“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5: 17
I am thankful that today is the last day of November. No more daily postings from me!!!
I learned a few things about myself along the way….a can post something everyday….I shouldn’t post something everyday…..I don’t want to post something every day.
I pray that tomorrow’s December will bring freedom.
Bryan’s grandparents live on a 900 acre ranch in Lampasas, TX. We have enjoyed walking the land each day that we’ve been here. Here are some photos of our hike along the dry creek bed yesterday.
Isaac and Graham
Hiking
A little bit of creek water left!
Me and the boys
I’ve suffered from malaria, my husband has too. Two of my children have had the disease numerous times. The other child only twice. Each time a family member was stricken with the parasite, a mild panic would set in….can I get the medicine to them in time? Thankfully, the answer was yes. I had access to the latest and best antimalarial drugs. To me, the drug’s cost was a non-issue- a low price to pay for a cure. However, I was exception in the country where I lived. Many, many, of my friends and acquaintances have suffered from the disease so many times that it effects their abilities to work thus their ability to earn a living to support their families. In the villages that Bryan worked he would often bring home report of babies dying from the disease. We helped many people with medicines and information, but it was not enough to stop this monster of a disease.
I read an enlightening article yesterday in National Geographic about malaria that I want to share with you. It answered a lot of questions that I’ve had over the years about the disease. Of course, it’s a very long article! But, I believe well worth your time and energy to read it. Stamp out malaria!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
We are in Lampasas, Tx celebrating the big day with Bryan’s grandparents, a few cousins and an uncle. This is our first Thanksgiving since we left for Togo in 2000. So, my thoughts are going back to the Togo Thanksgiving dinners. They will always be very special memories. Here are a few highlights.
Blessings to you!!!
How are the (fill-in-the-blank) doing? This is one of those questions that as a missionary I always asked about other missionaries. Mostly because I cared and was genuinely concerned for their welfare. But, I will admit that after a missionary left the field I was very curious to how well the family was adjusting to life in the US. Inevitably, the news that so-and-so was “struggling” always seemed to surface. I resolved not to be one of those people who struggles with readjustment. Why? Probably pride. I don’t want to appear like I can’t manage stress. The funny thing is that if you know me well, it’s obvious that I am imperfect. So, it’s time to officially announce that I am struggling.
I am beyond ready to be settled. I am overwhelmed with homeschooling. One of my sons has regular meltdowns over reading and I am finding it hard to cope with. I learned two weeks ago that he is 2 years behind where he should be. Bryan and I seem to be on completely different pages concerning what kind of job he should pursue. I am trying to find the balance between expressing my thoughts and feelings and being demanding of my own way. It’s hard. I swing from one emotional extreme to the next. We have been back in the States for 6 months now. We have been in our temporary home for 2 months. I want to hang pictures and unpack the rest of my trunks. But, I don’t know how long we will be here. (It goes on an on….)
I am praying so fervently that God will reveal to me his desire for our family. I am praying for God to strengthen my bond with Bryan. I am praying for my attitude to straighten out. I am digging deep to figure out what the heck in going on in my heart! I am asking for you to pray along with me.
The continent of Africa and the people of Africa will always be topics that intrigue me and touch my heart. For those of you who know me, that comes as no surprise. Having lived in Togo for 8 years and witnessing first hand the daily life of my Togolese brothers and sisters, I have come to many of my own conclusions on why Africa is the way Africa is. And don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of good things about the place. But, there is obviously something wrong when most people don’t have access to clean water, basic health care and working your body into the ground is no guarantee that you will have food for your family. These facts are on my mind most days even when I am walking around a beautiful place like Garden of the Gods. While we were there 3 powerful and graceful military jets were flying overhead. I commented to Bryan, “It’s amazing to me that we humans have figured out how to fly, but we can’t figure out how to meet everyone’s basic need for clean water.” Since I’ve been back in the States, it’s easy for me to temporarily forget the plight of my fellow man in favor of entertaining myself. However, I have not forgotten. I pray daily for guidance in figuring out my role in all of this. I pray daily for change.
Here is an article that I read this morning. I found it insightful and informative and in line with many of my thoughts. What do you think? BBC ARTICLE
It’s been one of those days. Bryan and I have both felt overwhelmed and exhausted all day long. We still have so many hills to climb before we are settled and we are worn out. I could go into details, but I don’t have the energy tonight. Please keep us in your prayers.
We are safely back in Dallas after a very long drive! I am happy to report that the trip went well with only a few incidences of misbehavior. The boys are very good travelers due to the hellish trips we put them through in West Africa!
I am glad that it’s the last week in November. I’m sick of posting something every day. It’s just not my blogging style. Please remind me NOT to participate in NoBloPoMo next year!
We had a fantastic time at the Coldplay concert last night! Bryan and I enjoyed walking around downtown Denver and eating at the Rock Bottom Brewery before the concert began. The concert itself didn’t begin until 9:15 pm. We had to endure two bands before we heard the real thing!!! It was worth the wait and Coldplay did not disappoint. They played nearly all of my favorite songs. I especially enjoyed Speed of Sound and Viva la Vida. Tomorrow, we drive 13 hours back to Dallas!!!
It’s over. C’est fini.
It’s been a great 2 weeks. However, I am ready to get back to my own space. We are headed out the door for our concert. I will report on it tomorrow. I hope you have a great Friday night!
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