When he retired from an administration post at a post-secondary training school they started a school for children of special needs, the first in the capital of Adamawa State. (This was in addition to the Lutheran Junior Seminary that Mrs. Bongi has run for over eleven years.) His leadership in that community will be sorely missed.
My husband will represent our family at the funeral. A part of me feels I should go, but mostly I am thankful that both my husband and Mrs. Bongi understand it is hard for me to get away. At the same time, I realize how easy it is to keep a degree of distance from the challenges of life and death in Nigeria. My work at Hillcrest allows me a kind of buffer from so many challenges people face here.
I believe that one day God will call my family back to work in Adamawa and I pray that I will be ready to face those challenges in a new way when the call is there; it can be very exhausting and the challenges are numerous. But at the moment, I am called to teach and disciple the students where I am and to see that our children have a chance to get a great education.
So for now, I deal with progress reports and saying goodbye to those God has called me to teach at Hillcrest. Next year there will be a great turnover of staff so I know that my being a source of continuity for my returning students and the school at-large is important.
I'd appreciate your thoughts and prayers during these next weeks. I have just recovered from a bout of malaria and we are at the beginning of rainy season and Nat and my husband Amson are both suffering from colds/allergies. Pray for our health and that God will see us through the end of the school year with its many year-end activities. Then, in the end of May we fly to US for almost two months to visit my mom and family in the Pacific Northwest. In the meantime, there is MUCH to do, both at school and to prepare for our travels!
Dorthea
Progress reports are due on Monday, that means the quarter is running down and we only have about four weeks of teaching and then exams left. The last few weeks are always so full and stressful.
At a school like Hillcrest we not only have to deal with wrapping up the curriculum and have end-of-year activities like student council elections, awards ceremonies, and graduation itself, but we also have to deal with saying farewell to the graduating class and others that are leaving for good, or at least furlough.
I've only taught four years at Hillcrest, but goodbyes are never easy. In fact, I think saying goodbye is one of the hardest parts of being a missionary. First you have to say goodbye to family you leave behind and then there are frequent goodbyes on the mission field as other missionaries and their families are always coming and going.
Sometimes it makes it hard to want to get close to people, especially if they are only here a short time.
Marrying here, having my own family, and being part of Niger Wives, other women married to Nigerians, has made it easier, but I don't look forward to the next time one of my kids has to say goodbye to a special friend. I guess that's why I go through times of not wanting to reach out to people beyond my family and school, it's not easy to stretch oneself.
This week I am remembering the life of one of my Nigerian fathers, Dr. Rekab Bongi. Dr. Bongi died last week after being ill for some time. His wife was my principal and has been my Nigerian mother since I was teaching in a Lutheran Nigerian secondary school. When he retired from an administration post at a post-secondary training school they started a school for children of special needs, the first in the capital of Adamawa State. (This was in addition to the Lutheran Junior Seminary that Mrs. Bongi has run for over eleven years.) His leadership in that community will be sorely missed.
My husband will represent our family at the funeral. A part of me feels I should go, but mostly I am thankful that both my husband and Mrs. Bongi understand it is hard for me to get away. At the same time, I realize how easy it is to keep a degree of distance from the challenges of life and death in Nigeria. My work at Hillcrest allows me a kind of buffer from so many challenges people face here.
I believe that one day God will call my family back to work in Adamawa and I pray that I will be ready to face those challenges in a new way when the call is there; it can be very exhausting and the challenges are numerous. But at the moment, I am called to teach and disciple the students where I am and to see that our children have a chance to get a great education.
So for now, I deal with progress reports and saying goodbye to those God has called me to teach at Hillcrest. Next year there will be a great turnover of staff so I know that my being a source of continuity for my returning students and the school at-large is important.
I'd appreciate your thoughts and prayers during these next weeks. I have just recovered from a bout of malaria and we are at the beginning of rainy season and Nat and my husband Amson are both suffering from colds/allergies. Pray for our health and that God will see us through the end of the school year with its many year-end activities. Then, in the end of May we fly to US for almost two months to visit my mom and family in the Pacific Northwest. In the meantime, there is MUCH to do, both at school and to prepare for our travels!
