March on, my life, with might!

Let's talk about Deborah and Jael, heroes of Judges 4 and 5.

Deborah was a prophet. Her leadership was recognized by Israel. The Israelites came to her to settle disputes and receive her advice. That's really cool! These days, it should be normal to have women in leadership roles and to seek their advice, but for ancient times this is radical and extraordinary. We don't know her age or whether she had children. It's not important to her story.
In most English translations, Judges 4:4 says that Deborah was the wife of Lappidoth. But that's not exactly what the Hebrew says. Consider this:

In Judges 4:4, Deborah is identified as a “woman of lappidoth” (eshet lappidot). In patriarchal societies, such as those in Bible times, women are typically identified by their relationship to a man, usually a father or husband, although some can be identified by their hometown. So “woman of lappidoth” may mean that Deborah was the wife of a man called Lappidoth or that she was from a town called Lappidoth. Aside from the reference in Judges 4:4, however, no person or place is called Lappidoth in the Bible. 

There is a third way of interpreting “woman of lappidoth.” Rather than being a proper noun, lappidot in Judges 4:4 could be the plural of lappid, a word usually translated as “torches” elsewhere in the Old Testament, including the book of Judges where the word occurs in two fiery and fierce situations (Judg. 7:16, 20; 15:4-5). Did Deborah have a fiery or fierce personality? Does eshet lappidot mean “fiery lady”? 

Lappid can also refer to lightning flashes (e.g., Exod. 20:18). This has led a few scholars and rabbis to suggest that Deborah was a “woman of splendours”.Whatever the precise meaning of eshet lappidot, Deborah was a splendid woman. We see this in the song recorded in Judges 5 where Deborah is described as a matriarch, a “mother in Israel,” who had the support of the princes of Israel (Judg. 5:7, 15). She was a formidable woman and much appreciated by her people (from Marg Mowczko).

After we are introduced to this influential woman, Deborah sends Barak, the leader of Israel's army, a telling message. "Hasn't the Lord, Israel's God, issued you a command?" She reiterates the plan that Barak has maybe not yet started acting upon. She knows the command that the Lord has issued because she is a prophet. She probably gave him the initial word from the Lord. And now, because Barak hesitated, Deborah prophecies that "the Lord will hand over Sisera to a woman." Is Deborah claiming the honor for herself? I guess we'll have to find out. They march out. Barak and Deborah. What a team. This team defeats the 900 chariots in the army of Sisera and all of their soldiers.

However, Sisera escapes on foot. He reaches the tent of Jael, who is married to a man named Heber. This is important because Heber is a Kenite. Heber's family is at peace with Sisera and King Jabin, but their family is also descended from Moses' father-in-law.

Jael invites Sisera in, gives him some milk, and allows him to rest in her tent with the promise of safety. He asks her to stand at the door and tell no one he is there. He trusts her, and falls asleep. Once he is asleep, she drives a tent peg into his head. Surprise! Jael is the woman of whom Deborah prophesied!

Because of this decisive victory, King Jabin of Canaan was defeated completely and there were forty years of peace in Israel.

Wow. That's an intense story. There are many ways to interpret it. Here's a few possibilities:

• Women should not have access to tent pegs. What a dangerous weapon. Poor Sisera!
• Men should not drink milk and take naps in other people's homes. There may be an evil woman such as Jael lurking nearby.
• Deborah was only leading because Barak was a coward.
• Lappidoth and Heber should control their wives. These women should not be leaders.

Thankfully, we do not interpret scripture this way. Let's continue on to Judges 5. The full text is to the right for your reference. If you're on mobile, select view web version at the bottom of the page. All scripture is taken from the Common English Bible (CEB).

This is the song of Deborah and Barak. This is not a historical retelling of events, this is the interpretation of events told by the victors after the battle.
This song begins, ends, and is filled to the brim with praising the Lord, who is given the honor for this win in battle. This battle isn't about giving honor to Barak, Deborah, or Jael. It's about giving the glory to God.

In verse 7, we are introduced to Deborah again, arising as a leader, as a mother in Israel. Before you say, "She isn't called a leader!" please remember how much you love your mother. Yes, mothers are leaders. Plus, the scripture has already called Deborah a prophet and a judge or leader. This is a a term of respect used to describe Deborah.

