In a few short weeks, I will arrive upon the one year anniversary marking my acceptance to Teach for America. At about this time last year, I was in the final stage of the interview process. I remember how nervous I was riding the train to Philadelphia by myself-my first time in the city. I remember how the cold stung my cheeks as I walked to Temple University, how clammy my hands were in the office and how ironic I thought it was that the receptionist was a Christian. All that day, the hand of God was leading me--showing me that He was with me. I remember crying during my interview, asking a veteran corps member how she dealt with the challenges, my heart already breaking for my children. I remember leaving that interview knowing that I was going to be a teacher.
Shortly after I got accepted, I decided that for the first time in my life, I was going to chronicle the journey God was taking me on. It is so easy to forget where we have come from--how faithful the Lord has been. I am so glad that I did. From this humble little blog, I believe that God has broken my heart and the hearts of His people for my babies here at Little Wound.
For some reason, I felt like God wanted me to take the time today to explain the title of my blog "Lakota Rapha: Let the Healing Coming." Names have always been very important to me (maybe because I dislike mine so much). As I mulled over many possibilities, I felt God leading me to choose the current title. In a way, it describes my purpose here. "Lakota" of course refers to the Oglala Lakota--the people I am serving here. "Rapha" is Hebrew for "heal" or "healer". I am sure many of you have heard the term Jehovah Rapha"-God the Healer. Fused, Lakota and Rapha become my prayer: the healing of the Lakota--not just any healing but the healing power of God. Government aid won't heal them, anthropologist won't heal them, medicine men won't heal them. Only the transformative power of God will redeem the Lakota people and use their beautiful culture for His glory. That is my prayer, that they may know the healing I and believers before me have come to know. This is a healing that can come from God alone.
In case you didn't know,
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2 comments:
haha, I know! Really, when you think about it, we have both "met" AND gotten to know each other ALL online, ha. I guess that just makes us cyber pals!!! hahaha, jk! (At least we are mature enough in our cyber friendship to have moved beyond Facebook! hahaha) I still remember the first e-mail I sent you and being so nervous because I believe you had said that you had a mind to "rip his arm off" due to a certain picture you had found of me and a particular younger sister of yours on Facebook...?? hahaha. ;-)
Yes, we have moved past Facebook. And I will still rip your arm off if necessary!
With love :)
BB
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