Visiting the Land that Thunders- a short trip to Zambia

  What a great joy to be invited by my friend and Director of Reaching Generations - Glynis Crawford and to join her on a work trip to Zambia Africa. She overseas a unique program that allows financial sponsors in the US to help orphans in 7 different countries in Africa to stay with an African family or church members rather than be placed in an orphanage. The monthly sponsorship of $25.00 provides the child with educational costs, food or other things that they or the family might need along with care, nurturing and accountability through the local church.

Glynis and a new little friend

  Our adventure began in Oklahoma City and ended 8807 miles later in Lusaka the capital of land locked Zambia. It has a total population of 14 million with over 1 million living in the capital. The average yearly wage is $1473.00 per capita and for some its less than $1.00 a day. 80% of the country are literate with English as their primary language. They are very poor with limited access to water and sewage. Zambia is blessed with 3 major rivers and the 7th Wonder of the World- Victoria Falls.

  My job was to assist Glynis as the non professional videographer and anything else she needed along the way. Of course I had the fun of meeting the children and making friends with the local women that helped at the church in Lusaka.


 

My Lenten Retreat- A SPACE

I have the joy this Lenten Season of joining an online retreat hosted by one of my favorite artists and spiritual leaders JAN RICHARDSON.

http://janrichardson.com/lentenretreat2013.html

She and her husband Gary give a daily Lenten mediation through art, music and words. Each day has been beautiful and thought provoking. It is open to everyone and its not too late to join.

Why am I taking this Lenten (long) journey?
My soul is feeling impoverished and weary from all the events of life- both personal and global.
I need a time and space just to follow Him through the last 40 days of His life.
I need to remember how much it cost Him so I could have relationship with God.
I need to wonder once again about all He is and all He has done.

And even though I cant spend 40 days on a tropical beach uninterrupted I can have a "soul" retreat when I get away daily for a small space in time just to hear and live His story again.

   

Advent Art 3- The Way is filled with Wonders

made on my ipad

Sometimes I have read or heard the same story so many times that I no longer listen. I think this is especially true at Christmas.

My meditation today was Isaiah 40:1-11 " In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord..." I know this verse by memory and have enjoyed the drama that Handel gave to it in The Messiah. But today I understood it.

Today I understood that Isaiah was declaring that all would become level- the valley would rise up + be made level with the mountains that would be made low. All the rough terrain would be flat like a plain. And then the Glory of the Lord would be revealed. He would come so all people could see Him together.

The Way was made straight so we could clearly hear Him, our eyes have a level plain of sight to see Him and there are no ruts or mountains to climb when we run to Him. All mankind has a straight unobstructed path to Him.

So what more do I need to do this Season than to follow the glow of His glory and enjoy the wonders He has placed along the way.