Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Petra

If you run
He will chase you

Because he is the Lord


I just went to Petra, Jordan and the Red Sea for the Coptic Easter break.

Petra is quite possibly the most breathtaking place I have ever been. (my pictures do not give it justice.)


It is in these places that I am broken, and the posture of my heart is reevaluated and humbly put back in it's correct position of humility and gratitude.




I am thankful, no matter how difficult the process of learning these things is, that God continues to break and rebuild me so that I can become more like Him.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Food Crisis

There were labor protests on Sunday.
This is part of the reason why:

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L04040332.htm

This isn't even about Egypt... but it's probably good to compare and understand the huge hunger crisis that is occurring in different parts of the world.

http://www.reuters.com/news/globalcoverage/agflation

Monday, March 24, 2008

23

I turned 23 on March 13th and after having a wonderful time in the desert cooking out, I met my parents and Tessa in Germany for spring break.

It snowed.



And it was green.



And now I'm back in Cairo and it was 99 degrees today.

Spring

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
- Psalms 100: 1-2

My favorite thing about spring is everyone's humming at work.




I know this picture is not in focus -- but look how small our kitchen is.

Monday, March 3, 2008

The Ancient Food Pyramid

Today at THW:

"Why do you think they made it a food pyramid?"
- "Because we're in Egypt"
"Why do you think they made it a pyramid in America?"
- "Because they love Egypt so much."

So next time you see a food pyramid, remember how much you love Egypt.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Spring retreat: The Western Desert

For those of you who were wondering what you do in the desert for 3 days...













Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Hope



A couple weeks ago I was teaching and the florescent light decided it wanted to be a strobe light for an hour until it finally blew out. It made this ridiculously loud bang and well, I screamed. The kids just looked at me and I laughed, but they didn't budge. They actually didn't even laugh at me. They just looked up to ask how to spell the next word.

Nothing phases these kids. They are the embodiment of expectation. They expect lights to blow up, they expect me to look like an idiot and try to make them jump around, they expect to come to class and to learn.
My girls are the same way with God. They expect Him to work in monumental ways, to move mountains, to restore their health. And, they're not surprised when it happens.

I have really been seeing that when I expect and humbly ask for things, it not only allows me to see His work, but it allows Him to do even more amazing things.

I've been praying that the confidence in the girls that I work with and the kids I teach is built up. And every day I can see it happening. At school, I have one kid who two weeks ago wouldn't talk to me or look at me and this week he was reading and answering questions. The girls, who complain about walking five minutes to work, spend an hour doing aerobics with me (or at least sort of). They're each making choices, and make sure that they're teaching me things.

When I expect things, and ask humbly for them, I'm prepared for things to shift, I'm prepared for God to provide in extreme amounts, and I'm not shocked. I don't scream. I'm not surprised. It's then I can best live (or try to) with a thankful heart, continuously praising and glorifying Him.