This is going to be a short post. I'm currently at a public library using their wi-fi. I haven't had internet access in awhile but I wanted to shoot something out before Thanksgiving.
Thanks for your prayers last Friday. God really brought upon me His peace which as beyond my understanding but it allowed my nerves to be calm and for my speech to be clear.
We survived our 7 day 7 concert stretch and my body is absolutely ready for this little Thanksgiving rest time.
Our choir will be cooking a Kenyan feast for tonight in a few hours and then tomorrow i'll be having an American Thanksgiving feast with my host home in Greenwood, SC.
I think i'm going to Mexico with my church once I get back and am totally excited about that but of course am doing my best to stay in the moment and enjoy these last 3 weeks with these kids. I can't believe it all has passed by so quickly!
Much love and happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Things are great even if it is gonna be 7 days straight...
What a day! This morning we had the opportunity to sing for preschoolers which was then followed up with an afternoon visit to sing at an assisted living home. Not to mention school in between times and now I believe a bunch of us are headed to eat some Hibachi with our host homes!
Our time at the assisted living home has to be one of my favorite moments during the tour so far. Prior to entering we talked to the kids about how there might be sights, smells and situations that would be new to them upon our arrival but they were asked to nonetheless just shower these people living and working there with love. As we waited for all of the elderly to come out of our rooms, the kids were asked if they would go around introducing themselves and talking to the people. And man, they went into it completely dying to self as they courageously engaged in conversation, genuinely pursued knowing about these people through questions and lavished smiles and hugs. After we got to sing a few songs, good byes had to be said and you could tell, not just by the tears in the eyes, but in the way the hugs lingered and the words of gratitude shared that lives had been blessed, on both sides.
I was so proud of them for how they poured themselves out and was excited getting to see them build up relationships, even if it was just in a 30 minute period. It was a reminder and an encouragement for myself to get rid of the self doubt and worrisome thoughts that I so often find myself engulfed in. To remember that I am His child, that He loves me as I am and "I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me. And the life that I now live in the flesh, I live by faith, in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." - Galatians 2:20. I no longer need to identify myself with what people think of me but can find peace, joy and love in the knowledge that Christ is now my identity. Though I know I oftentimes I fail at living in a manner that acknowledges this, that does not mean that it isn't true.
I had moved from out in the mountains during my time in Brasstown, NC and Townsend, TN to living like in the forest in Ellijay, GA. Now we're in Birmingham, AL, staying with a church that the kids stayed with over the summer. Come Wednesday we'll hit a 7 day stretch where we have a concert every single night. One could even say it is a 9 day stretch as we sang at a school yesterday morning along with our performances today. Obvious prayers for strength and rest will definitely be appreciated. I'd also appreciate prayer for myself in patience and wisdom as we've come to our final month and i'd love to pour into these kids as God has poured into me.
This morning I got to do a little MCing for the preschoolers as our tour leader, Christi, was unavailable. Since then I was given the opportunity of filling the speaking role during one of our concerts where she'll be away come Friday. Since most of you don't know what that would entail, i'll tell ya. During the worship concert i'd be introducing the choir, explaining what we do and who/what the 410 Bridge is along with letting people know the opportunities they have to give through prayer, time or money. It is something I prayed about all day and though i'm still a bit nervous and anxious, after seeing the kids so confidently move forward in loving others without self doubt today was an encouragement to me to step forward in faith as well and accept this opportunity, unless something changes because originally the executive director from the 410 Bridge was supposed to come up to give the talk. With that being said i'd like to make a special prayer request for peace of heart and nerves, wisdom in what to say, clarity when/if the time comes to speak and confidence from Galatians 2:20, that it is Christ who lives in me.
Much love.
Our time at the assisted living home has to be one of my favorite moments during the tour so far. Prior to entering we talked to the kids about how there might be sights, smells and situations that would be new to them upon our arrival but they were asked to nonetheless just shower these people living and working there with love. As we waited for all of the elderly to come out of our rooms, the kids were asked if they would go around introducing themselves and talking to the people. And man, they went into it completely dying to self as they courageously engaged in conversation, genuinely pursued knowing about these people through questions and lavished smiles and hugs. After we got to sing a few songs, good byes had to be said and you could tell, not just by the tears in the eyes, but in the way the hugs lingered and the words of gratitude shared that lives had been blessed, on both sides.
