"Blood Diamond"

“I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond!”

"Diamonds are a girl's best friend." 

"Diamonds are forever."  

I spent 143 minutes of my night last night in heartbreak. My heart broke for those who have a love of diamonds and no knowledge of their history. My heart broke for those who have killed for those diamonds and of course my heart broke for those who lost their lives because of this "precious" resource that some people just cannot live without.

Blood Diamond is an absolutely amazing movie that I highly recommend to all. I had never seen it and questioned myself watching it. (It is rated R and involves a lot of violence. Along with the fact it takes place once again in Africa and it is a true story). That is all it takes to break my heart, yet at the same time it makes me want to jump up and scream at the world for being so stupid!

If you don't know what "Blood Diamond" is about here is a quick summary. In Sierra Leone, Africa there was a war fought, African against African, for these diamonds that were supposedly everywhere. They were the key to making lots of money and taking control of the country. Many people, the Rebels, decided to kill for these diamonds. They went around attacking everyone who wasn't looking for diamonds for them and killed for fun. Child soldiers began to develop and kill anyone they came across. It was a horrific time and can be compared to the genocide in Rwanda where once again it was person against person of the same country. It was also rebels against the government and powerful against the innocent. I watched the whole movie and could not believe this actually happened and nobody tried to stop it! I felt as if I was watching "Hotel Rwanda" all over again. How on Earth does something like this go on for so long without people working to stop it?

I can't help but think of all of those innocent people who were killed because of a diamond. I cannot help but think of all of those children who were turned into killers because of a diamond. And all of those people who called themselves rebels, who turned to killing, because of a diamond. It hurts my heart to even think of that. It's been on my mind all morning. I decided long ago that if I did get a ring of any sort it would not be a diamond. I was never a fan of wearing something shiny on my finger anyway. I'm not that type of girl. But now I am definitely, positively sure, that I will never wear a diamond. Some of the diamonds in our market now are still coming from places of illegality, and there is still blood being shed for it. Not a chance would I ever buy a diamond that an innocent person may have had to die for. I will not take that chance. I encourage you to rethink your thoughts about diamonds. Question where the diamond came from. Try to figure it out. That diamond you may be wearing right now, or are thinking about wearing could be on your finger because someone was shot and killed for it or had their hands chopped of for it. Please think about it. I'm not saying to boycott wearing diamonds, but I am asking you the try ti find out more about your diamond and pray for those involved in this process of getting diamonds to us here in American. 

 
Please pray for continual peace in these areas of the world and for peace in our land. It is much needed. No more lives should be lost.

"This ain't comin' from no prophet
Just an ordinary man
When I close my eyes I see
The way this world shall be
When we all walk hand in hand

When the last child cries for a crust of bread
When the last man dies for just words that he said
When there's shelter over the poorest head
We shall be free

When the last thing we notice is the color of skin
And the first thing we look for is the beauty within
When the skies and the oceans are clean again
Then we shall be free

We shall be free
We shall be free
Stand straight, walk proud
'Cause we shall be free
When we're free to love anyone we choose
When this world's big enough for all different views
When we all can worship from our own kind of pew
Then we shall be free
We shall be free

We shall be free
Have a little faith
Hold out
'Cause we shall be free

And when money talks for the very last time
And nobody walks a step behind
When there's only one race and that's mankind
Then we shall be free

We shall be free
We shall be free
Stand straight, walk proud, have a little faith, hold out
We shall be free"

Aletheia, Change and Jesus

I was planning on going to bed early last night, but decided to text Janelle who ended up coming to get me. I went to her house and we watch "Letters to Juliet" with her mom. (If you haven't seen it you should watch it! So cute!) After the movie, and getting a hug goodnight from her mom, who is so sweet, Janelle and I spent the next hour or so waiting for laundry and engaging in conversation. It was then that I began to realize how blessed I am. I have a friend who wanted to have me over to watch a movie with her and wanted to talk. Sure I have many friends like this, but she is definitely a unique person who I can tell has such a huge heart. We talked a little bit more as we fell asleep preparing to wake up a few hours later to go to Aletheia.

