Michael Jackson: Still "healing the world"

So, I've been here two weeks now and I love it. Remember that family that arrived my first day? Well, they are all settled in and the oldest girl and I have bonded thoroughly over our shared love of Michael Jackson ( may he rest in peace). We spend a portion of each day translating his songs into Spanish. In the process, I learn new words en español and she learns new words in English. It's great. I love hearing her sing "Heal de woooorld, make eet a bedder place" around the house. That's her favorite song.

I have loved Michael Jackson since before this girl was born. Mostly because he's so cool (or so couch king cool, I should say ;) ) But writing out the lyrics to "Heal the World"was enlightening. It's actually a very spiritual song filled with Christian and other religious ideals:

Theres a place in Your heart
And I know that it is love
And this place could Be much
Brighter than tomorrow
And if you really try, Youll find theres no need To cry
In this place youll feel
Theres no hurt or sorrow

If you want to know why
Theres a love that Cannot lie
Love is strong, It only cares for Joyful giving (Luke 3:10-11*)
If we try, We shall see
In this bliss We cannot feel Fear or dread
We stop existing and Start living

And the dream we were Conceived in Will reveal a joyful face
And the world we Once believed in Will shine again in grace
Then why do we keep
Strangling life
Wound this earth
Crucify its soul
Though its plain to see, This world is heavenly
Be gods glow

We could fly so high
Let our spirits never die
In my heart, I feel you are all My brothers
Create a world with No fear
Together we'll cry Happy tears
See the nations turn Their swords Into plowshares (Micah 4:3**)

I know there are more scriptures from various religions that relate..but I don't have time to find them :) But aren't those great lyrics?? And all this time I didn't know they were there. My love for Michael Jackson has a new depth.

There is a reason "Heal the World" is her favorite song. For a girl who has been through abuse I can't imagine...it is healing and comforting to sing about a place where "there's no need to cry" and "there's no hurt or sorrow." It's not just Michael Jackson she's attracted to, it is the truth embedded in his words that speaks of God's healing love for her, the promise of a better tomorrow and the inherent beauty of the world, despite it's brokenness. It gives her hope.
Me too :)

Answered prayers:
- My Spanish is getting better! (but please keep praying!)
- I was granted a Trusted Traveler card that allows me to cross in the express lane.
- We have been allowed to cross three times with donations without being charged
(usually there is a tax)
- Some monetary support has been coming in (Thank you! Please keep praying for this!)

Prayer requests:
-That all the kids would be able to go to school (there is a lack of space and money and in one case a girl has been unable to attend for a year because she had to help take car of her baby sister, and now she is scared to go back because she is so behind...please pray that she would find the courage and that I can help her review somehow so she feels more confident)
- The van is making unsettling noises. We were told we need to change out all the fluids and it will cost $300. We can't afford it. Please pray that the money would come and that we don't break down in the meantime.
- CJ and I are road-tripping to L.A. tomorrow to pick up more donations. Please pray for safe travels and that we would be able to cross again without being charged.
- That God would give me wisdom about Grad school. I'm thinking of waiting another year to apply so that I don't lose focus here. I want to be available.

Highlights: Vocab lesson from a 2 year old (no joke, very humbling :), Atole (hot horchata) is my new fav drink, learning/watching the whole Deb's House family try to learn how to make bird calls around the dinner table, COLORING

*The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.

**He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.