Dorthea
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Christ has Risen, He has Risen Indeed! I pray all reading this have had a blessed Easter.
I really enjoyed the service today. The pastor that preached is a former student of mine and shared a very strong message. One new thought he shared was about the rolling away of the stone.
He pointed out that the angel didn't roll the stone away to let Jesus out, Jesus had already risen. Instead the angel rolled the stone away so that the women could see for themselves that Jesus had risen.
I love the idea that after the angel rolled the stone away he then sat down on the stone and chatted with the women. He must have loved that moment. Not only was he probably thrilled to share the news with them, he also knew that by sharing the news first with them he was raising the level of women for all time to come. He even went on to tell them, the women, that they should go and report the news to the disciples. They were to tell the men! How revolutionary! To top it off, Jesus appeared to the women before he appeared to the men. Those women must have loved the honor and cherished those moments for the rest of their lives!
Another part of the service I really enjoyed today was how every time someone prayed, or before the gospel text or announcements were read, someone would begin a chorus of praise and everyone would join in...sometimes even with echoes or harmony! It was beautiful! Two lines that really jumped out for me were these...
"Jesus is Alive!...Though I may be tempted, there is no turning back!"
"You are more than people can conceive!"
Easter is a time of joy and I praise God for his great sacrifice for all of us!
My kids have had fun today too. Until this year we never had Easter Egg hunts, but my home church sent us an Easter care package some time ago and we managed to hold on to eight plastic eggs. First I hid them with some sweets inside for Annette and Daniel, then they hid them for me, then we hid them for their Aunt Kauna, Aunt Keziah and Uncle Pwakatti. After that we hid for Nat and Ephrim. Then they hid for Jide and David. It has been fun seeing them share the fun over and over again. We even had a few Swiss chocolates to hide that Pastor Musa, who works for the Lutheran World Federation in Switzerland brought last week. (The kids used to think he worked for a chocolate factory because he always brings chocolate when he comes to visit!)
I pray that your Easter has also been filled with moments of Easter Joy and that you too might rediscover the Joy of God's love for us over and over again.
Easter Blessings!
Dorthea
I really enjoyed the service today. The pastor that preached is a former student of mine and shared a very strong message. One new thought he shared was about the rolling away of the stone.
He pointed out that the angel didn't roll the stone away to let Jesus out, Jesus had already risen. Instead the angel rolled the stone away so that the women could see for themselves that Jesus had risen.
I love the idea that after the angel rolled the stone away he then sat down on the stone and chatted with the women. He must have loved that moment. Not only was he probably thrilled to share the news with them, he also knew that by sharing the news first with them he was raising the level of women for all time to come. He even went on to tell them, the women, that they should go and report the news to the disciples. They were to tell the men! How revolutionary! To top it off, Jesus appeared to the women before he appeared to the men. Those women must have loved the honor and cherished those moments for the rest of their lives!
Another part of the service I really enjoyed today was how every time someone prayed, or before the gospel text or announcements were read, someone would begin a chorus of praise and everyone would join in...sometimes even with echoes or harmony! It was beautiful! Two lines that really jumped out for me were these...
"Jesus is Alive!...Though I may be tempted, there is no turning back!"
"You are more than people can conceive!"
Easter is a time of joy and I praise God for his great sacrifice for all of us!
My kids have had fun today too. Until this year we never had Easter Egg hunts, but my home church sent us an Easter care package some time ago and we managed to hold on to eight plastic eggs. First I hid them with some sweets inside for Annette and Daniel, then they hid them for me, then we hid them for their Aunt Kauna, Aunt Keziah and Uncle Pwakatti. After that we hid for Nat and Ephrim. Then they hid for Jide and David. It has been fun seeing them share the fun over and over again. We even had a few Swiss chocolates to hide that Pastor Musa, who works for the Lutheran World Federation in Switzerland brought last week. (The kids used to think he worked for a chocolate factory because he always brings chocolate when he comes to visit!)
