Graphic --- Many Firsts...

This morning I was awoken by the morning prayers; however, they were different this morning, it was a chanting sound, one that I have never heard before. That wake-up call began the first of many FIRSTS for me today. It was the first time that I walked down my street and couldn't find a taxi, the first time I saw a sheep head burning on a wood pile, the first time I saw one killed in my host's home, the first time I saw a sheep skinned, the first time I ate a sheep heart, kidney, and liver, and the first time someone from here pulled out a copy of my book and began asking us questions...  It was the first of many things today.  As I watched the slaughter of the sheep, I was reminded of so many things from the word- the truth that we don't have to take part in it anymore because we had someone who took the knife for us! As I poured over the word last night in preparation for this day, Dad showed me that HE was my sacrifice, that He gave his LIFE for mine.  He reminded me that it's not sacrifices that he wants, but a heart that is surrendered to him as David so eloquently shares in the book of songs. My heart is full today yet empty. It's full from Dad reminding me of his perfect Lamb, it's full from my friends who so graciously served me their best, it's full from knowing that we got to share truth today with friends who I desperately want to see, hear, and believe. But it's empty too... It's empty because my friends have no clue of the truth and the way. It's empty because what they do know, they don't understand. It's empty because what they understand, they can't accept because of their traditions. And it's empty, because Ricardo the Ram was sacrificed today...