Somehow, even when I read Scripture with the intention of application, I still tend to be surprised when situations come up that test how well I’ve absorb what I’ve learned.

Case in point.

I was reading through the first few chapters of Nehemiah the other day. God calls Nehemiah to work to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem. As opposition came to him, Nehemiah’s first response is prayer. Then his naysayers come to him numerous times and he stuck to what he knew he needed to do. So much of this is because of how he covered his life and work in prayer.

So often prayer is not my first response.

So today I ponder this: What does it look like for me to live a more prayerful life? One where my first response, not my last, is prayer? Where I pray before situations where I know I am weak, rather than relay on desperate prayers in the moment?

done .//

A year ago today I was driving to Iowa for my last couple of weeks in the States before I headed off to South Africa. The weather was a lot like today, cold. And my driving skills in winter weather were a lot like they are today, not great.

But, today I’m already in the Hawkeye State. I spent the new year in Ankeny with family. We had dinner at Yanni’s and then a little James Bond action. 

I’m excited for 2009. 2009 will mark my 25th year (then, I suppose I’ll officially be in my mid-twenties…). 2009 means seven years since I graduated high school. This year my little brother will turn 20.

But more than all of that, this year I am hopeful. Hopeful that I will do a better job of standing on the God’s promises. Hopeful I will cling more to Him. Hopeful I will learn more of what it means to find joy and contentment in my Creator, rather than in people and things. Hopeful I will be able surrender and give up control, and allow God to write the story, rather than feeling like I can do better.

Let your unfailing love surround us,Lord, for our hope is in you alone. — Psalms 33:22

I finally stepped foot into my parents house last night, it felt good to be home. I had 15 minutes to shower and get out of the house for Christmas Eve–that part wasn’t so great (especially when the ‘ole baby powder in the hair to hide the grease didn’t work out so well–but that’s another story…).

My dad grew up in a country church that my grandparents still attend when the can (they’re in a nursing home now) and it’s been family tradition for us to go their Christmas program on Christmas Eve for years. It was fun to be back–and as usual, I got the giggles. It’s probably good we walked in late and the rest of the family was on the other side of the church, our laughter was a little less contagious that way.

Today was fun too. I throughly enjoyed the after presents game of Cranium and my mom acting out “low rider”. My brother humming “somewhere over the rainbow” and Grandma Fluff impersonating Bill Clinton were also highlights. There’s more, but I don’t think anyone will find it quite as funny as I do. I will say Grandma Fluff is a force to be reckoned with in wii bowling (pictures to follow…).

I feel really blessed to be home for Christmas this year. It’s been amazing to spend the last week with friends and family. It’s nice knowing that this isn’t the usual quick trip and that today, when we left my grandma’s, it wasn’t goodbye, but see you later.

I’m anxious to get back to Africa, but for now, I’m really excited to be home.

only the best friends show up at the airport with signs…

I love it!

It’s been a week since I left South Africa. It’s gone by really fast. Primarily because I still haven’t spent more than a couple of nights in the same place. 

I’ve been in Orlando since Thursday. I’ve eaten at Tijuana Flats three times. Shopped at Ross. Worked a lot. Gone to Status. Worn a tacky Christmas sweater. Sang Christmas carols. Stayed on the correct side of the road driving. Hugged old friends. Gone line dancing. Played ultimate Cranium. 

It’s been good.

We’re back in JoBurg and as much as the last couple of weeks have been absolutely amazing, I’m really ready to be home. I even called the airline today to see if I could switch my flight a day early (no luck yet, I’ll try again in the morning…).

72 hours and counting…

Funny that my first post since last week comes from deep in the bush. We’re near Kruger National Park about 5 hours from JoBurg. It’s amazing. The drive was a bit rough, it’s hot today and a friend of a friend offered to take us in her Nissan Micro (think one step up from a smart car). When we saw an elephant on the side of the road it made me a bit nervous…we’re about half his size! But, we made it safely.

We’re staying at an amazing private game reserve. My friends worked with the 2 executive chefs at Disney, so we got an amazing (nearly free) deal…I can’t wait to post pictures! Did I mention our private pool? Or the outdoor shower? Or the elephants and lions that occasionally come to drink at the pools? Sorry, just rubbing it in.

It’s been a great week and a half and the next few days are sure to be equally amazing! But, I’m really excited to be home on Tuesday. Just in time for Christmas!

Oh, and no signs of cholera from our trip to Zimbabwe…but, confession…I did drink the water…

I’ll write more soon!

My friends arrived last night (unfortunately, without their luggage…hopefully that will come today). It was so good seeing them! And yes, Amy and I cried, and stayed up until 3am talking. 

Whohoo! Two full weeks uninterrupted weeks with my BFF.

I’m off to the free contiental breakfast. I love hotels! 

done.//

In 46 hours my best friend’s flight will be landing in JoBerg and I will be patiently (or not so patiently) waiting to greet her.

Life is good!

My best friend was Carmen Santiago for Halloween. But, that’s beside the point, I suppose. 

I’ll be traveling starting tomorrow morning at 4am until right before Christmas. 

Want to know where I’ll be? I’m glad you asked…

November 17-25 :: Cape Town, South Africa

November 26-December 1 :: Harrismith, South Africa (back on the base for Thanksgiving, packing, etc.)

December 1-December 15 :: Joberg, Victoria Falls (and Zimbabwe), The Kruger, etc….

December 16-18 :: Minneapolis

December 18-23 :: Orlando

December 23 :: and home….

whew. 

All that to say, I might be MIA from blogging for a little longer. But, I’ll be sure to catch you up when I’m back.

done.//