I pray that your Easter has also been filled with moments of Easter Joy and that you too might rediscover the Joy of God's love for us over and over again.
Easter Blessings!
Dorthea
Monday, March 30, 2009
"The Lord looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him..." Luke 22:61
This past year I've been part of a group going through the Beth Moore study "Jesus the One and Only". If you're not familiar with the study series, let me just say that they are as in depth as any Bible course.
Today my reading took me to the scene where Peter denied Jesus. It hit me hard how easy it is to deny Jesus, not just by what I say or do, but by what I don't say or do. That is where I fall the hardest; when no one is aware of my shortcuts or temptation to relax with a few more minutes of TV, one more chapter in the book I'm reading and so on.
During a baptism yesterday at church I was also reminded that as a parent, I am not the only one that is impacted by my relationship with God, my children and those that live with us are also impacted. Above all, it is my children that see what I do, or do not do. Above all they are the ones that hear my harsh words or are touched by the effects of the stress I encounter. It hits me hard when I consider the challenge to keep my relationship with God on track, but when I also see how it relates to the rest of my household and those I encounter throughout the day then it hits me even harder.
As a Christian I have to remember that, as Max Lucado writes, "It's not about me." In today's world, especially in the West, that is a very radical statement. Even from Nigeria, the belief that I "deserve" certain things in life, or the idea I might "deserve" an outcome, like a job promotion, to be in my favor are the norm.
Lent is nearly over and Easter is right around the corner so it is a good time to examine how we each deny the cross in a variety of ways. Let us not be guilty of putting ourselves before God or God's will. Let us not be guilty of giving anyone we meet during the day cause to wonder whether or not we are Christians or do assume that we support an idea or attitude that is not of God.
In the end, it is so reassuring that, just as Peter discovered, Jesus does not abandon us when we forsake him. He knows the limitations of our humanity and understands that we are often so hardheaded that we have to learn some lessons many times in the course of our lives. Thankfully, He is always waiting for us to call on His divine intervention and lean on Him even more; He will even carry us if only we ask!
May you too recognize that accepting our human limitations does not deny who we are, but opens up the possibility to become who God envisions us to be!
Have a blessed day!
Dorthea
This past year I've been part of a group going through the Beth Moore study "Jesus the One and Only". If you're not familiar with the study series, let me just say that they are as in depth as any Bible course.
Today my reading took me to the scene where Peter denied Jesus. It hit me hard how easy it is to deny Jesus, not just by what I say or do, but by what I don't say or do. That is where I fall the hardest; when no one is aware of my shortcuts or temptation to relax with a few more minutes of TV, one more chapter in the book I'm reading and so on.
During a baptism yesterday at church I was also reminded that as a parent, I am not the only one that is impacted by my relationship with God, my children and those that live with us are also impacted. Above all, it is my children that see what I do, or do not do. Above all they are the ones that hear my harsh words or are touched by the effects of the stress I encounter. It hits me hard when I consider the challenge to keep my relationship with God on track, but when I also see how it relates to the rest of my household and those I encounter throughout the day then it hits me even harder.
As a Christian I have to remember that, as Max Lucado writes, "It's not about me." In today's world, especially in the West, that is a very radical statement. Even from Nigeria, the belief that I "deserve" certain things in life, or the idea I might "deserve" an outcome, like a job promotion, to be in my favor are the norm.
Lent is nearly over and Easter is right around the corner so it is a good time to examine how we each deny the cross in a variety of ways. Let us not be guilty of putting ourselves before God or God's will. Let us not be guilty of giving anyone we meet during the day cause to wonder whether or not we are Christians or do assume that we support an idea or attitude that is not of God.
In the end, it is so reassuring that, just as Peter discovered, Jesus does not abandon us when we forsake him. He knows the limitations of our humanity and understands that we are often so hardheaded that we have to learn some lessons many times in the course of our lives. Thankfully, He is always waiting for us to call on His divine intervention and lean on Him even more; He will even carry us if only we ask!
