So, this is the second time I have written about the Photo Ark–the first time was back when I saw the exhibit at the National Geographic Museum in Washington DC; that was in January of 2016. Last night, there was a special on the project on TV, “Rare Creatures of the Photo Ark,” and…… Continue reading Photo Ark, Part II
Author: happylutheran
I am the president at Wartburg Theological Seminary, my beloved alma mater. I am an inveterate optimist, runner, vegetarian, and harp player. I love Mary Oliver and Gerard Manley Hopkins, and like them, I'm continually delighted by all the surprising and wonderful ways God shows up in the world.
Women’s Bodies, Hunger & Roxane Gay
One of the best parts of vacation is the extra time I have for pleasure reading; and this trip I brought along two books by Roxane Gay. It isn’t quite right to call reading them “pleasure”–they both were hard to read, especially Hunger, but they both were definitely worth the time and effort. Mostly I want…… Continue reading Women’s Bodies, Hunger & Roxane Gay
July 4th: Rwandan Liberation Day
Happy Fourth of July! I hope you are enjoying a great day with barbecue, fireworks, family and friends. I have happy memories of this day from childhood: my brother loved setting off fireworks, and he always had a choreographed performance for us on the back porch, before we climbed up on the roof to watch the big…… Continue reading July 4th: Rwandan Liberation Day
An Octopus, an Icon
So, I have been reading this great book that my friend Lauren bought me [she knows me well & knew that I would love it]–it is called The Soul of an Octopus, by Sy Montgomery. Basically it is the author’s story of learning about–and coming to love–specific octopuses [not octopi–you don’t put a Latin ending…… Continue reading An Octopus, an Icon
Conversations about Poverty and Circumcision
Tonight is my last night in South Africa–we fly home tomorrow. I have had the most amazing time, but at the same time, I am ready to go home. My thoughts are full, my heart is full, and I miss my little family! I know I will continue to reflect on all that I saw…… Continue reading Conversations about Poverty and Circumcision
Community Outreach and Signs of Hope
In this post, I want to say a little bit about the people we have met the past couple days who are really making a difference in their local communities. First, on Sunday, we worshipped at J L Zwane Church (Presbyterian) in Guglethu township. It is an amazing congregation. They were the first church…… Continue reading Community Outreach and Signs of Hope
Theology, Sin & the Paris Climate Agreement
The trip continues to go well–we continue to have rich, full days with lots to give thanks for and lots reflect upon. Today I finally have the time & mental capacity to gather my thoughts and offer a few things that have impacted me these past few days. The first reflection that I want to…… Continue reading Theology, Sin & the Paris Climate Agreement
3 Questions around Identity
Today has been another rich, full day in South Africa, and I absolutely must get to bed. So, instead of a full post, I thought I would just pose five of the questions that I have been wrestling with most today, in light of what we have seen and done. 1. We went to…… Continue reading 3 Questions around Identity
The Wonder of God’s Creation
So, today was a “bush” day–a morning game drive, following by an early afternoon bush walk, followed by a late afternoon game drive. Honestly, it was one of the best days of my life. If you know me at all, you know how much I love animals–I always have; it’s why I’m a vegetarian. So,…… Continue reading The Wonder of God’s Creation
Happy Lutheran 