When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 |
Recently, I began a new job and a reflective conversation with a colleague stirred up memories of challenges I faced in the past few years. I recounted a particularly trying period when I had just moved to a new country and found myself amid another round of COVID-19 lockdowns (my third round in a third country). In that season, I was feeling utterly alone without any friends, family, or support network. For about four or five months I struggled, mentally and emotionally drained, grappling with feelings of abandonment and a lack of guidance, despite pouring my heart into my work. I grappled with the lack of support from the leaders who had invited and brought me to this new country. Despite assurances and promises, they seemed indifferent to my difficult situation. Feeling overwhelmed and longing for support, I mustered the courage to share my struggles with my superiors, hoping for encouragement to continue my duties with renewed strength. To my dismay, instead of empathy, I faced criticism and punishment for my honesty. They attacked my character, threatened my position, and implemented punitive measures and ways I had to prove I was “worthy” to do my job. It was a dark time, and I regretted opening up. Yet, amidst my turmoil and their harassment, I continued to fulfill my responsibilities, supporting the young people under my care as they also faced personal challenges and struggles In this storm, I encountered a stray dog, a mother on the brink of survival, giving birth to six fragile puppies in a ditch near my home. She was malnourished, injured, and wandering the streets, yet her eyes reflected a glimmer of hope within her hardship. Seeing my struggle mirrored in her helplessness, I couldn't ignore her. If you research how to approach a mother dog caring for her newborn puppies, common advice warns that even the most gentle pets can become protective or aggressive. Despite having no prior interaction with this particular dog, I cautiously approached her, unsure of how she would react to my attempt to move her puppies from the ditch. To my surprise, she allowed me to carry two puppies at a time to a safer location, showing a remarkable level of trust. Eventually, she even permitted me to carry her, a gesture of exhaustion and acceptance evidenced by her weary tail wag. Determined to provide for her needs, I dedicated the following hours to ensuring mother and puppies had food, water, and shelter. I purchased tarps to shield them from the rain and gathered towels to create a comfortable nest. For the next three weeks, when not at work, I devoted myself to caring for Mama and her six precious puppies, ensuring they thrived despite their challenging circumstances. After caring for Mama and her puppies, the puppies found homes through another expat family. I cherished Mama's companionship until I departed from the country. Before leaving, I did my best to see to her well-being by vaccinating her and having her spayed, ensuring she wouldn't struggle to care for both herself and a litter of puppies ever again. Through caring for this abandoned mother, whom I lovingly began to call Mama, I found solace and a reminder of God's presence. Despite her hardships, she embodied Godly hope and resilience, teaching me that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. Just as I provided for Mama and her puppies, God orchestrated moments of compassion and support in my own life, reminding me of His unwavering love even when I was surrounded by human attacks. As I witnessed living out compassion and care, I held onto the truth that God sees and cares for me in my struggles Reflecting on Mama's story, I'm filled with mixed emotions. Despite my efforts to find her a forever home, circumstances led a friend to leave her back on the same street where I first met her. Though neighbors now routinely feed her, I can't help but feel guilt and remorse that she's back where she started before our paths crossed. The cost of bringing her to America was prohibitive, leaving me with only dreams and prayers for her well-being. Yet, I'm grateful for the time we shared and acknowledge that God's providence placed her in my path, ensuring she's alive and cared for, even if her story hasn't unfolded as I hoped. Reflecting on my journey abroad, I'm reminded of the stray dogs who became unexpected companions, symbols of God's compassion amidst adversity. Many who read my blogs will remember my beloved stray Oliver from Qingdao. Oliver shared snacks, long walks, tearful moments, and lots of love with me. He introduced me to his friends, including his puppies, and provided so much confidence and comfort to me over the first two years of my time in China. Then of course there is my best boy Benji. The presence of these dogs in my life is a tangible reminder of God's goodness and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Compassion, I learned, is not a sign of weakness but of strength, echoing the love and empathy of our Creator. The vulnerability of a stray dog, to trust even when they have been hurt and left alone on the streets, inspires both hope and mindful courage. It takes intentionality to trust in God’s goodness even when the world around you screams the opposite. I recognize that there is a lot going on in the world right now, many things that need so much prayer and lifting up to the Lord. Will you do something for me though? If you read this blog post, will you say a short sweet prayer of health and blessing over my sweet Mama dog?
