Hey everyone,
For those of you that don't know, Nate had a bone marrow biopsy the other day and found out that the cancer has returned (if it ever even left?). Approximately, 60% of his cells are cancerous and it seems that it has returned with a vengance. He was given a dose of Methotrexate to bring back out of danger and are currently working on a course of action. I will keep you all updated as I know more. But for now, please continue to pray for healing, as we are all trusting God in that, as well as strength for his family and this is incredibly draining. Also, in the aspect of healing please pray for divinely quickened healing!! We are trusting in a full recovery but it gets so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when the light continues to move!
Your prayers are appreciated beyond words and I continue to believe, even in the face of adversity, that prayer has significant power!
Thank you for all the love and support :)
all my love,
Manda
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
THANKSgiving
I thought it only fitting, that with Thanksgiving this week that I take time to actually reflect on what I have to be thankful for. And to be honest, when I first started writing my list it was extremely cliche with things like family and friends, but the more I brainstormed the more things poured out (some obscure and others revelatory). And the more I thought of things the more I wanted to add to my list but for time's (and your sanity's) sake I thought I would keep it fairly short.
Q: If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?
A: Pilgrims!
- First and foremost I am beyond grateful for new life. The fact that I have been given a second chance by the Creator of the Universe astounds me everytime I think of it. Because, well to be honest, I am nowhere near worthy of a second chance. I am not even worthy of a consideration of a second chance and yet as a Father, God of the universe says "Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and saldals on his feet. Brong the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was adead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." Not only this, but the Father runs to me, meeting me where I am, in my shame and guilt letting me know that through Jesus Christ I am a "new creation, the old is gone, the new has come!" and for this I am forever thankful.
- From that first subject of my gratitude, all other gifts flow (and in abundance)! I am so incredibly grateful for family. I seriously have the best family on the earth!! I don't mean to brag or anything, but what family drives 14 hours to meet their daughter at the airport after coming home from Africa?! My relationship with both of my parents is such a HUGE blessing in my life, something that I so often take for granted. I am so blessed to not only have both of my parents alive and well but also in such an open relationship with them that I can come to them with seriously ANYTHING. I know some people say that, but I mean it, I tell my parents anything and everything. My sister is truly my best friend and one of the few people that I can divulge myself fully to without judgment. I trust her advice, knowing she has been through all this before, and trust her in keeping my best in her interests. She is passionate beyond belief and someone that I dreamed of emulating as a child, and still do as an adult. And then there is Marco. My sweet googly-bear. Even trying to express how grateful I am for this kid brings tears to my eyes (no joke). Marco has shown me a world filled with continual joy, even in the face of hardships, a world without prejudice, and a world filled with unabashed passions! I love each one of my family members more than I could possibly express with words and am overflowing with gratefulness that God would bless me with such an incredible family!
- Extended off of family, I am so thankful for my friends! Both Kayla and Ashton have been instrumental in shaping me into who I am in challenging me to become a better person, expressing my true without shame, and simply enjoying life. All the while, having the patience of a saint to deal with my constant worrying and overthinking of every situationt that has seemed to arise. And on top of it all, these two have gone above and beyond in working to keep the friendships sustained despite over 1,000 miles between us! I cannot say thank you enough to both my Heavenly Father but also to these two for being the two best friends a girl could seriously have!! And then there is Joel, Doug and Nate. 3 of the most genuine, compassionate, and hilarious, dare I say it, MEN that I have ever met! These three are constantly making me laugh and challenging to look beyond myself and meet others where they are, with them setting the example. I am so grateful for Joel's clearly God-given gift of knowledge and leadership and his mentorship that has helped provide an anchor in some serious times of need. For Nate's unending compassion and love for those around him, incredible patience that many of us could learn from, and Doug's ability to listen more than he speaks. Along with Kayla and Ashton, these three have guided me into becoming the person that I want to be but more importantly the person that God wants me to be, all while explifying his grace and goodness and earthly/tangible manners. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
- This one has multiple facets but I am so thankful for the opportunities presented to me. I have experienced more in the last year than some people will ever get to in their lifetime. Not only was I able to fulfill my dream of going to Africa, I also got to go to Hong Kong. And on top of it all, when I got home I was able to attend University, something that so often is complained about and taken for granted in the U.S. This time last year, I was eating chicken (the closest thing to turkey I could get), mashed potatoes, and going to the beach. And so often I find myself complaining about the things that went wrong during my trip. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?! I am grateful beyond words for the experiences that I have had, even older ones such as the adoption of Marco, that has given me a clear purpose in life. I am so thankful to my parents for allowing me to go on the excursions, for allowing me to explore and discover myself and the world around, an experience that has forever changed me!