I had moved from out in the mountains during my time in Brasstown, NC and Townsend, TN to living like in the forest in Ellijay, GA. Now we're in Birmingham, AL, staying with a church that the kids stayed with over the summer. Come Wednesday we'll hit a 7 day stretch where we have a concert every single night. One could even say it is a 9 day stretch as we sang at a school yesterday morning along with our performances today. Obvious prayers for strength and rest will definitely be appreciated. I'd also appreciate prayer for myself in patience and wisdom as we've come to our final month and i'd love to pour into these kids as God has poured into me.
This morning I got to do a little MCing for the preschoolers as our tour leader, Christi, was unavailable. Since then I was given the opportunity of filling the speaking role during one of our concerts where she'll be away come Friday. Since most of you don't know what that would entail, i'll tell ya. During the worship concert i'd be introducing the choir, explaining what we do and who/what the 410 Bridge is along with letting people know the opportunities they have to give through prayer, time or money. It is something I prayed about all day and though i'm still a bit nervous and anxious, after seeing the kids so confidently move forward in loving others without self doubt today was an encouragement to me to step forward in faith as well and accept this opportunity, unless something changes because originally the executive director from the 410 Bridge was supposed to come up to give the talk. With that being said i'd like to make a special prayer request for peace of heart and nerves, wisdom in what to say, clarity when/if the time comes to speak and confidence from Galatians 2:20, that it is Christ who lives in me.
Much love.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Big Happenings and Small Towns
We made our trip through the mountains to little Townsend, TN! I think i'll be staying in a cabin tonight with my boys.
Some things have happened recently in Daraja that i'd just like to ask for you to continue to pray for wisdom for all of us chaperones and God's guidance in not only our lives but in the lives of the children as well.
(Written Wednesday, November 11; was waiting to be able to upload video)
I know it has been awhile but here I am sitting in Brasstown, NC. It is a place quite different than home, one of those places that is out in the mountains, where no one locks their doors and where it seems like everyone knows each other. I've been blessed with a day off today but my access to internet has been limited to my location. I have certainly enjoyed the change of scenery and the down time though. This is where i'm staying.
While in Wilkesboro, NC we had an amazing night time opportunity. Rather than leading in worship we got the chance to be led in worship by the New Damascus Church Baptist Choir. It was my first gospel choir experience and i'm hoping it won't be my last! To top the night off, the Daraja Children's Choir of Africa joined with the New Damascus Church Baptist Choir to perform a beautiful version of "Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)" together. Though i'm sure it won't be as moving as it was in person, i'd like to share it with you.
On top of that we also got to spend a night full of fun roller skating, which inevitably resulted in numerous falls. Only 2 on my part. It was a laughter filled, bottom rubbing experience!
We'll be heading to Tennessee tomorrow. Short journal entry today but hope the videos make up for it! Much love.
Some things have happened recently in Daraja that i'd just like to ask for you to continue to pray for wisdom for all of us chaperones and God's guidance in not only our lives but in the lives of the children as well.
(Written Wednesday, November 11; was waiting to be able to upload video)
I know it has been awhile but here I am sitting in Brasstown, NC. It is a place quite different than home, one of those places that is out in the mountains, where no one locks their doors and where it seems like everyone knows each other. I've been blessed with a day off today but my access to internet has been limited to my location. I have certainly enjoyed the change of scenery and the down time though. This is where i'm staying.
While in Wilkesboro, NC we had an amazing night time opportunity. Rather than leading in worship we got the chance to be led in worship by the New Damascus Church Baptist Choir. It was my first gospel choir experience and i'm hoping it won't be my last! To top the night off, the Daraja Children's Choir of Africa joined with the New Damascus Church Baptist Choir to perform a beautiful version of "Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)" together. Though i'm sure it won't be as moving as it was in person, i'd like to share it with you.
