SUMMER SUMMARY

This summer was set up to be one of the most memorable summers I have ever experienced. It unfolded that way, in positive and negative. To get the negative out of the way I must mention that my second trip to Wrigley and first since I was ten didn't happen because of the train mix up as previously recorded. The Ben Folds concert didn't happen because it rained. Bummer.
There was much more positive action, however. I got to spend 27 days in Africa. It was an incredible experience. I got to learn a new culture and create friendships that otherwise would not have happened. Not long after Zambia, I attended church camp with Sycamore View. This was a wonderful experience and a great venue to create and deepen some relationships with people at church. I did have to go to school for a bit, but the class was one of my favorite classes I have had in grad school, so even school was a pleasure. Erin and I celebrated 3 years of marriage in July, but not in Chicago like we were planning.
My last summer as a student (probably) was a good one.

ZAMBIA STORY 2

The second Zambia story I told was an example of how well Erin related to the children there. The Zambians on our medical team scheduled a football (soccer) game against a local Zambian team. A few of us Americans played in the game and several more watched the game, including Erin. Also among the spectators were several Zambian children. One child in particular took to Erin. He was about 5 or 6 years old and drifted over to where she was sitting. He walked right up next to her, then climbed in her lap. Before she knew it he was comfortably resting against her shoulder, just as relaxed as can be. It was really neat to see her interact with the children so well.

ZAMBIA STORY

Yesterday Erin and I were give the opportunity to tell people at church about how Zambia impacted us. It is impossible to communicate that, but we did tell them some of our favorite stories. We both told two stories. I will tell you one of the stories I told yesterday.
The story comes from an interaction I had with a man while working in the optometry clinic. The man was standing in line and started saying something to me. I couldn't understand what he was saying so I asked the interpreter what he was saying and the interpreter looked at me and said, "he is speaking in English". So I listened closer and heard him say our people are so grateful you have come here to serve us. He then went in to see Judy (the eye doctor) and got his glasses prescription and brought it to me. I retrieved his glasses and brought them to him. He tried them on, had an amazing reaction proving that he had not been able to see well at all. He then said I can see Jesus in you people, Christ is dead but today he is alive in you people. Although I don't know that man's name, I will never forget him.

FROM THE ZAMBIA BLOG

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

BLESSINGS

I often hear, "I am reminded that I am so blessed" in reference to an experience in a developing country. That comment has started to bother me. It has been a little while now that something about that graded on my nerves as I heard it. Finally, I was able to process it out with Joe today.
"I am blessed"= air conditioner, unlimited amount of food, TV, and a nice house. When we say we are blessed we are basing our blessings on material things. That is a shame. Granted, we would be ignorant not to recognize that we have more and our more makes things easier a lot of times. However, looking only at material blessings ignores what truly enrich our lives.
As Joe mentioned, slowing down our lives like is often done here can create positive relationships. I have been able to build relationships with people here because of the slowed down lifestyle. That is hard for us to recognize as a blessing.

Also, as one of the missionaries mentioned the people are more likely to feel dependent on God because they do not have 401 (k) plans and as structured life styles. This environment provides a context to develop a trust in God we are unable to develop.

I suppose what I am trying to say is spiritual blessings are what should be placed as most important in our lives. Measuring how we are blessed because we have more material things removes us from recognizing what is truly important in life.

IT'S A BIG WORLD

I am sitting here working on some stuff for VBS. I just looked up to stretch and I see my new globe. I have examined it a number of times since acquiring it last week. Although the globe is the size of a basketball it reminds me how big the world is. I go to Memphis, TN and it is just a speck on the globe. There is so much more out there to see, to experience. My time in Africa reminded me that there are places unlike I have ever come close to seeing. I want to experience more of that. I don't want to be locked into a dot.

BACK IN THE US OF A

Erin and I arrived in Memphis about 2 AM last night (morning). Thanks to Rusty for picking us up. Issues traveling but I won't go into that. Too frustrating.
I was not looking forward to getting back to Memphis. The traveling helped that along though. I was longing for my bed, any bed after all the hours in airports/planes.
I have so much to share about the trip. Not sure where to start. For now, I will just thank everyone who supported us in any way as we were on the trip. Broadway Church of Christ in Paducah has become even more dear to my heart after their gracious display. Many good friends were made on the trip. It was an amazing experience. More to come later.

LEAVING FOR ZAMBIA

Hey friends and family, I am leaving for Zambia this minute (assuming the plane takes off in time). I am looking forward to this opportunity to serve in a place that is outside my comfort zone. I appreciate prayers as I am traveling and while I am there. The travel is going to be gruesome, as I have never traveled overseas before. I hope to update anyone who is interested in the happenings of the trip on the Zambia Mission Blog. I am hoping my Cubs will still be in first place after my 27 day absence from watching them.
Also, Erin and I will be apart for 10 days. That is the longest we have been apart since we have been married. That will be difficult. Prayers for that are welcomed.
I am excited about my chance to experience another culture and broaden my horizons. I want it to be more than that though. I want to help these people and be a servant first.