AquaVida (www.aquavida.org)

As many of you know, I attend DePaul University
with the purpose of (one day) graduating with my
master's in writing and publishing.

It's been...great, for the most part. A definite blessing.

And recently, I was given the opportunity to work with a
nonprofit organization called AquaVida. I am doing some
of their writing/editing, and I am excited because this
organization works towards global justice.

Jason Gonzales, who goes to my church, started AquaVida.
The organization's main goal is to bring clean water to those
that need it; and in April, a group of five men went to Patna,
India to drill a fresh-water well in the impoverished village.

Statistically speaking, 3.575 million people die
from water-related diseases each year. And most of these people
are children under the age of fourteen.

In sum, 884 million people in the world
do not have access to clean water.

It's a staggering injustice.





(Pictures by Ivan Lo: www.ivanlo.info)

And since India is a Hindu nation with a caste system,
the government's attitude towards the poor is generally
callous and uncharitable.

According to Hindu belief, the poor deserve to be poor because
of their actions in a past life. So the government does not
provide fresh water for many of the impoverished villages: the few
wells the government drilled for this particular village were
constructed improperly and dried up.

Because of the lack of fresh water and education, these villagers
are forced to drink from waste water, which leads to
potentially fatal diseases like malaria and diarrhea.




There is a great need in this village and many others like it.
And Aquavida's team went to India not only to drill a well
but also to show local mechanics how to drill effectively.
Since the Aquavida team returned to the US, three more wells
have been drilled and six have been earmarked.



Ever since I became a part of this organization,
God has really impressed two main things on my heart.

The first thing: God's decision to use his people to redeem injustice.

Proverbs 31:8-9
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy."

2 Corinthians 2:14
"Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere,
like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God."

That's a big responsibility.
And completely humbling.

It's even more humbling to realize that every injustice
in the world really serves as an opportunity for Christians
to show that Jesus cares about the suffering,
and desires to redeem it.

The second thing: Why am I so easily dissuaded from believing in big things?

Jason started this organization by using his skills/knowledge as
an entrepreneur. And each member of the Aquavida's team
contributed his own unique gifts: photography, engineering,
leadership, etc.

I have been reminded that each gift God gives us is meant to
be used. In small ways, but also in big ways, if we let Him.

And I have felt renewed in hope--
because God is moving amidst the suffering around us.







"And Jesus, sitting on the throne said,
'Look, I am making everything new!
I am the Alpha and the Omega--
the beginning and the end. To all who are thirsty,
I will give freely from the springs
of the water of life."
--Revelation 21:5-6

Blessed

Since I was robbed on Wednesday,
(What?! Still feels weird to say that)

I have been really blessed by God

through some wonderful people in my life.

It is easy for me to forget

that we all have the power within us

to show God's care and grace to the world,

and to our friends and family.

But I have been reminded this week

because I have known God's love and provision--

in mighty ways--through generous and self-less people.

You know who you are. And I am really grateful.

Bye Bye Stuff

Three weeks ago, I noticed that my GPS
was taken from my car.
I keep it in my glove compartment
and I don't know when it happened,
but it's gone.

Last night, someone got into our apartment
and stole Lisa's computer and my recently
purchased Mac.

I lost almost all of my writing.
And my photos. And some music.

This morning I woke up and realized that they
also stole my ipod.

And I just cried...again.

I know in my head that these things are just things--
but I feel so violated. And I loved those things,
especially my computer.

And with what has happened recently,
I can't help but think back.
Four weeks ago, I was probably more joyful
than I have ever been.

God spoke to me in really powerful ways.

It was one of those moments when God
stops you in your tracks. And pours His love
upon you...just because. And you think
to yourself that this is all you would ever need.
Because nothing is better than the love
and freedom I experienced in Jesus those couple weeks.

But since then, I have been tested.

One class I took this quarter is probably
the hardest class I have ever taken.
And it's been frustrating at times, draining,
and time-consuming.

My relationships with a couple of my friends
have also been tested recently.

And...to be obvious, my stuff keeps getting stolen,
while I am not making any money.

It has just been one of those times when
I have felt bogged down with details and tasks.
I have been frantically trying to check the next
thing off my list--and I have felt immersed in
things I don't particularly enjoy.

It's amazing how easily I forget the big picture
and lose sight of what I know is true.

And I have been tempted to worry.
It seems as if Jesus has asked me the question,
are you really content in Me?
And will you still "fix your eyes upon me"
through this?

And I realized that so often I want Jesus and...
that. Or this. I just want, want, want.

But what I really want is to walk through these
situations filled with grace. I want to honor
Jesus with my actions and faith, despite emotions.

And I don't want to be filled with anger,
or self-entitlement, or vengeful feelings.
Not towards anyone, and not towards whoever it is
that stole my stuff.

I am praying really hard. Because what kind of faith
do I have if I can't hold on to God's goodness
through all things? If I can't believe that He
is working every circumstance for my good?

These verses have been on my heart, over and over.

Romans 5:3-5~We can rejoice, too, when we run
into problems and trials, for we know that they
help us develop endurance. And endurance develops
strength of character, and character strengthens
our confident hope of salvation. And this hope
will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly
God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit
to fill our hearts with His love."

Phil 4: 11-13~For I have learned to be content with
whatever I have. I have learned the secret of living
in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach
or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything
through Christ who gives me strength."

These verses are where I want my heart to be.
I don't want to whine when trouble comes my way.
I want to learn to be content.

And I really want endurance.
And if these recent situations teach me endurance (And I
pray they do, more than anything else),
I accept it. And I even want it.

I am not going to say that is has been easy.
Or that I have been filled with grace throughout
all of this.

Because that would be lying.
And I try not to do that. :)

But I know that God's goodness always follows me.
And He already has provided in this situation
in so many ways.

And I am thankful for all the friends and family
that have been really supportive, prayerful,
and encouraging through all this.

Really thankful.

Kristin, Please Remember (Note to Self)

Your burdens are small.

And your God is big.

What--a new blog?!

Last night

all I wanted to do was write a new blog.

Is this a normal urge for me?

I would like to say yes, but I don't think I can claim that,
since I haven’t posted in months.

And despite the long hiatus,
all I wanted to do last night was write a blog.

So of course,
the blog site was…

yep.

“Temporarily out of service.”

“Sorry for the inconvenience.”
(quite possibly the most aggravating combination
of words known to man)

But today, when I finally had a chance to sit down and write,
with the blog site up and running again,
and my heart eager to share something new,

I just stared at the blank screen.

I forgot.

I forgot what I was going to write about.

And so my had-potential-for-real-insight blog...

turned into this.