The holiday update

It has been another busy 2 weeks. It seems like I have spells of being really busy traveling and then other times where I am such a home-body and don’t go outside the neighborhood (or the distance I can run to) for like a week. I wish it would be more consistent, but I guess that goes with the traveling. And, all January Janece (my step-mom) will be off so we can do things together. I am glad for that.

I had a wonderful Christmas and New Years. We went as a family to Temple for Christmas day to spend with Janece’s side of the family. It was a great visit and very relaxing. I was also able to attend a Christmas eve-eve service and one on Christmas eve. I really enjoyed that. Silent night by candle-light is one of my favorite Christmas memories and it was special to spend the holidays with my family this year.

The day after Christmas I had 2 great friends come to the lake-house. We had so much fun. The highlight of the time had to be the night Dad took us wade-fishing. I had never been and neither had Jac or Erin. So, it is a bit chilly and we are in the garage putting on these ridiculous waders/suspenders and geared up with our jackets, headlamps, and fishing poles. Meanwhile, Dad is dressed like and Eskimo and the sight of him and our excitement brought upon many giggles as we headed to the waterfront. It was such a weird feeling to have the water start to suction around your legs without getting wet. The first throw, Erin catches a fish. This gets Jac very competitive to also catch one. Unfortunately, about 10 minutes into our time fishing, I hear in a little whisper, “Nat, Nat. You have to come here. My pole just broke and half of it is in the water somewhere.” I responded that she couldn’t be serious and she said, “You have to get over here before Paul does. I can’t find my pole.” Well I found it and this happened 2 more times. Despite her determination in being the last remaining fisher-woman in the water, she came in without a fish. But, we still had enough from the weekend to have a delightful meal Sunday morning.

After the lake I caught a ride with these 2 to New Braunfels. These are 2 of the 4 girls I lived with while doing the discipleship program at camp, so it had been a long time since we had spend extended, continuous day together (6 total). I also was able to see some of my other dear friends in NB and just have some great fellowship and conversations. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much. From rock band, to poking fun at each other, to remembering stories, to thinking of blog names for jac, to shaky face photos, to wrestling, to watching lame movies and commenting on them throughout… we laughed and laughed.

I spent New Years Eve in Austin, and went to a Mystery Dinner Theater with some lifelong friends since middle-school. I learned I am a really bad detective and don’t pick up on any clues. But it was fun to get dressed up an a new experience to bring in the new year.

Now I am currently in Midland, where my sending church is. I just got here last night and am eager to see what opportunities the Lord opens for me to share about what He has done in my life and what He is doing at LCH. I will get to be the speaker at the pizza luncheon on Sunday, so please pray that my words would boast in Him and that I would not get such a dry throat that I cannot talk (that seems to be how satan attacks me when I am speaking). Also, it is really fun that Pastor Morris and Mama Aida will be in Midland during my time here, so I will get to see them J

It wasn’t until I got to the airport yesterday to fly here to Midland that I really started to get excited about going back to Uganda. Don’t get me wrong, not that I was “not excited”. I was just enjoying my time at home. But after all my nerves were settled once getting my bags checked, passing through security, and seeing my destination on the screen at my gate, I had this great excitement and readiness to return. And appropriately so, because now the countdown is to a month until I return. I am glad to have 2 homes.

My favorite Christmas Carol

I have never really thought about which carol was my favorite until about 3 years ago, when I sang this one while reading the words I was singing. Since then, it has become my favorite. I invite you to turn on your favorite version of this song on your computer as you read the words that speak so truly of the meaning of the season.

Oh Holy Night

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Behold your King.

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.

I also was surprised this morning when the sermon at Austin Stone Community Church used this song as a basis and further explained the greatness of the verse "And in His name all oppression shall cease." (the sermons are available on podcasts or on the website if you are interested). So, all this to say, that truly Jesus is the reason for the season and I continue to have my eyes opened to the wonder, grace, and greatness of what my Savior means and did for me! Merry Christmas!

Ghetto Thugs...

Bag ......................................................................... $5
Journal .................................................................... $10
Blockbuster rental ..................................................... $5.56
Bible ....................................................................... $25
Ghetto thugs breaking into the car
and stealing all my support letters
and prayer cards .................................................. priceless


Yes, it is true. I was in Houston this weekend and someone broke the window of the car and stole the bag with my prayer cards and thank you/support letters. SO lame. And that is all they got. There was nothing else valuable in the car, and I know this stuff is not valuable to anyone but me. BUT I am sure they were very surprised (and dissapointed) when, instead of a bag to earthly treasures, they found the Bible and all my secrets (in my journal). Hopefully the Lord will use it to change their hearts and draw them closer to Him.

SO... to all my family and friends outside of MBC... there has been a minor delay, but your letters are coming.

Other than that, I had a great visit in Houston.

I like to think I am becoming an amature photographer...

I just got my "fancy camera" back from being cleaned and I was very eager today, while the weather was not too cold, to get out on the streets of Austin and take some photos. I really like taking shots of people, but still feel a bit shy and intrusive blatently taking their photo. So i have this technique of holding the camera at my waist, pointing it at the person I want to photograph, and then pretening like I am looking somewhere else as I blindly snap the shot. Needless to say this is not the most effective method. But i did realize a trick that i can take more "artsy" photos by purposely tilting the camera a bit, which corrects the unintentional tilt that normally happens by making the tilt intentional. Ok... so here is what i got today.

One stop I made was at the Capital.

This is where the legislation meets.


And while I was there, there was a group dressed up singing Christmas carole's so of course I sat on a bench and listened. What a delight.




Now for other sights in Austin...

The Hike and Bike trail is my absolute favorite part of Austin!!

