Rooted in Christ

On the drive from Gtown to Nairobi there is this tree we pass on the side of the road that has really stuck out to me. In this pic the shade is making it hard to see what makes it stand out but I am so thankful the Kary's pulled over, took a photo for me and even brightened the pic so that it captured the roots in the photo below. 

In Jeremiah 17: 8 it says, " He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought for it does not cease to bear fruit."

This tree is standing next to a dry river bed that most of the time is completely sandy. Twice a year, during rainy season, there can be rushing waters with a strong current passing through. During one of those times the waters washed away the bottom side of the tree exposing it's roots which were many and were very long. I felt like God was reminding me that this is how it is in my own life. That no matter what happens and comes our way we can rest assured in God's promises. This time on earth is just a passing vapor and we have eternity to look forward to. He will never leave us or forsake us. Jesus is preparing a place for us. He is our refuge and strength, our ever present help in times of trouble. We are set free from the bondage of sin and who the Son set free is free indeed. The grave has no claim on us as His children and He is victorious. There are lots of promises that are found in the Bible, these are just ones that immediately came to my mind. 

Promises by Maverick City 

Though the storms may come,
And the winds may blow,
I'll remain steadfast 
And let my heart learn
When you speak a Word
It will come to pass

Great is your faithfulness to me
From the rising sun
To the setting same
I will praise your name.
Great us your Faithfulness.

Some other news:

Righteous got accepted into Ethnos 360 Bible Institute in Wisconsin starting in August. We desire to go and "drop her off" as a family. We have not bought tickets to travel to the states yet nor have planned what that time might look like so stay tuned... 

In the meantime we are not taking the time as a family of 6 for granted! The girls recently wanted to dress up in prom dresses and take all different poses together. I was honored to be their photographer. 

Here is a look into the baseball game for Jaynisi and Josh's Puerto Rican/Dominican Republic themed birthday party. 

Team Dominican 

Team Puerto Rico 

Birthday dinner: Mafongo and tostones- two ways of cooking plantains. Rice and chicken with olives. Sauce=mayoketchup.

Our cooking class friend has been sending us the countdown to Ramadan each and every day. The above pic is one she sent over the weekend. It's been fascinating to see the preparation that happens from their end. I definitely have seen an increase amount of time dedicated to reading the quaran during the weeks leading up to Ramadan and know that will continue even during Ramadan as I have noticed in previous years.  I want this to convict and challenge me towards reading the Bible. 

Psalm 1:2-3 "Whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither, whatever they do prospers."
May this encourage all of us to dive into scripture to learn more about the Lord and all He has done and all He will do.
Let's be praying for our Muslim neighbors to have a desire to seek out truth and begin to question what they have always believed. As we are rooted and grounded in Christ we will be ready with answers and our lives will be a testimony that Jesus loves us all so much that He gave His life for us.