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my silent testimony:
Self-Absorbed and Depressed

thought Jesus, Giving and Joyful

Catering in Uganda

So, God has extra-ordinary ways of taking the experiences, knowledge, and lessons of the past and using them to intensify (not the word i really wanted) the present. I spent six years working for First Baptist kitchen, catering various occasions, and just Saturday I helped with catering a wedding reception. Thank you Suzette :)
Okay, so, yes, it was rather different....but in more ways than I expected it was the same: start before 7 am, cutting, sweating over pots, peeling, running to get and give, cutting, transporting, setting up, waiting, serving quickly, collecting plates, scraping plates, and going back in the dark. If you have never one this sort of thing this whole post probably makes little sense....sorry....

Oh, and my three brothers and I went to the volleyball courts the other day (I watched them play with a friend). The basketball team was just finishing practice. One of the guys saw me and asked what I was doing sitting alone. i told him I was waiting for my brothers.....he was rather surprised...hehe...he then asked, "From a different Mum?" and I laughed and said, "yes." Btw, polygamy still happens a bit often here. just random things from thing weekend......

Finally....

Yes, internet in some countries is difficult to deal with when you are an American used to having things just so. Oh well, not three post for February is okay, right?
Anyhow...the picture will not accompany this post, but I'll just tell a little of the family I spent a week with in Kapchorwa region. Rev. Moses and Justine Selimo have three children:the older two, Edger and Femia, were gone at boarding school, so I had the company of Issabell, who is seven. Rev. Moses is a parish priest in the Church of Uganda (Anglican extension). Justine is a special education teacher in a local primary school. Both are hard workers, but what struck me most was the way they shared domestic duties. Because Justine was gone so much of everyday, Rev. Moses prepared lunch, but she always prepared supper. He took care of the two cows and six (later five, yes I saw it slaughtered) goats everyday except Sunday when he had to leave early for church, then Justine did. Two young men tended his acre large garden for him, but harvesting matooke (ask me about it sometime and I'll give details) was a job or whomever was cooking and needed some. One evening, Justine was particularly tired and some clothes needed ironing, so Rev. Moses did it. Using an ironing box that has charcoal in it is tricky business, by the way, and washing clothes by hand with just cold water and soap will make your knuckles raw and carrying a 20L jerry can up from the well gives your neck and back muscles a major workout and walking everywhere lends to the most exhilarating feeling when you reach your destination. Now the wet season in Mukono, to go up to Kapchorwa during their dry season was interesting: deep dust and humidity levels so low that the morning wind was actually cold. I said up to Kapchorwa because it is in the mountains of eastern Uganda. It looked strangely like some parts of the southern Appalachians. If you are curious, google Sipi Falls, the furtherest is not more than 10K from the Selimo compound. (isn't it odd that 'google' is now a verb?) The second weekend in the area, all the USP students went to a resort Sipi Falls and had the option to hike to the three falls. Yes, I did and enjoyed myself immensely....and went in a long skirt. :)
Okay, so I just got distracted, lost my train of thought, and realized this post was long enough.....in other words, I'm stopping. Will tell more in my monthly update and upon response to questions later. hehe ^_^

Rakai Region Trip

The IMME students (15 of us) visited the Kibaale Community Centre this weekend. The area was so beautiful! We climbed to the top of a steep hill and could see over into Tanzania! Nearly six hour drive on roads about like the one in the picture, was an adventure, but I am so thankful I have never been one prone to motion sickness. :) Yes, I can even read while riding. God has so blessed me through years of preparation for this kind of life. We spent time with the Canadian missionaries, but mostly we were hanging out. This was more of a restful retreat for me, which was needed. I did quite a bit of silent contemplation and reflection. Asking God questions I know He will not immediately answer. It rained for awhile Sunday morning before church and that gave me a chance to really just sit and listen to God.
Do you see the bend in the road? I think I can see another bend in the path of my life, but I've not the foggiest idea what is around it. I'm beginning to think I could live in Africa the rest of my life. Yet, with the more and more muzungu (white) missionaries I meet here, I think Uganda specifically is not where I should stay. Please, pray for me as I continue searching for the way God most desires for this follower to bring Him glory.

