A love story unfolds...

Working on our wedding website is slowly coming along! Writing our love story was so fun...  Reminiscing on memories, and seeing just how far we've come makes me cherish what we have even more, and look forward to the future.... 

A love story unfolds...
www.immanuel-linda.com

Chapter I: Acquaintanceship

Linda and Immanuel met in 2002, through mutual friends.  Starting off as acquaintances, the pair’s communication initially consisted of messages and posts on the then popular “CalgaryPlanet” and “Hi5” sites, as well as random run ins at the train station, and on the c-train.

It wasn’t until 2006, when Linda and Immanuel were both enrolled at the University of Calgary, that the couple’s friendship grew into the next chapter…

Chapter II: Friendship

Linda and Immanuel found themselves quickly connecting, and spending the majority of their free time between classes together. Their friendship unfolded so effortlessly, so naturally. They both found it so easy to confide in each other, to talk about anything and everything together. He quickly became her best friend, and she became his…

Chapter III: Courtship

It wasn’t long before people around Linda and Immanuel started inquiring if they were more then friends. “Of course not!” They would reply, “We’re just friends!” And they intended to keep it that way. However, eventually it became hard to deny that their relationship had the potential to be so much more.

After a period of time dedicated to discussing and praying about their relationship, they entered the next chapter of their lives together, and made their relationship official on August 3^rd, 2007.

Chapter IV: Engagement

In the course of four years, Linda and Immanuel’s relationship and love grew and flourished.  This was “it”, and they both knew they were with the person that they would marry. On February 23, 2011, Linda’s birthday, Immanuel surprised Linda by proposing to her.

During all of the chapters of their relationship, the couple prayerfully sought God’s will in their lives together. They wanted to ensure that  their relationship had a solid foundation in the Lord before embarking on the next chapter.

The couple thought it was only fitting to enter into the sacred covenant of marriage on their 5^th dating Anniversary—August 3, 2012.  They are absolutely thrilled to have YOU come along with them, as they embark on the next chapter of their life long journey together.

Chapter V: Marriage

R.I.P. Grandpa

Ambassador Raphael Haji Lukindo

1933-2012

My Grandfather was a wonderful man. Like all of us, he was not perfect, but as a grandfather, I couldn't have asked for more.

He left a legacy behind that his family, and nation will carry in our hearts.

As a father, and grandfather, he treated his family with love and respect. His sense of humour always brought a smile to our faces, and I personally only have positive, priceless memories of the times I have spent with my grandfather.

As a servant to his nation, he worked very closely with Tanzania's first president, and those afterwards in establishing the nation we have today-- One of the few African countries who have avoided civil war, and uprisings, and continues to maintain peace and safety. Even his nation mourns for him, as exemplified in THIS article.

RIP Babu, tunakupenda, na tunakumiss sana. May the Lord grant you everlasting peace.

Tagged!

Sarah, I remember these... !

I'll play along, but probably won't pass it along, because you've tagged my blogging network! (I really don't have a blog network.. but you know what I mean!)

Rules:
1. You must post these rules.
2. Each per­son must post 11 things about them­selves on their blog.
3. Answer the ques­tions the tag­ger set for you in their post, and cre­ate 11 new ques­tions for the peo­ple you tag to answer.
4. You have to choose 11 peo­ple to tag and link them on the post.
5. Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.

Eleven things about me (Why 11 btw??) =)

1. I was born in Dar es Salaam , Tanzania. Moved when I was five. Lived in Minnesota for 6 years. Maryland for 1 year, before finally moving to Calgary

2. I am horrible at public speaking. It is very anxiety provoking for me, but I am slowly learning to overcome it..

3. I strongly dislike cooking. I have tried (and failed to change this). I've decided that cooking is not for me and therefore will have the type of household where the father makes the meals and mama will clean up after. =) Yes.. Immanuel knows what he’s getting himself into ;)

4. Both my parents work from home. My mom stayed home after my brother was born and takes amazing care of us. I feel blessed to have a mother who always has breakfast ready for us in the morning, a packed lunch ready for school or work, and anything else that may need to be done. My dad owns his own software developing company and works out of his home office. While I hated this growing up (felt like i was being smothered by my rents and could never escape lol), I am grateful because they did keep me in check, out of trouble, and made me who I am today.

5. I played the violin for about one year when I was 10. I wish I had continued. It was the only "creative" thing I was good at. Perhaps I'll start it again.

6. I have the American Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and all 50 states of USA memorized in alphabetical order... the states are really good at brainwashing you to patriotism. Haha

7. When I first saw snow for the first time I thought it was rice

8. When I was younger, and asked my mom where babies came from she told me: You take medicine. You take a pink pill if you want a girl, a blue pill if you want a boy, and two pills if you want twins. I believed her till I was about 10 years old when my neighborhood friends spoiled my innocence.

