One of the nice things about being back in WI is the twenty minute drive between Honeywind Farm (my parents house) and Monroe. It's just enough time to mull over the upcoming events, people I need to contact, and possibly job opportunities before arriving at my destination. I say this to say I have thought about one of my mild regrets about my time in South Africa:
Not keeping up with my blog. Now, this is an ironic statement considering my publicizing of this feeling is coming from a blog entry. That's fine by me, though. For all of those people who wanted to follow the daily grind of my South African experience, I sincerely apologize for not keying you in on everything. Someone made a good point, instead of wanting or trying to put something profound up, just a few paragraphs about what I did that day would have been really nice for those back in the states to see. Unfortunately, I failed in this respect.
What's done is done. I've learned from it. Hopefully there will be minimal regrets like this in the future. One of the biggest life-lessons I learned while being away was the DEEPLY important necessity of communication! Never stop communicating...
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
...commitment...
It's funny how things work out. I started this blog over a year ago and I believe the number of entries can be counted on fingers and toes. Shame really...there's been so much to say.
As of today, I have 19 days left on the continent. Everyday seems so much more significant now than when I first arrived. Funny how the blunt realization of departure makes one feel. It's going to be good though. God has a plan for me to be back in America sooner than I expected. Ah...how that works. The Spirit within me moves my heart to know that I need to go now and God, knowing it, worked it out that way. I'm glad He did. If there wasn't a grand plan I would be so lost. Luckily, our Father has made arrangements. It's up to me to get on the plane now.
My name is Tyler and I have felt bad about a lot of things for a long time. Having the end in sight has brought me to a new level of trust and expectation. I feel anxious, nervous, bitter, jealous, happy, sad, angry, calm, intense, flinchy, emotional, and fine all at once. It's astounding. Fear not, because my emotions are not what dictate who I am, what I believe, or how I live. They get to me at times and they're not something to run from, but if I always feel sad then I'll never truly live as God intended.
A true testimony to how great the body, mind and spirit God has given us is. Someone once told me that we only use 10% of our brains capacity. If this is true, THINK OF THE POTENTIAL! We are amazing creatures and God made us to have intellect, freedom, conscience, and the capacity to house the Holy Spirit.
Are we minuscule?
In comparison to the vast power of our Father...yes.
In comparison to the world around us...good heavens, what do you think? I should say NOT!
Something that has been driven home to me time and time again whilst being in this place is how important it is to let the little things go. I spoke on Sunday night about passionate anger and how we need to channel that anger into positive purpose. Read Proverbs 16 and watch NOOMA Store.
{Side note: if someone wanted to purchase something for me, they could get as many NOOMA videos as possible (seen as how I only own FLAME)}
Trust in God with all that you are and He will make sure that your path is made straight. You don't make it straight. Only He has that power. Your commitment will insure that the world is overcome. Why? Because...
As of today, I have 19 days left on the continent. Everyday seems so much more significant now than when I first arrived. Funny how the blunt realization of departure makes one feel. It's going to be good though. God has a plan for me to be back in America sooner than I expected. Ah...how that works. The Spirit within me moves my heart to know that I need to go now and God, knowing it, worked it out that way. I'm glad He did. If there wasn't a grand plan I would be so lost. Luckily, our Father has made arrangements. It's up to me to get on the plane now.
My name is Tyler and I have felt bad about a lot of things for a long time. Having the end in sight has brought me to a new level of trust and expectation. I feel anxious, nervous, bitter, jealous, happy, sad, angry, calm, intense, flinchy, emotional, and fine all at once. It's astounding. Fear not, because my emotions are not what dictate who I am, what I believe, or how I live. They get to me at times and they're not something to run from, but if I always feel sad then I'll never truly live as God intended.
A true testimony to how great the body, mind and spirit God has given us is. Someone once told me that we only use 10% of our brains capacity. If this is true, THINK OF THE POTENTIAL! We are amazing creatures and God made us to have intellect, freedom, conscience, and the capacity to house the Holy Spirit.
Are we minuscule?
In comparison to the vast power of our Father...yes.
In comparison to the world around us...good heavens, what do you think? I should say NOT!
Something that has been driven home to me time and time again whilst being in this place is how important it is to let the little things go. I spoke on Sunday night about passionate anger and how we need to channel that anger into positive purpose. Read Proverbs 16 and watch NOOMA Store.
{Side note: if someone wanted to purchase something for me, they could get as many NOOMA videos as possible (seen as how I only own FLAME)}
Trust in God with all that you are and He will make sure that your path is made straight. You don't make it straight. Only He has that power. Your commitment will insure that the world is overcome. Why? Because...
"Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. "
I John 5:-4
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
MIRACULOUS!
Have no fear, peoples. My computer has decided to turn on again. Just needed a day to rest I guess. For whatever reason, however, it's on and I'm writing this to you on it. Thank you for the concern if you even knew to be concerned. More later, too much happening to think clearly.
Dead Computer:(
As you may know, or not know, I have a 12 inch PowerBook G4 Mac and
it's a little old. I can't complain about it much because it has lived
up to it's reputation in reliability. However, all good things have an
end. Last night I couldn't get my computer to turn on. There was no
function noise except the sound it makes when it turns off. I thought
to myself, "This will pass. Time is all it needs". I guess not. Today
I tried multiple times to turn it on but to no avail. Perhaps it's a
sign. How do we know which are signs and which are temptations though?
They can look very similar at times. I don't have a lot of support and
this would make buying a new computer difficult. Especially since it's
about that time where I need to purchase a plane ticket to return to
the USA. I'm not worried about the harddrive. For the longest time the
only way I've been able to use my Mac is if it's plugged in. There's a
good chance that the power source and connection has given up. Updates
will follow as to the state of my technology difficulties. Don't
worry, I'm sure my friends will let me use theirs if it's needed. I
regret to say that my May newsletter is not done or accessible (if it
was done). If anyone can forward a link to my supporters that would be
wonderful. On a providential note, I have set-up my mobile blogging
just in time! Phew...what a day. Thank you to Benjamin and Kristine
for the package of pictures. I sat in the car and laughed with an
smile that couldn't have been wiped off my face for a few minutes
before driving back to my place. It was a bright moment in my day.
it's a little old. I can't complain about it much because it has lived
up to it's reputation in reliability. However, all good things have an
end. Last night I couldn't get my computer to turn on. There was no
function noise except the sound it makes when it turns off. I thought
to myself, "This will pass. Time is all it needs". I guess not. Today
I tried multiple times to turn it on but to no avail. Perhaps it's a
sign. How do we know which are signs and which are temptations though?
They can look very similar at times. I don't have a lot of support and
this would make buying a new computer difficult. Especially since it's
about that time where I need to purchase a plane ticket to return to
the USA. I'm not worried about the harddrive. For the longest time the
only way I've been able to use my Mac is if it's plugged in. There's a
good chance that the power source and connection has given up. Updates
will follow as to the state of my technology difficulties. Don't
worry, I'm sure my friends will let me use theirs if it's needed. I
regret to say that my May newsletter is not done or accessible (if it
was done). If anyone can forward a link to my supporters that would be
wonderful. On a providential note, I have set-up my mobile blogging
just in time! Phew...what a day. Thank you to Benjamin and Kristine
for the package of pictures. I sat in the car and laughed with an
smile that couldn't have been wiped off my face for a few minutes
before driving back to my place. It was a bright moment in my day.
--
Sent from my mobile device
Monday, June 8, 2009
Team Day
Good morning. 9 am brought me to the Nest (Ken and Judy's house) for
breakfast. On the way over I felt so sick I almost threw up in the
car. But, it passed after a few minutes. Still, not a good start to
the day. Breakfast, on the other hand, made the morning so much
brighter. Bacon, eggs, toast with apple butter and marmalaide (believe
I spelled that wrong, my predictive text didn't bring it up), grits,
freshly squeezed orange juice, and filter coffee. An awe-inspiring
right. After we finished eating and discussing the upcoming retreats,
Judy gave me a pill to take away nausea. My plan was to sleep it off
but we're headed to a settlement school to deliver curriculum now.
Then we'll be visiting Addo Elephant Park so the two new team members
can see some African wildlife. A sight that never gets old. This pill
is going to knock me out... Until we finish out journey.
breakfast. On the way over I felt so sick I almost threw up in the
car. But, it passed after a few minutes. Still, not a good start to
the day. Breakfast, on the other hand, made the morning so much
brighter. Bacon, eggs, toast with apple butter and marmalaide (believe
I spelled that wrong, my predictive text didn't bring it up), grits,
freshly squeezed orange juice, and filter coffee. An awe-inspiring
right. After we finished eating and discussing the upcoming retreats,
Judy gave me a pill to take away nausea. My plan was to sleep it off
but we're headed to a settlement school to deliver curriculum now.
Then we'll be visiting Addo Elephant Park so the two new team members
can see some African wildlife. A sight that never gets old. This pill
is going to knock me out... Until we finish out journey.
--
Sent from my mobile device
That's amore...
