Saturday, 26 April 2008

  • "The atlantic was born today..."

    So, i'm here in Nouakchott, Mauritania. About to finish the Saharan leg of my journey back to Cote d'Ivoire. It is strange because going back to CdI feels strangely like going home. Which is interesting only because i'll be leaving there in nine weeks. It is far too short a time, and far too long a time. "Home" is becoming less of a reality it seems, and i wonder if this is a good thing and think it may yet be. It is impossible to express the mix of longing and serenity. The readiness and the trepidation at what comes next. The stepping out in faith, back to the Western world, realizing i still need to learn to be a Christian there, realizing that my return does not mark the end of my mission trip but still the beginning.

    I have yet to learn how to be content in all things, i have yet to learn to love my neighbor (Ivorian or American) as myself. I have yet to learn to pray without ceasing in a world filled with distractions be the entertainment, education, or "missions" work. There is so much before me that i can tell God wants to give me, so much life He is ready and eager to pour into me, if only i would pay attention, quiet myself before Him, be in love with Him.

    I am taking comfort in Christ's promises, in his person, in his strange nearness, his transcendence that reaches into my situation and makes it full of meaning if i only take the time to look. I am failing friends, but God is giving me grace to try again. And i am slowly learning to accept this grace. And i think that this is exceedingly beautiful, i know it something i have not deserved and it makes me stagger in the depths of my soul. I suppose i am simply learning anew how much i need Jesus, and how necessary my feeling that need for Him is. He really is beautiful isn't he? So much more than i know how to say. So i guess i shall say no more for now.

    Christ's peace to you. His mercy meet you and lift you up towards Him.

    love,
    luke

Thursday, 27 March 2008

  • How quickly the color fades from the flower

    Its been a roller coaster week here in Cote d'Ivoire. The power was out last night and there was a traditional (i.e. pagan) funeral at Katia. So aside from the heat i had to try sleeping with the sound of a dozen djembes and balafons playing what i can only assume is the African prototype to free-form jazz. And this morning i was awakened to the sound of gunfire as the festivities were wrapping up. It wasn't violence, just celebration.

    There has been some violence in the area though recently. Korhogo has been increasingly dangerous at nights with increased incidence of banditry. We suspect its the Force Nouvelle (the rebels who are supposed to be our security force) trying to make a little more money now that disarmament is in sight and they are about to lose their position. Worse still this morning i heard that there was fighting amongst the Force Nouvelle stationed between Ferkessedougou and Ouangalodougou only 100km northwest of here or so. This is a bit disconcerting as for awhile there the peace process was advancing without a hitch. At any rate God is in control of this, and every other situation. So it is best not to worry.

    In good news, i think i might have finally come across a design for a drip irrigation system that will work. This is a huge praise as i need to start transplanting my experimental garden in the coming week before i head of to Morocco.


    Yesterday marked six months here for me. I have just over three left. Time flies. March continues to be excruciatingly hot , but we've gotten the first of the rains, the vanguard of rainy season proper that is due to start in a month or so. It cooled things off for a couple days, but better still, even now that the heat has returned everything is green again. I forgot what a difference it makes when the world is green and the sky is blue instead of brown land and gray sky. Consequently i've been happy for the past week.

    Continue to pray for my application to Regent College as their admission committee is set to decide on my application any time now. Christ's peace to you all. His will be accomplished in and through your lives.

    love,
    luke

Tuesday, 26 February 2008

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