art show, communicate God, & OC town

As many of you do not know.....I have embarked upon the endeavors of two new challenges in the past weeks. The first looks a lot like a dream job----making art. Oh how I wish I would just be able to create when I want, what I want and where I want...but I think this is a blessing the Lord has given for a time while I am here at home with my family. I have an art show coming up at Dordt College on the 12th of October. If you are in the area....come on by. The show is joint effort with my artist friend Matt Kunnari of the most Humble Bean in Sioux Center. Our theme is something like:

"Pictures from an Open Window"

Sound familiar? Well I hope that the pictures you see there are a bit more enhanced than the ones I have shared recently with you. The blog...its just not priority....but this art show is. Matt and I are going to be displaying art that we have made while on the mission field. He spent some time in Kenya....I think. As I have spent some time in Norway and South Africa. The Lord has taught us a lot about other lands...and the call to missions there, but also here where we are. What a concept...an encompassing dichotomy.

The second thing that is happening these days is that just yesterday I was with my church youth group of which I am a grateful and lively sponsor....or leader of sorts. And I was given the names of the people that will join me on a year of small groups. I am so excited as the theme of my group is just what I wanted. I will be journeying through concepts of creative worship with them. And the best thing is....they are excited to do it! I asked for some ideas yesterday and they were like....hmmmm songwriting, music, dance, painting... I even considered the fact that maybe they want to just get to gether for the sole purpose of just worshiping God....and they were excited about that. So, the Lord has really opened the path in these last weeks....it is so cool to be doing what my heart is called to do "Communicate God"

I had this thought though....if the Lord would keep me here for another year would I be okay? Would I put up a fight? I am here now and I can see myself being very willing to put my heart 100% into Orange City. I just cant help it. But I know how hard it was to just leave every other place I put my heart into. I just wonder if it was God's plan. Couldn't you see me, the ansy Erika Hydeen putting down roots here in OC? NO, please no. NOthing too deep....I must go. Maybe not now, but sometime----near future God? nearer than farther?

I suppose a good surrender is in order.

Here goes.

So she danced

She realized that she was lucky
because she could actually see it
how the trees got more beautiful each year
how they danced
with such graceful pride
surviving each season's change...
and she knew thier beauty
lied not in the perfection
but the growth...
and she could see it
in the trees
in the people around her
and some days
even in herself...
and so she danced.

What does Erika say?

i was at the zoo today and I spent those moments with my about to burst sister in law Andrea, my big brother Steven and thier daughter Lillian. She is what she calls....'silly lilly' and for the course of the day has recited the recant of all almost 2 year old voicings. this morning when we started the day it was asking the little smarty pants 'what does Erika say?' with a bit of shyness she ends up whispering 'Lamlela'. What is this she says? Oh! YAMKELA! When asked what I say, Lillian answers 'Yamkela'. This is something I began to say when I came home from South Africa. I have a friend named Yamkela...and this word in Xhosa means recieve. At some point I was speaking a lot of Xhosa and have given my family all new names.
.
Andrea=Asendiswa---saved
Steven=Xola--peace
Christa=Bosisiwe--Blessed
Mom=Bolelwa--Give thanks
Dad=Bongani--Blessed
Lillian=Nosipho--Gift
Josiah=Vuyo--joy
.
The Lord calls us by name, and he even gives us new names---ones that will bring glory to him.
.
My new Xhosa tribal name is Yonela, and I believe it is given by the Lord---something to strive for, to base my life on with God.
.
Erika=Yonela-----Satisfied.
.
.
What name does the Lord have for you? Just ask him....your name will be given.