Friend and Family,
I don't really have time to post as I am leaving in about one hour for Capetown.
I will be the main of honor in one of my dearest friends wedding - Carrie Faulks soon to be Mrs. Errol Schwartz!!!
Here is my week in review:
Farming God's Way -- Monday and Tuesday morning! I think I am going to start a garden here. I learned so much and it was VERY inspiring! Farming has been made much more complex then it really has too be.
Many meeting - Wednesday and Thursday afternoon--- felt at time exhuasted but overall encouraged by our team and where things are going!
Rundu State Hospital - Wed. --> Friday mornings. Wednesday was pretty crazy with nine cases in 4.5 hours. They were not just simple cases either! I have seen a lot of strange and sometimes quite aweful things here.
OVC project -- please pray that leaders will rise up among the nationals.
Saturday -- we celebrated Thanksgiving African Style... it was an all day event that included killing 2 chickens! I did not kill a chicken but I am resolved to kill one before I leave Africa!
Miss you all and hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
I am very thankful for you.
Love in Christ,
alysse
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Life does not have to alwasy be measurable - Part 2
I have been wrestling with the concept of measurability, and as I have struggled with this concept I have realized that I measure everything. I measure the amount of time I do an activity, the quality of my conversations, the job or work I do, my ability to make a simple meal, and even the quality of my writing.
I set many goals with thoughts that someday maybe I will measure up and met those goals, accomplish that task, or fulfill that dream or desire. Because we live in the constraints of time, because I have grown up in such a time orientated culture, because I was pushed as a child to make something of myself, because I was given self confidence, because I am a very motivated person, because the Lord has given me many dreams, desires, and purposes (the list could go on and on) – I value the measure of an accomplishment.
On that note I want to make a distinct point. We all have sinned. It says that in the book of Romans. We are born short of hitting the measure. Not one of us can attempt to be good enough; wise enough; strong enough… it is like chasing the wind. It is sobering to think that we will never truly win or measure up. But that is where Jesus comes in! I could beat down the point of His redemption in our life, how we live a new life in Him, and all this is completely true and beautiful.
Quite amazing!
I would like to make this point as well… we will never save ourselves nor should we try.
Rather we should LIVE as the REDEEMED!
We should live in such a way that would please the Lord. This may mean, since we live in the constraints of time and sin, that we use our time wisely, avoid sin, stay accountable for our actions, live out the greatest commandment.
I think that living as state above is often “measureable”. It may not be measureable as starting from point A to point B, but we will never proceed to point C if we do not even attempt to go to point B. It is a continuum with many checkpoints on the way, some that are key checkpoints and others that are not even recognizable.
On a personal note, I believe this struggled with measurability has struck me more in the collective culture of Africa.
Collective Africa culture does not promote or show individual measurable outcomes as often.
It is difficult for us to see and to fit (change our mindset) on life when life itself is less measurable. I am struggling and enjoying the new found freedom of living in this setting.
I enjoy the less pressure while feel unproductive at many times.
It is an oxymoron to live here!
I set many goals with thoughts that someday maybe I will measure up and met those goals, accomplish that task, or fulfill that dream or desire. Because we live in the constraints of time, because I have grown up in such a time orientated culture, because I was pushed as a child to make something of myself, because I was given self confidence, because I am a very motivated person, because the Lord has given me many dreams, desires, and purposes (the list could go on and on) – I value the measure of an accomplishment.
On that note I want to make a distinct point. We all have sinned. It says that in the book of Romans. We are born short of hitting the measure. Not one of us can attempt to be good enough; wise enough; strong enough… it is like chasing the wind. It is sobering to think that we will never truly win or measure up. But that is where Jesus comes in! I could beat down the point of His redemption in our life, how we live a new life in Him, and all this is completely true and beautiful.
Quite amazing!
I would like to make this point as well… we will never save ourselves nor should we try.
Rather we should LIVE as the REDEEMED!