On top of that we also got to spend a night full of fun roller skating, which inevitably resulted in numerous falls. Only 2 on my part. It was a laughter filled, bottom rubbing experience!
Here's the latest of my spare time football work.
We'll be heading to Tennessee tomorrow. Short journal entry today but hope the videos make up for it! Much love.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Half Time
This weekend, I was in Cincinnati, Ohio! We flew there, though we actually landed in Kentucky so cross another state off the list. We had a worship performance the night we arrived at the Youth Specialities Conference. The next day, my brother, David, and his girlfriend, Lindsey, drove down 6 hours from Michigan to hang out with the kids and I and get to see the worship performance. I also asked them to write a little something to share their thoughts on the night as well.
"Its hard to exactly put into words the feelings that I experienced as I interacted with and watched the Daraja kids, but amazing does come to mind. To make this short and to the point, the one thing that really stuck in my mind was something that one of the 410Bridge staffers had repeated from a pastor in Atlanta, and that was that, "the one thing the Daraja kids dont have is self pity". Here are these children who at the age of 9-14, have probably gone through more trials than 90% of Americans will go through in their entire lifetimes, including me, and there is not one tell tale sign of those hardships on their faces. The passion with which these children seem to live their lives is infectious. Lindsey and I couldnt help but discuss the energy that just being in their presence made us feel. It is very humbling. It truly shows the simplicity of the effects of God's love on us. It isnt hard to achieve, but it is the process of letting ourselves feel and experience God's love that seems difficult for people to attain. I will always remember the Daraja kids for this and even though we only had a short short time together, I know that I will reflect on their example frequently. Yes they sang amazing, yes they were fun to watch, and yes they were really cute...but what I will remember the most is just how they did the most mundane and simple things with such joy and passion. They were role models to me and a true example of the saving effects of God's grace and love for us." - David
Something i've been working on in my down time has been this...
Sometimes having a real brainless thing to do, like choosing clips and moving them around, can be pretty relaxing. Not to mention it has to do with my favorite sport and more importantly some of my favorite people.
Lately we've just been travelling through the North Carolina area. Right now i'm in Burlington, NC as the kids have just woken up from their nap and prepare themselves for sound check before tonights worship concert. We have just reached the half way mark and so we'll be celebrating tomorrow with a Sabbath day! Pretty much just a time of relaxation for all, which I think we're all looking forward to.
God has definitely shown me the importance and power of prayer over my time travelling. There's a real surrendering that takes place in it as we come to a realization of our limitations but more importantly, as we understand completely the sovereignty of God. There is so much I would like to do for people back at home or people i've met in my travels, whether it be in Ensenada or Kenya or throughout the US, but so little that I can do. It is a humbling feeling that leads me to the only place left to turn, prayer. I'm then able to give up these things that are too big for me to a God who is too big to even comprehend. It is a such a freeing feeling. Not to say that I don't do what I can but it is an understanding that I can't do everything on my own. Yet even then, i'm still not completely helpless. I've learned that especially in the most busy of times, it is necessary to pray because there are situations in life that we, on our own, are unable to go on but life says we must. And it is in those moments that we remember this "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:28-31. From this knowledge we can find peace in a truthful understanding that though we personally are unable to accomplish something, we can pray for and receive strength from a God who is an unending source of strength. And this same God has said to us "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" and even "if we are faithless, He remains faithful". (Hebrews 13:5 and 2 Timothy 2:13)
Prayer is a God given gift that allows us to support fellow believers through uplifting everything back to Him. With that being said, having hit that half way mark, my body seems to have gotten a lot more tired all of a sudden. So prayer for some refueling and reenergizing in order that I may really give this last half of tour everything i've got would be greatly appreciated. I'd also love some prayer and even accountability as I attempt to become more disciplined in my time spent with God, specifically with prayer and scripture memorization.
I can't express how much I appreciate the continual support in hearing things from some of you every now and then, so thanks! Much love!