What a long day. It seemed to be a very emotionally open one. I cried,
got angry, became passive, and laughed all at different times and
places. Drained is how I feel. My head is hurting, my eyes burn, and I
feel cold. There's hope that this too shall pass though so don't get
your knickers in a twist over lil old me. Verse of the day: Proverbs
24:16
got angry, became passive, and laughed all at different times and
places. Drained is how I feel. My head is hurting, my eyes burn, and I
feel cold. There's hope that this too shall pass though so don't get
your knickers in a twist over lil old me. Verse of the day: Proverbs
24:16
--
Sent from my mobile device
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Cape Town and all it has to offer!
How to begin to describe a city that seems to be significantly different than any other I have visited in South Africa thus far. I'll begin by saying what the lady who gave me a peditox treatment on Saturday said. They have really invested in the infrastructure of the city and therefore have created a beautiful layout and decor that is appealing to anyone visiting and living there. I know it's expensive to own a residence within city limits because of what others have told me but I wouldn't mind putting up the funds to stay there. The cleanliness, scenery, and activities available in the city of Cape Town are things that I admire about it. I can see why anyone would want to study there.... hint hint (probably not, but how wonderful would that be?)
We got up early on Saturday the 18th and drove for about 11 hours to get to our destination. And what was that? The wonderful home of Mark and Flora Schwartz. One thing I will always look back and admire about this trip is sitting in the kitchen having tea. Of course, if there's tea being had then there is plenty of conversation going around. The homeliness of their house was inspiring. I hope that my home, someday, can have that ambiance. Warm, comfortable, classy, and decorated in a fun fashion. There were baskets of shells and rocks about, little trees made out of drift wood, pictures of family, and little, quirky things that catch your eye and make you wonder if there is an interesting story behind them. I'm sure there are plenty of stories there. Stories are inevitable in anyone's life. The stories that come with being a missionary in a foreign land are endless and so fascinating in a different way then those of everyday life. There's something understood and yet mystical about tapping into the life of a fellow human. May the art of story-telling never die!
Oh, let's see now. What did I get to see while I was in Cape Town. Don't be too jealous now, but here's the list:
Cape Point
Cape of Good Hope
Table Mountain
Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela spent some of his incarceration)
The Schwartz's house
Athlone Church of Christ
Eerste Rivier Church of Christ
Century City (the largest mall in the southern hemisphere)
I had a blast. So many pictures to share with those interested, someday. I don't think I'll be able to upload much but it will come soon. The girls will upload (and so will Mike!) at least one album a piece so check them out on facebook.
It's a beautiful, chilly evening in PE and we're looking forward to winter. Our flat is tile and concrete with large picture windows that cool down the temperature of the whole place. It's fine with me though. We have a kettle, hot water bottles, and a space heater. Not to mention my thick socks, sweat pants, and fleece pull-over. The nice thing about cold weather is you can always get warmer and cozier. When it's boiling hot, it's more difficult to get cool.
I'm out. See you peeps soon...ish. I'll try to be on more.
KCK-ILY
We got up early on Saturday the 18th and drove for about 11 hours to get to our destination. And what was that? The wonderful home of Mark and Flora Schwartz. One thing I will always look back and admire about this trip is sitting in the kitchen having tea. Of course, if there's tea being had then there is plenty of conversation going around. The homeliness of their house was inspiring. I hope that my home, someday, can have that ambiance. Warm, comfortable, classy, and decorated in a fun fashion. There were baskets of shells and rocks about, little trees made out of drift wood, pictures of family, and little, quirky things that catch your eye and make you wonder if there is an interesting story behind them. I'm sure there are plenty of stories there. Stories are inevitable in anyone's life. The stories that come with being a missionary in a foreign land are endless and so fascinating in a different way then those of everyday life. There's something understood and yet mystical about tapping into the life of a fellow human. May the art of story-telling never die!
Oh, let's see now. What did I get to see while I was in Cape Town. Don't be too jealous now, but here's the list:
Cape Point
Cape of Good Hope
Table Mountain
Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela spent some of his incarceration)
The Schwartz's house
Athlone Church of Christ
Eerste Rivier Church of Christ
Century City (the largest mall in the southern hemisphere)
I had a blast. So many pictures to share with those interested, someday. I don't think I'll be able to upload much but it will come soon. The girls will upload (and so will Mike!) at least one album a piece so check them out on facebook.
It's a beautiful, chilly evening in PE and we're looking forward to winter. Our flat is tile and concrete with large picture windows that cool down the temperature of the whole place. It's fine with me though. We have a kettle, hot water bottles, and a space heater. Not to mention my thick socks, sweat pants, and fleece pull-over. The nice thing about cold weather is you can always get warmer and cozier. When it's boiling hot, it's more difficult to get cool.
I'm out. See you peeps soon...ish. I'll try to be on more.
KCK-ILY
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