11 days. where has time gone?

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. -John 16:33

Waterfall trip --
Saturday, we took a last minute trip to the waterfall once the rain stopped. Eric and Troy picked up Amanda (one of my new roommates); her sister, Hanna; y yo, on their motorcycles. I LOVE that drive. We didn't climb to the top; rain had been heavy, so we decided to hang around the lower waterfall after a short hike.

We had a blast jumping off rocks into the water and sliding down the waterfall. I got a lesson (or refresher) on rock skipping, and I challenged my ever-present fear of heights by jumping off the taller of the two rocks. SO much fun.

Night in Santiago --
Two cars, packed with people, headed off to Santiago Saturday night where we had a fun night at the outdoor mall: dinner at Burger King and a showing of Iron Man II. WOW. A Whopper never tasted so good. As always, my laugh (accompanied by Hanna's) overtook the theatre. I swear, they write those parts to be funny. Am I the only one cheesy enough to find the written humor funny?

Election weekend --
This weekend, I expected things to get crazy...bar fights, real drama out on the streets for all to see. I saw none of the sort. The alcohol ban during the day and the supposed road blocks must have done the trick. The only things really out of the ordinary were more people crowding street sidewalks and corners along with longer and louder car horns through the night.

Temporary stranger --
Sunday, we got a ride home from friends while walking back from church. (Thank you.) Becky, one of the Doulos parents, had just gotten a temporary residence card of sorts. On the back it said in large letters, "NO VOTA." You can understand that Spanish. Then, it said beside that temporary stranger, except in Spanish. As she said, they don't care if things are politically correct here.

Friends heading out --
Miss Erin, my lovely pregnant mom-to-be of a friend, is back in Ohio with her family. Julie Anne, a friend who worked for Anija and who shared Bible study with me, headed out this morning. Amanda and her sister Hanna left for the week; Amanda will return next Monday night. Whitney is getting ready to leave this Friday to celebrate her birthday at home with her family in Tuscaloosa, AL for about a week. Jess and Kymberlee, my old roomies, are also back at home. Times, they are a-changin'.

Wearing many different hats --
This week, that is what I am doing -- for sure. I'm substituting for Amanda's English class periods, hosting Art Club, doing a Pre-K art project, at some point helping prep for the work team a bit, reading to Ciara's 5th grade class briefly, and then helping out with Math Madness various activities. I LOVE variety. This is the epitome of variety.

PRAISE --
to the good Lord for providing me a stellar roommate and apartment to return to at home. I am living with my good friend, Brittany Barrett, and we are going to find ourselves living in the "perfect" apartment she has picked out. I am SO grateful not to have to worry about all of that when I get home, but God has already set it up for me.

Favorite song --
Este semana, I can't get enough of Van Morrison's "Glad Tidings".

Prayer request --
That job I need.

Prayers Appreciated

I would greatly appreciate your prayers for continued healing.

Bacteria has taken over my intestines. Yuck. Really, that's how I've felt lately. Also, I thought I had a stress fracture on my right heel; that might not be so. However, there is still a bit of discomfort when I use that appendage.

Today was my first day back at school this week, and I am on the mend. (Praise you, Lord.)

While I was compiling material for a HS English grammar test, I stumbled upon some fun music history trivia in one of the grammar books. Therefore, I will share these gems. Enjoy.

In 1956, John Lennon met Paul McCartney. They worked together to improve their playing; then, they formed a band with others and named themselves The Quarrymen, which was named after their high school. In 1960, they changed their name to The Beatles.

Ravi Shankar is a classical Indian musician who taught the famous George Harrison, who as we know was a member of "that thar band" The Beatles.

George Clinton (heck yes) is the mastermind behind the two greatest funkbands--Parliament & Funkadelic--both gospel, doo-wop, and jazz-influenced bands; as you may know, these bands are more dance-oriented than rock-focused.

Pete Seeger is known as America's tuning fork and was the greatest folksinger. He loved other talented musicians like Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly.

Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer were the founders of Bob Marley & The Wailers (yes, please); other reggae band greats include Third World and Toots and the Maytals. Bob's children--Ziggy Marley and siblings--started their own band called Melody Makers. Marley died in 1981 and lives on as the reggae great of all time. Reggae Sunsplash Festival is (obviously) a reggae festival that began in Jamaica and then went worldwide celebrating and sharing this gift of a genre.

Finally, a gamelan is the word for a Bali orchestra, which I one day want to see.

Wide Awake

I want to share some things with you that are intimate and honest. I hope through reading this, your heart is also shaken in an intimate and honest way.

I have been scared to come home. God has been doing big, big things in my life here. I come home May 29, which is now twenty days away. I'm not really sure where the time has gone, but I know that God has been good in making every day count.

This morning, I listened to a sermon entitled "What's your name?" from Mosaic's service last week. I have felt selfish and cold this past week, a bit distant from the Spirit; where are you Holy one? He is always there, but I can stray from Him easily. It is up to us to choose God daily.

I have been broken this week physically as well and decided to stay home from church this morning, to have some alone time with God without distraction and fully rest in Him.