May you too recognize that accepting our human limitations does not deny who we are, but opens up the possibility to become who God envisions us to be!
Have a blessed day!
Dorthea
Friday, March 27, 2009
SpringBreak
It's funny how we anticapate something like a holiday and then it comes and before we hardly realize it, it is over! Our break from school was only ten days, and now there are only three left. Since I'm a teacher, I'm already thinking about the marking I hope to make a bigger dent in, reading to do, a paper teachers are expected to submit, and lessons to think about.
It's a good thing I'm trying to give up on stressing out, or I'd be climbing a tree by now.
Last month I felt like I was still dealing with crisis issues, but then I finally got around to having a debriefing and realized how much God has guided my life over the years and, amazingly, a few people have noted how much more calm I am or to ask me for advice on living in Nigeria!
Now that I've reached my mid 40's, I feel like I am finally dealing with today, today (as we say here, that means, the here and now). Tomorrow is there waiting, and being prepared for things like retirement is a wise thing to aim for, but I'm finally at that stage where I am happy with where I am in life.
I don't have to stress about finishing school like my high school students, I don't have to worry about furthering my education like the young adults around me, I don't have to worry about finding a husband (God sent me a great man!), I don't have to worry about having babies (I trust that stage has past!), I enjoy guiding my own children through their stages, but don't want to rush them...I enjoy my career (any change there is up to God) and so on...
Oh, don't get me wrong, I still struggle with issues and students at school, I still shout at my kids sometimes and I still struggle with housekeeping, getting to school on time and meeting various deadlines, but seeing God's hand in my life is a great gift and is a great stress reducer!
I pray that God is revealing Himself to you too and that His hand is visible in your life. If you can't quite see it, try meeting him more often. Hearing God takes time, and the best way to hear him better is by taking more time to listen to His voice in His word, in prayer and in fellowship with other seeking Christians.
Take time to open your eyes and your ears!
Dorthea
It's a good thing I'm trying to give up on stressing out, or I'd be climbing a tree by now.
Last month I felt like I was still dealing with crisis issues, but then I finally got around to having a debriefing and realized how much God has guided my life over the years and, amazingly, a few people have noted how much more calm I am or to ask me for advice on living in Nigeria!
Now that I've reached my mid 40's, I feel like I am finally dealing with today, today (as we say here, that means, the here and now). Tomorrow is there waiting, and being prepared for things like retirement is a wise thing to aim for, but I'm finally at that stage where I am happy with where I am in life.
I don't have to stress about finishing school like my high school students, I don't have to worry about furthering my education like the young adults around me, I don't have to worry about finding a husband (God sent me a great man!), I don't have to worry about having babies (I trust that stage has past!), I enjoy guiding my own children through their stages, but don't want to rush them...I enjoy my career (any change there is up to God) and so on...
Oh, don't get me wrong, I still struggle with issues and students at school, I still shout at my kids sometimes and I still struggle with housekeeping, getting to school on time and meeting various deadlines, but seeing God's hand in my life is a great gift and is a great stress reducer!
I pray that God is revealing Himself to you too and that His hand is visible in your life. If you can't quite see it, try meeting him more often. Hearing God takes time, and the best way to hear him better is by taking more time to listen to His voice in His word, in prayer and in fellowship with other seeking Christians.
Take time to open your eyes and your ears!
Dorthea
Friday, February 20, 2009
Life Goes On...
Not really much to write. I have been busy with school, family, Facebook, travelling to the village, managing life while my husband travels in and out of the country and haven't had time to focus on blogging...
Through it all we had one more rumor of possible trouble, but life has stayed peaceful.
One thing that I am trying to work on for school is a required paper on Christian Education. Over the past few years we have read five books and now have to write a kind of summary paper. I've only begun to think about what I've learned, but was reviewing my notes the other day and came across that I don't remember before.