At Mayfield Park

I had fun playing with my fish-eye lense. Unfortunately my photo-shoot got cut short because I had to go to an appointment. But there are many more great sights of Austin to capture and I hope to do that soon.

Life

Wow. December first all ready! I really can't believe that. Time does fly so fast.

Well, I had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving. Monica and I started the day with a 5 mile run. We did the Turkey trot with about 12,000 other Austinites. It was fun. The day before, Monica invited me to come with her to a friends because we were all tie-dying tshirts for the race. The morning of, we met up together but quickly got seperated as some wanted to run and others wanted to walk. I was the only one that ended up running the whole way (time was 53 min, which included time to stop and visit a family that I knew that was also doing the race).

We had Janece's side of the family over to our house and had all the Thanksgiving works. I was definitely grateful that I was not in charge of all the cooking this year. So, I ate way too much but enjoyed every bite. We even had a little presentation time, where my cousin gave his school speech about is ancestry to us. It was very cool because he was named after his great-uncle who was killed in the line of duty as a soldier (way back when) and so part of the presentation included old war letters that were written home. I guess I have never heard any letters about someone I was somehow connected with. I personally was able to relate and I liked that. I also was able to show the DVD I made about my time in Uganda. It was probably the 20th time that I have watched it, but I still have a huge smile on my face as I see the kids at LCH. I just can't help but grin.

Then Janece and I ventured out on Black Friday and made a full day of shopping. Who knew I could last so long in so many stores (about 8 total). But we successfully found all the decor needed for our bare kitchen walls.

I was trying to document some things in my journal last night and I was amazed at how many formal opportunities the Lord has allowed me to boast in His name already. And there are only more to come. I have never felt like much of a public speaker, but I guess it makes all the difference if you are passionate about what you are speaking on.

This week I am car-less, but I have much preparations to do for my upcoming garage sale. Yep, well it is more like a warehouse sale, but not with my stuff. The Flacks have donated a whole warehouse full of stuff for me to sell so I am very eager to see how much I will be able to add to my support money.

I am still in touch with Glenn over in Uganda and he tells me that everything is going well. The kids are in their final week of school for this school year (their school year begins in Feb and they have 3 terms). So, they are taking exams and eager for their upcoming, long holiday. I think about the kids everyday but don't miss them as much as the last time I was in the states because I know that I will see them again soon. They are so sweet and that will be a great reunion.

Well, nothing more is really happening.

Give me words to speak...

Well, I have been blessed the past 2 weeks to have been able to borrow a car. So, seeing as my ability to move about past where my feet can walk me, I have used my time wisely. And the holidays are coming so many weekends are occupied by wonderful family events.

So, in the past few weeks God has been very faithful in allowing me the opportunity to boast in His name and the work He is doing at LCH.

My first appearance of public speaking was at Flatonia Baptist Church, where my Granny goes and makes sure I am on their weekly prayer list J. It was a Wed. night fellowship and I had a lot of fun getting to speak with them. Monica, my sister, also was there which was so good to have her support and advice as to what to do different the next time. It was really great to see my Granny and Bob and just catch up on life. Also, the sweet little dog, Gracie, that I inherited from my mom and then had pass on to my aunt when I graduated college (due to life plans not really fitting with having a dog). Little Gracie has been living with Granny and she was still just as cute as ever with her little snaggle tooth smile.

Yesterday, I went a Christian school in San Antonio and was able to speak at my good friends, Kimo and Kim’s, class as well as 2 other classes. Most of these classes were little 3rd graders that ask the greatest questions so I enjoyed talking with them a lot. And then I spoke to my largest crowd so far, a group of college students at Texas State involved with Crosstalk. This was great because some people involved with Crosstalk were in Uganda this summer and started their own non-profit (ichooseyou.net) to help the kids in the neighborhood behind me who go to my church there. They are also having a benefit on Friday and are using some of my photography to decorate and sell in an auction (I also will have a few that I can sell for my own personal fundraising). I feel kinda like a professional photographer now. Wow, blown up, displayed, and auctioned. Awesome.

In addition to speaking engagements, I was also sponsored to attend the Walk to Emmaus, which was a weekend long spiritual retreat. Without going too much into it, it turned out to be such a blessing and refreshment to my heart. I witnessed the most beautiful display of love and the closest feeling of heaven that I have yet experienced in my life. Thanks again Angie and Derrick for making the weekend happen.

I was also able to spend some time with my beloved Beelers and have been organizing a warehouse full of stuff that was donated to me to hold a garage sale.

So, needless to say I have been a busy woman. I am really looking forward to the holiday week of Thanksgiving so that I can just spend time at home with my family.

Life in the fast lane...

Well, it is hard for me to believe how quickly my time is going. I have almost been in the US for a month now. Wow. And I can say now that I do feel like I have adjusted past the
"re-integration" shock. That is good because for a while big groups were a bit overwhelming and exhausting. But I bless the Lord for His help in adjusting. He is my Rock and consistent in all circumstances.

I have my first official speaking "gig" (for lack of better word... I know there is one buy my mind has blanked) at my Granny's church tomorrow night (Flatonia Baptist Church). Surprisingly, I don't feel as nervious as expected. Hopefully my nerves will stay subdued tomorrow. I feel much better about speaking though because I just get to boast in the Lord and what He is doing at LCH and how much I love the kids. That is easy enough.

I can't believe how my time will fly by being here. As I look at my calendar, dates are already getting filled up by visits or holiday events.

And I have already been blessed to see the Lord move in provision in different areas that I have prayed for. I love how He works all things in His timing and perfectly. Truly my heart rejoices.

So, that is a little update on me. Hope you are well and I would love to hear from you (especially since there will not be a 20 second delay in our speaking, like it is when I am in Africa!)