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Navigating through dark and isolated seasons in life requires continuously remembering and celebrating where the Lord has guided you before this moment. I have emerged from a period of darkness, where leaders abused their power, oppressed the innocent, embraced falsehoods, and reveled in their failures and flaws. Love was met with betrayal, while rejection and manipulation overshadowed truth and humility. Recently, the book of Daniel has been a focal point for me, sparking a revelation. What do you do when you realize you've been living in Babylon? Centuries after the Israelites were rescued from Egyptian slavery, young Hebrew royals (like Daniel) found themselves uprooted from their homes and serving a dark, power-hungry nation steeped in idolatry, violence, and injustice. Daniel and his companions grappled with the question: "Can God truly be present in such dark and wicked places?" During my chapters of suffering, I constantly pondered this question. Surely, this couldn't be what following the Lord into ministry should entail. I wondered if I had ventured to a place where God would not follow me. Likewise, I imagine Daniel and his friends wrestled with similar doubts. The Israelites believed God's presence resided solely in the temple in Jerusalem, so they likely doubted His presence in a land teeming with evil, pride, and injustice. The trials of Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah, and Daniel began long before they faced the fiery furnace or the lion's den. Their faith was tested relentlessly in a land where even when God chose to reveal Himself, men still refused to submit or acknowledge His power. Yet, their faith isn't lauded because of their own strength or miracles but rather for their unwavering devotion to the Lord. As I emerge from a season of overwhelming oppression and darkness, I do so with humility and gratitude, recognizing that the Lord was present amidst the lies, betrayal, harassment, abuse, and rejection. Despite the forces seeking to crush me, He remained faithful, and my heart never ceased yearning for His presence. This is the hope that stems from a relationship with Christ. Walking through that season wasn't easy; I often found myself on my knees pleading for God's rescue, yearning for a tangible sign of His presence. I questioned whether He truly saw me amidst the powers seeking to strip away my hope and truth. I desired a moment akin to the fiery furnace, where God's presence would unmistakably shine forth and vindicate my struggles. Yet, as with King Nebuchadnezzar, even witnessing God's ultimate power won’t always suffice for those entrenched in evil. What sustained me, what enabled me to trust God and maintain faith within the dark and evil confines of Babylon, was recalling where God's rescue began. He rescued the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, guided them through the desert, and led them to the promised land, albeit not in the manner they anticipated. Meanwhile, I chose to remember that the Lord saved me spiritually when I accepted Christ or how he saved me physically when I survived a potentially life-altering horse riding accident at 21 years old. When you find yourself in a literal or metaphorical Babylon season, cling to these truths. God's presence is with you; He desires your prayers and closeness. Speak, cry out, and hold onto hope, even when it seems distant. There's a season for being in Babylon, but the promise remains that God won't waste any trial. He will reveal His glory and utilize your experiences for His purpose. To conclude, allow the remembrance of God's past faithfulness to be your anchor in the shadowy dens of darkness. Trust that as He has rescued you before, He will do so again, guiding you through the trials of Babylon and ultimately revealing His glory in your life.
Your enemy's whispers echo, seeking to convince you that your gravest sins, your deepest failures and darkest moments, are forever etched into your very being. Satan wants you to believe there is no true freedom from your faults. I finally understood this fullness of this attack during my time as a performer in Taylors, South Carolina. From the end of 2016 into 2017, I was blessed with the opportunity to be in the cast of The Academy of Arts Ministries / The Logos Theater’s premiere stage production of C.S. Lewis’s timeless classic, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. This gripping tale of expectation, faith, and courage resonated deeply within me—encouraging me in my walk with the Lord through various stages of my life—from reading it as a child to watching it on screen as an adolescent, and finally, performing it as an adult. For those unfamiliar with the plot, Prince Caspian mirrors a Hamlet-esque journey of a young prince navigating faith and hope after the murder of his father by his treacherous and power-hungry uncle. Caspian’s quest to restore the fallen kingdom of Narnia beckons the aid of the four Pevensie