From this field last night a
delighted chorus of children’s voices rang clearly in the
air at a simple fireworks display. Lightning flashes created a
dual display of unexpected bursts of light, which provoked shouts
from the young crowd that I finally distinguished as continuous
choruses of “happyhappyhappyhappy”.
What a delight to be the hidden listener to spontaneous sounds
of joy and laughter. The children were not bothered in the least
by the ongoing drizzle, but were totally absorbed in the thrill
of the moment. I couldn’t help but think how God must delight
in us when we respond in such ways to His gifts to us! The fireworks
were soon over, and the children disappeared. Once again the night
was silent.
Until 12:00 sharp. The silence was suddenly broken once again
by widespread cheering, singing, the sounds of drums echoing across
the valley, and women ululating in celebration! For several minutes
the valley was filled with joyful sounds. It was as if the earth
had unexpectedly opened up, announced a new day, and closed its
mouth again!
As I began to fall asleep again with the sound of the rain pounding
on the roof, I thought of my purpose for coming here: to find
a quiet place to reflect on the year passing and the year to come
and give God thanks in and for it all. He provided this magical
place for the night and organized amazing entertainment as well!
Once again, I was in awe that my God, the Creator of the universe
and all that is good, also knew my needs and, in remarkable, ingenious,
and simple ways, brought back a peace and joy in my being that
had been waning in recent months.
2005 was a difficult year for me, with personal challenges that
left me wondering about the direction of my life and work. In
deciding to come to Lesotho with the Joining Hands Against Hunger
program I have felt the tremendous the potential the Lesotho-PC(USA)
partnership has to improve the quality of lives of those impacted
by poverty, though I know it’s not without its challenges
and difficulties.
I’ve found the transition this time much more difficult
than I expected. How to describe what I’m feeling? It’s
like I’ve joyfully climbed to the top of the trapeze pole
and have grabbed hold of the bar, ready to swing out, only to
find the ropes attached to the bar are a bit threadbare, the net
below is loose and weak, and the ladder behind me has disappeared!
This is probably your classic “step out in faith”
scenario. What we are doing requires a total reliance on God,
His guidance, and favor, but friends, it’s still a difficult
place to be!
Fortunately, about two months ago, in the midst of desperately
seeking direction and relief, I came across Rick Warren’s
The Purpose Driven Life, which I have been reading avidly and
today I finished Day 40! It has been a godsend, bringing renewed
vision and a balanced perspective back into my life!
In it all, God’s promises and presence with me—even
in the midst of my tears and tantrums, fears and frustrations,
and times of sulking and sadness—remain clear and unchallenged
as I continue to seek Him and do His will in my life in thankfulness
for what He has done in mine!
In my next letter I’ll tell you more specifically about
some of our activities. In the meantime, check out the Joining
Hands Against Hunger-Lesotho Web site, and for history and
information on Lesotho, go to the CIA's
fact book on Lesotho or to the Web
site on Sesotho, the language spoken in Lesotho and parts
of South Africa.
May our God of wonder, who delights in those who love Him, fill
you with great joy in this New Year as you find your purpose and
meaning in Him who has gifted us with life itself only because
He loves you.
With blessings in Christ Jesus
The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
339 |
