on my way to birmingham to visit these two friends today. Cannot wait to see them!

Anyone know a good thrifty place to shop up there? Specifically I'm looking for pewter and out-of-the-ordinary plates. Have ideas? Help!

If you're doing the One Year Study, the readings for the next two days are:

January 3rd Readings:

*Genesis 5 and 6

*Psalm 3

*Matthew 5

January 4th Readings:

*Genesis 7 and 8

*Psalm 4

*Matthew 6

2009.. WHAT?!

Happy New Year, blog world.. It feels like yesterday that I was wholeheartedly convinced that 2000 would be the end of time, wiping me clear off the planet! 

I was 14 and dramatic, ok?

I always heard that however you ring in your new year or spend the first day of the new year will pattern how the rest of that year will turn out. If so, this is going to be the laziest year of my life!

I ate some yummy grits, watched the Rose Parade, sent a few emails, and didn't even dare take off my comfy pajamas until near 2 o clock. Tonight, mom and I watched 2 movies we rented from the movie vending machine (you have to check this out) for 1$ .. ONE WHOLE DOLLAR (apparently cheap is the theme of my year.. definitely satisfied with that). I mean, can we say FABULOUS? 

My 2009 is off to a great start and I pray that yours is the same. I was reading a friend of mine's blog and I scrolled down to find this story. It is amazingly powerful and mimic's a theme that the Lord has been burning into me since my first trip to Africa in 2007: "Believe the Lord for who He says He is". That is scribbled into every notepad and pinned on so many surfaces around me. Maybe you're already there, or maybe you've got no clue.. either way, this story serves as an incredible reminder of our great Savior and His relentless faithfulness . Read it here. (Thanks Kristin).

Also, if you're doing the One Year Study, or want to, the next two days look like this: 

Today's (JAN 1) Reading Schedule:

* Genesis 1 and 2, Psalm 1, AND Matthew 1 and 2

Tomorrow's (Jan 2) Reading Schedule:

* Genesis 3 and 4, Psalm 2, AND Matthew 3 and 4

how did you ring in the new year? 

JOIN ME!

Tomorrow, January 1st, I am starting (ok, re-starting) a one-year study of the bible. Meesh, Ber, and I bought this one year study/ journal bible in South Africa this summer. We did it for about a month and then we all headed home,and  it got really hard to keep up. Because this particular Bible's order of reading begins on January 1,  I've been waiting until now to begin. I think that following it by the days they have assigned makes it much easier to stay on course. The roadmap of the study is really simple. Every day you will study: 

a chapter/verse in the Old Testament

 a verse or chapter in Psalms or Proverbs, 

and 

a chapter/verse in the New Testament

It allows time to digest the big stuff, and I never felt overwhelmed (but then again, I didn't make it too far..). 

Obviously, barely getting through Genesis and Matthew the first time might indicate that I need accountability. Maybe? YES. That's where you come in.. I WANT YOU TO JOIN ME! There is no pressure to know it all, and there are no prerequisites. You don't have to know ANYTHING. We will journey together, with no one ahead, and no one behind. Different viewpoints and different opinions will increase our knowledge of our God, and will season our walk with Him. You in?

I know it's late to make this "announcement" (typical, huh?).. but you have like 12 1/2 hours to decide.. c'mon..

Email me at lowrylg@gmail.com or post a comment below. I'll email you back with the schedule, and I'll  post here tomorrow morning with the first day's reading. 

I'm excited :)

Lee

*** update: Several people have asked where you can buy the particular Bible that I'll be using. The Bible is "ESV Journaling Bible". Lifeway Christian Bookstores sell it, but when I went to their website, it seemed very expensive. However, if you search for it on Amazon, there are some VERY good prices. I am using the solid black one, but there are  colored ones that seem to be much cheaper (weird). You can also google search "ESV Journaling Bible" and it locates all different stores that sell it. Here are some links to help you out: Google Product Search, Lifeway,  and Amazon. HOWEVER, know that you  do not have to use this particular Bible. The ESV may be the best translation to use as far as comparing notes/scripture, but whatever you have will work! I'm MORE THAN PUMPED.. keep emailing.. the more the merrier :)  ***

Schmolotics..

ok, look. I have made this personal commitment to avoid blogging about politics. One reason? I don't know enough. Yes, my grandfather is in the House, my uncles hold offices in our city, and my next-door-neighbor is the mayor. I was birthed into a very political environment and by nature, it has been a constant part of my life. However, sometimes it's harder to be in the thick of it all and maintain a brain of your own.. I, as a stubborn, independent adult, need to formulate my own ideas and my own values... and.. I haven't felt it all out yet.

Sure, I have opinions, things I believe in, things I am passionate about... some of you know this, and others of you have read about the very beat of my heart right here on this website.
But honestly, do you really care who i vote for?

To avoid getting heated or getting caught up in doing the very thing that bothers me , I will just say this- the last thing we need is for more people to make disrespectful comments that cause division and discord. I am shocked at how people have carried themselves during this campaign- most specifically: those within this Body of Christ that I call home. I pray no condemnation is translated in this: but.. we as believers have not risen up and stood out, rather we have camouflaged our faith and stooped low to hurt the very ones we are called to love. You know what I'm talking about, you've gotten the emails too. I pray we start being graceful and full of joy, a people that don't base life on emotion or the ideals of man. Me included.

President Obama (I know you're reading this.. I know you're not busy at all right now), I vow to respect you as a leader and as my fellow man, while never letting my support for you surpass the allegiance I have in following my Lord.

THERE. soapbox done. (sorry).

Several things about tonight:
1- I love Ann Curry
2- the CNN election graphics were out of control. how do they do that?
3- despite any of our opinions, Barack Obama is a DAMN GOOD SPEAKER.
4- why is WILL.I.AM getting interviewed about the election results on MSNBC?
5- these nights last WAY too long. we can do all those funky histograms, pie graphs, and touch screens but it takes 8 hours to get the votes tallied. Technology?
6- My voting poll did NOT have a booth with a cute curtain. We sat at tables with cardboard squares for privacy. SO DISAPPOINTED.
7- Todd Palin has rythym. did anyone else see him last night? the man can DANCE!
8- I have been laughing hysterically at some of the facebook statuses. Did anyone feel like people were fighting with each other by way of their status? I would watch as someone posted something and then see another friend had updated their status in response to whatever was said by the other. I was hitting refresh every second in an effort to avoid missing one minute of Facebook: Jerry Springer style. While some were quite distasteful, some were genius and so entertaining. My favorites:

"Forrest is gonna go spend all his money and hop on the welllfare train!"
"Nathan Farrow is requesting that all the people who are leaving the country please leave your stuff at my house so I can sell it on ebay"
"Jonathan Bomar wishes he was black, I feel so left out"
"Hayley Jones thinks some people need to take a Prozac and step back from the ledge"
"Kel Wilpitz thinks Texas should secede and George W. can be our president! http://www.texassecede.com/." (God Bless Texas.. those crazy people)
"Lauren Nix thinks there needs to be a separation of facebook and state."


what a day.

tomorrow? Barack Obama makes his 2 month and 15 day journey to the White House and becomes the 44th president of the United States of America.
tomorrow? God remains God.
amen and amen and AMEN.