Ugandan Food

Here is my white hand.....I'm stirring the mixture of various spices and beef that was added to the brown rice. No, we don't cook in this large sauce pan all the time. This particular day Rogers (my oldest brother) and I were cooking for the family plus several ladies and their families. Yes, the sauce pan on bricks over a fire of either wood or charcoal is the way we always do it.
For all of you who were wondering what I eat, this plate is my supper one night and is pretty typical: rice, bean soup, sweet potatoes, and matooke (looks kinda like the sweet potatoes in the pictures). Soooo good!! :)
By the way, the cell phone is mine. All the USP students get one upon arriving for safety reasons.

Jinja Visit

at the edge of Lake Victoria

This past weekend, all the USP students who are in the Inter-cultural Ministry and Missions Emphasis (IMME) went to Jinja. Yes, you should take a minute to look up its location online.

On Saturday afternoon, one of the missionaries we met with gave us an unique tour of the town. At each place we were asked to think about a question. (I didn't write them down at the time, so I will give the questions I pondered which came from what he asked us.)
1. We saw the source of the Nile River, were it comes out of Lake Victoria. because of the dam just a few kilometers down river, this once distinct site is now just a small rapid on the surface. The monument where John Hanning Speke first saw it was just across from us. Where did I come from? Where am I going?
2. Visited a very poor fishermen's village next to a high society sailboat club right on the Lake. Who did Jesus associate with? Who are we to serve?
3. The area around Bell Ave was once called "the Hollywood of Africa" back when the many wealthy Indian people lived there. We stood beside a Hindu temple and looked at all the run-down, large mansions that once housed one family and now hold 15 to 20 families paying rent to Indians who live out of the country and have bank accounts in the UK. Am I living for a title or for a testimony? Do I want to be the wealthy or the lasting witness?
4. Next, we stopped at what the missionaries call "ting-ting." This is one factory where sheet metal is shaped into anything useful you can think of and the hammers on the metal constantly cause the ting-tink-ting sound. Bobby, the missionary, talked to several of the men briefly and a few even spoke a little English. How can we relate? How can we reach them?
5. Jinja Hospital was our last stop. We split up into small groups and went to different wards. We went in not just to see, but also to pray with some of the people there. Although this hospital is ranked 2nd or 3rd in the nation, it is very under staffed and supplied. What hope can I give? Why am I not one destined to such a place?

This is a very short summary of the trip. So much I learned and now have to think about. Please, if you want to know more, write yourself a note to ask about it when I see you next. Or if you want to know something specific, feel free to email me.

University in Uganda

I'm here! I am quite safe, excluding the crazy buda-buda drivers who pass me between school and home. :) They are a type of motorcycle for transportation hire. Pedestrians are on the bottom of the traffic hierarchy.
I'm very thrilled to be alive!! Africa is wonderful! Classes are fascinating! Other students are fun! I enjoy eating mutoko and popope everyday! Fruit here is spectacular! My Mom loves Jesus very much! My brothers patiently teach me Luganda! My sister and I sat for nearly an hour last night taking turns reading chapters out of the Bible to each other! Squatting beside a basin to bathe is much quicker than showering in the States, not to mention saves much water. (one learns to preserve when you can anyhow.....the well is about 2 km away at the bottom of a steep hill) I don't really understand why everyone likes to drink boiling hot tea three times a day when the air is already making you sweat.....