children, heroes from Narnia's golden age (in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe). As the story unfolds, the Pevensies begin their adventure separated from Caspian, with the boys fated to meet amidst a pivotal moment of temptation. Caspian, desperate and vulnerable, is urged to seek aid from the malevolent White Witch. Amid this turmoil, Edmund Pevensie, haunted by his past betrayal, kneels in the shadows with an unexpected danger before him. In both the stage production and in Lewis’ novel, the focus of this moment is very much on young Caspian and his comrades—with the Edmund and Peter Pevensie in the shadows waiting for the right moment to reveal themselves. However, in the stage production, writer and director Nicole Chavers Stratton explored another perspective of this scene, an almost imperceptible exchange that became my favorite moment of the production for our entire run. As the proposition to resurrect the White Witch is presented to Caspian, the palpable despair and panic in Edmund is unmistakable. The young actor portraying Edmund immediately moves to stand up and rush out in objection to the plan, only to be held back by his brother, High King Peter. Every performance I would stand in the wings watching the brothers and I couldn't help but reflect on how frequently the enemy tries to convince us that our greatest sins and deepest failures will forever haunt us. Edmund, who once betrayed his family and succumbed to dark temptations in pursuit of greed and power, was rescued by the grace of Aslan, who in His benevolent power and kindness sacrificed his life in Edmund’s place. Yet, Edmund finds himself, a year later, feeling the specter of his past mistakes looming ominously close. But this is a lie. Though the temptation of our sins may try to sneak back in, the truth remains that even in the attempt to resurrect the White Witch, Aslan has already triumphed over her, and the redeemed Edmund could and would stand against her again. He knows this truth. Yet, in that moment on stage, the weight of whether he could truly be free of his past failures is powerfully felt. The two young men who portrayed these roles during our 2016-2017 premiere run shared a poignant brotherly moment. With just a look and subtle body language, Peter attempted to comfort and encourage Edmund in the face of this sudden reminder and threat from the enemy. Watching from the wings, I witnessed the raw emotion of Edmund’s darkest fears. The enemy's whispers, like a relentless tide, sought to drown him in despair, convincing him that redemption was but a fleeting hope. Yet, amidst the shadows, a beacon of truth emerged. The truth that even in our deepest failings, redemption awaits. Aslan's victory over the White Witch resonates as a reminder that our past does not define us. Edmund's struggle mirrors our own, but his redemption, like our own, inspires us and stands unchallenged. Friends, take heart in this truth: the enemy's lies hold no power over us. In Jesus, we find ultimate redemption, a redemption that transcends our past, present, and future sins. Our failures do not bind us; they serve as testaments to the boundless grace of our Savior. As we journey through life's trials, let us stand firm like Edmund, knowing “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Let us be like Peter, offering encouragement and support to those facing their struggles—past and future. Together, let us embrace the truth that in Christ, we are conquerors of sin and victors over darkness. I am deeply grateful to the Lord for granting me the opportunity to witness this pivotal moment portrayed on stage, repeated show after show for almost four months. Even now, I find myself in need of this powerful reminder. Embracing redemption and standing firm in faith, we are empowered to overcome our past failures and find freedom from the enemy's lies, this is what our Heavenly Father wants for us.
For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14 I am writing this blog in the city of Tauranga on the North Island of New Zealand, having just arrived yesterday after over 24 hours of travel from the east coast of the USA. I am currently enrolled as an intern in YWAM Furnace New Zealand’s One Thing Internship (OTI). The opportunity to attend this Biblical training school over the course of the next four weeks came to pass rather unexpectedly and suddenly during my final months in Fiji. I applied to the program in April, was accepted in May, and made the decision to put all other plans on hold and for one month to focus on my relationship with Jesus at the beginning of July. Finances, flights, and everything else fell into place in a very short period of time…a testament to God’s power and will in my life. I have a lot I want to write about when it comes to Fiji and reflecting on my last two years of life. I am expectant that my time in New Zealand will be the first steps towards clarity and healing that will allow me to honestly share about my experiences.