Advent Conspiracy

Ok, so this is WAY OUT OF MY MORAL CODE, but today's post centers around Christmas (YIKES! It's not even November yet. I mean I'm one of the crazies who doesn't believe in Christmas music until the day after Thanksgiving. i mean seriously.. let's give thanksgiving a chance people..) But today, Im breaking my mold to share something really cool. Check this out:


The story of Christ's birth is a subversive story of an upside-down kingdom. It's a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love that is still changing the world to this day. So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists. And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling that we somehow missed its purpose.

Is this what we really want out of Christmas?

What if Christmas became a world-changing event again by turning our focus back to the birth of Christ? What could happen to your family if this focus was celebrated in loud, bold and totally unexpected ways? What if you could actually trade your season of stress for a season celebration and unbelievable memories with your friends and family? What if all of this could save a life at the same time? It can.

Welcome to Advent Conspiracy






adventconspiracy.org


if you're like me, this is sewn with the greatest intentions, yet is incredibly hard to be humbled to action. If you're at a loss of where to start "conspiring".. let me help you! Visit here.
It seems like a shameless plug, but I'm telling you, these causes are WORTH IT. Sure, blessing them with these financial needs would be nice, but truth is: it'd be just as meaningful if you wrote them a letter and tell them you're on their side. If you're interested in sharing the Christmas blessing with someone other than yourself, this is a great place to begin living "life- openhanded".

MERRY MERRY!

Lee

READ IT!

One of my sweetest friends, Elizabeth (above), is currently on an 11 month trip around the world, sharing the message of Jesus. It's already been an incredible journey for her and her team. Her teammate,Maris, just wrote this and i URGE YOU to read it.

This is what it's all about. Pray for Team Judah today.

also, on a much more insignificant note: thanks for reading my last post and emailing all the mac help (especially you, meesh!). Where have I been without video chat and garage band and the two-finger scroll? 

Lee

Vision

After I huffed and puffed at another Auburn loss (I mean, seriously?), I crawled in bed and started my nightly blog reading. After my first click I found "the one". You know "the one".. "the one" blog that makes you stop and go: "What the?? Have you been reading my journal?!"
I have seriously considered asking him that. I think we're soul mates (ok.. maybe thats pushing it?) Anyways.. my point is: I guess he just has a way of articulating what we're all trying to say.
I love this guy. His heart beats wildly for the things of God. He just gets it.
His words tonight aren't foreign concepts to me.. and I guess he's not really bringing anything new to my table.. but during this dry season of life, the weight of his words bring encouragement and life, and great depth to my shallow attempts of processing the Gospel.

By: Jamie T. (from 'To Write Love on Her Arms').

Vision.

Just wrote this, for the VISION section of the new twloha.com. Wanted to share it here as well:

The vision is that we actually believe these things…

You were created to love and be loved. You were meant to live life in relationship with other people, to know and be known. You need to know that your story is important and that you're part of a bigger story. You need to know that your life matters.

We live in a difficult world, a broken world. My friend Byron is very smart - he says that life is hard for most people most of the time. We believe that everyone can relate to pain, that all of us live with questions, and all of us get stuck in moments. You need to know that you're not alone in the places you feel stuck.

We all wake to the human condition. We wake to mystery and beauty but also to tragedy and loss. Millions of people live with problems of pain. Millions of homes are filled with questions – moments and seasons and cycles that come as thieves and aim to stay. We know that pain is very real. It is our privilege to suggest that hope is real, and that help is real.

You need to know that rescue is possible, that freedom is possible, that God is still in the business of redemption. We're seeing it happen. We're seeing lives change as people get the help they need. People sitting across from a counselor for the first time. People stepping into treatment. In desperate moments, people calling a suicide hotline. We know that the first step to recovery is the hardest to take. We want to say here that it's worth it, that your life is worth fighting for, that it's possible to change.

Beyond treatment, we believe that community is essential, that people need other people, that we were never meant to do life alone.

The vision is that community and hope and help would replace secrets and silence.

The vision is people putting down guns and blades and bottles.

The vision is that we can reduce the suicide rate in America and around the world.

The vision is that we would learn what it means to love our friends, and that we would love ourselves enough to get the help we need.

The vision is better endings. The vision is the restoration of broken families and broken relationships. The vision is people finding life, finding freedom, finding love. The vision is graduation, a sunrise, a Super Bowl, a wedding, a child. The vision is people becoming incredible parents, people breaking cycles, making change.

The vision is the possibility that your best days are ahead.

The vision is the possibility that we're more loved than we'll ever know.

The vision is hope, and hope is real.

You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story.

so refreshing. so real.

(the comment section after this blog is unreal. Their 'vision' is changing the lives of thousands of hurting people)

Lord, Help us. We beg to see life through these compassionate, real, humble lenses. We need Your eyes for this vision. Thank you for loving us more than we'll ever ever know.

for more information on To Write Love on Her Arms visit twloha.com or http://www.myspace.com/towriteloveonherarms

Answered Prayers and a Yard Sale

Hopefully, most of you read this post back in August. I know some of you did, because we have felt your support tangibly. If you didn't, take a second to read it and catch up to speed! (ps: if you don't read it, you won't understand the rest of today's post.. so hurry.. go READ!)

FIRST things First: I have some REALLY exciting news!! (drumroll please...) Sachile is going back to school! The Louisa Pickard Circle (a group of United Methodist Women) donated the money needed for two years of schooling! PRAISE OUR LORD. He is SO faithful. I'm waiting on my Swaziland contact to get back to me so I can "officially" place the money in their account and when that happens, you'll be the first to know. I'm really at a loss for words, this is such a beautiful thing to see unfold.



So..
As most of you know I'm not real sure what the heck I'm doing in regard to raising the support for those 4 things the Lord showed me in Africa. Let's be honest, I don't have very much to offer financially.. but what I do have.. is JUNK. Lots and LOTS and LOTS of JUNK. So I brushed off my trusty ole' fundraising skills (its been a while since youth group..) and i'm putting that JUNK to good use! We're having a yard sale! It is the first big "event" to raise money for the needs mentioned in my life-openhanded post. The profit will go specifically to meeting the need of Ncobile (right) and her desire to go to University.

We'll be out on Main Street all day tomorrow ready to bargain :)

If you are in our area, please come out.. you don't have to buy anything, but I'd love to get to know you, fill you in onthe mission, and put you on our prayer list! If you need directions, email me at lowrylg@gmail.com.

