Praying for Haiti

I was given the opportunity to study the people, history and culture of Haiti a few years ago for Cross Cultural Counseling while in graduate school. Each group in the class was given a region of people and had the responsibility of teaching the class for over two hours and constructing a large research paper. The purpose was to better understand the culture of the people groups in the regions and those who lived in the US so that we, as counselors, could better help members of those cultures we would interact with in our field. Our group was assigned the people of the Caribbean (I know, real tough...actually it was!). We selected the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Haiti as our countries to focus on and I was to become the group's expert on Haiti.

It was the major assignment of the semester, a huge percentage of our grade and my group was counting on my participation for a third of it so I poured myself into studying these people. At the end of it, I was ready to move to Haiti, join in one of the communities and minister to this nation. I fell in love with studying these people. I had the opportunity to interview a student I had met at school who was from Haiti. We talked for over two hours about his home and he and his wife shared with me who the Haitians are. He told me to know the people of Haiti, I must first know their history (I love that kind of thinking) so he started from the very beginning and brought me to where they are now. They are a people of poverty because they don't look to the future. They are also a people that have faced terrible political upheavals and uncertainties that threatened their historical way of life, whether for worse of better didn't seem to matter. But what struck me was the most was that they are a people who value community. I asked my friend what a counselor would need to know to be able to effectively help a Haitian. He and his wife both agreed a counselor would never get the chance unless they lived with the people, in their community and earned trust over the years. In Haiti, they take care of their people. My friend told me that each meal was prepared with the anticipation that anyone may stop by to join the meal. If someone moved from Haiti to the US (usually with the intention of sending money home to take care of their family), it didn't matter if they knew anyone living here because they would quickly meet another Haitian through connections back home and they would be brought into their community.

All of that to say, I am so sad as I watch the devastation that an earthquake left on this nation. It is impossible to know the death toll and the number of people who are injured. But what really breaks my heart is seeing the look of hopelessness and fear on the faces of the survivors. For the most part Haiti is a lost nation, searching something to believe in. My friends shared that often Haitians are open to all forms of religion, and one might say he is a Christian, Muslim and Buddhist while participate in other forms of spirituality. They don't choose to believe one way. And now, they desperately need the peace that God provides, that isn't based on works or blessings or curses. That is my prayer right now, that the people of Haiti would begin to experience God's peace in this time and understand His love for them.

***And just a quick response to Pat Robinson's thoughts (he says this happened because God is punishing the Haitians for the pact they made with the devil so that they would win in their revolution from the French centuries ago): While there is some truth to the pact he referred to, it is likely much of it may be folklore. Regardless of that, Robinson's statement does not match who I believe God to be. Mr. Robinson seems to often forget that he, like all of his, are sinners in need of God's grace. Jesus did not spend his time cursing and destroying the people living in sin. Rather he loved them first and met them where they were for them to know him. In fact it was the religious leaders that Jesus corrected and dealt harshly with.

Worth Fighting For?

My husband has been watching Band of Brothers on tv. I like to see shows from the beginning so I haven't stopped to watch it with him but I did stop for a moment tonight. This episode was called "Why We Fight" and it involved the struggle the WWII soldiers were facing as the wondered if their sacrifice to fight was even worth it. They weren't sure exactly why they were fighting the Nazis, and if it mattered at all. And then they came across a concentration camp, not knowing those camps existed. Suddenly it was disturbingly clear to these young men why they were fighting. Their lives would be forever altered by the atrocities they saw, the evil they witnessed and the worst of humanity. There was not then and is not now many who question whether or not WWII was worth fighting for when thinking of the Holocaust alone. There was evil being done on the other side of the world and our country, as a strong nation, had the moral obligation to stop the harm being done to weaker countries and prevent the danger from coming to our land. The history books do not tell of wide spread dissention. Instead there are stories of sacrifice both from the soldiers and the people at home.

What will history books read about the United States and the fight we're in now? Likely that we pulled out before the task was complete and that Americans questioned the US' invasion and work being done in the Middle East during the entire war. But is the difference between why we were in WWII and why we are in Operation Iraqi Freedom? Why doesn't the US still have the moral obligation to defend weaker nations and prevent attacks on home soil? The cruelty done to the Jewish people, and people of other nationalities, during the Nazi reign is unimaginable and will hopefully never happen to that extent again. But it could. Why would Sadaam Hussein, or any one else, be less capable that Adolf Hitler of causing inhumane distruction? So why is it so horrible (according to so many Americans) that the US stepped in to prevent the escalating evil? Not to mention stop what was already happening? Mass genocide happened in Iraq, not only in Germany. How easily forgotten that is.

Thank you to the committed soldiers who are sacrificing, and whose lives will be forever changed by what they are going through right now. May you be protected from danger, honored for your work and know "Why We Fight."

