reflections

I've been thinking a bit lately on how this last year has changed me. The impact its made in my life, my heart, and in who I'm becoming.

The full impact is not completely clear. I don't think it will be until we leave the ship; until we leave Africa.

But, I've come up with a few...

My... dreams and goals are more global; capacity to love is greater; stereotypes challenged; and my weaknesses stronger through Christ in me.

I am... humbled by the generosity and sacrifice of others; in awe of God's power; more culturally-sensitive; and in love with a people halfway across the world!

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I have... gained a broader worldview/perspective; depended on God's strength; connected with another beyond the bonds of language; worked with and learned from others of many different nations; held and cuddled not one to many children; received cultural graces; walked a crying baby to sleep; experienced the joy and contentment in being in the Lord's will; and seen first-hand that we're all the same. We all need love and acceptance. We all want the best for our children.

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I have witnessed... a once detached mother bond with her child; God's healing power; a man grieve over his brother's unsuccessful surgery; a patient die alone because of family disownment; God's faithfulness; an ashamed and insecure woman become confident over time; hope restored in women who are dry for the first time in years; what it means to take care of your people; the value in community and relationships, and less in possessions; death because of lack in education of life-saving measures; a family transformed through death; spiritual warfare impede physical recovery; restoration of sight; a boy who once could only crawl, walk; the power of prayer; a malnourished baby gain weight; the value in perseverance; a mother's love; a father's love; and pure joy time and time again!

Lord, break my heart with what breaks yours.

we're back!

After 4 weeks of traveling (and freezing our bums off!) around the U.K./N. Ireland, we arrived last night and are finally home...

back to the place that has become home over the last year. The ship. And we couldn't be more happy!

We played hard, ate to our heart's content, and rested up. Not to mention the many memories made together along the way!

We are still overwhelmed by the generosity and hospitality of so many that made our trip memorable and extra special!

To our surprise, we even looked forward to our humble cabin after weeks spent away.

We look forward to what this next year holds. And, yes, back to work the following day. Oh so soon. :)

Bring it on!

Looking back at 2009...

We made a 7.5 minute video of our ministry in Benin this last year with some of our favorite photos!...

If you are unable to view it, paste the following address into your internet browser and choose either the Windows or Mac version:

http://public.me.com/thalexander

(if you're on the ship, you probably won't be able to view it due to the file size. Sorry! :)

t&h

feeling the miles

One of the toughest things about living halfway across the world is missing the big "life events" in our friends and family.

Like when your best friend has a baby.

For the last five years of our marriage, and even before, we have made a point to visit our close friends and their new baby either in the hospital or just days after birth. Its just been something especially important to us, and something we wanted to witness and be a part of with our friends.

Two years... I knew it was inevitable even before we left. I knew in my head it would eventually happen.

Now its come. Twice actually.

The first time was in August when my very close friend, Danielle, had her baby boy. We met four years ago through a young marrieds group at church. She is a very dear friend who is one of the most thoughtful and generous people I know. She was only a couple months pregnant before we left. I of course was ecstatic, yet a part of me was also selfishly aware it meant that I would miss her having her baby, miss meeting him just days into this world, and missing the first year of his life. I missed her becoming a mom for the first time.

Ryder

I just LOVE that smile!!

The second happened only just days ago, which also inspired this post. Tim's best friend since grade school just became a dad. They go way back... roommates, groomsmen in each other's weddings. We got the call last February with the exciting news. Again, it hit home for us that we were far away. Since we're presently on vacation and traveling around, we don't have phone connection. So we anxiously checked their blog daily (sometimes more than once :) to find out if Becky had delivered yet. We were eager to finally "meet" the little guy. Those two are the kind-of couple where parenting seems so befitting, simply natural.

Our absence is not as hard as I expected. In a way I do feel a little homesick. I want to make a meal for them and send it over, to visit and just watch them be parents, or take the baby for the evening so they can go out. But, my heart is so happy for our friends more than anything! I'm so excited for this new chapter in their lives. Oh I'm sad to not play a more active role in it right now, but we share in their joy. Unlike missionaries back in the day, we have phone, internet, and email to stay connected and up to date. Thanks to modern technology :)

Samuel

I just want to SQUEEZE him!!

To little Ryder (since I know you read this blog with your Mom :) and to tiny Samuel (Happy Birthday, we share the same birth month too :), you are blessed with such special parents! "Auntie" Hannah and "Uncle" Tim are praying for you and look forward to kissing your sweet cheeks when we come home!

Someone in Africa loves you!! :)