warm up playlist so far

Africa Day 14 (The Final Day :( )

Sunday May 23, 2010

Overwhelmed

God has chosen me to deliver His message. It is with great honor that I deliver this glorious message. I can’t believe I thought it was a burden that I was somehow forced into preaching the gospel.

Last day! Sad day. We spent almost the entire day in the airport or on an airplane. I was only supposed to sleep on the second plane from Dakar to DC because of the time change, but I ended up sleeping on the first plane ride as well, only for an hour or so. I got a first class ticket from Livingstone, Zambia to Johannesburg. It was nice. Then I sat next to Dan and George and Michael on the next two plane rides. I watched 4 movies: Invictus, Kicking and Screaming, Extraordinary Measures, and Princess and the Frog. I liked the first 3, but the Princess and the Frog wasn’t that good at all. Pretty disappointed. I tried to sleep but I could only sleep for a couple hours. We arrived in DC about 6:40am, then we hopped on a plane bound for Tampa. I sat next to Libbs. We finally arrived in Tampa. It was sad to see everyone leave, but it truly was an unforgettable experience with an amazing group of people. They all will have a very special place in my heart.

Africa Day 13

Saturday May 22, 2010

Desperation

This world is desperate for deliverance. We must however, be fully surrendered in order to be used by God. It is more than saying it with your mouth. It means believing it with your heart, and acting it out with you life.

We woke up around 6:45. We were supposed to pray but I ran out of time. I gathered all the clothes and stuff to barter. I then went with the team to the 3 star breakfast. On the way we saw giraffes and zebras. My mouth was delighted with the breakfast. We then went to Vic Falls. I had my $1 poncho from Wal-Mart that did what it was designed to do. The walkway was covered in algae so it was difficult to walk on. However, the algae made for a great slide across the bridge. Afterwards we went to the market and had a great day of bartering. I went with 52,000 Kuacha about $10.50. I had some clothes and stuff to barter. For that little amount, I got so much. After that, Kyla and I went to the gorge swing that we missed out on yesterday. Like the bungee, I got pretty nervous when I was up there. But once we jumped it was so fun. Kyla and I were freefalling, like Tom Petty, for 4 seconds. Then we went to Hungry Lion, and I got a jungle burger with cheese. Then we went back to the base for debriefing that took entirely too long. We talked about everything that had happened. Then I helped Libbs, and Michael with some finance hw. The dinner was amazing too. I went to bed closely afterwards. I took a shower then went to bed.

Africa Day 12

Friday May 21, 2010

Abandoned

I no longer live, but Christ who lives in me. This trip I have really realized the authority God has placed on all of our lives. My faith has increased, because I have decreased. My life is abandoned for Christ.

Today I slept in until about 7:30, and read Hebrews 10 and Colossians. God rocked me with his overwhelming supremacy. Then we ate and got on the bus to go to the bungee place. I started getting nervous when I looked out over the gorge from the restaurant above the bridge. I paid and got weighed. So I would have no choice but to do it. Michael, Stephen, and I headed towards the bridge. I got the harness on and started getting really nervous. I was 2^nd to jump after Michael. I was shaking in my little space boots. I came to the edge. He wasted no time. “Head up! Arms out!” He proclaimed. 5-4-3-2-1…BUNGI! I took my last breath and jumped. The first two seconds of freefall I was breathless. The last two I was screaming like a little girl. The bounce back was also a bit scary. But when all was said and done. It was the coolest experience in my life. I didn’t get to go on the gorge swing, because they lost power. But Kyla and I are going tomorrow… maybe I’ll get to go bungee jumping again tomorrow. Then we went to Hungry Lion (KFC) and had a mediocre chicken sandwich. The ice cream tested like frosting through. Pretty good. We then went to one of the most prestigious high schools in Zambia. We played some basketball. We won 2 and lost 1. Then we headed back to base. I tried to help Libbs and Michael with finance. It was a bit frustrating because for the life of me I could not make this stinking balance sheet balance. The dinner was good though, probably the best I had on base. It was this gumbo stuff…

“God doesn’t want your experience, He wants your abandonment.”—Derick (A leader from Overland)

Africa Day 11

Thursday May 20, 2010

Works

I may not know the impact my team and I have left this trip until we get to heaven, but I know we did the will of God. The sick were healed, the possessed were freed, the lost were found. I pray that they would be continually stirred and consumed by the fire living in each of them.