At the Table

The dinner table is a pretty special place in a family's home. I was reminded of this thought during this past weekend.

My family had the opportunity to spend time in the house my grandparents lived in for 41 years. It has been beautifully converted into a bed and breakfast and will continue to be a place where people are welcomed and memories are made for years. I spent a lot of time in that house as I grew up and it is a precious place to me. The new owner has been so kind and gracious to my family, honoring that this was home to them. On Saturday, she invited us to visit the house and share a breakfast. We enjoyed touring the home and the food was delicious but what was the most special happened after breakfast. The owner of the home was curious about the house's and family's history so the family spent time around the table sharing memories. I love to hear my family tell stories, there are wonderful story tellers in the group, but what I really enjoyed was thinking back to the hours I have spent in that house around the table listening to stories. We enjoyed Sunday afternoon lunches, holiday meals and other meals "just because" in that home and no time around the table ended just because we finished eating. Rather, we sat there for a long time afterwards just talking...like they did on Saturday morning. Someone always said, "lets go sit somewhere more comfortable" but it would take awhile before we moved. The dining room table is now in a different room, but the stories were still there. I really missed Meme that morning, knowing she would have loved being in the middle of it (and probably telling us a story she'd told us a hundred times...but I would give anything to hear them one more time).

Right now it is pretty difficult to have a peaceful mealtime with a 16 month old. But, Saturday morning reinforced to me the importance of making it work. I want years for our family of spending extra time at the table, just because we enjoyed being together.

Look Ahead

Tonight the three of us were driving home as the sun was setting in the direction we were heading. I love sunsets, clouds and pretty skies and my husband, knowing this, does a good job of appreciating those with me. Tonight's sunset made the clouds pretty shades of pink and orange and as we were admiring them, my husband invited our son to look at the sky. He encouraged J to look forward, pointing and using a tone that indicated that what he would see would be pretty neat. Now, we were driving on the interstate with lots going on around and in front of us so a 16 month old in the back seat was probably not going to recognize that his daddy was pointing out a sunset. But, J immediately got wide-eyed and smiled and said "ohhh" like it was absolutely amazing what he was seeing. I looked at my husband and said "now that is trust." J probably had no idea what he was looking towards but because his daddy told him it was great, he completely believed it.

I wish I had that reaction when God was pointing out a direction to me. Even if I'm not sure what I'm looking at, that I would get wide eyed and excited just because my Father said it would be great.

"Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."

Habakkuk 1:5

What are you left with?

This isn't the first post I thought I would write after a long hiatus! But, it is on my mind and if I am ever going to start blogging regularly I need to just write when I think of it.

It has been a rough week for pop culture with the death of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.

Surprisingly of all of them I think I was an Ed McMahon fan, even though he was the oldest. Apparently I was a big fan of "Heeeeere's Johnny" when I was young. I only know Farrah Fawcett for her celebrity status, not any of her work, and I can't say I was ever a Michael Jackson fan. I really like The Jackson 5 (though I do kind of feel like I am witnessing child labor abuse taking place) but the rest of his music isn't my style. Mainly though, I am of the wrong generation to remember Michael as anything but Wacko Jacko. I was in 6th grade when he was first arrested for molestation and it has just been downhill from there. But this is all beside the point of the blog...

These were all huge pop icons and had much of what I think the world deems as successful- Ed McMahon was on one of the most popular shows of all time and through that met anybody who was anybody, had plenty of wealth (though not in the last few years), had a long career. Farrah Fawcett was known for beauty. And Michael Jackson was, for a large part of his career, the biggest celebrity in the world.

But they all died. Interestingly enough, in very common ways: illnesses related to old age, cancer and heart disease. And now what? Well, now none of that celebrity, wealth, beauty or power matters. I do not know the beliefs of any of these three for sure so the following passage is not a condemnation or affirmation for any of them. Rather it is a reminder for readers that we all face mortality. We will all face God at the ends and all of the prizes achieved during our lives will not matter at all. All that matters is whether or not we knew Him as Lord.

From Revelation 3:14-22

"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

How Am I Doing?

I said that I would update with how I am doing on my goals so here goes...

I will keep the dining room table clean so that the three of us can eat at the table. The mail has to find a new home.
Doing pretty well...we eat dinner at the table for most of the meals but sometimes I have to clean it off before the meal :). I really enjoy our dinnertime together and I think it is getting the little guy used to having meal time together.

When I have a "great intention" I will write it down or tell my husband about it so that I won't forget it or have motivation to follow through.
Honestly, I can't think of a great intention that I have had! I guess I did want to make cookies for my husband's trip and I did. I don't know if telling him helped or not.

