Chad: In the News

In June of 2004, I had the opportunity to take a road trip to Moundou and N'djamena, Chad.


Rural housing in Chad.


This was the first time I saw camels wandering around on their own. I was so excited they had the driver pull over so I could get a good picture.



The political situation has been shaky for a while, but is in the process of deteriorating even more. Tensions mounting as rebels move across country. I met so many wonderful people during my time there and was treated like family. Please keep this in your prayers.

Enough

Recently, for the first time in months, I've felt like myself. I've been happy, energetic, and sincerely enjoying life.

The lessons that have been handed to me on this path have been heavier than I was prepared to carry. And just as my strength had become sufficient for this load, more was added. Tonight, I was brought face to face with the frailty of "being ok" and "getting better". I received news that so greatly disappointed me, about a situation that is once again out of my control. I feel like long ago I reached a point where it should have been "enough." Enough stress. Enough pain. Enough sadness. And enough hurt.

It's so devastating to feel the crushing weight of all these emotions again. Especially as I felt this was behind me. Once again I'm at a complete loss.

California!!

These are pictures that I took this past weekend! While it was negative degrees in Wisconsin, I was soaking up the sun along the beach in beautiful California. But, this was more than a vacation, I was in Pasadena visiting Fuller Theological Seminary. I recently applied to their School of Intercultural Studies and am hoping to start classes for my master's degree in March. Within this program there is a concentration for Children at Risk which studies areas such as child and family development, ministering to street children, advocating for social justice, and more. It seems to be a great fit for my interests and calling. I should hear whether I have been accepted in about a month. I would appreciate prayers for the finances that will be needed to complete this 2 year degree. Thanks!




Cara: Thanks so much for taking this trip with me. You are a wonderful friend and a great blessing!

You can see more pictures here .

New Year New Results

“If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten.”
Anthony Robbins quotes (American advisor to leaders)

Another great resource I got from Tom Davis is a tool to help you reflect on the past year and chart a direction for the new one. It's a very practical guide that I highly recommend.


This link will take you to his post. Scroll down a little and click on Download new year new result.doc


Here's to making positive changes in 2008.

Red Letters

*** The video link is working again. 1/9/08***

My favorite book of the past year is Fields of the Fatherless by Tom Davis.

In this world you are an orphan -
eagerly anticipating your adoption as God's Child.

In this world you are a widow -
longing for reunion with your Bridegroom.

In this world you are a stranger -
a pilgrim waiting to become a citizen of heaven.

And in this world, God has called you to care for the orphan,
the stranger, and the widow.

Fields of the Fatherless is a journey that bring you back
to what Christianity is really about:
Giving yourself to others
Begin Christ to a hurting world
And living for the one that comes next.

~C. Thomas Davis

If you haven't read it, get yourself a copy!


He has a new book out that I need to get my hands on called Red Letters. Click on his name at the top to download the first chapter for free. The video below is a shares a little about it.

Winter Beauty

I've been trying to enjoy the cold by taking pictures... hoping to appreciate the beauty instead of dreading the temperature. I've posted a few on my flickr account.