Music of Suriname

      What a beautiful night last night was in Suriname.  Despite my Ipod dying this week, God has still taken the opportunity to give me music.  As I laid in my hammock and relaxed, I was surrounded by the music of this slow-moving country that I call home.  To the right of me is a church where women are singing, "How Great Thou Art," and it was very tempting to go join them in their melody.  They are accompanied by my harmonious musings of my neighbor, who often can be found sporting a Gandhi-like diaper. He is singing as well-except not any song in particular, just a nonsensical harmony.  Behind the church there was a soccer game that adds to the song with shouting in Dutch and the rhythmic thud of kicking back and forth, with the occasional triumphant shout.  Even the barking dogs to my left added a nice percussive sound.  All around birds were chirping, motorbikes were put-putting, and one of my roommates was starting to prepare dinner.  And I can't help but be silent, because when words fail, music speaks.

"Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee.  How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art!


   I feel like God was romancing me last night.  He knows our wants, and our desires.  He loves to see us smile-and wants to be a part of our lives.  We are pursued, bought, and set free by God.

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."-Zephaniah 3:17