Beginning an Adventure

I'm beginning the travel to Uganda today. I'm so very excited!! and rather nervous too. Please, pray all the connections go smoothly, flying proceeds safely, and everyone in the group arrives there healthily. Out of Dallas tonight, we are to arrive in Entebbe International about 10:30pm their time (which would be 1:30EST) on Friday.
Being in the hurry-up-and-wait mode already, I'm having difficulty coming up with something worth saying.....as I sit here waiting on the last load of laundry done in the States for 6 months and not in a bucket. I've been back around LeTU since Sunday night repacking and bidding all (of those I have successfully found) my friends and good acquaintances here farewell. Due to the limited and slow and unreliable internet access where I shall be, I hope to continue blogging and updating as usual, but please, don't be alarmed if I am unable to do so.

All your prayers are greatly appreciated. God bless you all!!

An 8 Wonder of Kansas

We went to the Underground Salt Museum this afternoon. Very cool! okay so, actually the constant underground temperature is 68 degrees and a humidity of about 41%. If you want to know more, check out their website: http://www.undergroundmuseum.org/index.php
Just the homepage slide show gives a pretty good idea what it's about. They also store a bunch of stuff for the Underground Vaults and Storage in another part of the mine. On the website (http://undergroundvaults.com/) all the boxes on shelves would be in places like this salt mine. If you are ever touring the country near Hutchinson, KS, I would highly recommend seeing this.

Merry CHRISTmas!!!

God sent His Son to us. God incarnate. Jesus was 100% man and 100% God. Jesus truly was Emmanuel: "God with us." The advent sermons where I have been attending here in Hutch have been based on this passage:

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6 (NASB)

For those, who like me, are fans of Handel's Messiah, this verse immediately brings to mind a particular tune. But, stop......think.....reread those words by the prophet Isaiah. Who was He? Who is He?

Several years ago, while I was in high school youth group, our youth pastor asked us to think about what the best gift we had ever received was. He gave a few minutes to think about it. Then, when he asked us to share what that gift was with the group, I squirmed a bit in my chair (silly thing was too big for me...yes, I am that short), so he looked at me and told me to go first. I simply said, "The best gift I have ever received was forgiveness." Referring to the gift Jesus gave me when He came to earth, lived as a man, taught His disciples, was killed, rose again!, and now is in heaven preparing a place in heaven for all who truly believe in and live for Him.

What was the best gift you ever received? Did you give anything in return? I cannot repay the debt of love I owe, but I have given what I could: my whole self. Even with all my failings, that is exactly what God wants in return.
What hope, joy, peace, and love we can experience from truly knowing Him!!

Back in Kansas!

Well, I'm back in Kansas for the Christmas break. I finished finals last Wednesday, worked all day Thursday, hung out and made dinner for friends on Friday, then ushered for fall graduation on Saturday, and got here before too late Saturday night. Oh, and I will be able to post pictures when I go to Uganda next semester (as well as now) because the wonderful Sarah let me borrow her digital camera (which she says she doesn't use anymore) to take as I go world trotting! So, here is the first picture I've used it to take:
my room at the Hawthorne's. ^_^

I am so very much exceedingly blessed!! Even in the tough times, I know God gives me exactly what I need. Right now, though, I've more than than enough. How could I ask for more comfort, joy, rest, etc. God has once more proved to me His desire for my delight in Him, whether the delight comes from watching the little birds outside my window, eating warm home-made food, laughing with friends (who are like family to me), or simply sleeping in a very comfortable bed for as long as I like. :)

Why is God so good to me? Why does He pour so much grace into my life? I can't begin to imagine th depth, height, and width of God's love for me. I once more stop in amazement.