In the meantime, I have committed to one month in community seeking the face of Jesus intimately and intentionally. My words of expectation for this time are “reset”, “healing”, and “clarity”. Will you pray for me during my time with OTI in New Zealand? Will you come alongside me in seeking spiritual reset, healing, and clarity that can only come from seeking the face of Jesus wholeheartedly? I plan to write weekly blog updates sharing about all the Lord is teaching me during my time in New Zealand. I am full of hope and expectation for how my relationship with Jesus is going to be transformed during the next month. This is just the beginning of serving God with all that I am for the rest of my life. Anyone who knows me is aware that I adore sharing “things” that I like and have enjoyed (ie: became obsessed with) with friends and family. From books and TV shows to favorite apps and food! I can't stop talking about things that brightened my day/week/year with others. Last year I posted a blog titled, “My Favorite Things: 2020 Edition”. It was the first time I had done this type of blog (outside of a number of book/film recommendations from years ago). Through writing it, I was able to get some perspective on some blessings that came into my life during the year (especially during a very difficult year). With the hopes of continuing that trend of thankfulness and sharing, I decided to share some of my "best" and "favorite" items that I discovered this year. These things were not necessarily released/created in 2021, but instead I discovered or used them prominently in 2021. They brought me joy in the craziness of this chapter of life. BOOKSUnlike last year, where reading was the last thing I felt like doing most days, 2021 was a full of long, some would say boring, days of reading. I set a goal to read a total of 30 books in 2021 and will be capping out the year having read 42. I read and re-read some important classics such as Bambi, The Great Gatsby, Pride & Prejudice, and Anthem, but here are three less well-known books that earned high praise and immediate recommendations from me. The Indigo Girl Author: Natasha Boyd Genre: Historical Fiction Publishing Year: 2017 Description: An incredible story of dangerous and hidden friendships, ambition, betrayal, and sacrifice. The year is 1739. Eliza Lucas is sixteen years old when her father leaves her in charge of their family's three plantations in rural South Carolina and then proceeds to bleed the estates dry in pursuit of his military ambitions. Tensions with the British, and with the Spanish in Florida, just a short way down the coast, are rising, and Eliza's family is in danger of losing everything. Upon hearing how much the French pay for indigo dye, Eliza believes it's the key to their salvation. Eliza finds that her only allies are an aging horticulturalist, an older and married gentleman lawyer, and a slave with whom she strikes a dangerous deal: teach her the intricate thousand-year-old secret process of making indigo dye and in return -- against the laws of the day -- she will teach the slaves to read. Based on historical documents, including Eliza's letters, this is a historical fiction account of how a teenage girl produced indigo dye, which became one of the largest exports out of South Carolina, an export that laid the foundation for the incredible wealth of several Southern families who still live on today. Although largely overlooked by historians, the accomplishments of Eliza Lucas influenced the course of US history. This book is set between 1739 and 1744, with romance, intrigue, forbidden friendships, and political and financial threats weaving together to form the story of a remarkable young woman whose actions were before their time: the story of the indigo girl. The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking, #1) Author: Patrick Ness Genre: Dystopian Science Fiction Publishing Year: 2010 Description: A dystopian thriller follows a boy and girl on the run from a town where all thoughts can be heard – and the passage to manhood embodies a horrible secret. Todd Hewitt is the only boy in a town of men. Ever since the settlers were infected with the Noise germ, Todd can hear everything the men think, and they hear everything he thinks. Todd is just a month away from becoming a man, but in the midst of the cacophony, he knows that the town is hiding something from him -- something so awful Todd is forced to flee with only his dog, whose simple, loyal voice he hears too. With hostile men from the town in pursuit, the two stumble upon a strange and eerily silent creature: a girl. Who is she? Why wasn't she killed by the germ like all the females on New World? Propelled by Todd's gritty narration, readers are in for a white-knuckle journey in which a boy on the cusp of manhood must unlearn everything he knows in order to figure out who he truly is. Geekerella Author: Ashley Poston Genre: Realistic Fiction Publishing Year: 2017 Description: Part romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom. Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball, and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck (and her dad’s old costume), Elle’s determined to win…unless her stepsisters get there first. Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons—before he was famous. Now they’re nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but the Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake—until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise. Honorable Mention: Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo AUDIOBOOKSHere’s the thing, a love for listening to books read to you is something special. My mom read to us growing up and I recall the experience with deep affection and cherished warmth. I’d let go of being read to as an adult, instead finding one of my favorite aspects of teaching is reading aloud to a class. All that changed in 2021. Online school stripped away opportunities to read aloud (internet issues in Fiji made it more frustrating for students than collaborative and engaging.) Working from home, in my downtime, when I found my focus lacking, audiobooks came to the rescue. Doing chores, preparing for the day or in the evening before bed, I was constantly searching for ways to keep myself distracted and engaged. These books could just as easily made it onto my 2021 Books list, but I have set them apart because the audiobook versions had me captivated and brought the story to life in a whole new way. Finding Gobi Author: Dion Leonard Audiobook Narrator: Simon Bubb Genre: Memoir Publishing Year: 2017 In 2016, Dion Leonard, a seasoned ultramarathon runner, unexpectedly stumbled across a little stray dog while competing in a grueling 155 mile race across the Gobi Desert. The lovable pup, who earned the name ‘Gobi’, proved that what she lacked in size, she more than made up for in heart, as she went step for step with Dion over the treacherous Tian Shan Mountains, managing to keep pace with him for nearly 80 miles. As Dion witnessed the incredible determination of this small animal, he felt something change within himself. In the past he had always focused on winning and being the best, but his goal now was simply to make sure that his new friend was safe, nourished and hydrated. Although Dion did not finish first, he felt he had won something far greater and promised to bring Gobi back to the UK for good to become a new addition to his family. This was the start of a journey neither of them would ever forget with a roller coaster ride of drama, grief, heartbreak, joy and love that changed their lives forever. Finding Gobi is the ultimate story of hope, of resilience and of friendship, proving once again, that dogs really are ‘man’s best friend.’ This audiobook touched my heart deeply. Not only does is cover some of my favorite subjects: stray dogs, running, and being a foreigner in China, but it also has so much warmth, hope, and heart. Dog stories and the humans they commit themselves to will always mean the most to me. 10/10 Recommend. B.J. Harrison Reads Treasure Island Author: Robert Louis Stevenson Audiobook Narrator: B.J. Harrison Genre: Historical Fiction Publishing Year: 1883 "For sheer storytelling delight and pure adventure, Treasure Island has never been surpassed. From the moment young Jim Hawkins first encounters the sinister Blind Pew at the Admiral Benbow Inn until the climactic battle for treasure on a tropic isle, the novel creates scenes and characters that have fired the imaginations of generations of readers. Written by a superb prose stylist, a master of both action and atmosphere, the story centers upon the conflict between good and evil - but in this case a particularly engaging form of evil. It is the villainy of that most ambiguous rogue Long John Silver that sets the tempo of this tale of treachery, greed, and daring. Designed to forever kindle a dream of high romance and distant horizons, Treasure Island is, in the words of G. K. Chesterton, 'the realization of an ideal, that which is promised in its provocative and beckoning map; a vision not only of white skeletons but also green palm trees and sapphire seas.' After listening to this adaptation, I can say with confidence that B.J. Harrison is the best audiobook narrator I have ever heard. I went on to listen to more audiobooks with him, including Ayn Rand's Anthem, Felix Salten's Bambi, Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Agatha Christie's Murder on the Links, and a dramatization of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. That being said, his Treasure Island was my absolute favorite. I've been tracking down all B.J. Harrison's content, including his audiobooks and podcasts (see the PODCAST Section) and I'd recommend his work , and particularly this 10/10 adaptation, to everyone! Honorable Mention: Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol: A Signature Performance by Tim Curry RADIO/AUDIO DRAMA I grew up listening to Audio Drama series like Adventures in Odyssey and Down Gilead Lane. It’s been so long since I intentionally sought out Audio Dramas. I’m thankful that 2021 helped me fall in love with this form of entertainment once again. 1865 Genre: Historical Fiction Warning: Language, some adult themes/content Seasons: 2 Distribution: Airship Production/Wondery Podcast April 15, 1865. President Lincoln is dead and the country in turmoil. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton takes control, determined to bring the assassin to justice—but the hunt for John Wilkes Booth isn’t all that grips Stanton. Lincoln’s successor, Vice President Andrew Johnson, is likely to bend to southern interests and undo the very progress for which Lincoln died. Edwin Stanton must employ every bit of political wile he can muster to secure the future of the freed slaves, and the nation. Consumed by his conviction, Stanton will betray his friends, his honor, and the very constitution he is sworn to protect, all to steer the country towards justice. Young Benjamin Franklin Genre: Family Adventure, comedy Distribution: Gen-Z Podcast Before he was Benjamin Franklin, inventor and statesman, he was just Ben, a boy in Colonial Boston with an adventurous spirit, a curious mind...and a penchant for getting into trouble. Meet our most endearing founding father at fourteen; a charming rebel years away from discovering the ageless sayings and brilliant inventions that made him famous. When Ben and his friends stumble