Dedicated

OK,so many weeks ago while I was in Sierra Leone, I promised I would write a blog about the circumcisions. Many of you know that when I start a story I will always come back and finish it even if it takes weeks. I will always remember to come back. SO for those of you who have been waiting for this blog here you go.

So, In the middle of my trip to Sierra Leone were two days in which circumcisions were performed on some of our guys. The first week our older ones 10 and under who had not had this done did. The next week our little ones who were in the same boat had the same thing. Yes I'm sure you have lots of questions. No I did not actually go inside the room while one was taking place. I did stand outside the door where the doctor was working. For those of you who do not know, circumcision is necessary for health reasons, and in America boys are circumcised at birth. Even knowing this fact does not help me to get over the thought. As I listened to our boys on those days and watched them in the next couple of weeks as they healed, some parts of scripture took on a new life for me.

In the early church, there was a pretty heated dispute among the Jews and the Greeks over circumcision. The Jews believed it was necessary for salvation because it was a part of their tradition while the Greeks did not. Now I had never put much thought into this idea until being here and living a non infant circumcision. I am glad that Paul did his best to let the Jews no that it was a circumcision of the heart that God really desired and not simply a physical one. I say this because I don't know how dedicated I am to Christ. I don't say that lighty. We say that when we choose to follow Christ we have to give up some of ourselves. I don't know that THAT is what I would want to give up. I marvel at a saint like Timothy who was circumcised so he could speak to the Jews with more credibility. I unfortunately don't know if I am that dedicated.

I am thankful that God has called and continues to call me. I am thankful for the tough situations I find myself in that allow me to grow in my faith. I am thankful for those who has come before me and are example of true sacrifice. I pray that God will continue to circumcise my heart and get rid of what is harmful to me. I ask God to use me as he sees fit, even if it hurts a little bit. I know if my boys in Africa can do it, so can I. God may I choose2B more dedicated to you today.

I don't have a cute title for this

Well I find it hard to believe that it has only been 2 weeks since I flew back from Sierra Leone. It feels like a lot longer. People keep asking me if I'm adjusted to life back here. Sure (that's a typical response from me). I don't really know what that means. I have a lot of wasted, well at least they seem wasted, days were I don't feel like I am making a difference. The day after I arrived home my parents called to let me know my mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She had surgery last week and is doing fine and looks to be cancer free, but cancer is a disease of patience so we will see. Things at the church are not what I dream for. I think that is more upsetting because I know how upsetting that is to God. Prayer lists are always longer than praise lists and I wonder why. Why is everybody in America so freakin down on stuff. Look around you and see what God has blessed you with. I find myself falling into the same trap of missing God here. Lord give me crosseyed vision to see you and be thankful. I will choose2B a difference maker and a positive influence (I am trying to take my own advice as I write).

Well after rambling here at the beginning I have been meaning to write this blog for awhile. I miss Sierra Leone and yet there are some things I don't miss. So here is my list of things missed and not missed.

I do not miss......
the humidity - I lost 12 pounds on my African sweat diet, and I didn't have much to start with.
the smell my clothes gave off when wet
slow internet
corn on my pizza - don't knock it till you try it. i'm not saying it was bad I just don't miss it. it can be a side but not a topping.
swatting mosquitoes while using the bathroom
having security talk to me through my window each night and scare the crap out of me.
the road through Lumley
shopping at the market
carrying millions in currency in my pocket
seeing people suffer, but I remember it in my work.

However, I do miss.....
the sunsets off the guesthouse balcony
fresh baked bread
watching all the lizards run away when I walked around
seeing the difference I can make
making the female staff laugh
teaching the cooks "how to cook"
walking up the hill to go to school
Cari and Jessie
speaking to people on the street
rice (believe it or not)
riding the motobike to town
being able to focus more on God
watching sponsors talk to their kids
talks in the older girls room
getting the younger girls room in trouble
discipling the older boys
chasing the younger boys
holding hands
walking into the babies room
laughing at Moses
walking with Lucy
seeing God's provision, grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in the lives of each person at The Covering
being picked to play soccer
"Mo gi eats"
worship and prayer time
AND ON AND ON AND ON

I am continually thankful for the renewed passion I received for God while I was visiting with my new neighbors. I can't wait to stop visiting and start living with them. Who knows what God has in store. So I will try to no longer miss it but instead look forward to it. I look forward to carry those feelings to my life here. God help me to enjoy my life wherever you place me. I choose not to MISS you anymore.