In verse 12, we see a call for both Deborah and Barak to rise up, sing, capture, and march against the enemy warriors. The next several stanzas are a beautiful call for the tribes of Israel to join Deborah in the fight, some answer the call, and some do not. In verse 20, we see the stars fighting the battle with Israel against Sisera. Even the Kishon river advances to fight. Clearly there is some poetic license taken to describe the battle. But it seems clear that there was some divine intervention to flood the battle plain and give Israel victory.

Now here is my favorite part. You may have read the earlier account with a measure of disgust when it came to the story of Jael. How could she just murder a man like that? Her husband was at peace with Sisera! But Israel doesn't want us to interpret the story that way. What Jael did may have been misguided or selfish, we don't know why she did it. But we know that she was acting on the side of Israel. Regardless of why she did what she did, the response of Israel is of rejoicing and blessing (see verse 24). Her actions helped bring about forty years of peace. When was the last time your actions brought an end to oppression? I am definitely not advocating for murder, by the way. Just pointing out how Jael is praised for her trickery because of what it brought about.

Women stand out in this story for several reasons: Their scarcity, their strength, and their value. There aren't any other female judges or leaders of Israel. We have a few other female prophets, like Miriam and Huldah, but Deborah is the only judge/leader. This does not mean we should keep female leaders to a minimum. In Deborah's song, we see the strength of Jael's hand celebrated. We see Deborah's advice sought to settle disputes. We see Deborah march into battle with Barak, at his request. These women are strong. They are women of valor. And we see a celebration of these women. Their victories are lauded and applauded. God worked through these women to achieve great things. Let us celebrate them for it.

March on, my friends; and with might fight against oppression!

Other valuable resources:
https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/deborah-bible
https://margmowczko.com/deborah-and-the-no-available-men-argument/

Why Seminary?

This past weekend we lost a woman of valor- Rachel Held Evans. Now, I didn't know her personally, I hadn't even read her books yet (I'm halfway through Searching for Sunday now), but I have been deeply impacted by her ministry. So many tributes to her life and work (see #prayforRHE and #becauseofRHE on Twitter) have reminded all of us to speak gratitude and encouragement to those who impact us daily. However, with these positive and loving memories, we have also seen so many who use other's grief to promote their own theology and attack Rachel's memory. I would encourage you to ignore them. This is a season to mourn.

Oddly enough, I didn't cry when I read the news of her passing. I cried later, with heaving sobs, as I read #becauseofRHE. To read so many stories of women, women of color, queer folks, and others who have been welcomed and loved through her work, that was what registered the pain in my soul. I place myself among them. I too, have felt alienated by the evangelical church. I too, am a doubt-filled believer, and I too, choose Christ above the church. I place my faith in an unfailing God.

#BecauseofRHE is a space for those impacted by her work to share that impact and grieve together. There are always strong leaders, people we look up to and follow after in their footsteps. My recent wonderings have led me in and out of doubt, searching, and an insatiable desire to learn more of God. This has led me to enrolling in Denver Seminary's online Masters of Divinity program, beginning in Fall 2019.

When I first started researching seminary, it was actually with the desire to prove others wrong. I wanted to learn more scripture to fight back against those who disagree with me on various theological points. The truth is, that would be a waste of time. They will believe what they believe, it's not up to me to change minds or hearts. I want to go to seminary to get closer to God, to gain a better understanding of the Word. I want to hear from God and from others who seek truth.

I know what I believe about God. And I'm tired of others telling me what to believe. I want to read it for myself. The scriptures are accessible to us for this reason. I'm tired of the way church is done for the sake of tradition. The gospels speak of love, acceptance, and inclusion of the marginalized. I want to fight for those who can't fight or don't have the platform to fight for themselves. I recognize my privilege as a white woman who has grown up in the evangelical movement. I want to use my privilege to fight for others. Let's start listening.

Listen to women of color, people of color, queer folks, indigenous peoples, non-western Christians, non-evangelical Christians, non-Christians. And listen carefully. What they have to say is important.

Grace and Peace in the Silence

Yesterday was Good Friday. Jesus was crucified. His body was laid in the tomb. Today, Saturday, we can only wait. Imagine how it was for his friends and family on that Saturday 2000 years ago. They didn't know what the next morning would hold. They only knew the silence of God.

