June 6, 1987 Bogota, Colombia - Cold
"Wait For The Lord; Have Heart, Be Strong And Wait For The Lord." --Psalm 27:14
Thank you Lord for this day, for our small family, for Lyle for our home, for Bogota and all of Colombia. They are all yours. Thank you Lord, for our parents who love and support us with their prayers and money. Lord, bless them with every good thing, with every good gift, with life and health and physical provision.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
June 5, 1987 - Walk around the colisum
June 5, 1987 Bogota, Colombia
Cool & Rainy
"I Love The House Where You Live, Oh Lord, The Place Where Your Glory Dwells". ---Psalm 26:8
Lord, I pray for grace to walk in the spirit more fully each day. Help me to choose Your way, instead of my own. "Set my feet on level ground; in the great assembly, I will praise the Lord. --Psalm 26;12
Each morning when I take my walk, around the Coliseum. I’m amazed at what I see. As I walk around the Coliseum I see beggars sleeping under the shelter of it on the hard concrete with a blanket over them. Sometimes, they lay out in the grass. In some places around he stadium, here are piles of manure where they have relieved themselves. And there are trash pickers who pick thru our trash and salvage scraps they think are useful. I watched one day as a family picked thru the trash. The man, about 20-30 years old, found a straw hat and proceeded to straighten it out and try it on for his wife. Grinning and strutting around some. He was obviously delighted with his find. This is a way of life, I cannot comprehend. I wonder how to relate to them. Is this the true poor, or do they choose to live this way? Father, grant us wisdom, help open our eyes to see what you have put before us. There is so much to do, help us to do that which you have called us to do. Separate us from the good things to do instead of the necessary things that you want us to do. Thank you Lord, for your love and care for us. We got a beautiful desk, curtains and bookcase. Thank you Lord. Rolsalba helped to deliver them, she is precious.
Cool & Rainy
"I Love The House Where You Live, Oh Lord, The Place Where Your Glory Dwells". ---Psalm 26:8
Lord, I pray for grace to walk in the spirit more fully each day. Help me to choose Your way, instead of my own. "Set my feet on level ground; in the great assembly, I will praise the Lord. --Psalm 26;12
Each morning when I take my walk, around the Coliseum. I’m amazed at what I see. As I walk around the Coliseum I see beggars sleeping under the shelter of it on the hard concrete with a blanket over them. Sometimes, they lay out in the grass. In some places around he stadium, here are piles of manure where they have relieved themselves. And there are trash pickers who pick thru our trash and salvage scraps they think are useful. I watched one day as a family picked thru the trash. The man, about 20-30 years old, found a straw hat and proceeded to straighten it out and try it on for his wife. Grinning and strutting around some. He was obviously delighted with his find. This is a way of life, I cannot comprehend. I wonder how to relate to them. Is this the true poor, or do they choose to live this way? Father, grant us wisdom, help open our eyes to see what you have put before us. There is so much to do, help us to do that which you have called us to do. Separate us from the good things to do instead of the necessary things that you want us to do. Thank you Lord, for your love and care for us. We got a beautiful desk, curtains and bookcase. Thank you Lord. Rolsalba helped to deliver them, she is precious.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
May 12, 1987 - laughter
May 12, 1987 Bogota, Columbia
Warm & Sunday
"But I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me". -- Pslam 13:5 & 6
This morning after we dropped off Ruthie and Johnny at the nursery, I went with Joseph to Los Andes University while he took his mid-term exam. It's a beautiful campus on the hillside Afterwards we had an Arepa & Gaseosa. Then we went to Banco de Bogota to pick up our transfer. It only takes them 3 days to get the transfer but it takes them 10 days to give it to us. How frustrating, to say it nicely.
Anyway, this month’s transfer was $1,800, $500 for Lyle, totaling in $2,300 and 50,000 in Pesos. Joseph hadn't anticipated how large the pile of cash would be so he got frustrated and started stuffing money in his pockets. He turned around to walk out and stepped over the rope that separates the lines, and the rope fell. He tried to pick it up but it was broken so he awkwardly handed it to the security guard. \The clerk called him back to get the rest of his money (a few loose bills), he got then the clerk called him back to get a loose coins. By this time many people at the Bank were smiling and looking at the Gringo. We walked out and Joseph hailed the first cab he saw. We get in and he immediately starts to unload the money into my bag. I've never been so shook up, he reached into his pocket and pulled out 200 pesos for the Taxi Driver. We then went to go pay the girls tuition and then went to Burger King. Joseph placed his order and the girl behind the counter said: "I'm sorry we're out of hamburgers, would you like a Chicken sandwich instead"?