- And finally, I am thankful for beauty. I am thankful for the beauty found in the lyrics of a Mumford & Sons song, the complex skill of an artist such as Van Gogh, the love between newlyweds and in first time parents and their new baby. I am thankful for the gloriousness of nature, the vastness of the plains and the rolling hills to the lapping waves and stretching mountains. I am thankful for the beauty found in children, the joy that they so often bring into a world that desperately needs it. I am thankful for the beauty of people that no two people are alike and each having characteristics that establish them as "fearfully and wonderfully made". And above all, I am thankful for the beauty of the cross. (I know it's so cliche) but it's true! I am thankful for the beauty of self sacrifice and agape love. A love that is so undeserved yet so freely given and the beauty of it all.
Q: If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?
A: Pilgrims!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Don't you fret, my dear
Kingdom Come by The Civil Wars
Run, run, run away
Buy yourself another day
A cold wind's whispering secrets in your ear
So low only you can hear
Run, run, run and hide
Somewhere no one else can find
Tall trees bend and lean pointing where to go
Where you will still be all alone
Don't you fret, my dear
It'll all be over soon
I'll be waiting here for you
Run fast as you can
No one has to understand
Fly high across the sky from here to kingdom come
Fall back down to where you're from
Don't you fret, my dear
It'll all be over soon
I'll be waiting here for you
For you, for you
Don't you fret, my dear
(Don't you fret, my dear)
It'll all be over soon
(It'll all be over soon)
I'll be waiting here
Don't you fret, my dear
It'll be over soon
I'll be waiting here for you
For you, For you
Run, Run, Run Away
Run, Run, Run Away
Buy yourself another day
A cold wind's whispering secrets in your ear
So low only you can hear
Run, run, run and hide
Somewhere no one else can find
Tall trees bend and lean pointing where to go
Where you will still be all alone
Don't you fret, my dear
It'll all be over soon
I'll be waiting here for you
Run fast as you can
No one has to understand
Fly high across the sky from here to kingdom come
Fall back down to where you're from
Don't you fret, my dear
It'll all be over soon
I'll be waiting here for you
For you, for you
Don't you fret, my dear
(Don't you fret, my dear)
It'll all be over soon
(It'll all be over soon)
I'll be waiting here
Don't you fret, my dear
It'll be over soon
I'll be waiting here for you
For you, For you
Run, Run, Run Away
Run, Run, Run Away
Friday, November 9, 2012
And the award goes to...
So the other day I was listening to my Spotify playlist and the song Marry Me by Train came on. I have to admit, I LOVE this song! And after talking to my sister about it, and swooning over the sweetness of it, I realized how creepy/awkward/strange this song really is. For example, the whole music video, the leader singer is hanging out in a cafe just watching a waitress work! How does that not raise red flags as to his character? Second, he has never even said Hey to this girl and he is asking for a proposal?! "If I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe, say you will". Excuse me sir, this is not 1400 nor Romeo & Juliet, the proper etiquette for inquiring the approval of your proposal to someone comes only after an extended amount of time of dating/courtship/romance, or whatever you may call it!
I realize that I am not the most romantic person on Earth, however, we have logical thinking and practicality for a reason! If Romeo & Juliet had simply used their brains (I know it's a stretch, what 14 year old boy really thinks when it comes to girls?) their would have been so much less trouble! Instead of jumping the gun and killing himself because his lover had "done the same" had Romeo thought this through and recognized that she wasn't ENTIRELY dead, no drama, no play, and no analysis for future high school freshman! Boom! Problem solved!
I just feel that Train has jumped the gun a little and is heading down the Romeo & Juliet path with this song, so put your junk back in your trunk and get your emotions under ontrol. That is all.
Q: How do you wake up Lady Gaga?
A: Poke-her face! :)
I realize that I am not the most romantic person on Earth, however, we have logical thinking and practicality for a reason! If Romeo & Juliet had simply used their brains (I know it's a stretch, what 14 year old boy really thinks when it comes to girls?) their would have been so much less trouble! Instead of jumping the gun and killing himself because his lover had "done the same" had Romeo thought this through and recognized that she wasn't ENTIRELY dead, no drama, no play, and no analysis for future high school freshman! Boom! Problem solved!
I just feel that Train has jumped the gun a little and is heading down the Romeo & Juliet path with this song, so put your junk back in your trunk and get your emotions under ontrol. That is all.
Q: How do you wake up Lady Gaga?