We should live in such a way that would please the Lord. This may mean, since we live in the constraints of time and sin, that we use our time wisely, avoid sin, stay accountable for our actions, live out the greatest commandment.
I think that living as state above is often “measureable”. It may not be measureable as starting from point A to point B, but we will never proceed to point C if we do not even attempt to go to point B. It is a continuum with many checkpoints on the way, some that are key checkpoints and others that are not even recognizable.
On a personal note, I believe this struggled with measurability has struck me more in the collective culture of Africa.
Collective Africa culture does not promote or show individual measurable outcomes as often.
It is difficult for us to see and to fit (change our mindset) on life when life itself is less measurable. I am struggling and enjoying the new found freedom of living in this setting.
I enjoy the less pressure while feel unproductive at many times.
It is an oxymoron to live here!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Update on life. Give Thanks. Video.
I recently wrote this letter for the 20Somethings Give Thanks Banquet. (College Park Church --
Indianapolis, Indiana). I think it give a good picture of my life here.
Hey 20s!!!
It's Alysse, signing-in from Africa!
Let me give you all a quick update on my life before you watch the video on what I am most thankful for this thanksgiving season.
This email may be one of the main ways I celebrate thanksgiving as they do not have that holiday here. I think us American will celebrate, but I am sure it will be nothing like home.
My days here are starting to turn into a more typical routine, which has been welcomed since I have been in flux for quite sometime. Monday through Friday I work at Rundu State Hospital in the Theatre (operating room) from 8 - 1 p.m. It is shorter hours, but I have stayed pretty busy most of the time I am there and don't typically get a big break or lunch. The 30 minute walks to and from work makes the day/ morning stretch even longer! The afternoon walk home can be partially painful as it is VERY hott here right now. One patient I saw last week was half eaten by a Hippo. (I do not recommend swimming in the river here!) He only had one arm and leg! Hopefully, he will keep his other leg, it does not look so great!
Tuesday and Friday afternoons are spent at the Orphan and Vulnerable Children Project in a small village about 5 kilometers outside of Rundu. Yes, I am starting to convert to kilometers and Celsius when it comes to measurements! I am also learning to drive on the “wrong” side of the road, shifting with my left hand! The children are so cute and fun to hang out with, but I ask you to pray for our group as we are not clear on what our role should and should not be in this project. It is not our desire to put a band aid (come in as "saviors") when dealing with the needs of this project; we desire our ministry to be sustainable. Pray that the Lord let leaders (that are not doing anything) give their positions up and allow the other leaders to rise up.
In general please continue to pray that are team continues to grow in depth and not just time spent together. Also pray for general health. It is hard to do ministry when you do not feel well. Lastly, please pray that the Lord will continue to put many people in our paths that we build solid relationships with!
Recently, I decided that you all should move to Africa!! I am frequently reminded of you all wishing could enjoy some of the sites and sounds of Africa. For example, my main source of transportation, when I am not walking, is riding in a back of a bukkie or truck as you may know it! It is incredible to stand up in the back of a truck and look at all the stars late at night!
There is so much material wealth that could expound of being partially grateful for, but much more than that I am grateful that the Lord is with me.
Praying for you all! Keep in touch! I have internet access at my fingertips!
In Christ Love and Happy Thanksgiving Season!
Alysse
I also recorded the following video of what I am most thankful for this thanksgiving season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buZI5Lvcx9I
Indianapolis, Indiana). I think it give a good picture of my life here.
Hey 20s!!!
It's Alysse, signing-in from Africa!
Let me give you all a quick update on my life before you watch the video on what I am most thankful for this thanksgiving season.
This email may be one of the main ways I celebrate thanksgiving as they do not have that holiday here. I think us American will celebrate, but I am sure it will be nothing like home.
