Lessons from Jacarandas

“Some people, in order to discover God, read books. But there is a great book: the very appearance of created things. Look above you! Look below you! Read it. God, whom you want to discover, never wrote that book with ink. Instead He set before your eyes the things that He had made. Can you ask for a louder voice than that?”
St. Augustine (354-430)

I have not seen a single drop of rain since I got here four and a half months ago. I guess when they say 'it's dry season,' they really mean it, but here is what I don't understand- it has not rained for months, and yet things are beginning to bloom. Specifically noticeable are the intensely bright buds on the jacaranda trees that line most streets...




















It simply doesn't make sense. And yet, they continue to bloom.

Perhaps this is one of those things woven purposely into creation by our glorious God. A tree that doesn't function according to the norm- but instead breaks out of the rules in order to shout forth the beauty of God.

This week, I have needed to hear the voice of God in these trees. We have hit some barriers-nothing major, but obstacles nonetheless that seem to suggest a much harder road than we anticipated in caring for orphans with intellectual disabilities in Zambia. Whether it be a heartbreaking visit with a family who doesn't know how to care for their child, realizing they may not even really want to care for their child; or a discouraging word from a social worker who doesn't want to take a 23 year-old white girl seriously; or just a reminder of all that must happen in order for this world to change for children who have disabiltiies- these trees have reminded me to hope.

I may not be seeing rain for a long time, but that does not mean God will not bring forth something beautiful out of this ministry. He does not have to work according to the ways of this world, nor does He have to comply with their expectations, but instead can shock and surprise us when, against all the rules, His purposes actually come to fruition. I certainly hope that is what these trees are saying, because right now, I think they may be some of the few voices allowing me to hope for these kids. Won't you hope with me?

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing.
Isaiah 35:1-2

I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
Isaiah 41:18

And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
Isaiah 58:11