How could they be comforted, knowing that Jesus was dead. They knew he was God, they knew he was important. So how could this have been allowed to happen? Did they have the hope that we now have?

When hard things happen to us, it's very easy to say, things will get better. Sunday is coming! But we can't always know that Sunday will dawn. On our Saturdays, sometimes all we can do is wait. If it hadn't been the Sabbath, the women would have gone to dress Jesus body sooner. They wouldn't have waited for Sunday morning if God hadn't commanded Saturday to be set aside as holy. So that Saturday was set apart from the creation of the world for silence and for waiting.

What day is it for you? Are you in the midst of suffering, or watching someone you love suffer? Are you rejoicing in the resurrection, knowing full well that God keeps his promises? Or is it Saturday for you? Trying to remember God's promises, wanting to do something, anything to make Friday better. Waiting for a miracle.

Staying Put

Is life simply about searching?

Some of us search for happiness, contentment, joy. And we all have a very different idea of what that looks like. It's like at every stage of life, we are yearning for the next stage. Because we know that next thing will make everything better. What about where you are right now? Why can't you be happy here?

Living in Germany has been different than I anticipated. Not harder, just different. I knew it would be harder to keep up with friends who live in the US. I knew teaching would stretch me. I knew I would want to be around family more than I am. So what's different?

Well, I am. When I moved to Germany with a one-way ticket, I was 21. I thought I had it all together. I mean, I'm great at making friends! I know German, so the culture won't be difficult to adjust to, right? Almost 3 years later, I realize just how clueless I was.

Year One: I lived by myself in a small apartment outside of town. No car, no one I knew around. It was a 25 minute walk from work. My neighbors gave me rides to and from school, but that was it. Any other time of day, I had to find my own way around. Since I didn't know many people, I stayed at my apartment and didn't do much. I did a lot of school work. And my neighbors gave me a standing invitation to dinner, so I had people within walking distance to spend time with. I actually didn't realize how quiet it was until I was in the US that summer. I was staying with friends. They actually asked why I was so quiet. Anyone who knew me before Germany knew that I am energetic, upbeat, creative, etc. But no one in Germany had that picture of me. They saw me as quiet, reserved, introverted. Now, there's nothing wrong with any of that, but it's not me. 

Year Two: New house, new roommates. Time to start over. I know who I am, now it's time to show the world. Not exactly. October 13, everything kind of fell apart. And by that, I mean me. I was taking a driving test (never a great thing for me) to drive a school van for a field trip the next Tuesday. I failed miserably. I had only driven one another standard before, so it was a bit of a jump to try a 9 passenger van. Invincible me realized that I just couldn't do it all. Looking back, it wasn't actually a big deal, I had another driver available to help. I still felt like a failure. Work was piling up. With 5 classes, I had no time to grade at school, and my evenings were consumed by it. The field trip itself was awesome! I passed most of the work off to chaperones, and I just got Starbucks for everyone as a Thank You.

The next two months were hell. And I don't say that lightly. I broke down in tears nearly daily. At school, at church, in my room at night, at dinner with my roommates. No matter how much I worked, I just couldn't catch up. And there were constant reminders that I wasn't getting it done. I gave up sleeping to finish grades at the end of the quarter. I picked up other negative habits to cope with the stress. I asked the school to find someone else to take some of my classes. My patience with my students was so thin, they knew something was up. In my course evaluations, they knew that I was frustrated. What broke me yet again, is that they thought I hated them. I just needed a break. I did take a long weekend off. But I used it exclusively to grade. No rest.

The last week of December, a colleague finally stepped in to teach German 1 for me. I visited my family at Christmas, and I finally felt a ray of hope again. I could get through this year, but that would be it. I'm done teaching afterwards.

After Christmas, I adjusted to a new normal. Three classes instead of five, giving me space to grade at school, and take some much needed rest. I started counseling. My parents came to visit over Spring Break! I wasn't okay, but I was better. By that time, I even decided to give teaching another go. I will not give up in defeat! There's no way next year can be this bad, right? Besides, I have community here, now. Friends I can turn to and rely on. I want to be a part of life here still.