My days here are starting to turn into a more typical routine, which has been welcomed since I have been in flux for quite sometime. Monday through Friday I work at Rundu State Hospital in the Theatre (operating room) from 8 - 1 p.m. It is shorter hours, but I have stayed pretty busy most of the time I am there and don't typically get a big break or lunch. The 30 minute walks to and from work makes the day/ morning stretch even longer! The afternoon walk home can be partially painful as it is VERY hott here right now. One patient I saw last week was half eaten by a Hippo. (I do not recommend swimming in the river here!) He only had one arm and leg! Hopefully, he will keep his other leg, it does not look so great!
Tuesday and Friday afternoons are spent at the Orphan and Vulnerable Children Project in a small village about 5 kilometers outside of Rundu. Yes, I am starting to convert to kilometers and Celsius when it comes to measurements! I am also learning to drive on the “wrong” side of the road, shifting with my left hand! The children are so cute and fun to hang out with, but I ask you to pray for our group as we are not clear on what our role should and should not be in this project. It is not our desire to put a band aid (come in as "saviors") when dealing with the needs of this project; we desire our ministry to be sustainable. Pray that the Lord let leaders (that are not doing anything) give their positions up and allow the other leaders to rise up.
In general please continue to pray that are team continues to grow in depth and not just time spent together. Also pray for general health. It is hard to do ministry when you do not feel well. Lastly, please pray that the Lord will continue to put many people in our paths that we build solid relationships with!
Recently, I decided that you all should move to Africa!! I am frequently reminded of you all wishing could enjoy some of the sites and sounds of Africa. For example, my main source of transportation, when I am not walking, is riding in a back of a bukkie or truck as you may know it! It is incredible to stand up in the back of a truck and look at all the stars late at night!
There is so much material wealth that could expound of being partially grateful for, but much more than that I am grateful that the Lord is with me.
Praying for you all! Keep in touch! I have internet access at my fingertips!
In Christ Love and Happy Thanksgiving Season!
Alysse
I also recorded the following video of what I am most thankful for this thanksgiving season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buZI5Lvcx9I
Monday, November 15, 2010
Life does not have to be Measureable
I have been challenged over that last few weeks of how ministry does not need to be measureable! You may be thinking I am crazy for saying this; but, I honestly think it is not all about the outcome, much more about the process. When it comes to evangelism we want the outcome to be having a new believer. When it comes to a dying body we want a well body. When it comes to a broken mind we want a restored mind. When it comes to unjust social relationships and violence we want justice and reconciliation. When it comes to the decaying of creation we want sustained and restored creation. Above is a list of problem and results that we want… If all of the results happen we may consider our world transformed, “developed”, and maybe even more spiritual. While the results may look great often we only think about one or two aspects mentioned above. We qualify and think ‘we have made it’. Life is not about making or losing it – things that are measurable. LIFE is about SO much more!
I have been reading a book “Walking with the Poor”. At the end of the last chapter this really stuck out to me: “We know we cannot bring the kingdom, yet we are committed to work for its coming. Living and working in the sinful here and now, while believing in the coming of the sinless kingdom, is a uniquely Christian stance. Care needs to be taken that we understand that we are being asked by God to be obedient, not successful.”
Life is far more about being faithful and obedient to the Lord than placing a tick mark of your “good deed for the day”. (Although I am not in anyways discounting the need for discipline.) “It is a glorious revelation to realize that we are not big enough to find our own way or to meet our own needs, but there is One who is.” “He enters our existence and brings order where there is chaos, life where there is death. Where there is ambiguity, God brings certainty, and were there is ignorance, he brings knowledge and truth. These qualities – order, life, certainty, knowledge, and truth – can come only out of the biblical view of God.” (This Day With the Master)
Life is far more about simply following Jesus.
Serving as Jesus served.
Caring as Jesus cared.
Loving as Jesus loved.
Following or redeemed and risen Lord!
As I reflect on my own thoughts above I am challenged to pose this question to you.
“Are you at peace in not seeing measurable outcomes?”
(In no way am I discrediting the power of a changed heart, mind, and spirit.)