In the sermon, Deut. 5, the 3rd commandment was dissected. "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord, your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." Three ways we misuse or abuse the Lord's name were shared.

In the conclusion of the sermon, 2 Philippians was read. Before hearing it, I had prayed to have Christ's attitude this morning because I haven't had any attitude but sour. In confession, I have been selfish, critical, judgmental, fearful of the future -- a true worrier, lately. I have been absorbed more in myself than loving Him and others first.

In talking about God's holy name, the thing that broke me most this morning was how we represent Christ as Christians. When people know me or even meet me for the first time, and I
say I'm a Christian, do they know I'm serious about Christ? No one will take Christians for real, unless we take God for real -- and it shows. Does my life following Christ represent the weightiness, intensity, rescue, and true grace of Christ? Do people feel those things when I say I'm a Christian, and they know or see how I live??

What in the world does this have to do with me going home and having fear trying to root itself there? Everything.

I have been fearful in what's ahead because going home requires more boldness than staying. I was awakened to that truth while listening to the sermon and talking to God this morning.

I am returning to a life full of choices, more apparent worldly desires, and people who knew me as the Maddie before I let God work and change me throughout my time here. God will continue to change me at home; He is omnipresent. He will never leave me, and He goes before and behind me, and each of you. There is also no truth present, whatsoever, in my fear that is trying to stand firm where instead peace should be.

Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

He will strengthen me in weakness, when faced with temptation, when I feel alone. He will uphold me and help me. Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

I want people to know I am a Christ follower. I want people to feel the weightiness, intensity, rescue, and grace of Christ when I say the word "Christian" referring to myself. When I go home, that will take continued boldness and courage to follow Him in a landmine of daily difficulties.

To anyone who is offended, taken aback, or even saddened by this, good. I hope you are challenged yourself to what the word "Christian" truly means. Please hear me humbly say that I am worthless, but Christ died for me. I have no strength, but He is my strength. I am imperfect, but in His eyes I am beautiful and whole. I am not perfect in striving to live for Christ, whatsoever. However, life for Christ is not light, simple, or even easy.

We are in this battle together, as one united in Christ. My fellow brothers and sisters, let us live today for Christ, losing ourselves not to the world but to Him. Are you bringing glory to His kingdom by calling yourself a Christian? I want to, and He will give us the boldness we need if we truly seek His desires for us. Know Him. He is Everlasting. Be overjoyed, knowing it does not depend on us, yet He wants to use us.

"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal convenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:21 -- My friends, we are already equipped for doing his will. Praise Him.

Water's Out

Saturday - May 8...Move-Out, Move-In Day

First, tomorrow's Mother's Day. To all you mothers,

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

To my sweet mom, a wonderful lady -- I love you and wish you the BEST, most restful

Mother's Day yet!

Whit[ney] helped me move out of Maria's yesterday. It was a hysterical move. I threw everything that wasn't yet packed into grocery bags and one huge trash bag. Yes, I've accumulated that much extra since being here. Looks like I'm leaving lots behind.

Here, as you well know by now, there's always something. We got blocked in by a moto and a truck when it was time to go. The truck driver was standing outside of the cab drinking his Presidente, chilling while we were obviously trying to leave the dead end street with nowhere to back up or turn around. I love everyday adventure. Something I'll greatly miss.

We moved my stuff in, but not really. I threw it in my room and spent the night with Amanda. Today starts the unpacking adventure, that I've been putting off all day.

We woke up this morning, and the water was out. Melanie's boyfriend filled up buckets from the cistern downstairs, and we'll be using that until Wednesday most likely. The people moved out downstairs, and of course there 220 v. powered our 110 v. water tank. Since it hasn't been paid, there's no energy force behind our water tank now. We will be "making do" without water pumping until Wednesday. It is Saturday.

Life is meant to have adventure and challenge. Hope you feel some in your life!

MUCH LOVE -- Happy weekend to you!

P.S. I feel free in my new apt. Give a jump and a yell. Yeehaw!

God Answers Prayers

...In case you needed to be reminded of that. I do all the time because in my humanness, I doubt him. You crazy, foo?!

Today I prayed, Lord please help me find my folder. Help me remember where I put it. A few minutes later, I thought of a different place to look. God planted that thought in my mind to help me find my folder I misplaced yesterday, because He answers us when we call to Him.

My roommate, Jess, is leaving early tomorrow morning. For the first time, I will be truly alone tomorrow morning and afternoon on my walks to and from school. That feeling won't last long though because I'm moving in with Amanda and Melanie tomorrow too!

I was going back through my Gmail deleting past e-mails when I came across some things that surprised me.

Two years ago, in October, I wrote a friend I had recently met from Brazil; I told her how I had hoped to do an internship in South America the following summer. I don't even remember that desire now! Yet, here I am fairly close to South America, working for a school in the DR.

Also, I found an e-mail from Teach for America's staff letting me know I was confirmed to interview for the Campus Campaign Coordinator position. This was in April of last year; it seems like lightyears ago that I was praying about working for them. The prayer came into fruition this past fall, and I can't believe that time has already come and gone as well!