Year Three: New house, one roommate. I'm still in the midst of this year, so I haven't processed everything yet. It's amazing how different it all feels. I live in town, I know most people, I work a lot, and I make time for relaxation. I think after three years of just hoping things will change, it's time to make some change happen.

So I'm staying put. Whatever it is I'm searching for, God will provide it in his timing. Wherever I am. For now, he's not done with me or BFA, and I'm not done with BFA.

It's amazing how looking back gives you such a clear picture of the future. I was just rereading my blog posts and prayer journals from when I first moved to Germany. It was so easy to shake my head at past me. "You have no idea what's coming, do you? Poor thing." And the funny thing is, I don't wish it never happened. I wouldn't be me without it. It gives me hope for future me. What would she shake her head about current me? What things are in store for me in the next two years? Who cares? I've got an awesome Savior to walk through it all with me.

High School Retreat

Here is a summary of the 4 sessions at retreat by speaker Lina Abujamra:

Session 1: What I wish I had known about my shame (John 4) The Woman at the Well

-Shame is felt by everyone
-the easiest way to cope with shame is to hide
- the only way to overcome shame is to let Jesus take it
-freedom is contagious

Lina shared the story of Jesus' conversation with the woman at the well. She shared stories of her work as a Pediatric ER doctor.

Session 2: What you cannot afford to miss (John 13) Judas Iscariot

-There's a Judas in every group
-you can fool everyone around you into thinking you believe- don't fool yourself as well!
-you can give your whole life away and gain nothing when you value the wrong thing
-you can become so hopeless that you see no way out

We looked at the story of Judas and how he rejected the grace offered to him

Session 3: What my failure teaches me (John 18) Simon Peter

-My failure hurts and it's okay to admit it
-My failure shows who I am/diagnoses my true heart condition
-My failure is my pathway to breakthrough- failure will not destroy us
-God uses my failure to redirect my calling
-My failure is part of my past and my future is waiting to happen

Session 4: 4 Things I dream for You (John 11) Mary and Martha and Lazarus

-Never confuse God's delays with his denials. Waiting is the space that God grows your trust.
-Refuse to settle for doubt when faith is in your grasp.
-Risk moving the stone away. No matter how foolish it seems, you don't have to have all the answers.
-Live a life of extravagant worship all the time.

Challenging Students' Views

I work at a Christian high school. I would be naive to believe my students somehow all share the same beliefs. But I too was a Christian in high school, and my beliefs have changed and matured since then. Part of my mission in serving at this high school is to challenge these students to see the world differently than they have before, or differently than they have been taught. Today I shared this TED talk with a group of them.

Dylan Marron is someone whose political views and lifestyle are very different that what my students are used to. If they are different than yours, watch this with an open mind: What Dylan has to say, regardless of his political opinions, is true. I believe this, and respect him. The respect that he has for those who speak ill of him is admirable.

Here are the questions I challenged my students with and now challenge you:

1. How do you respond to people who disagree with you?

   - In person?

   - Online?

Is there a difference? Why?

2. How would (do you) respond to online negativity or bullying?

3. "Empathy is not endorsement." What does he mean? How could this talk change someone's perspective?

4. Which person's response is the most Christ-like?

A New View

I just finished moving into a new apartment.There's still unpacking to do, but here are a few pictures of the new space!

This is the view from outside. That big window is in my entryway.

My front door!

Bathroom. Not much more to say there.

The kitchen is recently redone, but it lacks storage space, so I'll be looking to add some more shelving. Pardon the mess!

One of my favorite features is this deep window sill! This is my roommate's room, so I hope she doesn't mind! You can see the fire station outside.

I still need somewhere to store the blankets, but here is a little sitting area flooded with natural light.

My bedroom, complete with twinkle lights!

Hope you enjoyed the virtual tour! Come and visit anytime. My current location is only a three minute walk from school! I'm excited for the adventures to come in my new home.

Let me know if you'd like my new address!