And with controversy I ask. “Are you at peace doing whatever ministry or job you do without ever seeing measureable differences or transformation in the lives of the people you touch? Would you continue to do that thing if you never saw the difference you were making?”
I can not say that I always speak or act with a heart of contentment and peace; but my prayer is that I will live Hebrews 11:1 “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”.
I have been reading a book “Walking with the Poor”. At the end of the last chapter this really stuck out to me: “We know we cannot bring the kingdom, yet we are committed to work for its coming. Living and working in the sinful here and now, while believing in the coming of the sinless kingdom, is a uniquely Christian stance. Care needs to be taken that we understand that we are being asked by God to be obedient, not successful.”
Life is far more about being faithful and obedient to the Lord than placing a tick mark of your “good deed for the day”. (Although I am not in anyways discounting the need for discipline.) “It is a glorious revelation to realize that we are not big enough to find our own way or to meet our own needs, but there is One who is.” “He enters our existence and brings order where there is chaos, life where there is death. Where there is ambiguity, God brings certainty, and were there is ignorance, he brings knowledge and truth. These qualities – order, life, certainty, knowledge, and truth – can come only out of the biblical view of God.” (This Day With the Master)
Life is far more about simply following Jesus.
Serving as Jesus served.
Caring as Jesus cared.
Loving as Jesus loved.
Following or redeemed and risen Lord!
As I reflect on my own thoughts above I am challenged to pose this question to you.
“Are you at peace in not seeing measurable outcomes?”
(In no way am I discrediting the power of a changed heart, mind, and spirit.)
And with controversy I ask. “Are you at peace doing whatever ministry or job you do without ever seeing measureable differences or transformation in the lives of the people you touch? Would you continue to do that thing if you never saw the difference you were making?”
I can not say that I always speak or act with a heart of contentment and peace; but my prayer is that I will live Hebrews 11:1 “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
My Address
Address
Alysse Cuthbert
P.O. Box 428
Rundu, Namibia
(yes, just that simple - no zip code - no country code - no need to put Africa on it. It should get here with just those basics)
Also, I was told that the cheapest way to side things may be to go to the mail office and ask for a Priority Mail Flat Rate Box. This does not base what you put in the box on weight and thus you are able to send me heavy things. I was also told (you will have to fill out a piece of paper saying what is in the box) that if you put things like, medical textbooks or books or medications on that piece of paper they will tax me inappropriately for that. So please whatever you put on that paper keep it simple and very general and do not put things on that list that you may be expensive. I do not really want to pay extra tax (kind of as a bribe) for things already purchased by you.
Make sure you send things by AIRMAIL or I heard it can take over 3 to 6 months to receive things! I have heard it can take up to 6 weeks with AIRMAIL (which in no way surprises me!)
I live in Africa now.
If you are going to send me a package please email me first. It will still suprise me when it comes, but I may be wanting something specific so please let me know.
Thanks a bunch,
alysse
Alysse Cuthbert
P.O. Box 428
Rundu, Namibia
(yes, just that simple - no zip code - no country code - no need to put Africa on it. It should get here with just those basics)
Also, I was told that the cheapest way to side things may be to go to the mail office and ask for a Priority Mail Flat Rate Box. This does not base what you put in the box on weight and thus you are able to send me heavy things. I was also told (you will have to fill out a piece of paper saying what is in the box) that if you put things like, medical textbooks or books or medications on that piece of paper they will tax me inappropriately for that. So please whatever you put on that paper keep it simple and very general and do not put things on that list that you may be expensive. I do not really want to pay extra tax (kind of as a bribe) for things already purchased by you.
Make sure you send things by AIRMAIL or I heard it can take over 3 to 6 months to receive things! I have heard it can take up to 6 weeks with AIRMAIL (which in no way surprises me!)
I live in Africa now.
If you are going to send me a package please email me first. It will still suprise me when it comes, but I may be wanting something specific so please let me know.