If you are NOT in our area, we would LOVE your prayers. We (I) don't really know what we're (I'm) doing, but I know that the Lord wants to bless Ncobile with an education. I believe in her, and I believe in this. PLEASE PRAY for no rain, rich shoppers, and many opportunities to share her story.


My hopes are that during the next week I can set up a paypal account so that all of you out-of-towners can donate directly online. Be on the lookout.

Gotta go to bed.. i hear yard sale shoppers are early birds.. like 5AM early. WHAT THE??

Remember this post? If not, take a look then followup with this story.

Honestly, I don't even know how this all got stirred, but some friends had coffee and decided we wanted to do something that mattered by using something we liked and believed in. TOMS was something we all agreed on. We went into planning mode and 2 months later, a "Style your Sole" event was hosted. We saw some really cool people in our little town come together and say with their actions "people matter. we care". We were blown away. At the end of the night, we had 8 pairs of baby TOMS in our hands with the mission "give them away as He leads you". There was no agenda, it wasn't about who would hand them out or what organization could use them/send them best. It was simply: SHARE THESE as you see the need. Since I was headed to Africa, I got to be the messenger/carrier of these precious gifts.. certainly a humbling opportunity. If you kept up with my blog while I was there, you were one of the ones praying for God to arrange a meeting with the children that would wear these special shoes and that would forever carry with them a piece of their brothers and sisters across the ocean.

Well.. He provided homes for these well-designed, well-loved gifts.

Take a look:

Nondumiso in Spear's shoes

Joy-Joy in Em's shoes

Girlie in Ging's shoes

Andiwe in Jason's shoes
In Kaleigh, Katie, and Amanda's shoes

The last two pictures are of a little boy I met in the slums of Manzini. He was very shy, didn't make any noise and was rarely seen with any facial expression. We visited him every day and he never seemed pleasant. When the other kids were climbing on us/wiping their snot on us/braiding our hair/beating each other up, he walked alone.. never showing excitement for play.
Then, as the Holy Spirit CLEARLY led us, we gave him these TOM'S. He went on his way, and five minutes later, when attempting to get one of our girls out of the street, I found him. This is what he was doing:

The Lord speaks to me through that video every time. I wish I could live in little moments like that. That little boy's whole demeanor changed! In that moment, I am 100% confident, he knew God. He knew of His love, His compassion. He knew in that moment that the Lord had not forgotten him.

I want to dance in thankfulness when the Lord provides. I want joy like this.

This is what it's all about.






Thanks for making this happen.. for him, for all these kiddos.. and for me.

Love like you've been forgiven.

* ok, so i feel like i need to preface this post by saying im not trying to make a habit out of super spiritual (whatever that even means) blogging. if you're wondering where sassy, opinionated lee has gone.. she's still here. next tiem i'll try to blog about somethign more entertaining like my celebrity crush or my favorite new recipe or the elections (probably not the last one). but for now..


you know when you tell someone "i'll call you later" or "i'll email you!" or "i promise, I WILL text you that info as soon as..."

well.. im super good at those phrases. I use them ALL THE TIME. however, im super BAD at fulfilling them. They are so easy to just throw out there with no meaning or truth to them at all.

I've been promising by the moon and stars that I'd contact this friend of mine, and I could never seem to follow through on my word. We needed to discuss some things of pretty grand significance, yet I could never just commit myself to sitting down and putting my fingers on the keys (i mean, i didn't even have to really 'talk' to him.. all I had to do was take the easy road of communication and type him this stuff..) . I'd send little texts to him like "im sorry, i promise im going to write you as soon as I get home today" or "are you even still my friend? i know i told you 86 times i'd write you and I haven't.. but i PROMISE I'm not going to bed tonight until its done". I actually took time out of my day to apologize for not doing it, instead of using that time to write the freakin' email.

I'm LAME.

So after yet another apology message, I get this reply from him..

"dear friend, quit apologizing. quit thinking that i'm mad at you, and quit asking me if we're still friends.

it's your pride thinking for you if you think our friendship or my love for you are based on what you DO.

and PLEASE don't get caught in the cycle of thinking that you're somehow less worthy of being friends with someone because you haven't been acting like their friend. the less worthy you think you are, the less likely you are to act like a friend, and the cycle goes deeper and deeper.

so REST your heart. calm your anxieties, and remember that your debts have already been paid. you are forgiven and, more than that, you are counted as PERFECT because of Christ in you.



Remember my affliction and my wanderings,
the wormwood and the gall!
My soul continually remembers it
and it bowed down within me.

But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning.

(Lamentations 3:19-23a)"

DANG. I just got knocked right on my butt.

He told me, huh? Talk about sticking it straight...



I'm so thankful for friends that love me despite my failures and shortcomings and lack of repsonsibility to do as I say. I count myself blessed knowing that they see me through a cross that wipes all of my messes clean. I'm so grateful that they are slow to judge me but are quick to show me grace.. And you know what I've come to realize? You know the ONLY reason they even have the slightest interest in being friends with a sometimes-crappy friend like me? Because they are all to familiar with messing up and falling full of blame at the feet of a forgiving God. They have been forgiven, freeing them to forgive. My friend and I's story is the practical application of Luke 7:47. She that "had been forgiven of much, loved much... but those who have not been forgiven, love little". My friends were able to love me, because they have felt and experienced the love of a Father, who found them, and undeservingly made beauty out of all their crap.

Luke 6:37. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

I want to forgive like I've been forgiven. I want that love that comes only through being set free from guilt.


To have people in your life who just get truth is an unbelievable, humbling, thing and it is unreal to me that the Lord sees me worthy to call these people my friends.

Your mercies are new every morning. Praise You for that, sweet Lord.

It's that time..

Hey friends..

Only have time for a quick blog update, we're busy running errands in town this morning and we only alotted like 30 minutes for the internet!
The last week has been full of quality time with my South African friends, and my roommates (below). Late Monday afternoon we took a hike up the mountain behind our house.. the walk was not glamorous.. we were huffing and puffing and passing our nalgene's around like candy... but the view at the top was more than worth it (there is a spiritual lesson in that, huh?). It was such a special time for all of us to bond, but even more sweet to be ministered to by the Lord amongst nature. He is truly a creative God.

Unbelievable, huh?

Tonight, two of my Swazi friends are arriving and tomorrow is PASSION! For all of those who gave or prayed for this event, we are so thankful. We are ll ready to hear and see what God is doing in bringing revival to this dry land. Pray for us tomorrow as we spend the day soaking in His truths and worshipping Him.


Hopefully not, but this could likely be my last blog update before I head back to America. I can't believe its already time to get back on a plane (YUCK!).God has surely blessed me with confidence about my decision to come this summer and I am at peace with closing this chapter of my journey. Please continue to pray as I travel, its my first international trip alone! YIKES! (Specifically you can pray that the Lord shortens my layover time in Frankfurt.. I'd rather be anywhere than there!)

