Wolfhowler

2nd Independence Day

It happens that Venezuela celebrates it's Independence Day on 5th of July, the day after the US celebrates the same momentous day.

This trip to Venezuela has helped me to view the country of my birth with a new perspective.

A lot of changes have taken place since Chávez became president. He began his presidency with a strong commitment to change the politics of greed and corruption which has marked the last 30+ years.

Since taken office President Chávez has declared himself to be a new Socialist with a Bolivarian perspective. This is a good thing that escapes the understanding of most outside Venezuela. 

This vision originates with Simón Bolivar, who is buried in El Panteón Nacional (left). Bolivar a Venezuelan who broke the colonizing power that Spain had over the country went on to also liberate Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia.

Long before the European Union, back in the early 1800's, he dreamed of the Latin countries being united as one. Petty interest and selfish ambition of local leaders prevented the dream to come to fruition.

President Chávez has worked to revive Bolivar's dream. However in the process, he has firmly established a very close partnership with Fidel Castro of Cuba and the leaders of Iran. In the other hand, he has come to known as one of the loudest voices against the United States.

While admiring Chávez's vision, I'm disappointed with his methods. The "us versus them" mentality is the standard modus operandi which has characterized political history. I wish Chavez would work for a new order which is all inclusive and is in favor of those deemed "least" in our societies.

From most perspectives this approach sounds illusive, however, the power of God is behind these principles. Therefore, it will work, no matter how small or insignificant any particular effort may seem.

I was excited to see an example of care for the "least" while in Caracas. Traffic in the city is heavy, lots of expensive SUV's everywhere; with US$0.20 per gallon gas is cheaper than water!. However, now days  people can enjoy a very efficient subway system and students, the disabled and seniors can travel for free!. Here is Zak and my Mom in one of the subway stations.

I saw other examples of medical care, food availability and housing which modeled care for the "least" in society. If this is possible in these spheres then it has to possible in all spheres of life.

A closer look at what is happening in Venezuela, a look beyond the rhetoric, will reveal very good things. 

My question is, how can Venezuela become a model of hope and peace for the nations of the world? 

Independence

I just finished reading The Shack by William P. Young. My friend Jim Yost recommended that I read it. The author lived in Jim’s adopted land of Papua. Surprisingly the book is now #5 in the US.

The book has deeply impacted my life. I want to encourage all my friends to get a copy and read it. I promise you will not be able to put it down until it is finished.

It recounts the story of Mack, a man who lived with a great sorrow for his precious little daughter, who was abducted and murdered while on a camping trip. A few years later he gets a strange invitation to meet with Papa. This stranger ends up being three peculiar individuals who end up revealing the deepest secrets of his own life and of life as it was meant to be lived.

On this 4^th of July, I’m mulling over an interesting paragraph, which talks about a deeper aspect of “Independence”… please consider it’s upside down implications.

“Then why did you give us those commandments?” asked Mack.

“Actually, we wanted you to give up trying to be righteous on your own. It was a mirror to reveal just how filthy your face gets when you live independently.”

“But I’m sure you know there are many,” responded Mack, “who think they are made righteous by following the rules.”

“But can you clean your face with the same mirror that shows you how dirty you are? There is no mercy or grace in rules, not even for one mistake. That’s why Jesus fulfilled all of it for you - so that it no longer has jurisdiction over you. And the Law that once contained impossible demands – Thou shall not… - actually becomes a promise we fulfill in you.”

She was on a roll now, her countenance billowing and moving. “But keep in mind that if you live your life alone and independently, the promise is empty. Jesus laid the demand of the law to rest; it no longer has any power to accuse or command. Jesus is both the promise and its fulfillment.”

“Are you saying that I don’t have to follow the rules?” Mack has now completely stopped eating and was concentrating on the conversation.

“Yes. In Jesus you are not under any law. All things are lawful.”

“You can’t be serious! You’re messing with me again,” moaned Mack.

