Yesterday was the picnic at Thompson Park. It was awesome to see my missions buddies (missed you Sammi!). We played tag with David, Mathias, Beth and Jesse, baseball, "exploring", went to the playground, barbequed (It's ok Duri, you can try again next time...we don't mind black chicken hehe:), and listened as Phil and Judy told us about their life in Senegal. It got chilly afterwards and the seagulls tried to eat our food while we were praying, but it was so much fun. I realize everytime we get together what a special gift we have- to be able to just come together after so long and just pick up where we left off. They feel like family. It's great to have such a support group, people you feel you can really connect with. I hope we can get together in August when Aunt Jane and Uncle Guy come (Aly- Jane and Penney. lol).
I'm thinking about going back to OPC this summer...I kinda miss it. The kids are really great, and the other chalet leaders are so much fun. Summer decisions are so hard! :)
I finally changed the template to something pretty.:) This template reflects a part of me not alot of people have seen- interpretive dance. I have been dancing since grade nine when I was in a dance at the mini-rally by R2L. Then I joined the dance group called Selah at my church and taught dance at Ontario Pioneer Camp last summer. Dancing is a very special kind of worship that has been used since Bible times. Its very special to serve God with your body. There is a song by Stephen Curtis Chapman that talks about life as if it were a dance- and it is. But I won't explain the song, just read the lyrics- they really speak for themselves, you just have to think about them.
Lord of the Dance
(Col 1:15-20)
Steven Curtis Chapman / Scotty Smith
On the bank of the Tennessee River
In a small Kentucky town
I drew my first breath one cold November morning
And before my feet even touched the ground
With the doctors and the nurses gathered 'round
I started to dance
I started to dance
A little boy full of wide-eyed wonder
Footloose and fancy free
But it would happen, as it does for every dancer
That I'd stumble on a truth I couldn't see
And find a longing deep inside of me, it said . . .
I am the heart, I need the heartbeat
I am the eyes, I need the sight
I realize that I am just a body
I need the life
I move my feet, I go through the motions
But who'll give purpose to chance
I am the dancer
I need the Lord of the dance
The world beneath us spins in circles
And this life makes us twist and turn and sway
But we were made for more than rhythm with no reason
By the one who moves with passion and with grace
As He dances over all that He has made
I am the heart, He is the heartbeat
I am the eyes, He is the sight
And I see clearly, I am just a body
He is the life
I move my feet, I go through the motions
But He gives purpose to chance
I am the dancer
He is the Lord of the dance
Lord of the dance
Lord of the dance
And while the music of His love and mercy plays
I will fall down on my knees and I will pray
I am the heart, You are the heartbeat
I am the eyes, You are the sight
And I see clearly, I am just a body
You are the life
I move my feet, I go through the motions
But You give purpose to chance
I am the dancer
You are the Lord of the dance
I am the dancer
You are the Lord of the dance
I miss Senegal. I've been daydreaming about the beach. Rolling blue-green breakers frosted with white, shimmering bleached sand that feels soft between my toes, the wind blowing through sun dried hair, sunshine bronzing skin and making smiles. Cartwheels down the beach, beach voleyball and trying to keep soccer balls from rolling into the waves...sigh. I know some of you guys can relate, like Sam:)- birthday on the beach! There are beaches everywhere, but Senegal's are unique. They're personal, riskier (the currents are everywhere), always changing. Seriously, I don't know how I survive without it...lol, I guess having awesome friends helps, but I really miss it. I hope God lets me go back for a year. Maybe I could use that year to focus on my writing, get some stuff in magazines, maybe do a monthly column for Brio about Senegal. SO many possiblilites.
I hope I get the job at my church! I realy want to know about these kids lives. I'm so sheltered at school, and then I go to church or youth and I see all the people whose lives aren't as easy as we are used to. I saw a kid run by while I waited for my interview. He had so much anger in his eyes- and he couldn't have been more than 10. These kids have it hard, and unless someone loves them now, they're going to end up just like the gang that was rounded up in my old neighbourhood a couple of weeks ago. I hope God uses me in this way. There is something about wiping away a child's tears, loving away their anger- a special sort of communion. No wonder Jesus placed such great value on kids and orphans.
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