So Much

The past week has been rather crazy, but very fun (for the most part). I just got back to the house about 30 minutes ago from Hutchinson, Kansas.
~1060 miles.
21 college/just post-college kids.
2 adopted parents.
1 house.
3 days.
so much fun!! ^_^
not enough sleep....


and I'm 21 now....
(do I really have to be responsible now?)

research

For all of you who don't know: I do not like to write papers. I like researching, finding new things, discovering different perspectives, and learning of connections between things. But I don't like writing papers....at all. So, you ask, how can I stand to write all the time? That, Watson, is an excellent question. Only by God's grace can I be in this major, where writing papers, reports, reflections, etc are a extremely common thing.
Back to the point....I just read and took notes on portions from two rather fascinating books: The Concise Encyclopedia of Islam and Encyclopedia of Hinduism. I like encyclopedias, they tell you what you what to know and make you curious about other things you didn't know you wanted to know, without adding tons of other information or wordiness to get in the way of the point. ^_^ I guess that is why i like dictionaries too.
Yep, I'm a nerd. hehehe....

Dedicated to Benjamin

I wrote a research paper this past weekend/week for my Church History class on John Knox and the Scottish Reformation. I wanted to do something I knew a little something about already, while the assignment required the paper be on a "major turning point in the history of Christianity." Thank you my older brother, Benjamin! You talked Scottish history enough I found out I actually learned something after all this time! Yes, I listened to many of his monologues on the history he was so fascinated with for so long. YaY, for having a family who liked learning so much as to make it a pass time, and I just listened and learned without putting forth any effort. WoW......so, I was like a nerd from the beginning....and didn't even realize it.....of course then I was also born a Francis.....yes, this is you reading my train of thought...while I sit here in a room on my brother floor listening to them plan their class schedules for next semester. I&M lab.... dynamics.... engineering design technology..... engineering project management.... crazy engineers!
Yes, I have grown up around nerds of some sort all my life. I so far prefer to hear them argue over whether C++ or Java is better, discuss the inter-workings of the muscles in a human knee, or explain the proof to why a straight line is in fact the shortest distance between two points than put up with the giggly small talk of girls with boyfriends......I like it when guys will just be your friend or adopted brother for the duration of college. For any guy who falls in that category, Thank you!
Okay, so I'm going to stop now...this blog is long enough..... ^_^

Friends, Food, and Singing

I wish I had a picture to post of all eleven of us gathered in the music room singing hymns. I hosted a dinner for my good friends from school: Paco, Grey, Panic, Pebble, Dozer, Copper, Synk, Tiana, Rene, Chung, and Jon (left early). After everyone had eaten their fill, Copper graciously played the piano for us as we sang for about two and half hours. ^_^ At first the animals just peeked around corners, but by the end all the cats had a lap and two of the dogs were relaxing by feet (Satey is afraid of boys, so she stayed in the other room). When throats got too tired and a couple people had already headed back to school, the guys bade far-well, and soon after, us three girls went to bed.
This morning was beautiful! Breakfast and some homework time with a couple friends, instead of the usual of being alone, was most up lifting. God pours so many blessing on me!! In Christ's love, I simply stop......unable to express how overwhelmingly grateful I am. I am once more left speechless by Him.

reflection

What do people see when a small glimpse of me strays by the edge of their vision?

Today has been one of most, extremely wonderfully exciting news! I found out I am accepted to the Program in Uganda for next semester I applied to!! I also talked on the phone with the States side director of the orphanage in South Africa where I am looking into helping at next summer, and she was happy to tell me all they hope I can do when I come!! Today was also full of reflecting for me: where is God leading me? where has God brought me from this past couple years? what am I doing at LeTourneau? what am I supposed to be focused on anyway? Earlier today I contemplated all the joyous parts that God granted my memory, which I rejoice in singing to recall. This evening after being alone at the house for a couple hours, I went back and read some old emails and letters saved on my computer, and sunk into deep ponderings of the less than up lifting memories I have tried to suppress. Complicated life I lead! So much to pray about!!

Business!!