I love you guys and I'm so thankful for you.

Lee

::LIFE OPENHANDED::

“..when we are whole, we are nurtured by what has been invested in us, and at the same time freely give of ourselves to others”

Erwin McManus (Uprising: Revolution of the Soul)

When I look back at what I have seen the Lord do here, and when I reevaluate the reasons I think the Lord has had me be on this trip, I know it was to grow me as someone who lives out of a generous spirit. I haven’t always been a faithful steward with the resources the Lord has given me, especially with finances. As many of us know, when you come face-to-face with needs, not wants, you begin to realize that there is greater purpose for your things and money besides that which fades away. I want to live from a place that sees the bigger picture and doesn’t fall prey to the petty things of this world. I desperately want an IPhone and I want a new car, but being in a place like this, I see other people who NEED shelter, who NEED an education, who NEED food and clothes. Again, needs versus wants… BIG difference. IPhones and cars aren’t bad at all.. I’m not out for judgement or to promote the unbalanced “new monasticism” that many are following, but at this point in my life they aren’t needs for me. As you’ve noticed in previous posts, The Lord has opened my eyes to so much other than myself. It’s been rooted in me since my first summer in Brazil and its now bearing fruit in this season of my life.

I’m beginning to see needs that could easily be met if we did church like Acts,

“They devoted themselves to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he needed. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts Chapter 2 Verse 42)

Further in Acts, Luke says,

“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had… There were no needy persons among him” (Ch. 4 verse 32)

(sidenote: I’m sitting here with one of my roommates and I mention I’m writing on this verse and she quickly blurts “good Lord! If we could only get ONE of those things.. forget selling our possessions, lets just actually be able to get together and have glad and sincere hearts!” she’s right. Lord, give us strength to accomplish even part of this.)

I’m not telling you to sell your house, although that’d be really cool. I’m just suggesting that we begin living selfless, open-handed lives that are open to sacrifice as the Spirit leads. I mean seriously, what would it look like if there were "no needy persons among us? WHOA. The truth is: none of our money.. our clothes, our cars, our food.. none of that even belongs to us. It’s all God’s, it’s just on lend to us.. he trusts us to make good decisions and be faithful with what he has given us.

I’ve got some ideas on how we can start. It’s a rough draft.. I certainly have no seminary/charity/administrative training and I could be going about this all the wrong way.. but I’m just going to be bold and go where the Lord tells me. Hopefully I’m walking with this in the right direction! (if you do have training or experience, I would LOVE your help.. seriously).

Since I’ve been here in Africa, there have been many people who have come to me and privately asked for help. For others of them, their needs are just obvious. These needs range from school fees, to water pipes for their homes. While I would have loved to have given to these people right when they asked, it wasn’t financially possible. I’ve wrestled with taking it on personally and have thought of every option to get them everything they desire, but I simply can’t do it alone. Many of you have emailed me and asked how you could be a part of ministries here. I know your faithful giving first-hand and would love for you to jump in with me as we live out those verses above for my friends here. So, take a look at these needs below.. search your heart and see if the Lord is calling you to be a part of any of these. If He is, I promise you won’t regret it. If not, your prayers are just as treasured (if not more) than your pocketbook.

Opportunities to Give:

** Tapiwa and Itai: Living Expenses **
Tapiwa and Itai are the brother/sister refugee pair from Zimbabwe. I’ve written about them a lot here and they are such special friends to me. If you’re into international news at all, you’ve seen the crisis that currently exists in Zimbabwe. If not, click here. They are under the rule of a very corrupt government, with their president using his power to cause major struggles and discord. Tapiwa and Itai were campaigning for the opposition party when things in their village became the scene for much of what you’re seeing on tv, home invasions and cruel murder of anyone who opposes the corrupt system of government. Tapiwa and Itai were doing just that.. campaigning for justice and peace. They left home to protect their families safety, and moved in with their sister in a nearby city. As the situation worsened, they eventually fled to Johannesburg where they waited and lived for 4 weeks in the bus station. Itai remembered that during a sermon at her church one day, an evangelist from Joburg had given out her phone number. She realized she had scribbled it down in the back of her bible, got it out, and made a call with a blind hope that this evangelist would answer. She did, and that lady is my friend Wapi (pictured and blogged about here). Wapi brought them here to Pretoria and they are living with us while establishing residency and refugee status here in South Africa. Again, if you keep up with the news, that’s no easy task. South Africa is unfortunately in crisis over their own xenophobia, which is the fear of foreigners. They are also out for any people coming from other countries within Africa. It’s been a nasty situation.. Tapiwa was stopped and sought out at a road block but escaped unharmed. This whole thing is a God story, my friends. Amidst it all they have kept such strength and joy.. its remarkable and very unreal to me. They know and love the Lord and it has been a blessing to watch. However, they have many needs. Right now, they have no money. We have purchased them a cell phone and a calling card so that they could call their mom and let them know (after 7 ½ weeks.. eeek.. try that on for size, mom!) that they are ok and in safe hands. Other than those possessions and some 5th hand missionary clothing, they have nothing.. and I mean nothing. They need shampoo, soap, lotion, hairbrushes, blankets, medicine, essentials for daily living, etc. Alabanza has taken them on staff, which means they eat, bathe, and sleep for free because they do work on the property. However, you don’t earn any money you just live on what they have here. They need money and desire to have jobs that bring them some financial gain. They can’t get into town because they need 12Rand a day to get a roundtrip ticket into town. Their needs may seem small to you, but they are big to them. They believe that God will provide.. if their story has moved you to give, please pray and contact me at lowrylg@gmail.com. As soon as I get your email we will go from there.

** Gugu’s school: Expansion Costs **
In my post-swazi post, you met GuGu, the lady who started the River of Life Christian school in the squatter camp. She is an amazing woman who has sacrificed her life to educate the poorest of the poor. She herself has no money and has a stipend that she sometimes gets. She has no car, she walks or comes by bus to her school everyday. When I think of her, the word fighter comes to mind. She fights for her children and has made them her priority. It’s obvious too, these children feel treasured and accepted in her presence (something they don’t feel anywhere else). We were sitting with her one day last week and we just started asking her about her dreams. We asked her “if you could do anything, be anywhere, what would you do and where would you go?” She said confidently “I’m right where I’m supposed to be”. Of course she said that! I’m sure you can picture us as we kept saying, “but really…” .. but she maintained her answer. She wouldn’t choose any other way of life. Thanks to a church sponsor the kids were able to get uniforms this year. The next movement for the school is to expand. The picture to the left is the school where they currently hold class. It works, but the holes and open air often make it difficult for learning. Her vision is to open a boarding school and take these children out of the squatter camp. She desires to teach them life skills and responsibilities to prepare them for the real world. THIS IS HUGE. No one I have met in Swazi cares enough or is willing enough to invest in children like this. These kids are the future of this dying nation, and they could be the very thing that turns it all around. She caught vision of this boarding school from The Lord nearly a year ago, but has no incoming support to even start the process. She already has the land where it can be built, she just needs to cover construction costs as well as the furnishings… daily expenses like eating and water will factor in as time goes on. Right now, she said she could build the 4-room building for 10,000 Rand. That is $1298.70 in America. It’s so do-able. If the River of Life story has moved you to give, please pray and contact me at lowrylg@gmail.com. As soon as I get your email we will go from there.