Well, the spirit of joy came over me and I laughed till I cried. Whoever heard of Burger King not having not having any burgers?! Ha! Thank you Don Crooks, for your prayers. Anyway, we made it home. At 9pm I called Daddy to wish him a Happy Birthday, Jack & Betsy had just been there to deliver the fruit basket and book I had asked them to get for him. They were a bit emotional but it was good to talk to them. They really seem to be doing well l and growing with the Lord. At 11:49pm Dan Immel called and we talked for almost an hour. He will be coming to Columbia on June 12th for 2 weeks. After his call, I got the giggles again and laughed till 2am.
NOTE from JOSEPH: I remember this well. It was traumatizing ... but later it was hilarious Humor is SO essential for dealing with the stress of cross-cultural adaptation!
Warm & Sunday
"But I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me". -- Pslam 13:5 & 6
This morning after we dropped off Ruthie and Johnny at the nursery, I went with Joseph to Los Andes University while he took his mid-term exam. It's a beautiful campus on the hillside Afterwards we had an Arepa & Gaseosa. Then we went to Banco de Bogota to pick up our transfer. It only takes them 3 days to get the transfer but it takes them 10 days to give it to us. How frustrating, to say it nicely.
Anyway, this month’s transfer was $1,800, $500 for Lyle, totaling in $2,300 and 50,000 in Pesos. Joseph hadn't anticipated how large the pile of cash would be so he got frustrated and started stuffing money in his pockets. He turned around to walk out and stepped over the rope that separates the lines, and the rope fell. He tried to pick it up but it was broken so he awkwardly handed it to the security guard. \The clerk called him back to get the rest of his money (a few loose bills), he got then the clerk called him back to get a loose coins. By this time many people at the Bank were smiling and looking at the Gringo. We walked out and Joseph hailed the first cab he saw. We get in and he immediately starts to unload the money into my bag. I've never been so shook up, he reached into his pocket and pulled out 200 pesos for the Taxi Driver. We then went to go pay the girls tuition and then went to Burger King. Joseph placed his order and the girl behind the counter said: "I'm sorry we're out of hamburgers, would you like a Chicken sandwich instead"?
Well, the spirit of joy came over me and I laughed till I cried. Whoever heard of Burger King not having not having any burgers?! Ha! Thank you Don Crooks, for your prayers. Anyway, we made it home. At 9pm I called Daddy to wish him a Happy Birthday, Jack & Betsy had just been there to deliver the fruit basket and book I had asked them to get for him. They were a bit emotional but it was good to talk to them. They really seem to be doing well l and growing with the Lord. At 11:49pm Dan Immel called and we talked for almost an hour. He will be coming to Columbia on June 12th for 2 weeks. After his call, I got the giggles again and laughed till 2am.
NOTE from JOSEPH: I remember this well. It was traumatizing ... but later it was hilarious Humor is SO essential for dealing with the stress of cross-cultural adaptation!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
May 2, 1987 - "Morning by morning"
May 2, 1987 Bogota, Columbia
"Morning by morning, Oh Lord you hear my voice. Morning by morning I lay my requests before you and await expectation" --Psalm 5:3
Lord, this morning I lay these requests before and await with expectation. Please watch over my parents, bless them and grant them peace. Joseph's parents also.
Our trip home in December, please make way before us. Make it clear, how long we are to stay. What things you'd have us do.
Our financial provision and abundance. So that we may the many things that we need as well as share with others. Why must we always be so tight? If it is your purpose, then so be it. But it doesn't fit my picture of "The King's Way" maybe my thoughts need to be changed.
"Morning by morning, Oh Lord you hear my voice. Morning by morning I lay my requests before you and await expectation" --Psalm 5:3
Lord, this morning I lay these requests before and await with expectation. Please watch over my parents, bless them and grant them peace. Joseph's parents also.
Our trip home in December, please make way before us. Make it clear, how long we are to stay. What things you'd have us do.
Our financial provision and abundance. So that we may the many things that we need as well as share with others. Why must we always be so tight? If it is your purpose, then so be it. But it doesn't fit my picture of "The King's Way" maybe my thoughts need to be changed.
Monday, October 15, 2012
April 18, 1987 - "Family"
Sometimes the call to serve God not only involves personal sacrifice, but those who we love most, our families, are also implicated in the cost of service. This is a hard thing ... to choose to serve even when our families must pay a price.