One book suggested that we should teach (live)knowing that we stand in as a proxy for Jesus. That kind of blew me away. It is both an honor and a great challenge to teach and act in a way that mirrors how I think Christ might teach and act. I know I fall so short of how he might lead my class, but I pray that my students can see glimpses of him in what I do and say.
In spite of the challenge, or perhaps partly because of it, I am enjoying life these days. Oh, life certainly has its ups and downs, but God has kept my family and I safe and healthy in all our travels and continues to watch over us and for that I am very thankful. May you too enjoy God's blessings, great and small, in your life!
Dorthea
Not really much to write. I have been busy with school, family, Facebook, travelling to the village, managing life while my husband travels in and out of the country and haven't had time to focus on blogging...
Through it all we had one more rumor of possible trouble, but life has stayed peaceful.
One thing that I am trying to work on for school is a required paper on Christian Education. Over the past few years we have read five books and now have to write a kind of summary paper. I've only begun to think about what I've learned, but was reviewing my notes the other day and came across that I don't remember before.
One book suggested that we should teach (live)knowing that we stand in as a proxy for Jesus. That kind of blew me away. It is both an honor and a great challenge to teach and act in a way that mirrors how I think Christ might teach and act. I know I fall so short of how he might lead my class, but I pray that my students can see glimpses of him in what I do and say.
In spite of the challenge, or perhaps partly because of it, I am enjoying life these days. Oh, life certainly has its ups and downs, but God has kept my family and I safe and healthy in all our travels and continues to watch over us and for that I am very thankful. May you too enjoy God's blessings, great and small, in your life!
Dorthea
Friday, January 30, 2009
Peace
And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
These past few days in Jos we have had rumors of more violence. It resurfaced some of my fears and motivated me to be more ready in the midst of it.
Yet it was still a challenge to focus on the tasks demanding my attention. As I sat at my desk in my classroom, trying to focus on marking papers before my next lesson, I had to stop and pray; then this verse came to mind.
The passage begins with, "Rejoice in the Lord always...have no anxiety about anything..." and ends with the verse above. In the past it was the other verses that claimed my attention, but with the rumors flying the words of peace were given new meaning.
I remember hearing a story when I first arrived in Nigeria on the heels of a similar crisis that hit Kano in 1990. One of the missionaries gave the following account. After the crisis he met a Muslim that he had known for some time and asked him about the crisis. The man admitted that they had been on their way to burn down his compound when they had turned and saw smoke rising as if it was already burning. It wasn't until the fighting had stopped that they realized otherwise.
This story has prompted me to pray for angels with flaming swords to stand on our compound walls and provide similar protection. I am realizing more and more that God can deliver peace in ways that no human mind can understand.
As humans, we want to retaliate. Even people who have preached peace begin to say, "It is enough!" Some churches have been burned several times over the years. When destruction and loss of life has no rhyme or reason it becomes harder to preach peace and yet we have to remember that God's ways are not the world's ways.
These days I pray more and more for this kind of peace. I don't need to understand it, but I do claim it!
I saw another need for this kind of prayer yesterday when one student came in full of anger, annoyance, and frustration claiming he was going to quit school before he hurt someone! It is so easy to fall into traps of anger when we feel slighted or misunderstood. I pray for God's peace to enter the heart of my student too. May you too join me in my prayer for God's peace wherever and whenever you see the need for it.
Oh, soon I have my next women's fellowship meeting. We were only five last week, but again the bonds of connection were made stronger as we realized none of us had ever been in a church group like it. I had thought it was only me! I will share this message with them today and pray that it will also strengthen them and give them a sense of calm and hope in our city Jos.
These past few days in Jos we have had rumors of more violence. It resurfaced some of my fears and motivated me to be more ready in the midst of it.
Yet it was still a challenge to focus on the tasks demanding my attention. As I sat at my desk in my classroom, trying to focus on marking papers before my next lesson, I had to stop and pray; then this verse came to mind.
The passage begins with, "Rejoice in the Lord always...have no anxiety about anything..." and ends with the verse above. In the past it was the other verses that claimed my attention, but with the rumors flying the words of peace were given new meaning.
