Walking in your paths ...

Thursday, August 25, 2016
We walk our neighborhood today. W and I start down the hill with Gypsy, meeting the others at the park at the bottom of the hill.

Schoolkids on an outing swarm Gypsy and
pose for a picture with W

"Let's take a picture," they ask.
Some of these guys studied in Germany.

The surroundings are gorgeous - we look at the pictures we're taking and exclaim,

"When you're living here, the flowers and lush greens feel so normal. We get used to it. We hardly see how so beautiful it really is here."

The day heats up and gets muggy.

We're panting as we walk along the river.

Squatters have built up a community across the water. Laundry hangs from electric wires, bakes dry on the rooftop, and drapes from fences.

Our shoes are mucky from wading in the path washed up by the heavy rains overnight.

Small huts and shelters along the way

We walk past a few little family graveyards.

It's a steep hike up the hill on the way back. 

A look back up the hill after crossing the valley below

The last climb is the steepest, so we pause to sit on a wall. Motorcycles and chickens pass by. Typical.

Why did the chicken cross the road?
Because he lives here and he's tomorrow's lunch.

Two little boys come up to say hi. One dashes over to pet Gypsy. Then he runs to his mom, giggling. He tells her how brave he's been and comes back for another touch. (Muslims here are taught to be afraid of dogs; being licked could make them ritually unclean.)

We get together at Ethnic food court. And we're home before 2. After a shower and nap, we drive over with Dr. Hanna to study scriptures at the Bamboo Shack.

Traditional figures carved into the concrete walls
of the Bamboo Shack. (Tables and chairs below for perspective.)

Friday
We're working and making calls until 11. Then we go for groceries. 4 little boys follow us around the store.

They are happy to pose for a picture with W. I'm glad that we find everything in one place. I'm not much of a shopper.

Read more:
*My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have rescued. Psalm 71:23

*Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Daniel 6:23

*Rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:20 

*Do not abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. Hebrews 10:35

Moravian Prayer: Constant Sustainer, your love is ever-present. It is always enough. Lord, guide us to live life from your fullness of grace, rather than from the emptiness the world offers. Alone, we are weak; together, we are strong. With you, nothing is impossible. 

Precious Lamb of God, let us never grow tired of singing your praises! You have set our feet upon your firm foundation. We are so blessed. Lord, open new ways to share your love to all those whom we touch, both near and far. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.