Arise and Share in the Father's Joy

This week we have chapel every morning, as opposed to only Fridays. We have a guest speaker and worship band visiting us, for what we call Spiritual Emphasis Week. The speaker and band leader are both graduates of BFA, so they can relate well to our students. The speaker, Andi, has taken our theme, Arise, and daily shared through the scriptures what that means. On Tuesday he encouraged us to look again at the parable of the Prodigal, in Luke 15. How many sons are in the story? The younger brother gets all the attention, because he seemingly does the more horrible thing. "Dad, I wish you weren't here. Give me the stuff that I'll get when you die. Give it to me now." When he works up the courage to return, he plans to earn his way back. "Make me a hired servant in your house." But the older brother actually does something similar. When the younger returns, the older refuses to feast with everyone. He is mad that his Dad killed the fattened calf, which belongs to him! Because he too received his inheritance, he sees his brother returning as a threat to that inheritance. "Now that brother is back, that means I get less stuff!" So he is also saying to his father, "I don't want you here. I want the stuff you own." And this brother is not reconciled to the father. Jesus ends the story there, as though to ask his listeners, the Pharisees, will you come in? I am already eating with the younger brother, the tax collectors and sinners, and you're invited as well. Will you join with us?

The church I attend, Calvary Chapel Kandertal, is in need of a worship leader. Up until last week, we were listening to and singing along with YouTube worship songs. Last Sunday, I, my roommate Emily, and a BFA student, led live worship for the growing church. We plan to do so again this coming week. I really just had fun with this. We're singing songs in German and in English, I'm trying to choose songs that people already know, or can figure out quickly, but my goal is really to find worship that reflects the glory of God and fits well with the message that Pastor Frank brings. Please pray for me as I choose worship songs, pray for the team as we practice, and for God to raise up a permanent worship leader!

I ask that you also pray for the child of some of my dear friends here. His name is Broden. He is only 9 months old, and has been in the hospital since Saturday. The doctors believe there may be neurological problems, but all tests thus far have been inconclusive. Here is the most recent update from his parents, Lauren and Adam: "Broden Update #4: We are so thankful that an MRI has been scheduled for this coming Friday. In the meantime, we will remain in the hospital. We are hoping and praying that this test will reveal the issue so further action can be taken. They have also taken additional blood and urine samples in order to test for additional abnormalities. Please especially pray for us on Friday as Broden will be put under anesthesia for the MRI. Please also pray that results will determine the underlying cause for all of his issues. Thank you all for your love, support and prayers!"

4 weeks later...

Are you ever driving, when you suddenly look at the speedometer and realize you're going 90 mph? You ease off the gas pedal until you return to a normal speed. Or you slam on the brakes when you see a state trooper waiting a 1/4 mile ahead.
This summer was that moment for me. Except I realized I was driving 100 mph with my eyes closed. Don't worry, this is a metaphor. Once I had a chance to stop, rest, and reflect this summer, the magnitude of my busyness swept past me at an alarming speed. Here at BFA, we often say that the first year of service is like drinking from a fire hose. So much information and responsibility is thrown at you for so long, it starts to feel normal. This summer, my supply of busyness was abruptly cut off, and it was then that I realized how busy I had been.
Don't get me wrong, it was a great summer. Reconnecting with churches, supporters, family, and friends. Not your typical summer vacation. But there were so many moments of peace and rest. Here are a few:

Boston with Clare and Emily, roommates and besties from Wheaton. Both have recently moved to Boston, which is only a seven hour drive from Rochester, so of course I had to go and visit. We wandered the Liberty trail, showed Clare her first Fife and Drum Corps, attempted to avoid the many tourists, and cooked a delightful dinner together in Emily's apartment, above a horse barn.

Ocean view in Plymouth, MA with Naomi, Rachel (cousins), Dad, and Anna. My parents and sister actually joined me for this trip to Boston, and stayed with family in the area. I've flown over the Atlantic recently, but haven't stuck my toes in it for some time. It's cold!

Babysitting Faith's darling twins. These cuties were born last November, so I had not yet had a chance to meet them. So I volunteered to watch them while Faith worked! Spent some fun time in the pool with their big brother, as well.

Quick overnight stop in Pittsburgh with Anna and Katie! Anna and I drove out to Wheaton for two weeks, but Pittsburgh is (kind of) on the way, so we stopped there for the night. Katie was in the same study abroad program as me in Munich two years ago. It was wonderful to see her again!

Exploring Chicago with Emily and Abbie. This day was rather impromptu (from my perspective) since I was invited to tag along that morning. But thank you both so much for including me! We visited the Museum of Mexican Art, found a cozy bookshop, and ate amazing Puerto Rican food.