9. When I first moved to the USA, I only knew a handful of English phrases and words: Yes, No, My name is Linda, Can I use the bathroom, Goodbye. I wasn’t sure what any of these meant, and would rotate them randomly to communicate with my classmates. One day during snack time in kindergarten, a boy asked me if he could trade his white milk for my chocolate milk. I didn’t understand him, and just said Yes (cause I hadn’t used that word in a while in my random rotations). He took my milk, and I got so angry and chased him around the room hitting him and yelling “thank you” trying to get my milk back. Got a phone call home from that one!

10. I have a middle name (Hariette) and an African name (Chenga). Chenga is Kisambaa (My dad’s tribal language) and it means Unique.

11. I was born with severe clubfeet and had 5 operations by my third grade. The docs told my parent's I may never be able to walk, so I thank God for allowing me and my family to prove them wrong.

Sarah's Questions

1. What is the greatest place you have traveled to?
Tanzania. I truly believe my country is one of the most beautiful places in the world. From it’s white sandy beaches, to Mount Kilimanjaro, to the amazing Serengeti Plain, the vibrant culture and people, just breathtaking.

2. If I were to walk into your fridge/pantry weekly, what is a staple food you "cannot" live without?
As silly as it sounds.. Condensed milk at the moment. Haha.. I’ve been drinking a lot of tea lately, and using a bit of condensed milk in my tea (in place of milk or cream) makes it taste sooo good. Reminds of chai from back home.
3. How do you wear your hair 75% of the time?
Curly. Or if its winter time mostly in a pony tail. The dry air makes my hair even more stubborn then usual.
4. What is your ethnic background? Is your native tongue different than english?
African. However, Tanzania is made up of over 200 tribes (all with very distinct languages and cultures, and physical appearances—some locals can actually differentiate between tribes by physical appearance alone) My father is from the Sambaa tribe, and my Mother is from the Chagga tribe, and my great great great grandfather was from the Masaii tribe. Therefore according to Tanzanian standards, I’m “mixed” haha go figure. Also, because my mothers tribes people tend to be lighter skinned then average, there are some rumors that there may have been intermarriages with German missionaries who settled in the Chagga region years ago… so there is a SLIGHT possibility I may have some European ancestry. Maybe like. 0.000003% haha. My mother’s father, and one of her sisters are very light skinned, with dark reddish-brown hair. Oh and my native tongue is Swahili.
5. What are the top 3 blogs you frequent?
The ones on my Bloglist =)
6. If you could choose any era to live in, what would it be?
The present era… or the time of Jesus.. but ONLY if I was where He was. I wouldn’t want to be in Canada or Tanzania during that time. That would defeat the purpose of me choosing that era. With that said, I always wished I could be a “fly on the wall” during a lot of historical periods.. but not to live through them.

7. What is the kindest thing someone has done for you?
Hmmm this is hard. My parents sacrificing so much for me… from sacrifices due to my clubfeet, to leaving their family back home so I can have a better life, etc.
8. Why did you start blogging?
Everyone else seemed to be doing it, so I just jumped on the bandwagon. Lol
9. What is your best workout routine?!
Haaaa! What workout routine? I’ve been blessed with a high metabolism, but I am sooo out of shape. I literally can’t go up like two flights of stairs without huffing and puffing… I am only consistent in working out for like 2 weeks straight… then I get lazy again. =(
10. Do you have siblings? If so, where do you place in your family?
I am the oldest. Younger sister Theresa (21 yrs) and brother Tony (14yrs)

11. What is one daily routine you do that "sets" your day right?
I don’t have one that sets my day, but I have one that sets or closes my night. Nightly prayer, devotion, and journaling is something I look forward to as a way of bringing my day to a close =)

Aaand that’s it! I won’t post questions because I don’t anticipate people wanting to do this twice… ! Plus my questions would probably be repetitive.

Thanks Sarah! This was fun =)

You are...

You are
strength
...in my weakness
You are the
refuge
...I seek
You are
everything
....in my time of need.


Psalm 59:17
You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely

A trip down memory lane...

Recently, at a long over due and much needed ladies night, we reminisced about our child hood. One of the memories I shared was how when I was younger, I didn't play with barbies, but I loved playing with dolls. I would pretend they were all my kids, and would pretend to do things like: drop them off from school, and pick them up, take them to doctor appointments, take them to the park, etc. Another one was how I always LOVED to dance, all the time, and LOVED being the center of attention.

This made me dig up our old photo albums to take a trip down memory lane... look what I found!

Me and My Dolls sleeping. Lol

&&



Me "busting a move" in a picnic in Tanzania.
(In case you are wondering, my mom is on the left, followed by her friend Anna, and her sister who is holding Theresa, my sister)

Reverse your Thinking!