I remember hearing a story when I first arrived in Nigeria on the heels of a similar crisis that hit Kano in 1990. One of the missionaries gave the following account. After the crisis he met a Muslim that he had known for some time and asked him about the crisis. The man admitted that they had been on their way to burn down his compound when they had turned and saw smoke rising as if it was already burning. It wasn't until the fighting had stopped that they realized otherwise.
This story has prompted me to pray for angels with flaming swords to stand on our compound walls and provide similar protection. I am realizing more and more that God can deliver peace in ways that no human mind can understand.
As humans, we want to retaliate. Even people who have preached peace begin to say, "It is enough!" Some churches have been burned several times over the years. When destruction and loss of life has no rhyme or reason it becomes harder to preach peace and yet we have to remember that God's ways are not the world's ways.
These days I pray more and more for this kind of peace. I don't need to understand it, but I do claim it!
I saw another need for this kind of prayer yesterday when one student came in full of anger, annoyance, and frustration claiming he was going to quit school before he hurt someone! It is so easy to fall into traps of anger when we feel slighted or misunderstood. I pray for God's peace to enter the heart of my student too. May you too join me in my prayer for God's peace wherever and whenever you see the need for it.
Oh, soon I have my next women's fellowship meeting. We were only five last week, but again the bonds of connection were made stronger as we realized none of us had ever been in a church group like it. I had thought it was only me! I will share this message with them today and pray that it will also strengthen them and give them a sense of calm and hope in our city Jos.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
GOING OUT OF THE BOX
Today I joined the Women's Fellowship gourp in the Nigerian church. After almost thirteen years of being married here, it is high time I did, but it never felt right until now.
The church we attend now is a fairly new congregation and the only one in the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria that uses English alone for worship services and meetings. The combination and the new congregation and not having to deal with the language challenges makes me interested this time. So when one of the older women challenged us to finally form the group, it seemed right.
There are several other factors that also help make it seem right. First of all, God has been sending me several reminders these past years that I need to strengthen my committment to my local church and make attendence and involvement a bigger issue.
Another factor is that several of the other women, we are only eight at the moment, are also professional women who are very busy with work so I can't use my own work as an excuse this time around.
Plus, it really helps that we can all speak English and have post secondary education. I think I can connect with these women.
At the same time I am a bit nervous. We are planning to meet every Saturday from 8:45-10:00 AM. I am fortunate that we meet very close by so it is just a short walk to the meetings, but I have liked not having to rush off on Saturday mornings!
No matter, I think I am ready for this part of my Nigerian journey and God has been preparing me for this for two or three years so I am ready as I'll ever be.
Stretchin myslef out also makes me a little nervous, but I have to trust God that it will be a good experience. This makes three fellowship groups I am in. One that meets after school is also every week, but the other is one Saturday a month.I'll keep you posted about how the group is.
I guess I am a little excited. My question for you today is to ask YOU how God is challenging you to stretch your committment in the larger Christian family. Are you accepting His challenge????? If so, I pray God will give you courage and bring many blessings your way!
Dorthea
Today I joined the Women's Fellowship gourp in the Nigerian church. After almost thirteen years of being married here, it is high time I did, but it never felt right until now.
The church we attend now is a fairly new congregation and the only one in the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria that uses English alone for worship services and meetings. The combination and the new congregation and not having to deal with the language challenges makes me interested this time. So when one of the older women challenged us to finally form the group, it seemed right.
There are several other factors that also help make it seem right. First of all, God has been sending me several reminders these past years that I need to strengthen my committment to my local church and make attendence and involvement a bigger issue.
Another factor is that several of the other women, we are only eight at the moment, are also professional women who are very busy with work so I can't use my own work as an excuse this time around.
Plus, it really helps that we can all speak English and have post secondary education. I think I can connect with these women.
