There Are Cameras On Us At All Times!

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810073710/trailer

Rugby is said to be a hooligan's sport played by gentleman. If you have ever watched a match then you know this saying is true. There is nothing like a match....hearts pounding, bones aching, blood and sweat on the pitch while eager on-lookers chat for their team.

There is a newer movie out about a rugby team, the South African Springbucks. Invictus shows the teams unforgettable season leading up to the Rugby World Cup. The team's story is an inspiring one, but South Africa as a whole during that time was writing history. Rugby played a part and the movie so moving depicts the role it played.

While watch it today (for 100th time) a clip knocked me in the heart and gut. I have seen it many times. But there was something different. Something. The team is told they will be doing a whole bunch of rugby coaching clinics all over the country (mainly is poor townships) to help change the team's image. This PR campaign came the hight person (A.K.A M. Mandela). All but the team's caption were upset. "We have no time." "How can they tell us to play our best and have us do this too?" "What a bloody joke." With discounted hearts they were off to their first stop. They got off the bus and the caption so lovingly reminded the players "there are cameras on us at all times."

The next thing they know they are rushed by a group of Black South African children chanting at the top of their lungs....."Chester, Chester, Chester!" Chester is the soul Black South African. on the team. The rest of the team saw the children's joyous response to having Chester in their pitch and they too were all smiling soon. The rest of the clip shows how they taught the group the rules of rugby while falling in love with little dirty faces they are beaming with smiles from ear to ear.

As the team got back on the bus and rest of the movie played out I could not help but daydream about that emotionally moving clip. To many times my grumpy heart does what it is told and in the process gets a large helping of humble pie. Also I can not shake the words of the caption "there are cameras on us at all times." Their are people daily even hourly watching every move I make. Trying to see if there is something different about me or am I just like all those other "Christians."

I hope they see something different. I pray God touches my heart when it becomes grumpy.

Laughs, Crosswalks, and Memories

Do you have one of those people that gets you? They can make you pee your pants laughing just by looking at you? I do. I have been blessed with many! But today there was a great moment with a dear friend on our lunch break. We both walked across the street to pick up some lunch.

As the two of us were walking she just looks at me. Within a second we both are cracking up! The kind where you can't stop....no matter what you do you just keep on laughing. There is nothing super stressful about today but something so freeing was in those few moments. I felt my soul smile (yes as cheesy as it sounds) and my spirit lift. When we came back to work we were still smiling...that is a great way to start the second half of your day!

(To my sweet friend that shared this adventure with me.....THANK YOU! You are a blessing in my life. I pray you are blessed a tenth of what you have blessed me with! XOXOXOX)

Wavin' Flag

There is a sweet four year old in my house that LOVES K'naan's song Wavin' Flag. Whenever he hears the song he dances and sings. No matter what language the version is in he is signing along. I have even heard him signing it when he was suppose to be napping...my heart was overjoyed.

Today I got an email with a link to a new version of the song. This version was made to show support for Haiti. The words are powerful and I found tears forming as they sang. The video was also paired with moving photos. It painted the perspective of what has been done and how much more is needed.

Haiti is not the only places that could be spotlighted by powerful words of this song. So many countries are in the same place. Their people are struggling, wondering where their next meal is coming from. Someday they dream of being strong and make some changes to help the ones around them. Strong just like a wavin' flag. As your eyes take in the photos and you hear the powerful words may you see what could be instead of how the world is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB7L1BIDELc&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_medium=email&utm_content=http%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3dnB7L1BIDELc&utm_campaign=17299141&utm_umg_et=79493819

Green With Envy

Today while driving to work my eyes got a glimpse of hills of the East Bay. Our hills are so (tried to find another word and I got nothing) pretty. The downpour of rain we have had for the last week(ish) has helped. But when the rain passes and the warm weather comes the lovely green will fade and the East Bay will be graced with stunning shades of brown.