This video gave me goosebumps. It's a great illustration of how God can reverse your thinking, once you embrace him into your life.

Reverse

Sermonspice.com

See Details Buy Now

Should Death ever be Celebrated?

With individuals celebrating the death of Osama bin Ladin, and the lingering effects of my emotional roller-coaster triggered by the death of Orphee, I feel that this quote sums up what I feel:

‎"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

--Martin Luther King, Jr.

Revenge will not bring your Loved one back ...While the idea of retaliation, and vengeance may sound appealing, isn't it just plain hypocrisy to wish the very thing which caused you so much pain and grief upon others? ]

Mourn Death or Celebrate Life?

Orphee would be telling me not to Mourn him, but to rejoice in the time with him, which God blessed me with. He wouldn't want us to be grieving, and have our hearts so heavy with pain.

But this is so, so much easier said then done.

In light of recent events in my life, following the very inhumane (and might I add unnecessary, and uncalled for) murder of my friend , death has a new impact on me.

Death of a loved one is always a tragedy, it represents a time of mourning, as well as a time of celebration of their life.

I've lost loved ones and friends before this. From sickness, accidents, and even murder. I felt grief, sorrow, pain. But never have I felt so much fury, anger, and a longing for vengeance. I'm even ashamed to admit sometimes the strength of such negative emotions that creep up on me unexpectedly whenever I think of what happened to him.

He did not deserve to go the way he did, He was a caring, loving, man. The kind of man you could call at your time of need, regardless of what time, and he would come to your aid. And i can't help but think that's exactly what happened to him, that awful night. One person took advantage of that side of Orphee, knowing that when they came to his house in the middle of the night, Orphee would not hesitate to aid someone in need.... It angers and pains me.... and I can only imagine how his family must be feeling.

... His parents, who just lost their first born Son

... His 2 younger brothers, and younger sister.

... His Grandmother, Aunts, Uncles who all happened to be in Calgary at the time of his death

If my feelings are so raw, and so full theirs must be multiplied by infinity...

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.

Romans 12:19

So many of us are filled with such raw emotions of pain, hate and anger. It is my prayer, that God relieves us of the burden of rage and hate, and replaces it with a drive, and ambition to seek justice, and to spread the joy, love, and humour represented by all Orphee was, and leave vengeance to the Lord. These people may have taken his life from us, but they will never take away our memories of him, nor his spirit. Let us all draw comfort in the knowledge that he was saved, and he is with his Redeemer.

WHY?

3 letters, 1 question, 0 answers.

Why would someone murder an innocent man, in such a gruesome way, and leave him in a ditch in the middle of nowhere? I don't understand, and I don't think I ever will.

Orphee Landa, was always the life of the party. Every single time I saw him, he would make me laugh. multiple times. His energy was so contagious, and while he may no longer be here with us, our memories of him will last us a lifetime.

As the days progress, I pray that the person or people who committed this awful crime are brought to justice. I pray that God will continue to comfort the devastated. I pray God rests his soul, and that I will see him again in Heaven.

I remember my parents moving away from the crime rates of Baltimore, Maryland to Calgary to escape the senseless killings that were occurring... yet this is the second person I know that has been innocently murdered in Calgary. That's two, too many...

Rest in Peace Orphee Landa

&&


Rest in Peace Stephanie Novak

Growing up!

• February 23rd, 2011-- Engaged to the love of my life

• April 15, 2011 -- Completed my Bachelor of Social Work degree

• April 18, 2011-- New job as a Social Worker

• June 6, 2011-- Convocation...

What the future holds...?

Wedding Date Setting, Wedding Planning, Saving, Saving, Saving, House Hunting, Getting Married!!

While I've been a "grown up" for 5 years now, experiencing all of these "grown up things" really led me to reflect on my life, and the experiences which God used to bring me to this moment in my life that's rich with so many blessings from Him.

I can't begin to express how fortunate I feel. I know for a fact I wouldn't be experiencing these moments, with out God. I couldn't have done it without Him.


“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.”

Psalm 139:13-14, 17-18(NIV)

Less then a month until I finish my last class of my undergrad degree....!

It feels so good to see the finish line

... and it just keeps getting better !

I think it's safe to say that my last post was a very nice prelude to how my week is turning out. So thankful for the blessings God has graced my life with <3

This Weekend

... was pretty amazing.

* A beautiful white winter wedding

* An early birthday dinner with my family

* A chance to refresh during my short reading break..