Dreams coming true: seeing Hamilton, courtesy of Xander and Abbie. I still can't believe that happened. Go and buy your own tickets! Now!

Hiking in Stony Brook State Park (NY) with Sarah and Andrew. Picnicking and hiking go hand in hand. Plus, I miss the amazing river gorges of New York State. Perfect Saturday activity.

Salvatore's pizza with Josh, a random Appalachian mountain man. (Just kidding, he's my cousin.) Josh has been hiking the Appalachian trail for a few months, and he was about 4 hours away, so he decided to hop on a bus and meet us in Rochester! This was less than 24 hours before I left for Germany.

By no means did I take pictures with everyone. This is just a sampling of the many people who made the summer a restful and successful one. Thank you for the love and care you showed me!

Now that I'm back, it's time to slam on the gas, and go full speed ahead!

All the 2017-2018 BFA staff.

Gratitude as a Guest

We always automatically “grade” our hosts. It’s why online reviews and sites like Yelp exist. But how often do you consider whether or not you were a good guest?

Each culture has a different response the the guest/host dynamic, and each of us are taught to engage in that relationship differently by our parents (or other influential people). So, I’m curious: how do you act as a gracious guest, and how do you expect your guests to behave?

The popular Disney movie The Beauty and the Beast would suggest that in order to be a guest, one must just simply be. “Be our guest, be our guest, put our service to the test!” Belle is encouraged to sit and be served. In some places, this is the expectation. Full service restaurants, for example. But is that the expectation in someone’s home?

The biblical story of Mary and Martha having Jesus as a guest in Luke 10 reveals a harried Martha struggling to prepare every aspect of a meal for Jesus and his disciples. She snaps at Mary for simply spending time with their guest, and learning from the God of the universe. Jesus didn’t offer to help with the meal, or set the table. Instead, he offered wisdom and teaching, hoping Mary and Martha would listen. The meal does have to end up on the table somehow, though. So where do we find this balance?

I think fondly of family gatherings at my grandparents’ home. Family members arrive throughout the morning of a holiday and bring various dishes. Conversation flows throughout every room in that dear house as salad is made, bread is sliced, the table is set, and even more family members arrive. Everyone contributes to both culinary and conversational delights.

I also think of my dear friends who host a group of young women every Monday and Friday evening. We arrive sometime around dinner, where we find that everything already smells delicious. We don’t have to bring anything, though we often help set the table. All that is expected is that we rest and enjoy the company of the group.

There isn’t one specific way to be a good guest. Instead, there are many different ways to be a great one. Show gratitude and humility. Offering to help, especially if you sense that your host feels overwhelmed.


This past weekend, I visited a friend in Brussels, and stayed at her home. She already had quite a busy weekend planned, and I was grateful for her hospitality in spite of that. Enjoy the pictures of Brussels!

Le Grande Place (main square) in Brussels.

Lizzy and I exploring Brussels!

On Sunday morning, Abriel ran a 20k, ending under this beautiful archway. We went to cheer her on at the finish line after church.

Abriel (center left) was our host for the weekend! She and her financé David are getting married in July.

Relaxing in a serene park after the 20k.

Romania Service Trip

8. April
Oradea/Tinca, Romania

God, thank you for our safe arrival. Please give me strength to get through today on little sleep. I don't understand why I couldn't sleep, but you are already holding me. Help me to lean on you.

This was the first full day in Romania. We jumped right in with the hardest work we would do all week. In just one day we dug a trench (70m x 30cm x 40cm) for a new fence, carted away all the clay from that trench, spread topsoil over a good portion of their yard to level it out. All while it steadily drizzled rain over us. We were muddy and cold and sore by the end. Add to that, I can never sleep the first night in a new place, so I'm pretty sure I was running on < 1 hour of sleep. Talk about relying on God for everything.

9. April

Despite overwhelming physical discomfort and exhaustion, I will rely on you Lord. I pray that I can be effective, even if I don't feel up to the work we are doing. You can work through my muscles, and be my energy. All the same, I pray that I would know my physical limits and not try to do more than I physically can accomplish.
I don't know whether I have the energy to do the outreach, but I pray that you will work through us and help us to make the decision, so that our team will not feel burned out. 