Thanks a bunch,
alysse
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Highlights from the Week of Nov. 1st, 2010
Rundu, Namibia and around. Week of Nov. 1st, 2010 to Nov. 7th, 2010
I’m not really sure how to sum up this past week. A lot happens even in one week and if I stopped and recalled everyday; you may get bored after a while.
Highlights of my past week.
A Safari!! On Monday we went to two parks and a beautiful Lodge in between the parks. The best one was the Buffalo Park. I will have pictures up very soon! Words can not to it justice! I was one of the most refreshing days of my life. The Lord has blessed us with amazing creation and creatures.
Starting at Rundu State Hospital.
To those of you at Riley Operating Room: this is called the Theater and completely different! I am not totally sure how to describe sterile! J It has been a good experience overall and I am getting some good experiences already.
I have seen a lot in a short amount of time and mainly just help circulating thus far.
Wednesday I saw two C-sections and Thursday three; one of them were twins! I scrubbed once a little case. Also have seen open laps. and a couple GU cases.
This is only the beginning!
The Orphan and Vulnerable Children Project (OVC) went well this week. I am starting to build relationships with many of the young girls (about 9-13 years old) and will enjoy continuing to pour into their life.
Yes, I did have some lowlights during this week and there are many things that I am continually having to process, but the Lord is faithful.
In Christ’s Love,
Alysse
I’m not really sure how to sum up this past week. A lot happens even in one week and if I stopped and recalled everyday; you may get bored after a while.
Highlights of my past week.
A Safari!! On Monday we went to two parks and a beautiful Lodge in between the parks. The best one was the Buffalo Park. I will have pictures up very soon! Words can not to it justice! I was one of the most refreshing days of my life. The Lord has blessed us with amazing creation and creatures.
Starting at Rundu State Hospital.
To those of you at Riley Operating Room: this is called the Theater and completely different! I am not totally sure how to describe sterile! J It has been a good experience overall and I am getting some good experiences already.
I have seen a lot in a short amount of time and mainly just help circulating thus far.
Wednesday I saw two C-sections and Thursday three; one of them were twins! I scrubbed once a little case. Also have seen open laps. and a couple GU cases.
This is only the beginning!
The Orphan and Vulnerable Children Project (OVC) went well this week. I am starting to build relationships with many of the young girls (about 9-13 years old) and will enjoy continuing to pour into their life.
Yes, I did have some lowlights during this week and there are many things that I am continually having to process, but the Lord is faithful.
In Christ’s Love,
Alysse
Photos!
Look under pages on the left side of my blog
and you can find a link to some photos from Namibia Fall 2010.
and you can find a link to some photos from Namibia Fall 2010.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
driving the bakkie
Driving the Bakkie
Things I experienced.
- Driver on the opposite side of truck (bakkie).
- Drive on the opposite side of road.
- Driving using stick shift.
- Shifting using my left hand.
- First I had to use reverse.
- Don't hit the cows! I as soon as I turned around the bakkie there were many cows and "Sheppards" crossing the driveway.
- Once on the road (all of it is sand), there were three little boys chasing us like dogs. Like dogs and trying to jump on the bummer. I looked for one and he was lying in the middle of the road. Yes, the middle of the road.
Despite all the above, I never staled out and honestly, I really did not think it was that hard!
I will be driving here and it will be great! So excited!
Things I experienced.
- Driver on the opposite side of truck (bakkie).
- Drive on the opposite side of road.
- Driving using stick shift.
- Shifting using my left hand.
- First I had to use reverse.
- Don't hit the cows! I as soon as I turned around the bakkie there were many cows and "Sheppards" crossing the driveway.
- Once on the road (all of it is sand), there were three little boys chasing us like dogs. Like dogs and trying to jump on the bummer. I looked for one and he was lying in the middle of the road. Yes, the middle of the road.
Despite all the above, I never staled out and honestly, I really did not think it was that hard!
I will be driving here and it will be great! So excited!
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