upon a mysterious letter leading to a legendary treasure, he'll have to use his wits and bravery to outsmart the cruel British governor of Massachusetts. Passenger List Genre: Mystery, thriller Content Warning: Language, mature themes Seasons: 2 Distribution: Radiotopia Podcast Atlantic Airlines flight 702 has disappeared mid-flight between London and New York with 256 passengers on board. Kaitlin Le, a college student whose twin brother vanished with the flight, is determined to uncover the truth. TELEVISION SHOWS ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL Seasons: 2 (2020 - ) Genre: Historical Fiction, Comedy, Drama Starring: Nicholas Ralph, Samuel West, Anna Madeley, Callum Woodhouse & more Watch on PBS Masterpiece The numerous adventures of a friendly staff at a country veterinarian practice in 1930s to 1940s Yorkshire, England. (IMDb) This show is very special to me for a number of reasons. First, my mom used to read James Herriot's novels and short stories sharing his life to me as a child. Second, Mom and I were able to start watching season 1 together this year and it was a special time that I looked forward to every week. Mom and my shared love of animals (and her veterinary background) brought this story and its heart-warming message to life. AIRLINE Seasons: 3 (2004 - 2005) Genre: Reality TV Watch on A&E's YouTube Channel A reality series focusing on the daily pitfalls of a crew of airline workers trying to keep a major airport running smoothly. From lost baggage to delayed flights to unruly passengers these tireless workers face each problem with cool heads and common sense even as the pressure keeps mounting. — Jerry Roberts (IMDb) This show is pure escapism for me. I miss travel and the chaos of airports and this show was an excellent and entertaining distraction. This show also highlights some of the best and worst moments of humanity. A good reminder on both ends. NUMB3RS Seasons: (2005 - 2010) Genre: Crime, Mystery, Drama Starring: Rob Morrow, David Krumholtz Watch on PlutoTV Working for the F.B.I., a mathematician uses equations to help solve various crimes. Revisiting the first three seasons this high school favorite from was a fun surprise for the year. I always tell people that this is the only show that ever made me interested in and enjoy math! Honorable Mention: Though I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone over the age of 10 (haha), the cheesy, light, and uncomplicated British horse series Free Rein was a refuge during lockdown for me. Watching it was like stepping back into my 12 year old body, a little girl with big dreams and an unwavering love of horses. APPS AUDIBLE Listen anytime, anywhere to an unmatched selection of audiobooks, original premium podcasts, and more at Audible. I have wanted to join Audible since I was in high school, but I kept putting it off (the subscription price always seemed like a big commitment). This year, it just made sense to finally join (as you probably guessed from my discussion of audiobooks and podcasts above). I am so happy and satisfied. I've listened to some incredible audiobooks and have new ones on the waiting list that I can't wait to get to in 2022. GOODREADS Find and read more books you'll love, and keep track of the books you want to read. Be part of the world's largest community of book lovers on Goodreads. I love tracking my reading and setting book goals every year. I keep up with my Goodreads account more than any of social media, it's that satisfying and fun. I love seeing what my friends are reading and reviewing too! Follow me on Goodreads HERE. LETTERBOXD Letterboxd is a social platform for sharing your taste in film. Use it as a diary to rate and record your opinion about films as you watch them, or just to keep a record films you’ve seen or want to see in the future. I went looking for a Goodreads for movies and recently found Letterboxd. I love movies and films and I'm looking forward to tracking my watch history and favorites on this app. Follow me on Letterboxd HERE. PODCASTSClassic Tales Podcast Genre: Audiobook, classic short stories and novels read aloud Host: B.J. Harrison Every week, join award-winning narrator B.J. Harrison as he narrates the greatest stories the world has ever known. From the jungles of South America to the Mississippi Delta, from Victorian England to the sands of the Arabian desert, join us on a fantastic journey through the words of the world's greatest authors. Critically-acclaimed and highly recommended for anyone who loves a good story with plenty of substance. Honorable Mentions: Destiny & Chicken—A Merlin Podcast, The Sleepy Bookshelf, 1619, This Land Mentioned in 2020, and still awesome: The Bema Podcast, Before They Were Live MUSICI listened to surprisingly little music this year, new or old. If the goal was distraction, music didn’t seem to fit the bill the way podcasts or audiobooks did when it came to listening. That being said there are a couple songs/albums that I do think are worth mentioning as they were a part of my music journey this year. Song Title: Rooted Artist: Mia Kami Released: August 2021 Mia Kami is of Tongan descent and lives in Fiji, where most of the music video was shot. ‘Rooted’ celebrates these connections as well as other places and cultures in the Pacific. “No matter where we are, we are here to stay because we are rooted in our place, our cultures, our traditions and our people… I hope you feel the mana we felt bringing this vision to life.” (Source)
YOUTUBELet’s be honest, YouTube has become an expected part of your average Joe’s day-to-day life. Lock-down in Fiji has led me to a definite YouTube addiction. Here are a few of the channels that I binged through (and will continue to follow) this year.
