I am living in one of the most beautiful places I have seen in my life. I look out the back door to our house only to see beautiful lush green mountains. Exotic flowers bloom all around, and amazing “tire swing� trees abound. It is simply amazing. Yet sadly, there are days when I don’t realize the beauty that surrounds me. There are days when I feel weighed down and burdened, and I don’t notice the good things. I was reminded of this the other day while walking to one of my ministry sites. If I keep my eyes on the dirt road beneath my feet, on the trash scattered along the path, on the 500th speed bump in 500 yards, I miss out. I must look up in order to see the beautiful mountains that surround me. While they remain majestic beckoning me to look up, ultimately it is my choice to acknowledge them or to stare at my feet. So I began to think, how this parallels in my life. I go out into ministry, or school, or just every day life, and I stare at the problems. I have 82 students in my class who still count with their fingers, there are child prostitutes at this school, another AIDS patient was diagnosed at the clinic, another child is hungry, I have to study for the MCAT, I have to register for classes from Africa, is my application complete, the list can go on... and I can miss out on what God is doing. You see Africa is not void of God. I didn’t bring God with me, I simply was called to join Him in what he is already doing. And if I get bogged down in the muck of the world, I can’t join him. He is majestic! He is not hiding himself. He is active and present and is beckoning me to him, but I must look up to find him. I must look up to him and allow him to lead me through this world. It is the simplest of concepts, and yet I find myself slow on the learning curve. A few weeks ago, I opened my blog with this same verse, and yet it is perfect and so I am going to use it again: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.� Matthew 6:33. I am excited to seek first my God, and in faith walk in His power, love, and authority. I choose to look up and find Him. And then, I choose to walk in the freedom of faith, trusting not in my abilities, or what I see, but trusting that He will bear the fruit of his work through me in His time. The burden is off, the scenery is breathtaking, and the company of the Lord is indescribable.

Also, please check out Michelle Goette's page. She is an FYM in Swaziland as well, and was originally on the Swazi team. Her family is considering adopting children from her care point, and I would love to have you join us all in prayer for them. Thanks!