My Reading List

Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris

"Theology matters because if we get it wrong, our whole life is wrong." "We're all theologians. The question is whether what we know about God is true."

Joshua Harris' latest book is more than "Theology for Dummies," but it does have a simple, relevant style that gave me not only a better intellectual grasp on the pillars of my faith, but engaged my heart in the beauty of the Good News.



I'm Not Hanging Noodles On Your Ears
by Jag Bhalla

…which is the Russian version of “I’m not pulling your leg.” This book of idioms from around the world is highly entertaining, even for more than language nerds like me.





Loving God With All Your Mind by Elizabeth George

I'm only about a fourth of the way through this one, but what I've read has been transformational. According to George, it really is possible--and a command--to take control of our thoughts such that they honor God. More than that, our mind is one of the primary means of conveying our love for God (through obedience). The parts I've read, entitled "Training Your Thoughts" and "Winning Over Worry" are saturated with excellent content.




El Retrato de Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

The movie poster for "The Portrait of Dorian Gray" caught my attention when I was in Buenos Aires, and then it came and went from theaters in Barranquilla before I had the chance to see it. I'd never read the classic, so a friend from church lent me her copy. It's been a couple years since I've read literature in Spanish, so this is a good mind-stretcher.



Just Do Something
By Kevin DeYoung

I just started this book but I can't recommend it enough. If you've ever been stumped by the question "What's God's will for my life?", this book is liberating. According to DeYoung, we Christians need to stop overspiritualizing every decision and just do something! Following God's will isn't some mystic process; it's walking in wisdom.

Que onda...

I’m such a sporadic blogger. The novelty has worn off for me, and possibly for my readers. I don’t know who my readers are, nor what they’re interested in. I try to avoid recounting the minutiae of my daily life, but maybe my posts about toilets and buses are lame, too. Regardless, it’s been a while since I’ve written an update about life in Barranquilla, so I’ll attempt to catch you all up.

Classes have been rolling along quite well. I feel like I’m teaching a lot more smoothly than last semester. Planning and administering lessons is noticeably easier—and more enjoyable—not that I’ve had a bit of experience



This afternoon we had our fifth meeting of the NLG (New Life Group) that I’m leading through VPU (Vida Para la Universidad, Colombia’s branch of Campus Crusade for Christ). I’m so thankful to God for the great leadership team he’s given me and for the students who have attended the group. Today our topic was loving others—especially the seemingly “unlovable” people (EGRs—Extra Grace Required people—in the words of Rick Warren). The other VPU leaders have gotten their groups underway as well, and this semester we’ve opened groups on two other campuses in Barranquilla. Now we’re looking ahead to Campus Mission 2011, the national conference in Cali in July!



In February I finally visited Parque Tayrona, a gorgeous national park near Santa Marta, a couple hours west of us on the coast. Honestly, it has the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been to. On the 90-minute hike to the beach, palm trees of all heights and shapes usher you along the path. Arriving at the beach of El Cabo, your eyes are almost overstimulated by the rich blues of the water and greens of the mountains.







A now for the highlight of the semester thus far: Miriam came to visit me! I can’t even describe how refreshing that week was. Though in many ways I feel in my element (in my “salsa” as they say in Spanish) here in Barranquilla, what I miss the most is connecting at a deeper level, not inhibited by language and cultural differences. Spending a week with my best friend was exactly what I needed!



On March 5-8th Barranquilla’s biggest event of the year took place: Carnaval! Second in size and fame only to the one in Rio de Janeiro, Barranquilla’s Carnaval is four days of recocha (partying, disorder, crazyness). Though it has historical and cultural significance, it’s also an excuse to party, drink, take time off work, and in general live it up. Actually, among Christians, Carnaval is a really controversial subject, because of the “vices” associated with it. After hearing Barranquilleros proudly talking about this celebration all year, I definitely wanted to check it out. Knowing that there are unsavory aspects, I see Carnaval as an important part of the culture I’m living in and worth experiencing. So Miriam and I attended the parade of the opening day, called Batalla de Flores (Battle of Flowers). Elaborate floats, traditional costumed characters, and just plain weirdos walked, ran, rolled, and danced down Via 40. And from all sides we got sprayed with foam and cold water—that’s just part of the deal. I’m not sure I agree with Celia Cruz—that “la vida es un carnaval”—but Barranquilla’s Carnaval is certainly an experience like no other!



Taboo

-"Have you gained weight?" "You look fatter."
-"How much do you get paid?"
-"Are you on your period? Because your face is breaking out more than usual."

Obviously to American ears, these questions and comments are more than likely to surprise,bother, or offend us. But I'm beginning to understand that these are all perfectly normal things to say, with no intention to offend, so now I'm less taken aback.

It makes me wonder, conversely, what topics are normal for Americans but "taboo" in Colombia. Even after so much time here, I haven't put my finger on many. Still doing my research :)