I meant to write and send out the Laura's Lines for October already, and I should have already written my first blog entry this month. According to my paper writing schedule for myself I'm also a 1.5 weeks behind.....ahhhhh!!! Writing is everywhere in my life! I'm trying to keep up and sorta stay enough ahead I don't die the last couple weeks of this semester, but right now that's looking really hard. I only wanted to have to write one small paper over Thanksgiving Break and be able to enjoy the rest with friends and adopted family up in Kansas, but if the behindness of papers continues on this downward spiral.....I may just have to stick around the house and write all break....
Today was a bit crazy with all the Biblical Studies profs and several students over for supper. One of the profs I have now saw me trying to finish reading a book for a paper of summary/critique for his class....and he told me he didn't want me to write the paper early (it's due Oct 31). Now, I'd just like to say that totally killed my motivation to finish writing it tonight, like I had planned. In one of my classes Friday, my prof (a different one) told us in more detail what he wanted in a paper due Monday (tomorrow). I had already completed this paper, so to hear him say he was so certain no one had yet thought about the paper.....well, not what I needed to hear.......why do profs encourage students to work at the last minute? I must get some done early, so getting everything done will be possible.
Please, please, pray for my motivation level, content competence, and desire for excellence.

Heart Sick

I've been sick the past few days. Friday it started, but Sunday and Monday were the hardest days. Being sick is no fun, obviously, but that wasn't what really perturbed me those two days particularly. I didn't go to church because I didn't want to spread the yuck around anymore, so I didn't go to Prayer & Praise that evening either, then Monday I completely lost my voice for most of the day. I couldn't sing at all for two days straight! I wanted to lift up the songs that came into my mind, but if I tried, the coughing would force me to stop. Being rather isolated in my room all day Sunday and not being able to talk to much of anyone at school Monday hurt. However, the biggest struggle this sickness brought came on hard while I was in chapel. Starting with singing, the praise band lead songs I knew in chapel. I stood up initially with everyone else, but sat down within the first verse in an effort to suppress a cough. I sat, hunched over in my seat wishing I could stand and sing. I wanted it for myself. Then I realized. I was completely focused on my singing, not on lifting God up in praise, giving Him glory and honor. As those around me continued singing, I wrestled with my thoughts: why did I keep focusing on myself? why couldn't I give my voice to God, even when I had no control over it? where was my heart of worship? worship is from the heart, not the mouth. why couldn't I worship God without singing?
The conclusion of the matter was my realization of my complete selfishness, even in what I had supposed was worship to God; a renewed desire for God to control ever part of me thoroughly, wholly; and a simple plea to God to humble me more for His glory.

Weathering the Weekend

Check this out: http://www.stormpulse.com/hurricane-ike-2008 note: Longview is closest to the 32.4 N, 95.3 W location
Yep, I just saw a tropical storm up close and personal. ^_^ Formally known as Hurricane Ike, the storm was blowing and pouring on us most of Saturday. Knocked out our power at the house from about 2pm until 8pm Sunday. Unlike most big storms though, which I'm more experienced with, tropical storms are warm. So, you go walking through the rain and your don't feel cold until you go into the air conditioned buildings....silly waste of energy.... All in all, the storm was rather exciting and really not very damaging around here; just enough branches and trees down to put out power in several places, but classes were in full swing today. The result of Ike is beautiful, fall-like weather! I very much enjoyed waking up to sub-70 temperature, and it still is under 75 degrees (at 2pm)!
Besides the physical weather, I finished researching and started writing my first theology paper for Christian Doctrines 1 class. The topic is on whether or not general revelation is sufficient for salvation. Most interesting topic, and one I have contemplated significantly. Trudging through the writing is a struggle for me, but I'm glad it is on a topic which I am curious about.
I know many prayers went up for all of us down here in Texas during Ike, and on behalf of all of us who felt those, Thank you!! May God's grace abound all the more to you as well!

God did it.

So, I'm just a little curious here...how many people who read my blog did not receive my September Update today? I almost want to blog on this past weekend, but that would be rather pointless for anyone to read who already knows what God did the past few days in my life. Well, so that you didn't come to look at this post in vain....how about a picture of God's creation? I never come to an end of appreciation for the beauty God has created.