9 Jan 2009
As we continue to pray for a permanent ceasefire of the ongoing conflict in Gaza (sadly a perennial problem in that area since biblical days – just read the Book of Maccabees!), may I offer you a short respite from the despairing news and images of war, terror and hate….
Here’s a short 5 minute video clip of my recent Safari adventure in Nakuru and Naivasha in the Great African Rift Valley of Kenya! Perhaps this little clip may entice some of you to come to exotic Kenya and visit me ;-) as well as encounter some of Africa’s most fascinating and beautiful creatures in their natural habitat!
Turn up the volume and you just might hear some reaction of our little gang to the couple of Hippos at their most intimate moments at the end of the clip!
Here’s a short 5 minute video clip of my recent Safari adventure in Nakuru and Naivasha in the Great African Rift Valley of Kenya! Perhaps this little clip may entice some of you to come to exotic Kenya and visit me ;-) as well as encounter some of Africa’s most fascinating and beautiful creatures in their natural habitat!
Turn up the volume and you just might hear some reaction of our little gang to the couple of Hippos at their most intimate moments at the end of the clip!
For those of you who would like to further contemplate the beauty of nature’s wonders, you can view some of my Safari pics at Beholding Beauty…Evoking Inscape. It’s my new album site hosted by Shutterfly. You can select from various options how to view the images – from slideshow to filmstrip to thumbnails etc so just select which you prefer.
May I leave you with a quote from Saint Paul:
Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all.
Your kindness should be known to all.
The Lord is near.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving and gratitude,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,
if there is any excellence
and if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.
(Phil 4:4-9)
Blessings,
Wendy
Posts
Haiz! You're having way too much fun!
ReplyDeleteJust knew your trip will lead you to embark on such great adventures!
But what stuck me most was your last quote (Phil 4:4) which was the same quote I picked to start off the year with a post on Retrospective 2008 on my blog www.natashayong.com
Let 2009 be a year filled with JOY of anticipation and JOY of fulfillment!
God Bless over in Safari Land!
LOL... ya, if I weren't resuming my studies this yar, I think Nat, Sharon and I will all plan a trip over and join in the fun!!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to be reminded how fortunate we are in some parts of the world and yet in a place where there's much distress, there's definitely something beautiful abt a place / country
- evil twin
Hey Rocky Racoon! Didn’t you know, “nuns just want to have fun”?? ;-) But seriously, I’m grateful to God for that refreshing change from the usual routine and the relatively more structured convent life here and also for my Sisters who felt I needed a well-deserved break! I’m most grateful too to Linda and Julian Blanc, the couple who invited me to join them on that Safari. I have to thank Julian for his impressive knowledge of the names of every bird and animal we saw! (had to rely on his expertise to help me with the captions for my photos too!) Btw how’s your Wii? Heard it can be addictive. I have to stop by and play with it besides your Guitar Hero next time I go back!!!
ReplyDeleteEvil Twin! You’re dead on about finding beauty even in the distressing or darkest places! There is beauty and goodness everywhere – even in the seemingly ugly or horrible situation/person. We just have to nurture our inner eye (our mindfulness) to find that beauty – and ultimately to find God’s presence – in everything and everyone!
XOXO to you both!
Wendy
PS: This actually warrants a totally new post but related to this topic of finding beauty in the bleakest of situations, did you guys read Ron Rolheiser’s great article, “The Struggle with Terrorism” in the Christmas issue of CatholicNews? (my copy only arrived yesterday!) He starts it with “There's an old axiom that says that the country with the best poets eventually triumphs. The strength of a people, in the end, lies not in its military power, but in its faith, moral fiber, imagination, and in the vision of its poets, artists, philosophers…..” you can read the whole thing here - http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/archive_display.php?rec_id=437
ReplyDeleteSo praise for the poets and artists who help us discover beauty and find peace in turmoil!!
W
Hi Wendy! Thanks for reminding us of the natural beauty in our world despite the chaos in Gaza. I am glad to know you are having a wonderful time in Kenya.
ReplyDeleteTake care and God bless.
Mel, rc
A very refreshing view of all the animals which is not available here in Singapore. We only have jungle of tall buildings.
ReplyDeleteExcellent presentations and very inspiring for the children who may not have the chance to view the animals so vividly.
God Bless you! Keep up your good work
Hi Sr Wendy
ReplyDeleteThis is Sr Jesusita from the Philippines.
Been reading your blog..... enjoying and will continue to pray that The Father wil guide and lead you...
God bless