Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Daily life, or, perhaps it's time for an update

Some of my greatest heroes of the faith include female Christian writers who beautifully describe why the gospel matters to everyday living. Elisabeth Elliot, for one, explains the importance of an orderly and godly family life in The Shaping of a Christian Family. Leslie Ludy describes how modesty, humility, gentleness, and order in everyday life are evidence of a heart committed to the Lord in Set Apart Femininity. Anne Ortlund is very practical with her mantra of "eliminate and concentrate" in Disciplines of a Beautiful Woman. Each of these books has contributed to the value I have found in living a life committed to the Lord--committed not only through confession, but also through practice. For me, this includes embracing order, structure, organization, and thereby beauty.

I live on a schedule during the week--moderate rather than stringent, but a schedule nonetheless. I get up absurdly early--"while it is yet night"--to exercise (and chat!) with a friend, to have plenty of time to prepare both my appearance and my heart for the day, and to open my classroom a bit earlier than necessary so I'm ready to welcome and teach my 11th-graders.

In the afternoons, I either continue working (life of a teacher!), work out with some great (and athletic beyond my limits) friends, visit Nyenyezi (Thursdays only), or go out (read: buy food). Evenings are generally scheduled for me, between ladies' Bible study, campus Bible study, youth group, and campus potluck. Things change up (a little), but the routine is generally the same--and glory be, it's rhythmic, manageable, and ever so enjoyable for a number of reasons.

First of all, when I follow an orderly schedule, I have immeasurably more time to spend reading, praying, writing, and thinking through things. The soul's stamina increases dramatically when that soul is fed with God's Word regularly and significantly.

Furthermore, I can be a better teacher. My lessons are ready-to-go the moment students walk in the door, and I make them feel welcomed (I hope) by sharing a fun PowerPoint on adjectives or asking a thought-provoking question about life that will relate to the day's discussion.

Finally, I can enjoy sweet moments of a great variety. Sometimes it means noticing the glorious sunset, or having coffee with a friend. Sometimes I can chat with students or campus kids or other teachers. Sometimes I can read a book that speaks to my heart for hours, candle burning and chai tea within reach. When I structure and organize the time I have, I find there is more time that can be enjoyed.

And when moments are enjoyed, how I can I help but be ever more grateful for the revealed creativity, glory, and goodness of a wondrous God?

Monday, April 6, 2015

An update (with pictures!)

I have been busy. Hasn't everyone?

Two weekends ago I attended my fabulous friend's bridal shower at the best cafe in Lilongwe. We all but took over.
Two weeks ago I played lots of Sorry with four exceptionally fun kids. I told you about that already.

What I didn't tell you was that during that week, I spent one afternoon getting one of my wards--and her four friends--primped for their performance at the ABCCA talent show. The girls danced to "Happy" and it was adorable. I took a break from selling hotdogs to get a video...and a terrible from-the-back row photo of the stage.
Promptly after my extended babysitting gig, I spent a long weekend at Nkhata Bay, which is a wondrously beautiful place a bit north on the lake. I spent four days relaxing, swimming, reading, and getting to know some great people a bit better.  
Last Thursday I headed to Chinsapo for the usual kids' Bible club, but it was far from usual! A team of short-termmers did a special presentation to the whole crowd of 800 kids at once. With the help of a very skilled interpreter, they shared the story of the father and his two sons. 
This past weekend I spent time by the pool and looked up at this sky. 



I also spent more than enough time in the kitchen, making more than enough food to feed myself and my housemates--BUT my housemates were away for most of the weekend. It was a sad and lonely 2 1/2 days. 

Finalmente, I spent Easter with some wonderful friends, including this sweet guy! (and Sydney :) )


Spring break has been a blessing so far. The best, however, is yet to come. I will publish another update roughly this time next week to share. (hint: my mom and sister are coming for a visitor. Did I say "hint"? I meant "spoiler.")