But it is not by works that we are saved, so no man can boast. Rather by grace. Jesus died once for all men. As I was reading Hebrews 11, the chapter on people of great faith, I noticed that they were all justified by faith. Their riches were in heaven. God has been preparing us all for that eternal resting place.

Breakfast was good… the usual, oatmeal and tea. Then I washed my laundry by hand for the first time. The washing part was pretty fun, however hanging the clothes up was quite the task with the wind blowing. I’m just glad to be blessed with a washer and dryer. Then Pastor Mike Metzger from South Africa brought a good word, it was more like a class than a chapel. He made some very good points. After the break I went to the edge of the gorge. I wrote a poem called Moments. It is about not taking opportunities for granted. Libby blessed my socks off today when she paid for me to go on a dinner cruise. It was so much fun. We saw hippos and an amazing sunset. She is such a blessing in my life. There are lots of people in my life that bless me in different ways. I suppose that’s why their in my life. When we got back we had worship for a little while then I said goodnight.

“God loves you not because you are lovely. He loves you because God is love. There is nothing you can do to make him love you less. There is nothing you can do to make him love you more.”

Moments

The wellspring of life passes under my feet

Its purpose blessed, life secure

The grass, tall, feathered, rooted, gently brushes

My leg to show me its existence

Its purpose blessed, life secure

The sun is warming my neck, giving me life

Its purpose blessed, life secure

These unnoticed moments are all around

Take time to reflect, and respond, in these moments.

Every moment is unique, learn to love them

Thank God for these moments

These moments are divine, how can I pass them away?

Like waves flowing through a gorge

Here for a moment, a drop of eternity… Then gone.

Live in these glorious moments from above.

My purpose blessed, my life secured

Our purpose blessed, our life secured

Africa Day 10

Wednesday May 19, 2010

Strength

Will I only know the Lords strength when I am weak? It seems to often that we only seek God in times of weakness. It seems like he is the closest then. The he is always close! On this trip I have really learned a lot on relying on God for my strength. I have also learned a lot about spiritual disciplines. Prayer, journaling, devotional, I have learned a great deal that I will take on for decades.

Today we woke up before the sun was up. I didn’t sleep to well. I had a stick that was under the tent, right in the middle of my back. It made sleeping a bit difficult. We got everything packed up and we were out of simondeli by 8:00. I slept until we got to Nyawa central. We dropped of one of our translators, Veronica. And got some more buns. I slept for most of the remaining trip as well. We stopped at Rhapsodies for lunch. It was a very refreshing treat to eat a cheeseburger and a cold fanta. I got some chocolate. Then we finished the drive back to base. Then we unloaded the trucks then took a SHOWER! The first one in a week. I don’t think that I have ever enjoyed a shower has ever felt so good in my life.

Africa Day 9

Tuesday May 18, 2010

Burdens

We all have burdens. But is it better to hold them in? Of course not, give them to God for His burdens are easy and His yoke is light. We were not made to live this life alone. Rather, live in community. So confide in your brothers or sisters so they will help you out.

This trip has taught me so much about living in community. Not only with my own team, but also the Zambians all live in community sharing each others burdens. They seem much happier and life is so much simpler. By American standards, they were living in poverty, but they had everything they needed. Money can’t buy happiness. Rather, Jesus and community is a perfect recipe for happiness. I am writing this a day late so hopefully I don’t leave out any important details. We woke up a little late, and had some oatmeal. I have grown very fond of oatmeal. We were supposed to leave at 8:00, but didn’t end up leaving until 9:30. We all started down separate paths, but all ended up at the same village. There were only 4 villagers, the rest were in the fields. I spoke on 1John 1:5. It was last minute, but God made it work. I have learned a lot on relying on God, and through we have free will, God really does have a lot of influence whether I realize it or not. It is better to realize it and give God glory than pass it along as coincidence. When we walked to a village about 90 min away we shared with them for about 30 min and prayed for them. Then we opened it up for questions. They had lots of questions on polygamy. The girls got a chance to pray for the women there. Then we started walking for another 90 min back to camp. It was very tiring without water. We got back and had lunch, Tuna salad pasta. It was good. We were scheduled to play at 13:00, but didn’t start until about 15:00. It was probably the best game so far. We went down 1-0, then tied it 1-1. Then they went up 2-1. Then just before half we tied it 2-2. Next we scored and went up 3-2, then they tied it 3-3. Then I scored the winning goal with about 15 min left on a set

piece at the top of the 18. The keeper was leaving far post open so I went for it. Sure enough… GOAL! We ended up winning 4-3. Glory. Then we had a village wide feast. I tried goat, and shima, and pumpkin leafs for the first time. I really only enjoyed the goat. OH the sweet potato chips, YUM I went to bed right after dishes were done. I was wiped out.