So far this year has really flown by. It was a shock when I realized earlier this week that we were already halfway past the month. It was great to be able to take this weekend, slow it down, and cherish the special moments I that I had the privilege to share with people I love and care for <3

Hope your all having a great long weekend as well!

xoxo

Masters Degree

You may recall my previous post where I was excited about completing and submitting my application for my Masters in Social Work. From that moment, I've had mixed feelings about whether or not it was still something I wanted to pursue. Some days, I'd feel soo DONE with school, and eager to just embark into having a career and an adult life. I was sick of being a student, and was not looking forward to any more time spent within a classroom. Other days, I would tell myself, its only one extra year (two if I continue with a part time program), and it is easier for me to complete this degree now while I am still young, because once I am married, with kids, going back to school will be a lot harder for me.

I found myself going back and forth between these two trains of thought. Recently, I was speaking to my supervisor who is currently taking her Master's Degree in Counseling ( a specialization within Psychology). This sparked my interest, because I feel like I work best in a counseling setting. While I enjoyed my last practicum, it wasn't very clinical in nature and felt called to return to working in a capacity of a counselor. The more I think of receiving a master's degree in Counseling, the more appealing it is.

While the program will take a lot longer, -- from my Supervisor's experience (who also has an undergraduate in Social Work)-- the material you learn in a Master's degree in Counseling is a lot more clinical in nature, and targets counselors. I am considering taking an online or blended option for this, thus allowing me to start a career and still go back to school...

Upon graduating I will be able to be a Registered Social Worker and a Registered Psychologist... a huge perk I think...

Anyways just a tentative idea for now, but one that I think has taken root in my heart is beginning to grow. =)

My practicum...

...is pretty much amazing!! Working with youth in a Christian setting is such a blessing. While I have previous experience working within the Catholic School District, the two just don't compare!

Every morning, Heritage staff members have a staff meeting before classes (as did St. Mary's Staff), except instead of only discussing school related announcements, the staff members have a weekly schedule dedicated to praying, studying, and worshiping God. The order of tasks varies, but always consists of a day each for:

1. Devotions/Sharing
2. Praying in Small Groups
3. Worship
4. Scripture Reading
5. Chatting / Fellowship

Its absolutely great. Lunch conversations are centered around God, and his unending love and compassion for all of us. I no longer find myself feeling like I have to defend myself for believing in God. Its such a blessing to be able to pray with the students, and co - workers.

My supervisor has allowed me to grow both academically and spiritually, and I am eager to continue this growth!

I now understand exactly what kind of setting I would like to work in, and even if it may not be with Heritage Christian Academy, I will continue to seek opportunities where my work Honors God not ignores or avoids Him.

New Years Resolutions

I usually never have one, I gave up making them awhile back because the following years they would always be the same, and I would just set my self up for failure.

This year however, I decided to give it another shot:

1. Punctuality-- When I'm late, I always blame it on my African time. Let's face it though, I have been i Canada for almost 11 years, and just recently obtained my canadian citizenship. If I can make it on time to work and school, the same should go for everything else! Its about time I start adhering to Canadian punctuality.

2. Reading-- When I was younger I was accused of reading the whole library. I loved to read, I was addicted to it, and it really helped me gain a better command of the english language a lot faster. It also really helped me strengthen my writing skills. The other day I went to the public library to regnite my passion for reading. I felt like a kid in a candy store! This has been the funnest new years resolution yet! =)

3. Balance life/work/school -- I remember how it felt when I had no balance and work and school had taken over my life. I do NOT want to go back to this. ever. again. I plan on continuing to maintain a happy balance between the three areas. Self care is so important, and it is really hard to take care of YOU when you feel like there is no balance in your life.

4. Go the gym more frequently --- I am so out of shape. A flight of stairs leave me hyperventilating sometimes. No good!

5. Continue to grow in my spiritual walk with my Lord-- These past few years has been a wonderful journey which has lead me back to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I want 2011 to be a year of that continued growth and closeness with my Creator.

Happy New Years!!

Merry Christmas!

Nothing beats spending this most special day with Family. That is a gift in itself!


Hoping everyone is enjoying their Christmas, and celebrating the true intent behind this day!

xoxo

She shall bring forth a son,
and thou shall call His name Jesus;
for He shall save His people from their sins

Matthew 1:21

The assurance, that we are Saved through our Savior Jesus Christ is the most precious and greatest gift of all.

Took my my micro twists this weekend.

Such a long, tedious, frustrating process...

The twists themselves were simple enough to take out, they slid right out after I soaked them in conditioner. The twists however left my hair in the most tangled, matted, knotted, unmanageable state and I am still struggling with the detangling process.

Please Remind me to never get micro twists ever again.

1 semester away from my degree

Yesterday was the last day of my practicum. Today was the last day of classes for me.

That means, I am 1 class, 1 practicum, and 1 semester away from my degree. It feels so good and rewarding to finally see the home stretch.