At the same time I am a bit nervous. We are planning to meet every Saturday from 8:45-10:00 AM. I am fortunate that we meet very close by so it is just a short walk to the meetings, but I have liked not having to rush off on Saturday mornings!
No matter, I think I am ready for this part of my Nigerian journey and God has been preparing me for this for two or three years so I am ready as I'll ever be.
Stretchin myslef out also makes me a little nervous, but I have to trust God that it will be a good experience. This makes three fellowship groups I am in. One that meets after school is also every week, but the other is one Saturday a month.I'll keep you posted about how the group is.
I guess I am a little excited. My question for you today is to ask YOU how God is challenging you to stretch your committment in the larger Christian family. Are you accepting His challenge????? If so, I pray God will give you courage and bring many blessings your way!
Dorthea
Friday, January 9, 2009
Back in Jos
There are many titles I could use for today's blog, Had I been able to change they type setting in the title I would have called this,
"Afraid?" Give it to God...
Earlier this week I was contemplating our return to Jos and the tears started falling. As is often the case, it was late at night and everyone else was fast asleep so it was just me and God.
I had been reading a book by Lori Wick, Every Storm and was reminded of God's steadfastness. "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold in my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 The passage goes on to describe those that might be after us and the writer offers shouts of joy knowing that, "he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble..." verse 5a.
Claiming these verses gave me peace. That idea of peace continues to be on the forefront of my mind and I can see it is on the mind of many.
How many are not living in peace right now? My husband is hoping to travel to Israel soon; as I write this I hear the news of Israel and Palestine. I pray for peace there.
I have not been following much news lately, but I read that in my home state there are many fearing floods; the elements too can create fear in our hearts.
Life is so unpredictable that I am reassured to seek peace and protection in God's shelter. I have always felt I could trust God with my life and He has so often given me courage, I should say, COURAGE! I have put him to the test so many times in the past years, not just the eighteen that I have spent in Nigeria, but even as a child when life's challenges seemed too great for me, He was there reminding me of the price he paid on Calvary and that if He could rise up from the cross, I too can rise up from whatever happens to me.
There is a lot of Peace in the Promise of His Love! Sharing love can bring a lot of peace, but persnally Knowing the Source of that Love clears the worry and stress that tries to cloud my vision. When my tears stop falling and my vision clears, His Presence is always clearer and I thank and praise Him for the assurance He offers. God is Peace and through Jesus Christ there is joy no matter what happens to us!
May you too know His Peace and Trust His Steadfastness!
Dorthea
"Afraid?" Give it to God...
Earlier this week I was contemplating our return to Jos and the tears started falling. As is often the case, it was late at night and everyone else was fast asleep so it was just me and God.
I had been reading a book by Lori Wick, Every Storm and was reminded of God's steadfastness. "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold in my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 The passage goes on to describe those that might be after us and the writer offers shouts of joy knowing that, "he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble..." verse 5a.
Claiming these verses gave me peace. That idea of peace continues to be on the forefront of my mind and I can see it is on the mind of many.
How many are not living in peace right now? My husband is hoping to travel to Israel soon; as I write this I hear the news of Israel and Palestine. I pray for peace there.
I have not been following much news lately, but I read that in my home state there are many fearing floods; the elements too can create fear in our hearts.
Life is so unpredictable that I am reassured to seek peace and protection in God's shelter. I have always felt I could trust God with my life and He has so often given me courage, I should say, COURAGE! I have put him to the test so many times in the past years, not just the eighteen that I have spent in Nigeria, but even as a child when life's challenges seemed too great for me, He was there reminding me of the price he paid on Calvary and that if He could rise up from the cross, I too can rise up from whatever happens to me.
There is a lot of Peace in the Promise of His Love! Sharing love can bring a lot of peace, but persnally Knowing the Source of that Love clears the worry and stress that tries to cloud my vision. When my tears stop falling and my vision clears, His Presence is always clearer and I thank and praise Him for the assurance He offers. God is Peace and through Jesus Christ there is joy no matter what happens to us!
May you too know His Peace and Trust His Steadfastness!
Dorthea
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