"Its hard to exactly put into words the feelings that I experienced as I interacted with and watched the Daraja kids, but amazing does come to mind. To make this short and to the point, the one thing that really stuck in my mind was something that one of the 410Bridge staffers had repeated from a pastor in Atlanta, and that was that, "the one thing the Daraja kids dont have is self pity". Here are these children who at the age of 9-14, have probably gone through more trials than 90% of Americans will go through in their entire lifetimes, including me, and there is not one tell tale sign of those hardships on their faces. The passion with which these children seem to live their lives is infectious. Lindsey and I couldnt help but discuss the energy that just being in their presence made us feel. It is very humbling. It truly shows the simplicity of the effects of God's love on us. It isnt hard to achieve, but it is the process of letting ourselves feel and experience God's love that seems difficult for people to attain. I will always remember the Daraja kids for this and even though we only had a short short time together, I know that I will reflect on their example frequently. Yes they sang amazing, yes they were fun to watch, and yes they were really cute...but what I will remember the most is just how they did the most mundane and simple things with such joy and passion. They were role models to me and a true example of the saving effects of God's grace and love for us." - David
"Meeting the Daraja Children's Choir of Africa was good for me, to say the very least.They are little miracles. All my life I have been shown nothing but love and security, yet, at times, it is such a challenge to remember God and be as happy and content as He wishes me to be. Considering the hardships and the surroundings these children have to endure in Kenya, it's remarkable to me that each of them is so full of happiness and gratitude. God is just in them. He is literally a choice, a feeling to feel, and a prayer away. The children have made the choice, despite seeing bits and pieces, or loads, of what is evil. They have faith in Him that I admire. Their smiles are genuine, as is the way they worship. From the short time I got to spend with the choir, I learned to just thank God and remember him, to "not worry about anything, but pray about everything." These children bless His love upon everyone. It's so evident in the way they play and dance and welcome conversation. " - Lindsey
Always a great time when family meets family!
Something i've been working on in my down time has been this...
Sometimes having a real brainless thing to do, like choosing clips and moving them around, can be pretty relaxing. Not to mention it has to do with my favorite sport and more importantly some of my favorite people.
Lately we've just been travelling through the North Carolina area. Right now i'm in Burlington, NC as the kids have just woken up from their nap and prepare themselves for sound check before tonights worship concert. We have just reached the half way mark and so we'll be celebrating tomorrow with a Sabbath day! Pretty much just a time of relaxation for all, which I think we're all looking forward to.
God has definitely shown me the importance and power of prayer over my time travelling. There's a real surrendering that takes place in it as we come to a realization of our limitations but more importantly, as we understand completely the sovereignty of God. There is so much I would like to do for people back at home or people i've met in my travels, whether it be in Ensenada or Kenya or throughout the US, but so little that I can do. It is a humbling feeling that leads me to the only place left to turn, prayer. I'm then able to give up these things that are too big for me to a God who is too big to even comprehend. It is a such a freeing feeling. Not to say that I don't do what I can but it is an understanding that I can't do everything on my own. Yet even then, i'm still not completely helpless. I've learned that especially in the most busy of times, it is necessary to pray because there are situations in life that we, on our own, are unable to go on but life says we must. And it is in those moments that we remember this "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:28-31. From this knowledge we can find peace in a truthful understanding that though we personally are unable to accomplish something, we can pray for and receive strength from a God who is an unending source of strength. And this same God has said to us "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" and even "if we are faithless, He remains faithful". (Hebrews 13:5 and 2 Timothy 2:13)
Prayer is a God given gift that allows us to support fellow believers through uplifting everything back to Him. With that being said, having hit that half way mark, my body seems to have gotten a lot more tired all of a sudden. So prayer for some refueling and reenergizing in order that I may really give this last half of tour everything i've got would be greatly appreciated. I'd also love some prayer and even accountability as I attempt to become more disciplined in my time spent with God, specifically with prayer and scripture memorization.
I can't express how much I appreciate the continual support in hearing things from some of you every now and then, so thanks! Much love!
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