**Sachile: School Fees**
Sachile is the cutest little guy around. He was the 13th member of our team last year, doing most things as we did. He lived directly behind our homestead and some mornings we would find him dirty as if he had slept outside. We had no confirmation if he had in fact been kicked out of his house, but we know that the situation in his home was not good. The only family we knew he had was his grandfather, and what we heard about him wasn’t a healthy environment for a 7 year old. He is a special little guy who needs direction and guidance as he grows. Being parentless with no discipline or boundaries leaves a lot of room for pushing the limits. One of the AIM staffers told me that he needs the rest of his school fees to finish the year. He is attending now, but he has to stop if no one picks up this need. I know that there are different organizations involved in school placements in this area of Swaziland, but I’m not sure if he will continue to fall under their work or not. Just in case, I have placed his need here and if you’d like to keep him in school, please pray and contact me at lowrylg@gmail.com. As soon as I get your email we will go from there.


**Ncobile- University School Sponsorship**
Also in my “Releasing Expectations” post, I introduced you to my friend Ncobile. I don’t know how to describe her adequately, she is truly one of those people that you can’t find words to describe.. ask anyone who has met her. It is a blessing to call her friend, she is so much more to me than someone I know in Swaziland. She has been a faithful sister to me this year and I feel it a blessing to share life with her. She is so wise and desires NOTHING more than to be with the Lord. AIM (adventures in missions) has taken her on staff and she is currently in their discipleship program. She spends her days between driving around American teams in the big AIM van and discipling the youth in villages around Swazi. At one point last year, we were really seeking the Lord on having her come to America for a while.. and after much prayer we knew it wasn’t right. Ncobile wrote me one day, “theres just too much for me to do here.. it’s not time”. She isn’t running from the hardships that are pressing on her and her people, she is pressing into the hardships with strength from the Lord. I’m telling you, this girl is unreal.
Just before leaving Swazi last week, she opened her heart and became vulnerable about what she really felt the Lord was calling her to do. The Lord has been telling Ncobile that she was to go to school (university) to pursue her dream of Child Psychology. She said the Lord told her he would provide the finances, that she just needed to trust him. Then during our conversation, she broke down, saying that missionary after missionary had promised to send her the money, and hadn’t followed through. She was faithful in having the humility to ask, but they never came through with their end of the deal. After 2 years of waiting, she knows this is still the Lord’s will for her life and she’s waiting to see it come to life. Let’s come around her and support her dream of counseling the broken children of Swaziland.. that’s no small calling. If you feel led to give, please pray and contact me at lowrylg@gmail.com. As soon as I get your email we will go from there.

I'm praying that as The Lord leads, you and I will take an active role in meeting the needs of our brothers and sisters.

Some ‘giving’ verses to pray on:
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” 1 John 3:17

“He has told you O man what is good and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God..” Micah 6:8

As Paul is speaking on the cheerful giver he says, “.. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:12-15

“Defend the cause of the weak and the fatherless, maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy: deliver them from the hands of the wicked” Psalm 82:3

Let me end by saying that I don’t want to be the one who comes to westernize this world and make it something that its not. This is NOT about handouts.. these people have meant so much to me and the Lord has made known to me their hearts. Know that these needs are not selfish, but are crucial to their lives and to the advancement of the Kingdom. Of course, these are not the only ones in need.. just the ones the Lord has shared with me.

Let’s pray about blessing them together.

-Lee

Releasing Expectations..

I have to admit.. figuring out what to say on this blog has not been easy today. I have a lot of things on my mind.. and none of them go together at all. Maybe I should make this a bullet point blog, to make it easier for you readers (are you even out there?... I think it’s just my mom..) Maybe I’ll just ramble.. See, I can’t even decide HOW to write this blog. Blogging shouldn’t be so difficult.

To start, I’m unfortunately back from Swaziland. Truth is, it was WAY too short. What a week it was.. this time last week I was laying under the Swaziland sun with snotty-nosed kids using me as a jungle gym. How incredible.


However, For those of you that I’ve talked to via phone or email know that I’ve had a really hard time with laying down my expectations for this trip. If you don’t correspond with me regularly you probably couldn’t tell.. I’m known for shutting down and putting the wall up, not letting people see what I really feel. I have enjoyed my stay in South Africa and its been just as special as you’ve read .. but its been coupled with a lot of doubting and confusion.



My plan for this trip back to Africa was: 3 weeks in Swazi, 2 weeks at an orphanage in Jo’Burg and 1 or 2 weeks here in Pretoria (Alabanza) for rest and hospital ministry. Well, it has looked more like: 5 1/2 weeks at Alabanza, 5 days in Swazi, and no orphanage.

THAT CHANGE OF PLANS HAS BEEN REALLY HARD FOR ME.

I feel like I’m pretty go-with-the-flow but man.. 5 days in SWAZI? Really? UGH!!!

Not feeling like I’m doing what I think I’m here for is no fun. I want so badly to be with the people that I fell in love with last summer. I want to go and buy a car and drive to the hospital to sit with my friend Treasure whose daughter is dying of something easily curable like Pneumonia. I want drive to Maria Kloppers orphanage and run into the green house and grab David and Sandile who gave me a penny as a goodbye present last year.

UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.


But, look back at that last paragraph. I WANT.. I WANT.. I WANT. That was MY PLAN… (didn’t I blog about this the day before I left to come here.. hmm..)

Is that what You wanted, Lord? Didn’t you have me here for those people??.. I certainly thought so. Didn’t you want me to sit with GoGo and shuck corn from her field? Didn’t you want me to teach Sunday School to the kids at our carepoint? Didn’t you want me to go and cook for Auntie Esther so that she could have a break from her 12 children?
Again, I was certain of it.

You know, I think the real problem is not the wanting. It’s ok to want those things. After all, I’m supposed to desire and seek after heavenly things, right?! Sunday School Lesson #1. I wanted good things. Sitting with GoGo is not bad.. its good.. (real good..like out of this world good.. you have to get a GoGo before you die!)

I think the real problem is the “I” in all of those sentences. I want. I need. MY PLAN.

I HAVE GOT TO TRUST THAT THE LORD HAS ME HERE (WHEREVER “HERE” IS) FOR HIS PURPOSE AND FOR HIS GLORY. Not my own.


(OUCH to the ego. It is always uncomfortable to learn that truth… it really never gets easier does it?)

