Back at Sakeji

Waking up this morning back at Sakeji in my own bed was a little strange. It took me a few seconds to figure out which home I was in! Everything was so familiar, but I wasn't really used to it at the same time!

Anyway, we've made it back safe and sound. The trip was very long, but very smooth. It's the first time traveling between the states and Zambia where I didn't have any delays, any missing luggage, or any stressful layovers. Immigration in Lusaka was pleasant, and for the first time in the Lusaka airport, I wasn't the last person to get out of the baggage claim! 

We took a small flight up to Solwezi, waited about two hours for our ride, and then traveled up to Sakeji, a six hour drive. So smooth, and I'm grateful to finally be finished traveling. 

The month of August at home in the states was a wonderful time. I enjoyed spending so much time with Chris and family, and got to do just about everything on my list while at home. 

Next step, term three! My prayer is to stay very focused, and keep my head in the game for my last term. Sarah, my sister, is here as well, and I'd really love for this term to be a good time for us both. 

Another Mr. and Mrs. Garcia

Today I got a new sister in law! They are so happy, it is an easy thing to share in their happiness.

Chris and I are the next ones up! Neither of us can wait for our special day!

Sometimes He Calms the Storm...

All who sail the sea of faith

Find out before too long

How quickly blue skies can grow dark

And gentle winds grow strong

Suddenly fear is like white water

Pounding on the soul

Still we sail on knowing

That our Lord is in control

Sometimes He calms the storm

With a whispered "Peace be still"

He can settle any sea

But it doesn't mean He will

Sometimes He holds us close

And lets the winds and waves go wild

Sometimes He calms the storm

And other times He calms His child

He has a reason for each trial

That we pass through in life

And though we're shaken

We cannot be pulled apart from Christ

No matter how the driving rain beats down

On those who hold to faith

A heart of trust will always 

Be a quiet peaceful place.

~Scott Krippayne

Lessons from a rooster

You'll probably observe that I'm not a farm girl from this post, but I did learn some cool things about a certain farm animal today. 

I was over at the Blue's house, and while Chris and I were cleaning the algae out from the bottom of their pool I noticed the very interesting and peculiar behavior of their rooster. Now, I love chickens, and my family has owned chickens many times over the years, but we've never owned a rooster. For all I knew, a rooster's only jobs were to "cock-a-doodle-doo" all day long, and make it possible for the eggs to hatch into baby chickens. Well, I was wrong. 

The hens were wandering all over the yard, when all of the sudden I noticed that the rooster came running out, rounded them all up in a matter of minutes, and they all went running into the wooded area together. When I noted what I'd seen to Chris he explained that there was probably a hawk nearby and the rooster was protecting the hens, and warning them to go to a safer place using a certain type of noise! About a minute later I noticed a hawk flying overhead! Intriguing. Chris and I went on to talk about roosters, and he mentioned a couple other facts, such as how roosters will break up hen fights, make sure the hens know where the food is, let them eat more than himself, and keep them all safe. 

Roosters are very busy, always on the lookout for the hens, and putting the hens first. When a fox goes after a group of chickens it will always go after the rooster first, because then the hens don't know what to do! And get this, the hens listen to the rooster, and somehow understand that he's the big boss, and that his warnings and commands are for their own good!

Now, God is really, really cool and amazing, but somehow every time I find out about something like this it makes me once again really in awe of God's creation and wisdom, and the incredible instincts that He has put into His creatures. 

The rooster shows me such a perfect picture of what a husband ought to be like, although I'll admit, it's more flattering to compare Chris to a rooster than myself to a hen!

Awesome passage

I love the Lord, because He has heard
My voice and my supplications. 
Because He has inclined His ear to me, 
Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.

The pains of death surrounded me,
And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me;
I found trouble and sorrow.
Then I called upon the name of the Lord:
"Oh Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!"

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
Yes, our God is merciful.
The Lord preserves the simple;
I was brought low, and He saved me.
Return to your rest, O my soul,
For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

For You have delivered my soul from death,
My eyes from tears,
And my feet from falling.
I will walk before the Lord
In the land of the living.
I believed, therefore I spoke,
"I am greatly afflicted."
I said in my haste, 
"All men are liars."

What shall I render to the Lord
For all His benefits towards me?
I will take up the cup of salvation, 
And call upon the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord
Now in the presence of His people.

Precious in the sight of the Lord
Is the death of His saints.

O Lord, truly I am Your servant;
I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant;
You have loosed my bonds.
I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
And will call upon the name of the Lord.

I will pay my vows to the Lord
Now in the presence of all His people,
In the courts of the Lord's house,
In the midst of you, O Jerusalem.

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 116 (NKJV)

I read this passage a few days ago in my quiet time, and am amazed to see how it has been fitting in some of my present circumstances. There are so many incredible promises here...it once again causes me to wonder how can people live without the Lord?

Jumping back into life at home

Well, being home has been pretty good so far. I've experienced a few missionary moments which have left me feeling like I don't really fit back into America, but those moments have been pretty rare, for which I am very thankful! 

I'm settled in now, over jet-lag, and not in school mode where I'm constantly listening for the school bell to ring and tell me where I'm supposed to be. 

Life is good, it's wonderful to be on break!

Camping in the beautiful Hudson Valley!

Catching up with my nephews!!!

Chris and I slaughtered our family's turkeys one day. Exciting date!

Somehow....

     Seven months ago I kissed Chris goodbye in the airport. We knew that it would be a really long time till we saw each other again, and lots of things had to happen before then. It was a difficult moment, and I remember thinking, "As soon as I walk through security I'm going to burst into tears." But I didn't. As soon as I walked through security God gave me this huge sense of peace, letting me know that what I was doing was the right (although very hard!) thing, and that Sakeji was the place for me for now.

     So now, as I sit here, completely done with second term (having finished up all my school work and deadlines, cleaned and locked up my classroom), I can't believe that somehow time has passed, and somehow this oh so very long separation is going to come to an end (for a month anyway). Somehow the first two terms of my last year at Sakeji are done, and somehow I am on my way home to visit and catch up with everyone for the month of August. Somehow there are only three more months where Chris and I have to make a bi-continental relationship work, and somehow I am going to be ready at the end of third term to say goodbye, pack up my life, and head home to get married to an amazing guy. 

     Today I need to start (yes start!) packing for my trip home, which begins early tomorrow morning. It will be a couple of days before I'm all the way to NY, but on Sunday afternoon (Lord willing) I will be in my fiance's arms again, getting a long awaited (and very sweet) kiss......somehow.