Africa Day 8

Monday May 17, 2010

Standards

We are called to a higher standard; a standard not of this world, but a heavenly standard. It is time to start living in this standard

We woke up about 7:00 and I didn’t sleep very well. We packed up our stuff and started driving. We stopped in Nyawa central to pick up some buns and tea. However, we only got buns, which was still delicious. We also got to meet the chief of Nyawa. It was a pretty awesome experience. He was a very important man, everybody, all the village’s headmen reported to him. Meeting him was a real honor. We then got back from our trip around 1:30. WE arrived to Chad and Anna Marie’s smiling faces. It was kind of sad saying goodbye to Chad, but I’m looking forward to seeing him in October. Then I took a serious nap before everybody got back. It was kind of hard to sleep on the truck, but it was needed. We didn’t really get a chance to minister to people yesterday, but we played with the kids for a while. They bring me so much joy. They found out that I was ticklish. They tag-teamed me. I had to make a truce with them which they promptly broke because they couldn’t speak English too well. I played some rocket ship with them. They were obsessed with my headlight. Light at night other than fire was a very rare sight, and light that could be turned on and off was fascinating to them. Then we had an incredible dinner, spaghetti, village chicken (which was a little tougher than normal chicken), sauce, amazing garlic bread and smores for dessert. Ah so good. I had a glorious night sleep as well.

Africa Day 7

Sunday May 16, 2010

Encourage

Lift up each other with words of encouragement. If one brother slips, do not point out his faults, but lift him up with words of life.

Today was another fun day of traveling for me. We (me, George, Bilton, Naida, Rachel, Derrik, and Jacob) traveled 3 hours from Simondeli to Secachopa. We had breakfast and packed up our stuff. I sat in the truck bed and fell asleep. It was glorious. We finally arrived at Secachopa and we started kicking it around. W played a game and won 1-0. We are now 2-0-1. After the match, Jacob spoke. He gave an amazing message of salvation. Not watered down at all! He gave a message on letting God in. Don’t wait until later to let God in. I am preaching tonight. I want God to speak through me. I have never preached before. So this will have to be God. I have a few verses on hope and perseverance. Then we cooked some left over chicken curry. It wasn’t as good as the first one, but food none the less. Naida and I shared some Fanta, ahh cold Fanta! Then we traveled to the church. They were still eating when we arrived. So we joined them around the fire. They gave us some maze. It tasted like a mixture of corn and popcorn. It was good. I met a boy named Elleos. Then we sent into the church. They worshiped and gave testimonies. Then it was my turn to speak. I think it went well, I don’t really know all the words but it went well.

“Jesus is coming back soon and anything that hinders His love will be destroyed.”—Jacob

Africa Day 6

Saturday May 15, 2010

Boldness

I pray for opportunities to minister to these people. May I discern the voice of God. I pray that I would be bold and unashamed.

