In Tanzania we wait for the long rains like I have never waited for rain before!  I lived in parts of the States at times when there was desperation for rain.  Truly though, I have never seen desperation or “the waiting” for rain than while living in Africa.  Crops are prepared in faith that rain will come and the efforts not lost in the work involved.  Loss of rain is not only in the effort but the reminder of the hungry belly that they and their loved ones have (or may have) if the skies do not open up.  It takes years for the land, people, and livestock to recover if these long rains do not arrive once a year.  Water is a craved item and necessary for people, the land, and animals that fill it.  There is anticipation as the clouds roll in without the loud calamity of a forecast section in the news.  Will the rain arrive today, tomorrow, or this weekend?  The wonder I often have where as my Tanzanian friends can often see the distance of the clouds and know a spot on estimated arrival.  The waiting…

I was challenged this morning how much of our prayer life is filled with talking, listening and waiting.  Instead of an active part of prayer I realized that I have considered waiting to often the unwanted answer/result.  I have the talking part down.  I am working on the listening part and like “my kids” that fill the classrooms here it is a work in progress.  Waiting?  Like many I have a list of heartfelt cries that I utter along with those of dear friends on a prayer list.  There is a dull ache that sometimes forms when some items seem to be answered while other items wait.  The questions that can form in my mind of how God, why, and why not are all to real?  I was reminded that also like “my kids” asking the questions is not always bad.  The ache reminds us that this is not our home yet we are drawn to establishing Kingdom Culture here on Earth while we fill it!  We have the beauty of the Old Testament where waiting is woven throughout!  As my reading pointed out this morning we are all waiting for everything to be placed back to its proper place and relationship with God.  “We see signs and shadows, aches and groans of what’s to come, knowing that what we wait for is not here yet.”  (Margaret Feinberg)  Sometimes I can feel the enemy using my questions to cause a divide that the waiting is somehow a reflection of my lack of faith.  When in reality God also asks, “how long” and also craves for peace, perfection, restoration, and relationship even more than I.  God is not against or detached in the waiting/questions He is there inviting me into a deeper relationship with Him.  God desires these things as well and I am not alone.  God is with me and I can trust Him.  The moments of personal waiting help us to be reminded of the anticipation of Heaven.  Despite the waiting what will I do with my time this side of Heaven?  In this minute of this day how will I increase the strength and the potential I have within me to grow in my loving and serving Him!?

The wait seems to be over for this one of the many “waits” of EnGedi and the people who fill it.  This week the sound of rain came in the darkness of night.  It makes me wonder what expressions Noah had when he finally heard the drops fall?!  The sun shines by afternoon here and the land comes alive in bloom and color.  I will sadly point out that some in surrounding areas are still waiting for the rain and we ache for the land just outside (many Maasai) filled with those who are hungry.  The “in between” with "personal waits" can be difficult while we have great anticipation for the day Jesus, who rose from the dead, will come riding on his great white horse!!  While I wait I am grateful for my family, real friends, Milo, email, flowers, music, books, conversation, kids, Skype, chocolate and much much more on the journey.  As the journey continues I want to be like this flower.  A blossom in the sun with grace and poise that shares beauty with those around it!!  Cause that is why I was Created!               

Prayer Points~

• Many of my friends and I shine brightly in the name of Jesus here in Tanzania!!  Much prayer is needed for there is much darkness and strongholds of the enemy here in East Africa.  
• for the religious persecution that stretches across this continent 
• for strength and grace in the "waiting" that I am not alone as I love and serve in this land
• safety, rest, and joy for the kids while they are on holiday
• rain for all who need and the strength for those who continue to wait