He wants me at Alabanza for a purpose. I wasn’t supposed to sit with GoGo for 6 weeks ( \that is still really hard to admit). I get so wrapped up in me and in my plans and my desires that I often miss the voice of the Father. He prepares ministry everywhere. EVERYWHERE. To take it even deeper, this is a truth that Lee Grayson Lowry HAS TO HEAR. Doing it my way, I am likely to jump into something head first into something appealing without thinking that it is not God’s best. I am the worst for getting into something that looks great, but isn’t the GREATEST.

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails -Proverbs 19:21

Oh my.

I’m a lost cause without Him.

Ahh.. its refreshing to be honest.

I am ok though (mom, don’t panic!)... This has been such a growing experience for me. I am not depressed or sitting in a room all alone. I just haven’t been that open to what the Spirit wanted to do in and through me.. here’s to a better effort, though!

Though short, I had an incredible 5 days in Swaziland. Outside of the short time frame, it was nearly perfect. There were only about 2 or 3 people that I didn’t get to see. I spent most of my afternoons with GoGo and we sang the one Swati song I know over and over.. and over again. How fabulous. We spent the mornings at a squatter camp where we had previously taught school and done some evangelism. Last year at this squatter camp we were faced with major heartbreak. Some of you have heard me talk about the treeline, but if not this the story.. There was a huge dump across the street and surrounding it was a line of trees. Parents sent children there to search for old food so that they could have meals for the day. Well, men would go first to search for food, and when they found something of worth, they would hide it with them under the line of trees. In order for the children to get their family’s meal for the day, the men would require them to perform sexual acts with them. Then, they would give them food and send them back to us across the street. It was horrifying. It was as if Satan was staring us straight in the face. The little kids that we would hold and snuggle with in the morning, would be the ones happily crossing the street for food. It was truly one of the hardest things I have ever had to watch, and its been something I couldn’t talk about for a while. Well, this year, we found a large concrete wall around the dump and most of the trees cut down. This doesn’t mean that the prostitution is over or that these nasty acts can’t still be performed.. but we prayed that God would protect these children and remove the treeline. We came back to see the huge wall and very little trees. I CAN PROMISE YOU THAT THIS WASN’T A DECISION BY THE SWAZILAND GOVERNMENT..THAT IS AN ANSWER TO PRAYER, my friends. That is the God we serve. He is protecting His children and we saw none of the prostitution with our own eyes this year. PRAISE HIM.


It was a special 5 days and I’m thankful that He even called me back at all.

Here are some pictures.. I hope you enjoy!

( I'm still working on how to explain it and how to adequately blog about how it felt to be back.. It was surreal. I figured until I could come up with a fluid set of words, I would throw up pictures from our journey. If you've kept up since last year, You'll recognize a lot of these faces. )



This is my GoGo. Even if you're new here, you probably have an idea of how much I love this lady. She made the biggest impact on my life last summer, and not a day goes by that I don't think about her. This is the moment I saw her.. tears came from everywhere!

These ladies are the 2 women who run the school in the squatter camp (a squatter camp is a place where people literally come and just throw things together to make a 'house' because they have no land elsewhere.. much crime exists here). Gugu, the lady on the right is one of my favorite people on earth, as she has dedicated her life to educating the children in this camp.













This little guy is Sachile, the boy who was our 13th team member last summer. He spent almost every day with us and made a special bond with many of my teammates. Its obvious he is a growing boy.. he doesn't have many teeth yet! What cutie!

This is Ncobile, and there are no words to describe her. You could start with beautiful, but that wouldn't be enough. Seriously.. she could model.. call an agency! She'll be in my wedding, so you'll meet her in America one day!











This is BUGGY!!!!!!!!!!! can you believe it? she's huge!! She grew so much (and lost so much hair) that I almost didn't recognize her. She is so much more fun now!









This was probably the biggest shock for me! This is my friend Meesha. I discipled her while in Swaziland last summer.. when she was PREGNANT! I was there for the birth of this little munchkin.. and I came back just 1 week after her 1st birthday! Baby Nosepo is BEAUTIFUL!

More pictures soon..
Thanks for walking this with me and letting me be honest. you guys are incredible! I love you!!
Lee

As if we have nothing..

I know I posted that we'd be headed to Swaziland today, but the team we are following there missed their flights from America, pushing them back to arrive today.. which pushes us back to leaving for Swazi to tomorrow... 4am tomorrow! YUCK!



But nonetheless, we are SWAZI-BOUND! I can hardly stand it.. I'm so ready!



I don't know what it was about Swazi that made my heart go nuts. Maybe it was the bloated-belly orphans that walked the streets in bare feet. Maybe it was the Go-Go's who juggled the pales of water on their head while carrying 30-pounds of infant on their back. Maybe it was the church services that made us feel like we just got done working out. Maybe it was the food.. wait, nevermind. Maybe it was the hospitals that seemed more like Mother Theresa's 'Home for the Dying' than a place of healing.. while all the while being the holding place for people with the greatest example of faith. Maybe it was the sunsets and how everyone of them seemed to out-do the last.



I dont know. Maybe it was all of those things. I think it was that I found the Lord in Swaziland. Outside of all the poverty, the killings, the stealing, the sexual and mental abuse.. I saw Jesus. He was there. I didn't take Him there.. He was already there.. He is there.



Amongst the broken and the poor is the greatest evidence of Jesus. Where the orphan sleeps, where the hungry eats, are the fingerprints of our God.

THERE IS HOPE IN THE HARD PLACES.



This must be why I fell in love and my heart has been groaning to get back.



You see at home, things are hard.. for sure. But honestly.. It's rare that I need to depend on the Lord. I know that I'll have a meal, a roof over my head. Even in my worst circumstances I am 'comfortable'. I don't find myself praying daily, hourly, by the minute, even, that the Lord will give me food and shelter. I don't have to believe that the Lord will protect me from death or rape because I'm not really afraid of that. I want to be dependent on the Lord like these people. I have to be. He commands that I be.



Lord help me.



This is cliche I know. Everyone who ever goes on a mission trip comes back with stories like this. If you are a part of a church, you hear this post outreach "change of perspective" testimony often. It's almost dull to us. But this is life and this is truth. WE MUST LEAN HARD INTO THE LORD AND TRUST HIM AS IF WE HAVE NOTHING.



Lord, come break the chains that hold everything distracting me from you. Make me like Job. Strip me of my security.. You are my safe place, my only safe place. You are the giver of every good thing and you promise that in surrender you bless... Release my of the need for things and show me daily that I don't deserve or need them to know you. Thank you for the things I take for granted but.. Lord, I want to want only you.





So I'm off to learn again what it means to believe God for who He says He is.. maybe it will stick this time.. :) More soon..