The next day was Sunday, which was not a workday, but I still felt the effects of little sleep and very sore muscles. Our team split into 3 groups to visit 3 churches in nearby towns with Roma communities. My group actually attended a Hungarian church. And our translator spoke Hungarian and German. Which meant that I became the German-English translator for the non-German speaker on our team. I don't think I ever listened so carefully to a sermon before!

After church, all three groups met up again for lunch and shared experiences and impressions. Clint, our trip leader, shared with us the opportunity to hold an outreach later in the week with the Roma community where we were working (Tinca). He shared this opportunity first with the leaders. If we as leaders didn't feel up to planning such an event, there was no way we could motivate the students to participate as well. That day, I did not particularly feel motivated myself to plan and pull off something so ambitious, especially during an evening after a full day of labor. Good thing God was in control, and not me.

Stay tuned for part II. Coming soon!

Life-Giving Conversation

This weekend I visited London and Oxford. My grandmother, aunt and cousins were also in the city, providing the excuse to finally visit the island. We visited the Tower of London, Tate art gallery, Shakespeare's Globe (ahhhhhhh!), 221B Baker Street, and Trafalgar Square.

Sunday, however, I traveled to Oxford to meet up with a friend doing ministry there with refugees, and a friends studying at the university. As beautiful as Oxford was, the real treat was our conversations over burgers at the pub and over tea and scones in the afternoon. Grace and Bex hadn't met eachother before, as I know them from different points in my life, but as we all sipped our tea and spread clotted cream on our scones, the conversation flowed smoothly and unhaltingly. We share a love for the Lord, an affinity for tea, and a mutual friend (me!), which created the perfect environment for life-giving conversation.

Honestly, it probably doesn't matter what we discussed, but the connection we made fed my soul in a way it has hungered for lately. The sermon I heard at Magdalen Road Curch that morning was about some of Jesus' last words before he died: "I'm thirsty." To which the answer was a sponge soaked in wine vinegar. The pastor challenged us to thirst after Christ, for the righteousness that comes from a relationship with him, for the everlasting peace which only he can provide. On that cross, Christ took upon himself not only our sins and sorrows, he took on our thirst for everything that does not satisfy. My soul hungers and thirsts for connection. I can find that connection in friendships and human relationships, but that will never satisfy. After the burger at the pub, I needed to eat again. The hunger returned. But a relationship with Christ lasts and satisfies forever.

That said, we still need human connection. And God works through friends like Bex and Grace to provide the needed moments of peace and connection. We have a need to be known. And in that Oxford cafe, I was known by my friends, but more importantly, by my savior.

Silliness with the cousins!

Tower Bridge over the Thames

The Tower of London

It was a very windy day, and Charis was quite chilly, so I lent her my coat!

Taming of the Shrew at the Globe. Phenomenal performance. 

The Globe at night

St. Paul's, also at night.

Had to visit this street on my way out to Oxford! 

Can you believe the beautiful weather I got this weekend?

The door which supposedly inspired a certain children's book (insert something about lions, or was it a witch?)

Grace, Bex, and I after afternoon tea. (Don't forget your Oxford commas, people!)

The whole crew on tower bridge! (Minus our photographer, Aunt Rachel!)

Frühling kommt früher!

The German word for Spring is Frühling, which has the word früh (early) hidden inside of it. Makes sense, since here in the Black Forest we've had Spring for the past several weeks. Sorry, Rochester friends. This means I've been enjoying the fresh air and sunshine for quite some time already.

Though with the end of the 3rd quarter looming at the end of this week, I don't actually have much time for outdoor play. Instead, I'm inside grading tests and homework assignments. Monday night, I had a chance to get out and fellowship with some other Ladies in the community. We had a Progressive Dinner, with a dipping theme. That meant we had to dip all our food in something. Appetizers- Chips and guacamole, veggies and sour cream/ onion dip. Dinner- oil fondue (cooking raw hamburger, chicken, and veggies in hot oil right on the table) with BBQ, Curry, and garlic dipping sauces. Dessert- We loftily wanted to do chocolate fondue, but were too full at the end of the night for this! The highlight of this experience was not the food, but the conversation. I got to converse with people I work with, but don't necessarily spend a lot of time with. We discussed every thing from love languages, future plans, housing for next year, and recipes (such as other uses for avocado). All in all, a delightful dip dinner!

