Imagine with me would you? Every
morning you wake up to a world unfamiliar to your eyes. From the floor you walk
on in a foreign house to the smells that float in the breeze as you exit into
the open air. The vegetation is decorated with a tropical display that brings songs
of melody to your heart and an ocean mist that lingers on your face. You’re
surrounded by people with sun kissed skin but possess such beautiful dark
chocolate eyes without the reflection of the Son. Their tongue speak of words that
are slowly becoming familiar to your new ears, but yet not familiar enough to
communicate the True meaning of Life. At moments you’re left with a longing, a
desire to know the language in such a way, while other times it brings a
drifting heart of doubt. There are days of victories and others nights of
defeat. Where is my hope? My hope comes from Him! The Maker of heaven and
earth!
Though finding your niche in a place such as
this does not seem settled yet, there is a new perspective on the horizon. You
no longer find strength in what you are doing or what you have done or how
affective you are, but your strength is found in the shelter of His wing. When
you’re resting, trusting and abiding in HIM your focus transitions from your
own hands to His feet; when you’re on your knees.
Therefore, by His strength I live in
Him and through Him. Let our lives become more like a child’s; dependent on
their Father for everything. I will boast in Him alone!
Going back to America the need still
remains. Yes the need to proclaim the Good News, and the need to keep my
perspective on His feet not my hands. My opportunity for sharing should not be
measured by what I can do, but what He is already doing, what He has already
done through His Son.
Let this heart rejoice and bring
thanksgiving to His name.
Time with the locals has been
phenomenal. Ashton and I continue to be active in the English Club as well as
building relationships with the locals and our Team. Recently Ashton and I have
returned from our travels to another area in the country for our visas. During
our visa trip we were able to lodge with our homestay’s relatives. We were
blessed in so many ways during this trip. Honestly, it is probably one of the
biggest highlights of our overseas experience. This is not primarily due to the
sites we experienced or even the food we tried (though it was a sweet
addition), but because of our Southeast Asian Homestay Family. Leaving the area
of my Homestay’s relatives was very difficult. I felt like I was leaving a
place of familiarity, even though I was only there for 3 days. What precious
moments these are when you are embraced with the tender arms of my Asian
Grandma or holding the hand of my Asian Mom. When their words of love are
spoken toward me they resonate within my core. I find my heart growing in a
deeper love with every moment spent with them. The Harvest is ready here. I see
the soil being tended and prepared. I must be patient. I must wait upon the
Great Farmer.
In time, our house is becoming more
and more like a home. We have curtains, a stove top, a boxed oven (very
interesting oven compared to the American oven. Still don’t know how to work it
yet) and a new row of cabinets with a sink that has been recently installed.
Here in Southeast Asia you learn a lot about living. But it’s not just learning
how to live life in another place. Really you learn about life in general. You
learn things about yourself, others, the Father, the Son and the Spirit. Life
continues no matter where you are. I’m thankful that the Good King knows me
better than I know myself. I have seen that He has placed me here for a
purpose. The purpose to bring light into the darkness, proclaim His name, for
the Son to become more in my life and less of me, and finally He has brought me
here for the continuation in captivating my heart so that I will be even more
intimately bound to Him and Him alone.
He alone shall be King over all! Let
us Rejoice in His Name!
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