Aletheia is becoming my Sunday tradition now and it is absolutely incredible! I had been there maybe twice first semester, but thanks to Janelle it is now and every Sunday thing and sometimes during the week with other events. I love walking towards that building knowing someone will come up to me to introduce themselves. People come up and shake your hand, immediately wanting to know everything about you. And they are truly interested in who you are. You walk inside and are greeted by more people as you are handed the outline for the sermon. I walked in today and was quickly greeted with a hug by a girl from my Aletheia small group Bible study (I just started that! More to come later.) She was in a hurry to run around and help get things ready for the service, but took time to say hi to us. Janelle and I, as usual, put our stuff in chairs and went to get some food. For the next few minutes before the service we ended up in conversation with some great people I had recently met, and Janelle met at the Aletheia conference a few weeks ago. These people are so caring, genuine and want to know so much! It's amazing to be surrounded by such people who share the same love for Christ and are there willingly, helping out with everything involving service and are there for Christ. The countdown clock began and it was time to grab our seats. Service started as usual with the incredible band and amazing music. The songs usually involve the raising of hands to praise God. We were pretty close to the front, but during one song in particular I could feel a shift in the room. It was as if God's presence was really there. I didn't have to turn around and look. I just knew almost everyone had their hands raised somehow. Some higher than others (mine not so high, but raised). I felt my spirit lift as I realized how lucky I was to be surrounded by all these people who are holding their hands up for God and truly praising him. We did a couple of songs then sat down to listen to Paul preach. He talked to us about restoration and who we are and what we are to do about restoration as Christians. I always enjoy listening to him. It was an incredible sermon and made me think, what am I doing? Do I need restoration? Shortly after we prayed and did communion. I prayed for awhile before getting up there, I was joined by Janelle who grabbed my arm in a small hug. Once again I realized what God has done for me. It felt good to be going up there with someone who is like me and is taking communion in the name of God. After another upbeat and uplifting song, where once again hands were raised, the service was over. But it would be awhile before I would go back to the apartment.

Janelle and I were going to get lunch before she dropped me off. We ended up staying after the service for awhile talking to some of our friends. Just relaxing and talking. It was just so nice to stick around that long and enjoy that time with others. When we left we all decided to go to Chipotle. Another hour spent talking, laughing and just enjoying each others company. It just kept coming back to me how blessed I am to have those people around me, but it was this evening that really hit me.

Janelle brought me back to the apartment and I went to do some phys plant work. I pulled some weeds and sat out in the beautiful, cool grass as I watched the rain clouds move in and enjoy the breeze. I turned on my ipod and read my Bible. Then I pulled out my prayer list that I created and began praying for all of these amazing people I know and don't know. I spent the hour with God and it was absolutely incredible and peaceful. Then I got a baking kick. Again.

I went back to the apartment and immediately set out my baking plans. I made brownies that didn't turn out as I planned so I had to get rid of them. Sad. But I wasn't done. I turned on my itunes and set it to play Aletheia band's music. I started baking. I made chocolate cake mix cookies and took some down to the guys downstairs. I'm planning on taking the rest to phys plant tomorrow to thank them for everything they do. Then I made french vanilla cupcakes and froze them for Bible study on Tuesday. Following that I made some pumpkin cake. Let me tell you. My apartment smelled absolutely amazing! It was nearing six p.m. so I couldn't eat any of this stuff (I am trying to get in the habit of not eating after 6 unless I have to), but I had so much fun making everything. I held wonderful conversation with Keren who was more than willing to try everything I made and threw the cupcakes in the freezer. I got to thinking about how those cupcakes were going to Bible study. Once again thanks to Aletheia and Janelle I am involved in my first Bible study and it is one of the best decisions I have made. I walk in each week and feel so welcome. I am greeted with hugs, hellos and everyone is so happy! We talk, laugh, share stories, read scripture and discuss things such as marriage and the Bible. The things I have learned there and the people I have met has changed my life so much. I actually look forward to church service Sunday mornings and Bible study Tuesday evenings. Those are the highlights of my week. I never thought I would be so involved in a church like that or be going to Bible study. And I actually feel welcome. People genuinely want to get to know me and it feels incredible.
Anyway back to the cupcakes...I decided I'm not going to just make cupcakes and put plain frosting on them. I want to make them extra special because they are going to Bible study. To people who I am getting to know. To people who care and love Christ as much as I do. To people who are there for me and pray for me every week as I pray for them. So I decided to spice up the cupcakes. I made the frosting different colors and got so excited, but realized I didn't have anything else so a trip to Food Lion was necessary at 8 p.m.

I hopped on my bike and began the trek to Food Lion. I was starting to rain a little, but it felt amazing. I spring rain. I can't complain. I took my time riding down the rode and my way into the parking lot and the store. I immediately went straight for the baking isle and grabbed what I wanted. (If I stayed longer I would spend all my money!) I paid the six dollars for the sprinkles, icing and writing icing (definitely worth it for those amazing women at the study) and hopped back on the bike to go back. The rain stopped, but the smell was still in the air. I slowly made my way back, enjoying the feeling of the wind in my face. I was riding past Park View Mennonite when I noticed on the near the sidewalk they had a cross with the cloth wrapped around it. I stopped just to touch the cross and take a minute with Jesus. I realized then and there what he truly did for me.