MY FAVORITE THINGS: 2021 Edition |
Shirley gifted me a tika that matched my outfit for Diwali. To her it was seen as a gift to welcome me and show “honor and respect” for me as her guest during the celebration. I felt honored by her thoughtfulness. Thinking we were finished, with my full outfit and jewelry set, I was shocked when she added a finishing touch of a matching clutch to complete the outfit. I joked with her, “Shirley! I’m literally walking 10 steps from my front door to yours. What do you think I’ll need to carry to bring a clutch?” Still, she would hear nothing of me coming without the matching handbag. |
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying,
“I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
PRAYER REQUESTS
- Health (mental, spiritual, physical, etc.)
- The final term of the 2021 school year (October-December)
- Relationships with students and staff
- Homesickness/loneliness
- Family health and safety
Part 1 | FIJI Month 4
Drafted in July 2021
Part 2 | FIJI Month 6
Written September 2021
As you just read, the blog post above has been written for about two months, but I couldn’t bring myself to post it at the time. Even when I find myself in the dark, I hate to bring it with me. As we trudge toward the end of September 2021, I reflect on the fact that I arrived in Fiji at the end of March 2021. This means I have “lived” in Fiji for six months. Half of a year. It does not feel like home. I’ve seen more of inside of my tea kettle than the very street I live on. I'd say that still feel pretty hopeless, at minimum three times a day.
Metaphors
Blessings.
Prayer Requests
- School
- Relationships
- Health (spiritual, emotional, physical)
- Sleep
- Motivation
A Hard Day to be a Teacher
A Poem by S. D. Manning
Written June 2, 2021
Students struggle
I’m trying my best
I struggle
I keep showing up
Where’s the pat on the back for a teacher?
Behind the scenes
it’s so hard
challenge after challenge
Together and alone
Behind a screen
I keep showing up
Where’s the pity for a teacher?
Yesterday I wanted to quit
I didn’t
Today I want to cry
I still might
I keep showing up
Where’s the validation for a teacher?
My back hurts
Physically and figuratively
Battles and bumpy roads
I keep showing up
Where’s the blessing for a teacher?
Patience and paperwork
Tomorrow might give me something small
A moment, a connection
A treat that gets me through
I keep showing up
Where’s the empathy for a teacher?
Tomorrow I may remember
Why I need to be here
I may be starving
But I refuse to let them, so
I keep showing up
A Hard Day to be a Teacher
The story continued...
“Actually, we just wanted to come on to the call and wish you a good weekend, Ms. Manning.”
My jaw dropped, “What?”
Another girl continued,
“Yeah, you’re a really good teacher and we wanted to all thank you for your help.”
“WHAT!?”
Fiji Apartment Tour
- There is no oven or dishwasher
- I am using a stove that runs off of propane
- There is no hot water connected to any of the sinks (the showers have a small hot water heaters that plugs into the wall in the shower. You turn it on and off every time you use the shower)
- The windows are all barred and the glass tinted
- No clothes dryer, just a good old fashioned laundry line outside for hanging your clothes out to dry
- The outlets all have on/off switches. It's not the first time I've seen this, but it's embarrassing the number of times I've plugged something in to let it charge, walked away for an hour, only to come back and realize I forgot to actually switch the outlet on!
Fiji's COVID19 Update
Prayer Requests
- Opportunities of love and serve my co-workers and students during distance learning (and the ability to recognize the opportunities)
- Friends and people who I can develop deep, meaningful relationships with (I'd like to feel less isolated and alone)
- Health (mental, physical, emotional, spiritual)
- Motivation and intentionality without burnout (we're heading there and I don't know how to stop it)
- Continued inspiration to be creative
- This one is silly, but I'd really like to get some outdoor furniture and be able to use my back patio. If I had a seating area or table, I could see myself spending more time outside in the sun reading, eating my meals, and just being able to step away from the dark interior and a computer screen (which I know would boost my mood during distance learning). As far as I can tell all the furniture stores are still closed and if I'm going to buy something, I'd like for it to be something I can really love and enjoy. It would be amazing if someone might be selling a set an dI could find out about it, but right now my connections are few and far between.
I love to get feedback!
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