Language Mishaps
I am currently doing language full time. It's amazing how fast I'm learning, and part of the process is to practice speaking what you know as often as you can. However, this means I often make a fool of myself. Here are three instances of communication mishaps. 1. IKEA boxes As I moved into my apartment, I assembled lots of IKEA furniture. Once I was done with the boxes, I put them on the street for one of the many people who go around collecting recyclable things to sell. Once such man walked up and said something in the native language. I didn't know what he said, but he seemed to be asking… Read more >>
Life in the Middle East
So far things have been going well here. The hardest part is probably the language barrier. However, as we are starting full-time language learning, I am hopeful that it will become easier to figure out my life and role in this place. This morning I ready this verse and was reminded of my need for God to give me his desires. Have a great thanksgiving everyone! Psalm 37:3-6 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: he will make… Read more >>
a word from Gregory
As I get ready to leave in a month I have been sad about all that I am leaving behind. I was comforted by this prayer of Gregory Nazianzen that one of my professors gave me in college. It reminded me of the great treasure we have in Christ, and that nothing in this life is sweeter than knowing him and being loved by him. It's great to meditate on, so please read it if you have some time. Oh God of Mercy and Justice, God of the Oppressed and Broken, We recognize that we are all beggars and needy of divine grace, even if one of us may seem to have more than others. We recognize that love is… Read more >>
The God of Leah
I recently read the story of Leah in Genesis and was struck by what her life demonstrates about the character of God. I found that I am very drawn to the God of Leah in Genesis 29. Leah’s husband Jacob was tricked into marrying her when he thought he was marrying her sister Rachel. The Bible tells us that Leah had weak eyes and that her younger sister was very beautiful. God allowed Leah to be married to a man that did not love her. I think it would have been pretty hard to be Leah. 31 When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel… Read more >>