I got back on the bike thinking the whole way back. "If he hadn't died for me I wouldn't be riding this bike. I wouldn't be buying stuff for a Bible study. I would be at EMU. I wouldn't have Aletheia. I wouldn't be riding past that church touching a cross thanking him for everything." What would things be like? Would I still be here? Who am I? Words to songs popped in my head left and right. I thought about the changes in my life. "I called. You answered. And you came to my rescue and I want to be where you are". I thought about my life before EMU. Before declaring myself to be a true Christian. Before I knew I would be going to the Middle East and be baptized in the Sea of Galilee. Before I changed my life because God called me. Or did I call him and he answer? Who am I to God? Am I worthy of this life he has given me? Why did he choose me to turn to him, have me go to EMU, go to Aletheia church, have this life of blessings? His son died for me so I could have these opportunities. It took me until the fall of 2009 to begin to realize this, but I see it now. I see the blessings he laid out in front of me. I have survived many attacks physically and emotionally. I have friends supporting me through everything. I have a family who loves me dearly. A mom who constantly calls/ texts me to tell me how much she loves and misses me. A sister who calls to check on me because she knows things aren't going well. Friends who sit and listen to me and hold me when I cry. People I don't even know are praying for me. How did I come to deserve all of this. Because Christ died for me. I am blessed and it's because of you. The one reading this. God put you in my life as well and I am eternally grateful.

http://www.aletheiachurch.com/

"The question was raised
As my conscience fell
A silly, little lie
It didn’t mean much
But it lingers still
In the corners of my mind

Still you call me to walk
On the edge of this world
To spread my dreams and fly
But the future’s so far
My heart is so frail
I think I’d rather stay inside

But You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me
How You love me

It took more than my strength
To simply be still
To seek but never find
All the reasons we change
The reasons I doubt
And why do loved ones have to die?

But You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me
I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas’ kiss
But You love me anyway

See now, I am the man that called out from the crowd
For Your blood to be spilled on this earth shaking ground
Yes then, I turned away with this smile on my face
With this sin in my heart tried to bury Your grace
And then alone in the night, I still called out for You
So ashamed of my life, my life, my life

But You love me anyway
Oh, God… how you love me
You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me"

"Who am I?"

"I am a granddaughter, the spitting image of my father and when the day is done my momma's still my biggest fan. Sometimes I'm clueless and I'm clumsy. But I've got friends who love me and they know just where I stand. It's all a part of me and that's who I am".

Those are the words of Jessica Andrews and they are so true to all of us. Except she is forgetting something. I am a child of God and I am who I am because of him.

It has been quite awhile since I have updated this blog. In the time between my last update and now my life has been eternally changed. I have had friendships change, relationships fall apart then come together in a better way and of course spent a semester in the Middle East. Specifically in Syria, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Italy, Greece and Egypt for my free travel. This trip changed my life and I cannot begin to explain the things I experienced, the languages I learned, the people I encountered and the relationships I built up not only with my group, but also with some fantastic people from all the varying places. I had the chance to hike the Jesus trail, be rebaptized in the Sea Of Galilee, walk the Via Dolorosa and spend time in Rome and the Vatican. The memories I have will be carried with me forever. I am now fully prepared to take off into the world and do what I want to. Achieve my life goals. See the world and the beautiful people God created. I am going to do mission work. I am a social work and peacebuilding major with minors in pre-law, sociology and religious studies. Yeah I'm a little insane, but even that is not enough for me! I want to learn and learn everything possible! I'm so motivated right now to get up and study about varying places in the world, learn the languages and go teach the people. I'm not sure what I will actually do with my majors. It's more of what I will do with the things I learn from the classes I have to take. My goals right now are to:

1) do a second cross cultural to Pakistan next summer for 3 weeks. I am working one full time job and have 2-3 other little jobs trying to make money for this. I'm going to do what it takes to get there. And I am pumped!

2) I have applied for Eastern Mennonite Missions for next summer. I will hopefully be a missionary for 3-4 months during the summer somewhere in Africa or southeast Asia. That is my dream. I want to go to the people. Learn their culture and do whatever it takes to help others. It's going to take some serious fund raising to get there, but if God wants me there it will happen. If not. Oh well.  It just means God doesn't like the idea. Never mind. The hardest part about the idea of traveling to help others is leaving my friends and especially my family. My family means the world to me. Especially my mom who is my hero. She is who has supported me through my restoring my faith and my mission work. I missed her so much when I left last semester, but I know she is so happy for me no matter what it takes. Sometimes it's just hard to not feel guilty about leaving home.

There is just so much I want to do and so many people I want to help. If I had the power to help everyone and all the money in the world I would use it to travel both in and outside of the country and help others. I can't help it. It's all I want and I feel as if that is how God wants to use me. So I am prepared to do what he wants me to do. I have been inspired by my mom, Mother Teresa, St. Agnes and St. Therese. I live a life of simplicity and devote my time to prayer, helping others and serving God.

"Here I am to worship.  Here I am to bow down.  Here I am to say that you're my God. You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me."

I am here for God to use and I pray that he keeps my heart open and ready for whatever comes my way.

My goals for the summer:
Read a lot
Pray
Continue my baking kick (I have been baking like crazy so if you're around be prepared for some goodies because I don't eat anything myself. It's for others)
Work on personal building

I'm reading:
"To Babylon by Bus"
"Sailing Acts"
"Blood Brothers"
"Mother Teresa-In My Own Words"
The Bible- I'm going to read through the whole thing this summer!!

Blessings to you!!
And if you need prayers for anything please don't hesitate to facebook message me or email me at mariah.elliott@emu.edu