A: Poke-her face! :)
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Guy Fawkes
So yesterday was Guy Fawkes day and even though it's not a South African holiday it is still celebrated within the country. I am not exactly clear of the meaning or origin of the holiday, all I know is that one year ago yesterday, a man lit a tire on fire and dragged it down the street and then abandoned it. I remember looking out the window with my friend Melissa freaking out because we weren't sure what was going on, and frankly we thought it was some weird voodoo ritual. Anyways, I was thinking about that night and began to miss days gone by. It breaks my heart to think that in a few months I will have been home for a WHOLE year!! The longer I'm home the more I miss Africa. I think I see some study abroad in my future :) But what follows is a list of the top ten things I miss about Africa:
10. The food - It's odd that I say this, but I actually do miss the food. I miss the rice and grilled cheese and apple snap soda! I found that I loss a decent amount of weight, simply because I was no longer bombarded with fast food and greasy food everywhere I turned. The Commons needs to step it up!
9. Cafe Kima - Their cake and coffee was delicious!! $4 for an enormous slice of cake and a latte. I can't even get a latte for $4 let alone with a piece of cake!
8. The base - I miss the comraderie of constantly seeing everyone. I will admit, it got tight and was difficult to find quiet time but it was so easy to find someone to talk to when you needed it!!
7. The adventure - Even though life in Africa became somewhat normal and routine, there was always the air of adventure. Be it going on a safari or cliff jumping, I experienced more adventure in six months than most people ever will in a lifetime.
6. My one on one - Ashlee Krull was the loudest person I have ever met! She is crazy, a little obnoxious, incredibly outgoing, and insanely crazy. It was comforting to be able to talk to someone who reminded me a bit of my sister, came from the same culture as me (she is also a Texan) and has a similar past and is able to relate. I miss our chats over at Cafe Kima over cake and coffee and visitng her at the Sunflower. (With her screaming like we were lifelong friends reuniting, every time we stopped by)
5. The CHOCOLATE! - I know that this is the third food related point in my list (most likely because my stomach is growling as I write this) but seriously, this chocolate was so good. Behind internet and souveneirs I think I spent most of my money on Top Deck (chocolate). Milk chocolate with a top deck of white chocolate that melts in your mouth in the size of a gumbo bar for only $1? YES PLEASE!!
4. All of the spirtuality - Americans (well North Americans) have a way of being incredibly reserved. You learn that crying is weakness, not to show your emotions and not to get overly passionate about God. Yet, Africa has fully embraced this and challenges the logic of why we reserve ourselves. One of my first days in Africa people were encountering the Holy Spirit, shaking, laughing, fainting, and crying. And though it was terrifying it was eye opening and challenged me to break out and really try to understand the Holy Spirit and the unexplainables of Christianity that so often us westerners try to shove in a box and explain away.
3. The children - OH MY WORD!! I miss the children! I miss kids running up to me on the streets simply to give me a hug. I miss kids begging to braid my hair, simply because it was different. I miss kids rubbing my skin because they were astonished by the fairness of it in comparison to their beautifully delicate coffee colored skin. I miss kids laughing at me and my accent or silly words. I miss their beautiful and joyful laughs filling neighborhoods seemingly everywhere you went. I miss being able to play with them and let them know that they are loved, a message that is often not received at home.
2. Tannie Petro - The mother (to translate literally my Auntie Petro) I so desperately needed on this trip and the divinely sent angel who restored so much of the trip. I don't think I could write an entire book about Petro and have said enough good things about her. This woman is the most compassionate, yet bold, woman you will ever have the pleasure of meeting. Petro not only stepped in my DTS to help lead our outreach but sacrificed her plans of travelling to Brazil to help us out! I don't know many people that would do that. And even those that would, if they would do it with the same joy and passion that radiates from Petro. She was an inspiration and drill sergeant, challenging me to become a better person. Advocating for my team that had already lost so much. And on top of it all, one of her first weeks with us, she served us communion and washed our feet! Talk about a true servant!! She never once expected anything from us expect unabashed love for our Creator and his people, her leading the example! I love you Tannie Petro!! :)
1. My team - I know that those six months were hard and there was a lot of hurt, but the friendships gained are irreplacable and when it comes down to it what made the trip so great. My realtionships with Melissa and Renette are the foundations upon which we made it through the DTS. I know this all sounds so hokey and I apologize, however, I don't know how else to express my gratitude to these ladies. Some of my favorite memories revolve around the relationships that I built with my team including, but not limited to: New Years Eve in Hong Kong playing board games and spending time in prayer, going to Victoria's Peak with Melissa and Renette, walking to Steer's for ice cream, watching LOST with Justin and Melissa, and hanging out with Renette at "Auntie Gertie's" in Cape Town.