Lee






**side note: I've recieved a lot of emails asking about how you guys could support me in ministry. Because of the situation with the car (Theresa's car is not in working condition and after weeks of waiting we have decided to rent a car to get us to Swaziland), we've run into a lot of extra costs. We have the finances covered, but its hard to give to the people around us when our money is being sucked up by other things. We know we're supposed to be in Swazi so we are confident that the Lord will provide. So, if that was you who emailed me, I'm sorry I haven't replied but that is how you can help tangibly. Email me and let me know if you feel led to give in this way and I'll give you the information :). AND ... KNOW that we ALWAYS seek prayer support.. ALWAYS. Thanks for being so generous in giving to us. We are forever indebted to you!!

A video for you..

thought you might enjoy seeing what we do at night. This is Mariet dancing in Anmerie's cabin.. this girl is insane!

EXCITEMENT OVERLOAD..

WE ARE OFFICIALLY SWAZI-BOUND!!!!

I can't even contain myself. If you've been a part of my life for the last year, you know the real desire I had to reconnect with the special people of Swaziland. I LOVE THEM DEEPLY and hold them in a very intimate part of me. I promise, if you had spent the summer with them.. or even a day or two.. you would feel the same. THIS IS WHY I CAME BACK. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get back to Swazi right when we arrived, and for the last 2 weeks we have been doign ministry here in South Africa.. but it's official.. we will be in Swaziland on Monday. AHhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

We did get Theresa's car back .. but she's not exactly road-ready. You'll understand when you see her.. I'll be sure to post pictures later! (be ready to laugh as you picture me cruising in this baby..)

.. so instead of taking her car, we are renting a newer, WORKING car to take us to Swaziland. We booked our rental today and we are headed out with an American team on Monday morning. One of the StudentLife interns here at Alabanza is headed out with us, and we can't wait to share this experience with her.

SO.. please pray as we get logistics sorted out for our BIG trip.. and get ready to celebrate with us.. we KNOW God is going to do incredible things during our week there!

more to come later!

Love you guys.. Lee

It's about time..

(there are 2 posts today.. be sure to scroll down to "who do these belong to?")

So, I've gotten email after email asking for pictures and I've been so slack in getting them up. Truth is, when I finally get on the internet I end up chatting or emailing and before I know it, my minutes are gone!

(interuption: 'Lets Get Physical' is blaring on the radio in the internet cafe. The ladies here are singing and dancing along. Apparently Olivia Newton John transcends every culture.. wish you could see and hear this...)

Here are some of the people I share life with:

This is Eti. (She is the sister of the Zimbabwean Refugee pair I have shared with you about)

These two lovely ladies (they are sitting here monitoring what I say about them) are Mariet and AnMerie. Anmerie is the most PHENOMENAL cook and you can't find many people funnier than Mariet! I spend most of my days with them!

This is Wapi.. We do hospital ministry together!

unfortunately, my internet won't let me upload anymore pictures.. but there are so many more. I'll try again tomorrow!

Love you guys!

Lee

Finding home here

Hello Friends!

I hope you guys had a great holiday weekend surrounded by your friends and family!
4th of July is one of my favorites.. which is why this weekend was a bit more difficult than usual.
Being in Africa is unreal, and I can't tell you how blessed I feel to be here. I also can't tell you how clearly I heard the call to come back to Africa.. BUT.. If I told you that answering and resting in that call was EASY, I'd be lying. This weekend was HARD.

I miss my family and friends so much. It was hard to be away this weekend because I could all but smell the fun everyone was having. I wanted American barbeque, fireworks, and to hear the laughter of my sweet little cousins.

However, on my African 4th of July, serious homesickness began to creep in. I was craving a night out with my friends, a laugh with my mom, or even just a hug from my mom. None of which was tangible. I was having a ROUGH time to say the least.
In these homesick moments, I have had to lean hard into the Lord, knowing that He is the very essence of "family" to me. He is my Father, my provider, my sustainer, and my comfort and rest.

As I mentioned in my previous email, there are 2 Zimbabwean Refugees staying with us. Over the past couple of days, I 've learned more of their story. They are a brother and sister pair who were found in the marketplace and were chased out of their country because they were siding with the Opposition Political Party. They left behind a mother, and 7 other siblings under the age of 20. They faced a brutal execution, but got out just in time. They came by bus to Johannesburg and spent 2 weeks in the bus station. Almost a year ago, our friend Whopi (who also currently lives with us and who we do our hospital visits with) was preaching in Zimbabwe and left the congregation her phone number (which she always does after speaking). Well, Eti (the girl refugee) was in that congregation (a coincidence, NO WAY!) and took down the number and kept it safe. After being in the bus station for 2 weeks here in Joburg, she remembered she had the number Whopi gave out a year ago. She used her last Rand and called Whopi, who just happened to be an hour away. Whopi went and got them, and they are now staying with us.. it has been SUCH a blessing. Last night, I was eating with Eti and her brother, and she told me how she missed home and her family, and how she doesn't even know if they are safe (they also followed the opposition party). SHe told me that she worries because her father died 2 years ago and her ill mother has to care for all the remaining children. My stomach dropped. I felt like the biggest jerk ever. THis girl knows more pain due to distance than I have ever felt, and God-willing, more than I will EVER feel. SHE IS HOMESICK. She doesn't even know where her family is, and told me she will probably never know. She has no phone, no internet to stay connected...Yet, everyday, she makes me coffee before I wake, and she smiles when they ask her to clean the barn. She is, to me, the very defintion of STRENGTH and poise.

Like I said, this experience has me face-to-face with HUMILITY.

Lord, thank you for opening my eyes to something other than myself. Father, You are my Home and may I always be comfortable with just you. Bless Eti' and my family, may they know you as their peace and safety until we see them again.


Thank you all for your prayers, I FEEL THEM.
Keep it up, and let me know how I can do the same for you.

Also, if you haven't heard of the opportunity to give, check out the post below titled "It's Lee Again..".. it is at the very bottom. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Email or leave comments here if you are interested!


LOVE YOU GUYS!
LEE

PS: this sounds lousy coming after the subject of this post.. but.. I DO have a phone here in South Africa and I would love to hear from you! I receive FREE incoming calls. The time diff. is 8 hours..as in...when it's 8:00 am in the States, it is 3:00pm here. Skype is really cheap (23 cents a minute and you pay up front, no charges on your phone bill.. go to skype.com for more info) and unless I'm in the midst of ministry, I'll answer :) MY number (with Country code) is 27-078-325-6335.

It's LEE again..

***IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ MY UPDATE, PLEASE DO TAKE THE TIME TO READ THE LAST THING ON THIS POST.. THERE IS AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO GIVE!! IT'S WAY MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYTHING I HAVE TO SAY!****


Hey guys.. Forgive me for my lack of posts.. its been an INSANE couple of days (to say the least). As mom updated, we got to Johannesburg safely (and with no sickness!). After praying for 10 hours straight, our host family was right there when we arrived.. HALLELUJAH... the Johannesburg airport gives me the creeps :).

