Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us cast off everything that hinders and the sin which so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race set before us and fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Someone at the …
Author Archives: lxsolson
Avia hitsaoka azy
“Oh come, let us adore him!” It was an ordinary day in an ordinary town with ordinary people. People followed a familiar routine or travelled to a familiar place. And right in the midst of the expected was the setting for the most extraordinary of people to be born. Some saw the signs and knew …
Vigil
Night has fallen. We’ve eaten our rice and said our nightly prayer. The students are already in bed, resting for tomorrow’s day of studies. At the sound of a knock, we slide open the deadbolt. “Vorona ve?” the visitor asks. Are you ready? “Andao”, let’s go, I reply. The night is pleasantly warm compared to …
Eyes of a Child
By spending my time teaching and attending schools around town, I’ve encountered just how much of a privilege my own schooling has been. But for someone who just finished college, in this time and place I don’t feel educated anymore. When my host siblings have questions on their assignments, they turn to their father for …
Mitsangatsangana
So far, my favorite malagasy word is mitsangatsangana. It embodies many concepts of things I like to do: go for a walk, a hike, or maybe even a picnic. Each day, as I go to work, I walk across town. As I go, fellow teachers, students, and friends alike ask if I will take a …
The Value of Time
Photo: Sitting in the yard cleaning rice When an English speaker asks me, “What is your biggest culture shock here?” I answer by making some joke about eating rice. Then, I talk about time and how different the “mora mora” culture is from American lifestyle. I like to go. I feel fulfilled when I am …
Lasagne Recipe
Step 5, ready to bakeSome of the most gracious and joyful people I’ve met. Step 1: Remember the family recipe. If you aren’t quite sure, dig out the old cookbook or click on Google’s first search result. Revision 1- Agree that it would be fun to make lasagne for your sister’s birthday because it would …
Motion
The street itself is alive. There are no painted lines and no signs. Raised sidewalks are as navigable to drivers as the street below. Each one knows the size of their vehicle to the millimeter, sliding into every and any space available as they meander in the direction of their destination. Through the stream of …
Pre-departure thoughts
It is so easy to be caught up in the chaos and uncertainty of moving across the world. My mind so easily spirals, telling me that I am slamming the door on my life and leaving everything and everyone behind. How is this even happening?! Then I remember your support: the well wishes, prayers, and …
Alexis in Madagascar! 