I will keep up with the calendar that is now on my fridge.
I think I have kept up with it.

I will read the Bible in a year.
I am pleased to say I have kept up with this well. I have not missed a day, even when going out town. And, I am really enjoying it.

I will blog at least once every two weeks.
You know I have already messed this one up :). =

I will cook more vegetables with meals.
I still need to improve but we have had veggies with most meals.

I will always have some sort of dessert for my husband.
I think I have done this most days, at least with cookies. It really helps that my mom bought him a lot of his favorite Girl Scout cookies!

I will do one craft project each month.
When I do a project, I like to spend at least a few hours on it at a time so it isn't working out well right now. My little guy hasn't slept great at night for the last few weeks and has been waking up earlier so I have to choose to stay up late or be sleepy the next day. I have worked on the stocking I have been cross stitching for a looong time though so I have an outlet.

I am going to keep our home neater.
I just need a new home.

25 Things About Me

Ugh. I didn't even make it the first month in posting at least once every 2 weeks. I think my mom is the only one who checks this still so sorry Mama. (By the way if you do read this, first thank you and second, leave me a comment and let me know!)

There is a note floating around Facebook (I guess the FB version of email forwards) that requires you to make a list of 25 random things about yourself. I am a big dork and like these kind of things so I did it when my friends sent it to me. Because I can't seem to finish a blog that I start on this thing I will just recopy it here. I made a few changes to remove personal/identifying information.

1. I want my life to reflect the joy and peace I have of knowing Christ as my Savior. That is what matters that you know about me, the rest of the list is just fun.
   
2. I have ridiculously ticklish feet. I love the result of a pedicure but getting it done is torturous.
3. I am married to the guy I had a crush on in 7th grade, was my high school sweetheart and I still continue to find even more things to love about him.
4. I am a mama and can’t describe how wonderful that is.
5. 2008 was quite a year- it contained the most amazing time of our lives (having our son), and the hardest time of our lives (our church being closed). I am hoping for a less emotional 2009 (well…sort of).
6. I am a horrible housewife. I don’t like to cook, I don’t like to clean and I am really disorganized. God bless a patient husband.
7. My son’s smile is one of the most wonderful sights I will ever see. And I love that it is his daddy’s smile.
8. I started a “Read the Bible in a Year” program this year and am so glad that I have.
9. My husband is my absolute favorite person in the world. I love his character, how he makes me smile, how much he encourages me, what an amazing daddy he is….the list can go on but it is 25 things about me, not him :)
10. I would really love to be a writer and/or speaker and/or teacher.
11. I am a minister’s wife and actually love it. Didn’t think I would, but I do!
12. My husband and I talked about what we thought our son’s personality would be like when I was pregnant and were surprisingly close!
13. I love the little lake in our backyard. It has lots of ducks that my son now loves and makes for great walks. It saved my sanity the first few months with a newborn.
14. ***This one was impossible to remove personal city related info so I'll make a new one*** I can take or leave desserts but really like hot desserts with fruit (like cobbler)
15. I still revert to my old junior high and high school insecurities every once in a while and I wish I didn’t.
16. I have an awesome little sister and love spending time with her. Luckily she loves my son enough that she comes to visit more often now.
17. I have lived in "current city" for 5 and ½ years and just drove to "another neighboring big city" by myself for the first time on Friday. And I am grateful for GPS.
18. I love learning. I enjoy hearing about research findings, reading studies, watching documentaries and miss the lectures from my wise professors. It is the only reason I am still considering PhD work.
19. I enjoy shows on the Game Show Network and my mom and I could win Chain Reaction.
20. I love my family. My parents are wonderful people who I really admire and I really enjoy being with them. I respect them even more now that I am a parent. I also consider it a great blessing to have my extended family.
21. Do not talk to me while Dancing with the Stars is on. I have called the final 3 for every season since I started watching during season 3 (except Marie Osmond but she didn’t count, that was a dark period in the show). I can also often guess what the judges will say even though I really have no clue what makes a specific dance. And I dance around the apartment afterwards. My absolute favorite is the waltz.
22. I love hot tea and drink at least one mug a day, often two. Today I had three.
23. My favorite hobby is creating art work and craft projects. There isn’t a particular favorite and I will try most things. Cross stitching relaxes me, I love painting but it stresses me, I am getting back into scrapbooking, sewing intimidates me so I haven’t tried it but I have a hundred other things I like to do.
24. If I had the money, I would have a house on the lake and a cabin near ski slopes that are big enough so that our family could stay too.
25. After rereading this list, I sound like a 73 year old woman. I really am cool I promise!

So that is some info about me! I PROMISE I'll start blogging more. I have lots of ideas, just haven't had the mental energy once my son has gone to bed to write them out.