We arrived to Alabanza (our home base in South Africa) on Wednesday, and got in bed pretty much right after we got there. We were POOPED! One of the guys from our team last year, Sean, also came through Wednesday night and we stayed up to see him and his team. It was so good to be with him for the night. We spent time praying for him, and him for us and it was just what we needed to kickstart this journey! WE LOVE YOU SEAN!

The last few days have just been relaxing.. not much going on. I slept for most of the day yesterday, I was SERIOUSLY JET LAGGED! I finally got a shower on Thursday (I know I know.. dont judge me! ... just be glad you couldn't smell me..) The water (and everything else) in Africa just has a mind of its own.. its quite humorous and very humbling.

Today we spent the morning with two of our friends, Vuyo and Wopi, who are social workers at the hospital outside of Rustenberg. They took us with them to spend time with some of the patients they work with. We actually spent a couple of days here last year, and it was a surreal feeling to be back. God did SO MUCH last year there, and it was unreal to think He has me there again this time. SO COOL! We spent most of the time between the pediatric ward and the psych ward and it was a fruitful time of ministry. The psych ward was great.. I think it was my favorite. The people in this ward will keep you smiling and laughing for days! One lady cussed out her grandson for a straight hour.. mind you, he wasn't even there :).

We have had a little bit of a hard time getting around because the car Theresa bought here has been in the shop and again, "africa time" is much different than what we know (I must say though, this is a blessing because its so nice .. and needed.. to slow down for a bit. So refreshing!) We are hoping to have her car back by Monday, and if so, our ministry can get more underway.

We had a few issues with our host family in Swaziland, and we were pretty certain we would not be able to go. The missionaries there basically took back their offer to open their home to us (because they already have a full house) and we were so broken. If you know any of my stories last year, they all involved my precious GoGo and I was so upset that I wouldn't be able to be with her again.. BUT.. by the grace of God, an AIM member just happened to be at Alabanza Thursday morning, heard our story, and started opening doors for our return there. Honestly, it was just nothign short of a miracle. He opened his home to us and we'll be in a gated community a few miles from the village where we stayed last year. We can go anytime, and right now we are just waiting to see when the Lord will have us go. We are thinking maybe next week, but we aren't sure.. I'll be sure to let you know!

I have so much more to update.. but I'm running out of minutes. We are headed to the store after this and we are going to try and buy a wireless card that allows us to get on the internet from wherever we want.. Please pray that its feasible and not too expensive.. we are missionaries after all!

For now, I just have some prayer requests.. will you PLEASE join me in praying these things?

* team unity. Theresa and I are tired and we need your prayers to keep us strong. We are learning to rely on each other and it's not always easy

* the staff at Alabanza. They are INCREDIBLE. They serve selflessly and have given us so much hospitality. However, they are worn out. There are currently about 55 people staying there, and only 7 of them to facilitate every need (showers, beds, meals, etc). THEY NEED REST! Please pray for them!

*Our ministry time. We are desperate to dig in here, and we want to make sure we are going and doing as we are told. We alreayd feel a certain tug to certain things, but want to go in the right direction. We will not allow our time here to be wasted!

*Our health.. we are tired and it makes us so lethargic. Pray for energy.

*There are 2 Zimbabwe refugees currently staying with us. If you know anything about South Africa, you know that they are going through a time of "xenophobia".. it is where they are afraid of Africans from countries other than there own. Any immigrants found here in South Africa (not Americans, mom, don't worry!) are terrorized and most of the time tortured to death. Yesterday, they were in town for errands and faced a roadblock by the South African police. They both escaped without arrest, and our friend Dini picked them up in the bush last night. They will start the "Safe Refugee" papers on Monday.. please pray for safety until then!!

*They are 2 young boys, Taelo and Abel, staying at Alabanza as well and they are such servants! Taelo's house was recently robbed and he lost everything. He has had on the same thing since we arrived.. and its FREEZING HERE! When I asked him what he was praying for, he told me last night "oh yes, I am praying that God would provide somenew sneakers for me, I know I'll get them soon".. HE is a man of faith and its been so cool to listen to his stories (I told him I'd video tape him and put him on here for you to see. you'd be so amazed!!) If you'd like to give Taelo new shoes, they are about 25 American dollars and you can email me at lowrylg@gmail.com and I'll let you know how!


**** Last one, I promise.. PLEASE READ!*****
*Have you ever heard of Passion Conferences? If not go to 268generation.com and read up. It is an incredible movement of \ and The Lord used it to radically change my life. Well, Passion is coming to JOHANNESBURG! Theresa and I have been planning to work the event for some time, and we were hoping to get our friends at Alabanza signed up. When we got here, they would not stop mentioning it. THEY ARE DYING TO GO. My friend, Mariet, told me last night that "I have always dreamed!" to go. However, they are missionaries who live off of support (They are the team at Alabanza that I mentioned earlier) and do not have the money to go. It is only 100 Rand per person.. that is only about 14$ per person! 14$ THAT IS IT! So, after spending some time praying, I wanted to bring this need to your attention. There are 7 of them that want to go and I think we can make it happen. If you would like to give money for a ticket or for 1/2 a ticket.. PLEASE email me at lowrylg@gmail.com and we'll make it happen. If you don't feel led to give.. PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING THAT GOD WILL PROVIDE THIS MONEY! It would be such a blessed gift tothis people who rarely get to attend an event like this!



ENough... now. what is going on with you? How is life? How was your fourth of July?? Fill me in!!

OK.. now that I've written a book, I'm out!
I'll post more (with pictures) later!! Love you guys..


Lee

goodbyes

What a week it has been! I mentioned earlier that this week we've been celebrating my birthday (yes.. a whole week. everyone should do it!) .. The fact that my birthday just happened to be the day before I leave the countRy has allowed me the opportunity to say goodbyes to a lot of people in person. It's going to be 6 long weeks without some of these folks.


{Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me with community and for surrounding me with people with people that selflessly serve and love me.}


One goodbye was a little more sad than the rest.. sweet Courtney is giving birth TOMORROW and I'll miss the special day. Not to mention that I won't get to meet the sweet baby until
AUGUST! UGHHHHHHH!! Here is Courtney ready to POP:

Court and Matt, you will make WONDERFUL parents. I pray that you experience the Lord in a new way as you cherish your little gift from Him. I can't wait to watch you love her and raise her to be as fabulous as you guys. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EMMA KATHERINE, I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU!

on another note.. we cooked out at my house.. and well, i just really love my family and friends. Our Small town, a grill, an Alabama summer night, and those you love.. I mean does it really get better? Well.. kinda it does... it'd be better if I could take all that with me to Africa.. Oh well! Here are some pics from the night :

i just love them:

this is the most accurate picture of what we did all night: SWATTED BUGS!

im gonna miss you guys. be ready for me August 12th.