We really don't give God enough credit.

snakes and the good shepherd

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
-Isaac Watts-

My Shepherd will supply my need:
Jehovah is His Name;
In pastures fresh He makes me feed,
Beside the living stream.
He brings my wandering spirit back
When I forsake His ways,
And leads me, for His mercy's sake,
In paths of truth and grace.

When I walk through the shades of death,
Thy presence is my stay;
A word of Thy supporting breath
Drives all my fears away.
Thy hand, in sight of all my foes,
Doth still my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows,
Thine oil anoints my head.

The sure provisions of my God
Attend me all my days;
O may Thy house be my abode,
And all my work be praise!
There would I find a settled rest,
While others go and come;
No more a stranger, nor a guest,
But like a child at home.

-- random pic I hope you enjoy --

Chad let me hold this beaut of a creature, pic taken outside of the cafe.

To the Grand Ladies in my life...Salud!

I finished "Gardenias for Breakfast" by Robin Jones Gunn last night, and it has now been added to my favorites list.

My mind has been drifting homeward lately, and that's not even my desire. James Taylor's "Carolina in my Mind" has struck some chords, and even though it's written about that other state right above mine, the lyrics still hit exactly the right note. I'm not ready to come home, but then again, I think I am. "Yes I'm up and goin' to Carolina in my mind..."

My new favorite novel reminded me of home in the ways it talked about another favorite of mine: fried okra. There was mention of Atlanta and Louisiana, Southern drawls, homemade cornbread baking in the oven, and fireflies. Gardenias, vegetable stands, aunt's stories of cotillions past, Mt. Zion roadside chapels with steeples and bells, and the Piggly Wiggly or "Hoggly Woggly" as my family says. Humidity, hammocks, porchswings, Sunday afternoon naps, sweet tea, and "Sugah" petnames. Another favorite mention of homemade peach cobbler, lemon meringue pie, and the best gift of all -- grandma's pearls.

These things and James Taylor's sweet, honestly sung words have carried my mind elsewhere in my daydreams, but really I wanted to write about my Grand Ladies. In "Gardenias for Breakfast," the grandmother went by "Grand Lady," and I want to do my best sharing my heart for my two Grand Ladies.

Betty Stoddard and Myrtle Sublett were one-of-a-kind Southern gems. Indeed, each of them was a Grand Lady in my eyes. I sat teary-eyed and weepy last night, joyous rather than sad over memories I will forever keep in my mind.

For those of you who are from the South reading this, you know how much a Southern woman can impact you. For those of you who are not, you most likely still know how much a Southern woman can impact you.

To MaMa, my artiste extraordinare. You taught me about hospitality and enjoying company. I cherish the times I spent with you painting and drawing. Creativity was a true gift that you opened up to all; art was not a born talent in your eyes, but rather you wanted all to experience the great wonder. Your hair was always fixed, and you were always ready to greet anyone who stopped by. I was reminded of you particularly at the point in the story when the great granddaughter talks about her Grand Lady never possessing a driver's license. To some people, driving means true freedom and stands for so much. No one would have guessed you missed "true freedom" in that case, because you were as happy as a lark right where you were. Magnolias blooming outside befit your elegance and grace, your sweet Southern charm. I don't know that I ever heard you say a negative word, even if you were thinking it. You saw the true beauty of life and God's creation. Thank you for teaching me so much, especially to love those around me and to include everyone.

To Grandma Myrtle, my best friend. Even though we didn't talk about all of the hard things in life, I will always hold you as my nearest and dearest friend in my heart. I didn't have to spend days on end with you to know how you felt about me. The part that struck me most in the book was the granddaughter thinking to herself, gazing at her Grand Lady across the table. "I kept smiling at Grand Lady, and each time I did, she smiled back. She saw me. Even with her aging eyes, she saw me. Her tender gaze made my heart swell. If I had to define why I was so enamored with my grandmother, it would be for this reason. Every other reason would fall in under this one. When I was a blossoming young woman, she looked at me, and she saw me. She saw not only who I was then but also who I would become, and for some reason, she decided to lavish her affection on me. She was the first person in my life that made me feel as if she saw me and loved what she saw."

I felt that way about the way you looked at me. The best part is how pure your glistening blue eyes were; all I saw was love and acceptance, sheer pride. I never saw hatred or anger. If I did, it was only for a mere second. Then, my other favorite thing about you comes into play. Laughter, happiness, joy. "She could still deliver her lines with all the sugary airs of refined sass that only a woman like her could get away with." Grandma, you were killer when it came to humor. Everyone was always bowled over laughing, and if they weren't I was bowled over for them. I've never known a funnier woman, and without much effort at that. Your wide-eyed view of life made me want to soak up every drop then, and I carry that passion with me now.

To the most Grand [Southern] Ladies I know, Salud. Cheers. You are my inspirations as I go about life. I hope I one day inspire my granddaughters and children as much as you inspired those same people throughout your lifetimes. To the strong, graceful, and honeysuckle-sweet women in my life...I thank you.