We woke up around 7:00, and started preparing some shima porge. It was pretty good with peanut butter and sugar. We then had some worship songs. Then we went to the village of Watchula to share with them encouragement and to invite them to watch futbol and have a meeting. It was a glorious trip to Wachula. There was a girl that was healed of a tooth ache. Then we came back and had PBJ for lunch. Then we took the field to play against the Zambian team. It was a good game we were tied at half 2-2. Then we just took it to them in the second and won 7-2. But that was just a gateway to the meeting. George, Dan, and Heather spoke some awesome words on overcoming fear. Then Jack shared the gospel about accepting and believing in Jesus Christ through Love not fear of Hell. Amazing! There were probably 80 people that gave their lives to God. Then Jack asked if anybody needed healing or was sick. About 15-20 people needed healing. The first man I prayed for was complaining of a headache and so we (Chad and I) prayed for him for healing on his head. The Lord provided. He said that he was feeling better. Then he said he also had trouble breathing or chest pains. Possibly a demon the translator (Matthews) said. Chad and I again prayed and once again God breathed life into this mans body. He was breathing normal once again. There were also several other healings and people cast off their witchcraft bracelets. The team then started preparing dinner. Chicken Curry! The only thing I really enjoyed did was peel the potatoes, and not all that I was supposed to either. However, it turned out delicious. Many compliments. Then I had hot tea spilled all over my lap by Miss Aubrey. She kept saying “It spilled, it spilled, it spilled!” Then we had delicious custard with peaches and banana. Then I was getting ready for bed and I asked Sister Libby and sister Aubrey helped me bandage up my blisters. And got a foot massage as well. It felt very good. Then I said goodnight to Zambia.

Africa Day 5

Thursday May 13, 2010

Redeemed

I am a redeemed child of God, my future secure. I am writing this a day late, so I may be missing some details. But I woke up around 6:40, and started packing up the tent with Dan. We were the first to finish. We then packed up the truck with all the sleeping stuff. Then we had breakfast, oatmeal. It was delicious with milk, sugar, and syrup. After we ate we headed out passing Tsongwa and some other villages along the way. It was amazing to see the joy on their faces as we passed with nothing more than a smile and a wave. We shouted from the truck “MABUKABUTE” which means good morning. We stopped in town at Shoprite to get some snacks, and got some Hungry Lion for lunch. They had the best chips aka french fries in Zambia. Then we went on our way to Siamondeli. The road there was paved for about 15 percent of the trip. I was almost left behind once. The trucks had stopped, so I got out to go pee. I started writing my name and got to Andy Osbor and the trucks started moving. I didn’t have time to fasten my pants so I ran to catch up. I finally caught up and hopped in the truck. We traveled a little farther to Nyawa central to pick up another translator. While we were stopped we played a little futbol with the kids. They used a wad of plastic bags held together with rope as their soccer ball. Yet they were so happy. Dan, George, and I taught them the game tips. They loved it. From this point we were about 30-45 min drive from our final destination. What happens next starts an epic adventure. So we continue driving when all of a sudden the truck starts to pull hard to the left. STUCK! The truck was sitting at about 30 degrees. We tried digging it out but the drive shaft was stuck on the ground. We try and use the second truck to pull it out, but subsequently that also gets stuck. By this time it was dark so we weren’t going to make it to the village that day. Laura decides that we are going to set up camp right here in the middle of the African bush on the side of the road. She starts clearing some tall grass with her machete to make room for our tents. We start dinner, sloppy joes, around 9:00. During this waiting time George played some worship songs. It hit me that this is what it’s all about. This community we built on the side of the road is glorifying Jesus. Living together Glorifying Jesus. The stars are absolutely breathtaking without city lights or pollution to taint the atmosphere. I literally saw a large portion of the Milky Way. I washed some dishes then went to bed.

Africa Day 4

Wednesday May 12, 2010

Purpose

I lay my life down at Your feet. I want more of You and less of me. You are my only desire. You are all I hope for all of the days of my life. I am crucified with Christ, leaving everything pinned to the cross. Lord I pray that I would surrender all of myself and my purpose would be clearly revealed on this trip.

7am- I slept fairly well to which I was surprised. I had a dream that Kristina played professional baseball and was destroying the Yanks with bombs over right field. She also had really cool cars that she would drive on golf courses. Also George Bush was taking some pictures with some graduating seniors I knew. ___ really touched my heart last night when she was talking about some songs that she had written for her future children. I think it would be so cool write something like that for my future children or wife.

10am- Worship was great, there is not a cloud in the sky. We are just hanging around the table out back.

8pm- Earlier we were divided into groups we are dish crew first. The group is me Libbs, Lindsey, and Gabby. We washed dishes fore the trip tomorrow. We also had a glorious time playing futbol. It was humbling. It was challenging my motives for soccer. We had another awesome night of worship lead by George. We had some chicken curry for dinner with sweat tea. I am exited, so exited to minister to these people. Peace and love

Africa Day 3

Tuesday May 11, 2010

Faithfulness

God is faithful each and everyday. He provides my every need.