Speaking of housing for next year, please continue to pray that God will provide. Will I be able to move into town? Will I have a roommate or two? Will my rent go up? God only knows, and I'm trusting him to take care of it. Next week, I'll be viewing two different apartments.

Hiking in Switzerland!

Autumn in the Black Forest

Last Tuesday, November 1, was a German holiday (All Saint's Day), which meant I had the day off to sleep in, relax, and get a lot done. Yes, I was able to accomplish all of these things! Sounds oxymoronic, doesn't it? I slept in (for me) until 8, and cleaned up my apartment while listening to music. But the sun was too inviting to stay inside. I gathered up my hammock, a book, and my ukulele and walked a short ways into the Black Forest. I spent several hours there reading, singing, praying, and resting in the beauty of God's creation. I don't know that I recall a warmer November 1st! Finally, the late afternoon chill began to sink in, and I dropped off my accessories at home, and began to walk. There are so many different paths to explore! I walked up to the town of Tannenkirch, on the crest of a hill from which I could see the faraway Alps. (They don't show up in photographs, or I would share the beauty.) Please enjoy these glimpses of Autumn here in the Black Forest:

What are some of your favorite Autumnal outdoor activities?

Come, and Rejoice!

Tuesday and Thursday mornings, in lieu of a "homeroom" teachers have the opportunity to lead a devotion with their 1st period classes. Thanks to my dear friends, the Clavers, I own a ukulele, so I have been using this special time with my 1st period to sing worship songs! Today's selection was a Keith and Kristyn Getty hymn. It's called Come, People of the Risen King. To accompany the song, I also read Psalm 97.

Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,    and give thanks to his holy name!
Psalm 97: 12

On a beautiful sunny morning like today, it is so easy to rejoice in the mercy and love of God. I feel so blessed right now as I live and serve in Germany, when I know that I am supposed to be here. The process of coming here to Germany has been a long one, and I rejoice in God's faithfulness. But we also should rejoice in our sufferings and trials. So whether you are experiencing the joy of the morning, or the darkest suffering of night, know that there is rejoicing through it all.

Last night, I took a long walk through my town and up the nearby hill. At the top of the hill, I turned and saw my little town spread out below. I stood there in silence and awe for several minutes. In that stillness I knew that God was all around me. The rural community in which I live feels so quiet and empty, but God fills that emptiness. In fact, knowing Christ means that nothing is empty or meaningless anymore. And on my walk I was able to feel near to him as I surveyed the beauty of his creation.

Ich möchte une crépe.

On Sunday, some friends and I decided to drive to France for the afternoon. That's one of the strangest sentences I've ever written. Whose life is this? How blessed am I, that we can just pop over into France for an afternoon? Oh, and the town we visited, Colmar, is the basis for the animated town in Beauty and the Beast. See the similarities?

Because we were in France, I had to of course speak some French. I haven't spoken any French since freshman year of High School, when I studied it. Believe me, it's pretty rusty.

There were shops everywhere full of sweets and treats. This store sold many varieties of candied fruits (pictured above). We also made sure to get crepes. We had to stand in line and look up the French words on the menu to know what the topping choices were. At this point my German got in the way, and I may have tried to order in a mixture of German and French.

I have also been working very hard at lesson planning and preparing for students to arrive. New students arrive on Monday, returning students on Tuesday. And opening ceremonies are on Wednesday. I have tentative lesson plans completed for the first week of classes, but I really need to know where the Unit is going in order to plan the early days.

A few times this week, I have had to just sit back and say "You're done for the day," to myself. At a certain point, I need time to rest and relax and take care of myself. I'm very excited to plan my lessons and future units, but I cannot neglect my need for rest. That's why this trip to France was so fun. I left my computer and textbooks behind and didn't even think about German class. Sunday was truly a Sabbath for me, and I haven´t had one in quite some time.

Even now, I am writing this in the middle of the work day. I need a mental break from planning. I paused to pray, and now I pause to process and reflect in a blog post. Lord, I dedicate these lessons to you. Use me to share the German language with these students. Help me to share a love of language and the German people. Help me equip these students to reach out to our German-speaking community.