Special day.

I have had the most amazing day today and I'll carry it with me for ever and ever. We had Frida from Rwanda visiting us, she shared her miraculous story of her escape from death during the genocide in 1994. She also spoke to us about forgiveness and how she'd been freed by forgiving the people who killed her family and left her presumed dead. I mentioned Frida previously on here when her husband was visiting us sometime last year and I longed to meet her, but didn't ever think I would. You know that feeling you get when someone inspires you and you would love to meet them in person, well I had that when I listened to Steve (her husband) talking about her. I couldn't believe it when Col (our pastor) said she was going to be coming to our church sometime this year.

This morning I was humbled by her courage, touched by her sincerity and so full of happiness from the infectious joy that she spread through the whole room. I cried the whole way through the first part of her story this morning, but tonight, yes, I was still moved beyond belief that a human being should have had to endure such horror, but I was also fired up with enthusiasm. Frida will probably never know the extent to which she has made a difference to me, I'll hold her in my heart for ever and I thank God for sending her to our church. Frida has written a book about her story, if you have a few bob spare go buy it and help her to continue to make a difference.

'Chosen to die, destined to live'
Frida Gashumba

God Bless you Frida.

I do like Sundays.

I had the skin prickling much joy feeling at church this morning and the amosphere was amazing, as it always is when many people gather in the presence of God. I've been praying for someone very dear to me and while I was driving home a picture came into my head, I saw the person smiling and chatting with a look on their face that I haven't seen for a long time.

You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles.

James

Have four birthdays really passed
Since we spoke
Since we shared a smile
Or listened to
'A different beat'
Together.

Missing you lots, Happy Birthday babe.
Love Aunty Sue x

When the lion roars.

I think this video is totally awsome, what an amazing testimony. Thanks to Chris for posting it on his blog and to Rebecca for sharing her story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut1SR4pPMKA

Centered

It was truly fabulous to go to church this morning and not have to worry about rushing off home to study, I hadn't realised just how much difference it makes to be centered on God and not have anything else on my mind.

Col continued on the theme he began last week, which is, "why we are sometimes in the wilderness" meaning that hard things come along and we struggle, it might be a few days or a few years, but we've all been there and I imagine we've all wondered why we have to go through very difficult times. I can only talk from a personal point of view here and say, at the most difficult time in my life, I felt at my most calm, most looked after and most loved. I don't know why I had to say goodbye to Chris, but I do know that my coming out of the wilderness is shaping me into a different person and somewhere down the line God has a plan for me. I embrace that thought.

Reflections

It doesn't do to be on one's own in the house all day, you do too much housework. So, I've paused to reflect on 2008.

All things considered it was a good year for me and my life is enriched beyond anything I'd ever imagined. The very best thing that happened last year was my baptism, which was the confirmation that my life, from that day forward, would be given to God. Had I only known what life was like when you truly walk with God, I'd have been first in the queue.

In September I started college, in my quest to knock number 1 off my list of things to do before I die. The course has given me so many wonderfully positive things in my life, I've met lots of new people, I love people, the more I meet in this life, the better. I have a reason to get up, look presentable and get myself out of the house every day. I have to use my brain, so I get tired and sleep like a log. I've worked harder than ever before in academic terms and the results have left me amazed at what I could achieve. I'm not really surprised though, because I asked for help and when you ask and you truly believe, you receive.

Christmas day was nice, it was just myself, Mike and John for dinner, then we watched a film, it was peaceful and happy, because I'm blessed with the family I have. (quote stolen from Chris's message).

When I told John I'd got 89% overall in Biology, he said, "just imagine, you could have been a doctor" I pondered for a minute and then replied, "I wouldn't change a thing" except the obvious of course, to still have Chris here.

Whether or not I end up at university doesn't matter that much, because I'm starting 2009 full of optimism, regardless of which path I'm meant to be on.

Chris

It's 2009 down here and we miss you more than ever babe. Wish you were here.