This morning we woke up at 1:30, everyone! All the guys were up in the room talking about the flight, the room, the girlfriends… then BANG, BANG, BANG “Can you guys shut your mouth!?” It was a very upset Libby banging on the adjoining door. I tried to fall asleep next to Dan, but I couldn’t fall asleep at all. So I went back to my bed and got a couple hours of sleep. Then we woke up at 5:40 to get some breakfast. We had Cornflakes with warm milk. It was surprisingly good. Dan did a Yum Yum peanut butter commercial. We then took a flight to Livingston, Zambia. The airport had one terminal and everybody took the stairs onto the tarmac. This flight I sat next to Libbs and we listened to worship and talked. Then the pilot took us over the Falls, Victoria Falls, one of the 7 wonders of the world. It was amazing. Once in Livingstone we met up with Laura, Derrik and Jack our leaders. Then we went to exchange money. Some of the locals tried to get me to buy a copper bracelet. Then we stopped and had some food. Steers is like a McDonalds but not as good. Then it was about an hour to the base. I was awestruck when I saw and heard the power of the rushing Zambezi River below. Chad and I played some futbol with Derrik and Jack. Then we had a delicious plate of Spaghetti and meat sauce and salad. Then we had a time of prayer and worship. It was awesome to see the Spirit working in all of our lives. Oh earlier I watched, in my opinion, the best sunset in the world. It only took about 10 min, but time seemed to stand still.

Fun Fact: Naida and Karla had never flown before this trip

Africa Day 2

Monday May 10, 2010

Being Unashamed

I have the Holy Spirits power. I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I pray that I don not let anything come between Your message to these people.

Today started off on a plane from Dakar, Senegal at 9. The plane ride wasn’t too bad; I slept for like 3 hours. We got to Joburg and waited for this taxi thing to pick us up. The airport was all about the World Cup; everywhere I turned there was FIFA something. We are staying the night. It is crazy to think that I am in South Africa…in a hostel in Johannesburg. It was different driving to the hostel on the other side of the road. I am already thankful for my room

Fun Fact: Aubrey knows sign language

Africa Day 1

Sunday May 9, 2010

Expectations

Leave all expectations at the door? I have never been on a trip so I am not sure what to even expect. Today has been an adventure on its own. The trip to the airport I started getting a little anxious. I was comforted by knowing that this was God’s will and I will do extraordinary things while I am there. The plane ride from Tampa to DC wasn’t bad at all. The last 30 min or so was pretty bumpy though. I like it though. We almost missed our light from D.C. to Dakar though because Anna Marie, Naida and Karla decided to walk to the other side of the terminal to get food. It was the first time I ran through the airport. I couldn’t find them I was running everywhere and the flight was scheduled to leave in 15 min. There names were being called but no sign of them. Finally they arrive, just in the nic of time. The South African Airlines flight was amazing. I sat in row 71 seat D next to George and near Anna Marie and Naida. Chad later joined us to watch some movies. I was calling everybody on the seat to seat phone. Pretty cool. I watched Toy Story 2, Monsters inc. On a sad note, I let them take Aub’s bag… little did I know that it was full of food. I felt bad because she won’t get it until we get to South Africa.

Fun Fact: George is black and left handed

Work Cited

Crenshaw, James. "A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary." Joel. 1st. 1. New York: Doubleday, 1995. Print

Hubbard, David. Joel & Amos. Dowerns Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1989. Print.

Joel Interpretation

Though the entire book of Joel is something I enjoyed reading, for my interpretation I am going to focus on Chapter 2 verses 18-32. During my initial reading of Joel earlier in the semester I found the first part depressing, but the second part uplifting. I came to realize through further reading there is so much more this prophetic book has to offer. I guess that is true with any piece of literature. To really grasp the fullness of Joel, I had to read and reread. I also consoled the aid of several books including The Anchor Bible on Joel, the Hebrew-Greek Study Bible, and Introduction and Commentary for Joel and Amos.

Judah, the setting for the book, is devastated by a vast horde of locusts. This invasion of locusts destroys everything—the fields of grain, the vineyards, the gardens and the trees. Joel symbolically describes the locusts as a marching human army and views all of this as divine judgment coming against the nation for her sins. The book is highlighted by two major events. One is the invasion of locusts and the other the outpouring of the Spirit. The initial fulfillment of this is quoted by Peter in Acts 2 as having taken place at Pentecost. This summary was provided by gotquestions.com.