“Child” interrupted Papa, “you ain’t heard nuthin’ yet.”

“Mackenzie,” Sarayu continues, “those who are afraid of freedom are those who can not trust us to live in them. Trying to keep the law is actually a declaration of independence, a way of keeping control.” *

* William P Young “The Shack” Windblown Media 2008 pp 202-203 

My Grandmother

I back from Venezuela but I had very limited internet access while there so I will share some things that were special to me this last week.

One of the main reasons I went over was to visit my Grandma. Her name is Lourdes but we all know her by Ma Lule. She is 93 years old and she is has cancer. Her mind was lucid and while in pain, she was strong and looked good.

My Dad was her first son and I'm her first grandson. That put me in a special place, at least in relationship to her. She had 18 kids and 103 grandchildren and many great-grand children. Several of her children, including my own Dad have passed away. 

She has lived as very strong woman on her own in a farm two hours away from Caracas. Some of my aunts and uncles and their families live near by. They go to the church which was built next to her house. In her back yard she has avocado, mango and orange trees. The avocados are very delicious and they are the size of small papayas!

Her parents were some of the first local people who received the foreigners who brought the understanding of a intimate relationship with Jesus to Venezuela.

My Grandma told me some stories of my Dad and others which I did not know. The journey into the past of my ancestors helped me understand and appreciate the heritage that I have received.

My uncle Joel (green shirt), Jerson and my aunts Betty and Yasmin made great food and told us many special stories.

Experiencing all this love was very special and something very special began to happen inside my heart. 

 

Tio Rafael

It is cloudy and raining here, it is not what I hoped for but and it will surely but a crimp on our plans to go to the beach but it is the way things are.

Yesterday was a national holiday, Venezuela celebrated the last battle which sealed it's independence from Spain. It was a quiet day and we just stayed at my cousin's home.

Tio Rafael (with white shirt) came to visit with Alfredo and Susana, my cousins. I have fond memories of my childhood with my uncle.

He was a Venezuelan Marine and retired a few years ago. He is now 70 years old and we spent the day sharing many memories and experiences.

My Tio had a major influence in my life. I had the opportunity to have spent time with him in various places while he was doing specialized training. As a 13 year old, I stayed with him in Virginia and South Carolina. This was a very special treat.

Zak is having a good time. He is showing off his internet skills finding free internet games. He is also enjoying communicating in Spanish.

  

To Venezuela

I left the country of my birth when I was 16…(that was 33 years ago) and since then I have only come back three times to visit. Is not that I don’t wish to return but somehow it just does not work out.

But now, Lourdes, my 96 year-old Grandmother is in her last days and I want to be see her before she passes away. She has been an amazing woman. She had 19 (yes nineteen) children and has been strong and healthy all her life.

My Dad was her first child and I’m her first grandchild. Like her Mom who lived to be a 100, she has prayed for me for many years.

I’m coming with Zak. He has been to Venezuela once before but he has no memory of the trip, he was only 3 years old. He loves to speaks Spanish and is a Venezuelan in his heart, loving to hug and laugh all the time.

I’m also looking forward to the good food, good drinks and the special company of all my relatives… all 300 or so of them!

We’ll be there for only one week and I hope to be able to share more on my experiences.

Father's Day

Yesterday was a special day for me. I enjoyed being with my kids. We shared food, thoughtful cards, a cool book of sea life and a few laughs. 

It started with breakfast with Zak, then a small lunch with Danilee and Natasha and an afternoon barbeque with my grandchildren, Danilee, Natasha, Zak and Michael and N8 friends.

I was inspired in the morning service when Kelly quoted the words of Henri Nouwen "we are no longer children seeking to be blessed but fathers seeking our children to bless them".

I opened my heart to recognize my own desire to do the exact opposite. I want to be blessed by my children. I have expected many times one thing or another from them but when I seek to bless, I have also been blessed.