While thinking of how the colors will change I also started to think about Kampala. A few people have told me that the city is resting on green hills. When I think of green hills I think of Ireland. Sheep and old stone castles. Yes, Kampala most likely does not have the sheep and castles but they apparently have the green hills. (Am I know only one that hears Celtic music?)

Becoming Reality

I am currently siting in my room. The sweet sounds of the Baby Shower happening in the living room is all around. When I hear the laughs I find myself smiling. I also feel sadness. The fact that after a few more months I will be missing all Life Moments is starting to hit me. Yes I can call, text, email, and even SKYPE while in Africa. But it is just not same. This is become a reality for me.

There is no doubt that God is calling me to go. I am even excited to go. But deep inside of me there is a part that is starting to feel the lose of being so far away. These are just my thoughts and feelings. Thanks to all the missionaries I have spoken with about heading out these feelings do not surprise me. They told me they would come. They also said when the feelings come I should feel them. Not brush them aside. Not dwell them but allow myself to feel them. So that is what I am doing. Prayers are welcomed right now.

Paperwork and Vaccinations

This last week has been a busy one! AIM had a list of things I needed to get, filled
out, and mail for all my African paperwork. There were things for my entry visas, work permit, and health forms. While standing in line to mail them all out on Tuesday my heart was racing. I just kept thinking..."This is really happening." "God you are calling and I am going." "Wow! This has been a passion/dream for so long...can this really be happening?"

After a few minutes all the compiled paperwork was mailed out! My heart was racing even faster and my spirit felt a rush. All the questions and thoughts I had while in line were answered..."Yes my daughter. Yes."

Also this week I got some of my needed vaccinations. It was not a fun way to celebrate my birthday but it was needed. The travel nurse was very nice and we had a good time....the best time you can have while sticking someone with needles and being the person stuck. There was only three shots this time but I have to go back next week for one more. Finding the time and ability to sit there and get the vaccines is all God.

Daily and sometimes even hourly I can see how He's hands are covering me. Also I am so thankful for all the loved ones helping and encouraging me. During this time of preparing to go would not be possible without all of your support. I am so blessed to have you all in my life.

Mouth Watering Tagine

Here is the yummy mouth watering recipe of Tagine. It is a traditional African dish. Hope you enjoy it.

Needed:
1 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 Teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 Teaspoon turmeric
1/2 Teaspoon black pepper
1 1/4 Teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons plus 1/4 cup of olive oil
1 (3-lb) chicken, cut into 6 pieces, wings and backbone discarded (beasts work well too)
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1 medium red onion, halved, then sliced 1/4inch thick
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
5 sprigs fresh cilantro
5 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 1/2 cups water
2 Tablespoons mild honey
1 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
1/2 cup dried Turkish apricots, separated into halves
1/3 cup whole blanched almonds

Needed Tools:
a 10 to 12-inch tangine or heavy skillet
kitchen string

Stir together ground cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, pepper, 1teaspoon salt, and 2sablespoons oil in large bowl. Add chicken and turn to coat well.

Heat butter and 1tablespoon oil in base of skillet, uncovered, over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then brown half of chicken, skin side down, turning over once, 8 to 12 minutes. Transfer to plate. Brown the remaining chicken in the same manner, adding any spice mix left in bowl.

Add onion and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt to tagine and cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, until soft, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes. Tie cilantro and parsley into a bundle with kitchen string and add to tagine along with 1/2 cup water, chicken, and any juices accumulated on plate. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 30 minutes.

While chicken cooks, bring honey, remaining cup of water, cinnamon stick(s), and apricots to a boil in a 1 to 2 quart heavy saucepan, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until apricots are very tender (add more water if necessary). Once apricots are tender, simmer until liquid is reduced to a glaze, 10 to 15 minutes.

While apricots cook, heat remaining 1/4 cup oil in a small skillet over moderate heat and cook almonds, stirring occasionally, until just golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer with slotted spoon to paper towel to drain.

Ten minutes before chicken is done, add apricot mixture to tagine. Discard herbs and cinnamon stick, then serve chicken sprinkled with almonds on top. ENJOY!