Saturday, April 18, 1987 Bogota, Colombia - Warm
It's been a bleesing having Andrew and Cathy McMillan here this week. Through them, Joseph as made contacts with Randy and Marcella McMillan the couple who started the Community of Faith Church in Cali and are responsible for the Community of Faith here in Bogota. Joseph also met some young men from Medellin and Cartagena. We had been specifically praying for contacts in Medellin and Joseph had prayed that he would meet these contacts within the next 2-3 years but had the impression that it would be within the next 2-3 weeks and he was right. I was a good time to make contacts and a time of refreshig Sunday and we attended the meeting, it was wonderful. Wonderful worship.
Sunday night, I called my parents. I talked to them. Tey are doing well and are attending Christian Union with John & Lucille on Sundays. (PTL!) Mom said Daddy, really enjoyed it and yesterday Gene, Amy and Judy attended with them because it was Easter. They also have a new lamb that they are really excited about. Mom said Dady wantedd to buy us a ticket home instead of them coming in July so we could have time with everyone and not just them. I felt disappointed and blessed at the same time. I love them and mis them so much. I am so grateful for my family. That has been the hardest part for me--not to have my family with me. If Mom and Dad were here, I think I would be fine. Lord, bless them financially for the way that hey have given to us. Bless their health and marriage. Bring them further healing Lord. Amen
Saturday, April 18, 1987 Bogota, Colombia - Warm
It's been a bleesing having Andrew and Cathy McMillan here this week. Through them, Joseph as made contacts with Randy and Marcella McMillan the couple who started the Community of Faith Church in Cali and are responsible for the Community of Faith here in Bogota. Joseph also met some young men from Medellin and Cartagena. We had been specifically praying for contacts in Medellin and Joseph had prayed that he would meet these contacts within the next 2-3 years but had the impression that it would be within the next 2-3 weeks and he was right. I was a good time to make contacts and a time of refreshig Sunday and we attended the meeting, it was wonderful. Wonderful worship.
Sunday night, I called my parents. I talked to them. Tey are doing well and are attending Christian Union with John & Lucille on Sundays. (PTL!) Mom said Daddy, really enjoyed it and yesterday Gene, Amy and Judy attended with them because it was Easter. They also have a new lamb that they are really excited about. Mom said Dady wantedd to buy us a ticket home instead of them coming in July so we could have time with everyone and not just them. I felt disappointed and blessed at the same time. I love them and mis them so much. I am so grateful for my family. That has been the hardest part for me--not to have my family with me. If Mom and Dad were here, I think I would be fine. Lord, bless them financially for the way that hey have given to us. Bless their health and marriage. Bring them further healing Lord. Amen
Friday, October 12, 2012
April 1, 1987 - A Bad day in Bogotá
Debbie and I moved with our children to Bogotá, Colombia in 1987 to work as missionaries with young singles and college undergrads. This particular journal entry represents one of her low points, just a few months after we arrived. Good Morning Lord, I'm sorry Lord, but physically, I'm very tired. I took the 4 children and went to Carulla last night to go shopping and we were there for hours. I brought the girls some Leggo like blocks which they are enjoying. At times i get frustrated because there are always people here and now Kico and Manuel's car is parked in the garage so the kids can't play there. And if its empty and someone comes with a car, the polite thing to do would be to let them park inside, Everyone thinks that our stuff is theirs. I told Joseph "my house is not even my own", at times I feel like weeping. And yesterday the girls left the door open while they were having a picnic outside and somehow a man slipped into our house and took our radio, tape player, Sarah's organ and slipped out again without anyone seeing or hearing him. The Lord gave me Psalm 142 before all this happened-- He knew! I was sitting right upstairs at the top of the stairs and I heard nothing. I was so disappointed. The two things that were a joy to us are now gone. We are thankful that he didn't take the computer, but it still hurts. It seems like we'e doing all the giving and no receiving. I told Joseph that, maybe I need to become a Christian like the man in the "Pineapple Story". Lord, please help me to release these things to you. They are your things anyway, they were bought with money given by you- so if it gets stolen-- I guess you have a reason. Your word says that You are our protection, so I leave the whole matter with you. I can't carry it, it's too heavy for me.
The Unforced Rhythms of Grace
Matt. 11:28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
The “Unforced Rhythms of Grace” is a phrase used by Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 in the Message translation. It became Debbie’s (and mine) favorite quote and a daily guide to the way she lived life. It reflected her ability to live in the moment, completely at peace, trusting God to take care of all the details of life without worry, stress or strain.
After talking this over with my son on a trip to Key West this week, I decided to begin to read through her daily journal which she kept for over 25 years, and to post selections on here. My long term goal is to write the story of her life, in particular, the last seven years in which she managed to love those around her, be at peace with herself and stay intensely joyful while in a life and death battle with terminal illness.
Please bookmark this blog and log in here on a regular basis to see posts from her journal.
Thank you all for your love, encouragement and prayers.
Joseph Holbrook
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