ts1230

It’s Wednesday. Today is the day where you exhale slowly encouraged by the fact that the weekend is almost here. Go on–give that little exclamation of glee. “Hump Day”, as Wednesday is, maybe not so affectionately, referred to by many represents overcoming a barrier of sorts that is Monday and Tuesday. This idea actually draws from a chemical concept known as Activation Energy. It is that barrier or “hill” that must be overcome through the use of a catalyst so that products may be formed. This catalyst, which coaxes a reaction along, provides the much needed boost, this energy of activation, to propel us over the “hump” and into the downhill descent. Before I bore you miserably to death with talk of catalysts and chemical reactions, allow me to put things into perspective: you’re halfway there, those products (Friday and Saturday) are on the brink of being formed. Hang in there.

For Homecoming, the international student community warmly received international alumni at the highly anticipated Rafiki Open House. Amidst the hustle and bustle characteristic of this event, a selection of foods from a host of different countries was prepared and displayed to be feasted upon by our deserving alumni. My small contribution to the event was a dish that (next to peas ‘n’ rice) is commonplace at Bahamian meals. Interestingly, the name by which it is commonly called, Macaroni, is very similar to the mac & cheese familiar to most of us, with the exception that this version is made casserole-style. It was encouraging to see the huge turn-out of guests as well as the pleasure on people’s faces as they sampled this delicious fare. Moreover, I was especially comforted to know that long after we graduate, Messiah will still be a place where we can come back to our niche and feel right at “home”.

Ever feel like your amibitions far exceed realistic possibilities? My parents (and I’m sure many of yours as well) drilled into me the mantra: “you can do anything that you set your mind to” and the oxymoronic “never say never”. But, an acknowledgement of our inadequacies gives us the benefit of not being misled by disillusionment. Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to bash anyone who has an inkling of confidence or is even remotely self-assured. Confidence is indispensable. But, what I am trying to toss around is the idea that a dose of failure every now and then is healthy. It keeps us grounded.

Interestingly, I found that a number of my classes overlap with similar theological undercurrents–no surprise there right? The idea of God as Creator and Sustainer was consistently hammered home. A self-sufficient person has no need for a sustaining and redeeming God. Everytime we fail, we are reminded of the fact that, as the creature, we are bound to our Creator. It seems ludicrous to think that failure ought to be celebrated. However, there are numerous Biblical accounts that demonstrate God’s power at its best when we fail. David is a prime example of this. Despite his acts of adultery and murder, God considered David a “man after God’s own heart”. From this we can take comfort in knowing that failure is by no means a measure of our own personal capabilities; but, that failure can be a vessel for God to pour out His providence–which is inexhaustible.

On Friday night, the international, missionary and third culture kids (ISA MuKappa) hosted a BBQ to officially welcome the new Director of International Student Programs, Dorca Kisare-Ressler. Being out there, in the backyard of Rafiki House, brought back a flood of memories of my first year at Messiah. One of those fond memories turned out to be what a close-knit community we, as international students, have. This community fosters understanding, acceptance, and support. It was demonstrated through the willingness of upperclassmen to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. Whether it was by extraordinary grilling expertise, Sarah, or by starting an impromptu session of soccer, Sam, it was truly refreshing to see everyone reflecting what Sam, our chaplain, terms “the Church of Galatia”.