Far Away But Not Forgotten

"Africa is amazing. Africa is a million and one things. It is a land of contradictions, and a land of great controversy. Africa is more diverse than any other place on the planet. It has experienced the greatest combination of foreign thievery and foreign goodwill. It is plagued with individuals who are hurting, dirty, and dying. It is plagued with rich leaders. It is strong, joyful and resilient. Africa is filled to the brim with song, dance and soccer. It fills you lungs with life with every burnt breath. It fills your eyes with tears with every sight. The sun blazes, the rain pours. It has more sky than your eyes could possibly take in. Africa is humbling. Africa rips the heart out of your chest and buries it in the rich red soil, knowing that you will someday return, to see the growth. And there is no doubt it will grow. Africa is dangerous, welcoming, and addictive. It is prosperous. It is poor. It is all too overwhelming. Africa knows the value of friendship. Time is not money in Africa. And money goes a long way. Africa holds a mirror up to your soul -- letting you see all your selfish desires, and not letting go, until you're completely broken." ~Invisible Children



Lord, may my life continue to be shaped by the time You gave me in Africa. Open eyes and hearts to the needs and suffering of its precious people. Restore the African land and its people and draw them to Yourself through the ministry of Your devoted servants. Bring comfort and a sense of peace to the people of Africa as they struggle and fight for the kinds of lives we take for granted. For Your glory, Amen.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas, too, I guess. Sorry, guys. I've been slacking.

oh, and before anything else, I'd like to say...
CONGRATULATIONS TO CATE LARSEN AND BEN BRYAN!
and
CONGRATULATIONS TO JOY HENDRICKS AND SETH BAKER!
I'm *so* excited for you all!

And I'd like to report that winter break is going well, mostly.
What have I been up to?

Well...
My grandma's funeral.
Time with my mom and grandpa.
Lots of reading and re-reading, mostly C.S. Lewis and some Elisabeth Elliot, by recommendation.
Working again as a sales associate at my favorite little red-doored store in the world!
Not finishing my Christmas shopping.
Talking and writing to my boy. Not enough.
Sleeping. Enough.
Playing euchre and solitaire. Too much.
Traveling across the state for a birthday surprise and Christmas/New Year's party with the extended fam.
Watching movies and making daquaries with a friend at her house for New Year's Eve.
Looking forward to a much-anticipated trip to Pennsylvania, to see Christopher and his family!

January 3rd-8th, HERE I COME!!!

I hope you all are enjoying a lovely holiday and are blessed with all good things this New Year!
Love!