From my discernment, the book is divided into two main sections; The invasion and devastation of the locusts, and the coming of the Spirit. There are several themes; however the common theme that Joel seems to be centered on is the ‘day of YHWH’. (Crenshaw 47) After reading it several times more, I can see that Joel uses present day threats and catastrophe in Judah of the locust to better describe the future day of the Lord. He calls his people to repent and turn to God. The second half of the book, the part I am focusing on, is the Divine speech. This speech proclaims the restoration of the plague-damaged land of Judah. I am captivated by the use of metaphors and descriptive language in this prophetic word. For example verse 20 says “But I will remove the northern army from you, and I will drive it into a parched and desolate land, and its vanguard into the eastern sea…” The army being described could be the swarms of locusts that caused such great misery, although locusts usually approach from the east or southeast. (Crenshaw 151) I have done some reading of these scholarly writings and interpretations of Joel, and I am fascinated to realize how timeless scripture truly is. I am truly awed by the hope and elegant poetry that this book has, although it starts of depressing if you will. I chose to focus on this section because this is the turning point for the book of Joel. This now turns to the prophesy by Joel, the promise of better days, and the Day of the Lord.

Afterward in verse 28 does not specifically point to end times, but rather just establish the chronological sequence between the two stages. (Hubbard 68) “The difference between the two stages is not that the first is material and the second spiritual but the first is the restoration of old damage and the second is the inauguration of a new era in God’s dealing with his people.” (Hubbard 68) I find that we may often miss the point if we are reading for information or to cross it off the to-do list. I have really realized the importance of slowing down and rereading. Although lectio divina is a wonderful exercise, I think some key information can be missed without seeking expert commentary. Granted, there are some very liberal commentaries that take things a little too literal. I have spent the last week in these three chapters of Joel and got so many answers, however there are so many questions still. I guess it is like Corrigan said that questions that require answers are not deep enough; rather questions you must sit with and wrestle with are questions that will give you a better answer.

The exercise we did for class was one of the times I questioned professor Corrigan’s teaching methods. However, I was quickly silenced the next day when we brought our paintbrushes and supplies to class. The painting I did was mediocre at best, but it really brought the literature to life. If I got the most out of a single exercise it would be the painting of the scene of Joel, it focused on a specific portion of Joel. It is kind of like every piece of literature. To really understand, I must sit with the text and engulf myself in it.

To wrap things up, Joel can be interpreted in several ways but from my best reading and rereading and lectio divina study of the book; this is the best I could come up with. It was also helpful to console the help of James Crenshaw and David Hubbard. I am no expert on interpreting Old Testemement text’s, so those two were very helpful. I took from this prophesy that no matter what destruction or heartache you may be experiencing, the Lord will soon rescue you. For it says in Joel chapter 2 verse 32 “And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be delivered…

PASS

I am using my second Pass! I forgot about the blog that was due today.

Today I took a trip to the Alliance for Independence, an educational and skills facility to help people with a range of mental disabilities. It brought me so much joy to see people with disabilities making the most of what they have. It frustrates me to see and hear fully functioning people complain about life, and how terrible it can be when they have full mobility of their mind. I believe this trip helped me connect with the text that parallels this field trip. I pictured Lucien as J.B., the snack counter employee. It was awesome to see them making some money with either the snack bar or employee benefit packages for Publix. I seemed to realize the need for government funding, because apparently there are some days that they do not get to come to AFI due to lack of transportation. There facilities were functional, but definitely use some improvements. I though it was funny that all of Professor Corrigan's questions related to government funding. I would not be opposed to giving them the money that they needed, but I know that money is not an unlimited resource. So when money is given to them, it must be taken away from somebody else who may need it. However, I really did enjoy this field trip. It brought this play to life. I am a very visual person. I learn better by seeing things, rather imagining their voice and movements. It was great to have that opportunity today. I think it will be interesting to see the play The Boys Next Door at Theater Winter Haven. It was the first piece of literature that I would have read, watched, and experienced. I would like to volunteer, however the process is fairly extensive. so she recommended coming to the big events, because the volunteer training is very minimal. Overall, this was a great personal experience and literary experience.