I so badly want to go back, and it's hard, wanting to just quit school and hang out in Africa for the rest of my life with the children. I know, though, that this is where God wants me to be so for now I will be patient and wait for the next time I get to go back. (Lord, please make it soon!!!)
Q: Why isn't gambling allowed in Africa?
A: Because of all the cheetahs! :)
10. The food - It's odd that I say this, but I actually do miss the food. I miss the rice and grilled cheese and apple snap soda! I found that I loss a decent amount of weight, simply because I was no longer bombarded with fast food and greasy food everywhere I turned. The Commons needs to step it up!
9. Cafe Kima - Their cake and coffee was delicious!! $4 for an enormous slice of cake and a latte. I can't even get a latte for $4 let alone with a piece of cake!
8. The base - I miss the comraderie of constantly seeing everyone. I will admit, it got tight and was difficult to find quiet time but it was so easy to find someone to talk to when you needed it!!
7. The adventure - Even though life in Africa became somewhat normal and routine, there was always the air of adventure. Be it going on a safari or cliff jumping, I experienced more adventure in six months than most people ever will in a lifetime.
6. My one on one - Ashlee Krull was the loudest person I have ever met! She is crazy, a little obnoxious, incredibly outgoing, and insanely crazy. It was comforting to be able to talk to someone who reminded me a bit of my sister, came from the same culture as me (she is also a Texan) and has a similar past and is able to relate. I miss our chats over at Cafe Kima over cake and coffee and visitng her at the Sunflower. (With her screaming like we were lifelong friends reuniting, every time we stopped by)
5. The CHOCOLATE! - I know that this is the third food related point in my list (most likely because my stomach is growling as I write this) but seriously, this chocolate was so good. Behind internet and souveneirs I think I spent most of my money on Top Deck (chocolate). Milk chocolate with a top deck of white chocolate that melts in your mouth in the size of a gumbo bar for only $1? YES PLEASE!!
4. All of the spirtuality - Americans (well North Americans) have a way of being incredibly reserved. You learn that crying is weakness, not to show your emotions and not to get overly passionate about God. Yet, Africa has fully embraced this and challenges the logic of why we reserve ourselves. One of my first days in Africa people were encountering the Holy Spirit, shaking, laughing, fainting, and crying. And though it was terrifying it was eye opening and challenged me to break out and really try to understand the Holy Spirit and the unexplainables of Christianity that so often us westerners try to shove in a box and explain away.
3. The children - OH MY WORD!! I miss the children! I miss kids running up to me on the streets simply to give me a hug. I miss kids begging to braid my hair, simply because it was different. I miss kids rubbing my skin because they were astonished by the fairness of it in comparison to their beautifully delicate coffee colored skin. I miss kids laughing at me and my accent or silly words. I miss their beautiful and joyful laughs filling neighborhoods seemingly everywhere you went. I miss being able to play with them and let them know that they are loved, a message that is often not received at home.
2. Tannie Petro - The mother (to translate literally my Auntie Petro) I so desperately needed on this trip and the divinely sent angel who restored so much of the trip. I don't think I could write an entire book about Petro and have said enough good things about her. This woman is the most compassionate, yet bold, woman you will ever have the pleasure of meeting. Petro not only stepped in my DTS to help lead our outreach but sacrificed her plans of travelling to Brazil to help us out! I don't know many people that would do that. And even those that would, if they would do it with the same joy and passion that radiates from Petro. She was an inspiration and drill sergeant, challenging me to become a better person. Advocating for my team that had already lost so much. And on top of it all, one of her first weeks with us, she served us communion and washed our feet! Talk about a true servant!! She never once expected anything from us expect unabashed love for our Creator and his people, her leading the example! I love you Tannie Petro!! :)
1. My team - I know that those six months were hard and there was a lot of hurt, but the friendships gained are irreplacable and when it comes down to it what made the trip so great. My realtionships with Melissa and Renette are the foundations upon which we made it through the DTS. I know this all sounds so hokey and I apologize, however, I don't know how else to express my gratitude to these ladies. Some of my favorite memories revolve around the relationships that I built with my team including, but not limited to: New Years Eve in Hong Kong playing board games and spending time in prayer, going to Victoria's Peak with Melissa and Renette, walking to Steer's for ice cream, watching LOST with Justin and Melissa, and hanging out with Renette at "Auntie Gertie's" in Cape Town.
I so badly want to go back, and it's hard, wanting to just quit school and hang out in Africa for the rest of my life with the children. I know, though, that this is where God wants me to be so for now I will be patient and wait for the next time I get to go back. (Lord, please make it soon!!!)
A: Because of all the cheetahs! :)
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