Zak and I had to leave the party early for he was having an "sleep study" at Denver's Children Hospital. 

After we got there he was promptly wired and readied for his sleep. Thankfully he went to sleep rather quickly but had to be woken around 0300am for a breathing mask. He had a hard time sleeping after that but eventually he slept again... till 0600 when we were awaken as the test was finished.

A very short night indeed...

Zak does not enjoy being in the hospital and neither does he appreciate even the kind nurses poking him about. Nevertheless, I'm always so challenged by his attitude of acceptance and submission to what he needs to go through.

We made fun of the process and somehow managed to overcome the discomfort of it all.

It was a special time for both of us.

12 June

Today was an interesting day. It was supposed to be a day of joy. Since February, I been thinking that I was to be married today but it was not to be so.

Instead I took Zak to the hospital in Denver for a CT scan.

A few days ago, he was examined by a lung specialist and he told us that Zak had a 17 degree change for the worse, this has happened in just 40 days. His lung capacity is now limited to 25% of what is expected.

The doctor is trying to find a way get him scheduled for surgery sooner than 30th July for the heart and the lungs could be injured under the pressure of his curvature.

Zak does not like all the things that go on in these hospital visits. But today he was very courageous and he did well.

However, I had a hard time cheering him up as my own heart was sad to see the condition of his back and chest.

Now I sit alone in front of the computer and I open the pain of my heart as a way to set these realities down and let another day come to the end with hope that tomorrow something new will happen.

Such is life...

Michael's Day

Michael has always been disappointed whenever his was not able to celebrate his birthday on 9th June, his birthday. Many times he was not able to enjoy the attention but not today.

We all got together to enjoy the meal he requested. I made 18 Arepas (Venezuela's main staple) and fried plantains, Matthew and Kim brought the trimmings, Natasha played the piano, Zak played games in the computer and Danilee and Jon brought a nice cake.

Each one took turns to tell our favorite Michael story. The worst we could come up was his favorite insult... calling others "armpit".

These days Michael is saving money riding his motorcycle and making money in order to pay for his school.

Enjoy your 23rd. birthday big guy!

To Papua

My last time here was 2001. Lot's of things have changed and many remain the same, I'm sure they have but I will check it out.

This time I'm going with Kris. Here eating Durian (his fave) the fruit that smells like hell but tastes like heaven! Together we make a good team. Even though I still can't handle Durian (unless is from Nias) Our last trip last trip like this was to Nias after the Tsunami.

Kris has had a vision for this part of Indonesia for a long time. He has a strong desire to see Indonesia changed and he is convinced that this work can best be done in this place.

Over a year ago, Kris insisted to send one of his disciples over there. Rudy has done a good job and are running Faith House, a house open to the youth in Jayapura.

About a month ago, Kris encouraged his sister to also go there and start a restaurant business. She has settled well also.

We fly out Sunday night at 2300 and will arrive Monday at 0700. It is another long flight.

The leadership there will be gathering for an event sponsored by the local governor. I will be speaking and sharing on "To move forward we must start upside down".

I will be there till the 17th and Kris will stay on for a couple more weeks.

In Jakarta

After a long long flight and an overnight at the Singapore airport I finally arrived in Jakarta.

It's been ten years since the first time I came here. The changes have been quite amazing.

The first time the Suharto regime had just been toppled and the destruction in many of the streets of Jakarta reminded me of Beirut.

Today there is a democratically elected government but the price of the basic commodities have increased beyond the levels most people can afford and their income levels have decreased. Things are only getting worse.

Socially, there have also been major changes, recently a popular branch of Islam has been labeled as heretical raising questions about the validity of the constitutional protection of one's religion.

Our team is focused on serving the poor and we face the reality of these difficulties ourselves. However, we are optimistic in spite of these difficulties,  that the future holds great opportunities for us to help people experience real life.

So we keep on keeping on!