Conchshell Chronicles

In 1994, I was getting restless. For 10 years had  been working with Miskito Indian refugees in a most remote corner of Central America, where I felt very cut off from civilization. I was enjoying the flying in our Seneca, making trips from Florida to Honduras, and throughout the Miskitia. It was very exciting, but I was getting stale in other areas of my life.

I had earned a degree in History from Miami University in 1973, and felt a stirring to continue my education to learn how to teach the Bible in a culturally relevant manner. As I looked at my options, I discovered a school in Jerusalem which offered a Master’s Degree in three summer sessions. “This would be perfect,” I thought, “as it would allow me to continue working with Truman and our Miskito leaders and teachers.”

I wrote to the school and received their application for the Masters program. Then a strange thing happened. When I began to fill out the form, I sensed that the Lord was saying “No”. “But Lord, this is my profession and I need education to teach the Bible”.

“No.” I heard him say. “No.”

Our driver Luca stopped by the “Three coins in the fountain” Trevi where it was wall to wall people. It was then that Michael took out his phone to take some family photos in front of the fountain.  Moments later Michael noticed the zipper of his waist bag had been opened and this important black leather holder containing about a $1000 plus five passports was not there.  Lukas had his in his pocket.

Few are the moments we have ever seen this much horror, anxiety and disbelief cross my husband’s face.  Luca told us all to fan out and check all the trash cans to see if the passports had been discarded. I talked to a few policemen who indicated that this was a very common occurrence and that the metro train station is right below and they usually just go underground very quickly.  I also was told that passports, especially American ones, are sold for thousands of dollars…

Acts Chapter 2 describes one of the most exciting events in history – the birth of the church. Jesus’ followers are gathered together in a room in Jerusalem, and suddenly  the sound of a strong wind filled the room, and what appeared to be flames settled on each one of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in known languages that none of them had the natural ability to speak, and they went outside and began proclaiming great things about God in these languages.

The international crowd that had gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost began to hear these proclamations in their own native languages, and were amazed that these Galileans could speak them, and this caused amazement in many and ridicule in a few- “They are just drunk with wine”.

Cultivating Fruit

I have small grove in our front yard. 5 trees: 2 Persian Limes, 2 Meyers Lemons, 1 Mandarin. After many years of little to no fruit, last year was a bumper crop! Sweet Lemons! Juicy Limes! Tart Mandarins!

Its February and the flowers are back on three of the trees! I’m so excited to see the fruit grow, knowing that we will get to enjoy each one with our family and friends.

The Lord is teaching me a lot about cultivation of fruit. It all started two years ago when I realized that I had to put fertilizer around the bottom of the trees. A friend told me that Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium are needed at critical stages for the flowers to form, then the fruit to develop, and reach maturity. I pondered that information.

This morning I asked our men’s group this question:

“What if a guy from Mars came to Earth and observed the Christmas holiday in the United States. What would he conclude is the purpose of this celebration?”

Many about the circle responded that materialism, drinking, and eating were what this holiday season focuses on. Then my friend Melih spoke up. “I am that man from Mars. When I emigrated from Turkey when I was in college, I had no idea what Christmas was, but after a few years of parties, and people giving me gifts, I concluded that the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas was a continuous holiday focused on having a good time and buying things for friends and family. I knew nothing about Jesus and his coming to Earth.”

Working in a “5^th World” jungle environment with a primitive people group called Miskito Indians has served to alter my inward framing and existence and my conduct thereafter.

My driving force is a knowing that I am where I should be, doing what I should be doing and becoming more like the One I do it all for.  I am often puzzled by the world around me that says, “I do not need a Supreme Perfect Being” telling me what to do …I can handle my life just fine.”  The impossibilities of my life do NOT allow me the luxury of even hinting that I can handle life and all of the complexities I am faced with.   One moment to the next I am often overcome with the gratefulness I possess for having a Divine Perfect Entity in my corner to guide my varied multi-faceted needy existence.