Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Much to Say


Walking in His Footsteps

The narrow road in which the sons of the Most High seek is a passage journeyed by few. This narrow road is undesirable to the blind, but is the way for those with open and enlightened eyes. You cannot come by climbing over brick-layered walls, nor through man-made tunnels. Entry is possible by one approach: the Gate. The Gate echoes life from the very beginning of creation. The Gate stands alone, baring blood of the only perfect sacrifice worthy of satisfying the righteous wrath.

The passage is difficult. A common soul will fail in such conditions. With common strength and common understanding an individual will not last. Thankfully those who enter through the Gate are accompanied by much grace: a never-ending burning lamp for their feet, the Spirit of truth, and are well guided by the Great Shepherd.

The sons of the Most High are Sojourners in the world. They walk in a world governed by the prince of darkness. How he shrivels at the mere sound of the Good News. The enemy will try to destroy the work of truth. But he is limited in power for he is still under the everlasting reign of the Almighty. Unexpected turmoil and suffering will bruise and puncture the bodies of the Sojourners, but nothing can destroy the joy filled, revived heart within their chest. The pumps of their hearts no longer beat for self, the self-lived life which will soon perish in the grave, but beats for the glorious Almighty King.

Because their hearts beat for He who reigns their purpose remains in His unchangeable will. He sends them out declaring His name. The name above all names. He is worthy. He is worthy for us to leave behind comforts, safety and yes even dearly loved ones; for all will fade, all things will pass, but it is He who will last forever. Let us build our houses on the Rock, let us forsake out lives of idolatry and live lives of true worship to the One who is deserving.

Great are the blessings of the Almighty.

My Culture Exposed Darlings

What a delight to embrace your loved ones for the first time in the last four months. Indescribable! The time with my parents and Caleb was a dynamic and unforgettable time. During their stay our personal relationships with one another matured, worldviews challenged, new friendships formed, and hearts drawn toward the harvest in the foreign and domestic lands.

Their engagement in the culture was edifying, encouraging and exciting! I was thankful for their efforts, even with their attempts in language. I thought they all did a fantastic job coming alongside me in my continued time here in Southeast Asia.

We had many memories made in my small city of Southeast Asia. The beginning to my favorite moments took place in the English Club. After their introduction, my loved ones divided into different places around the room as I found my place among friends in the English Club. I loved watching them engage with the locals by sharing their lives, stories, and discovering differences between cultures. Later my family, Caleb and I instructed and exampled for the students: First Response, Heimlich maneuver, and CPR as the lesson for the evening. The lesson was a blast! I was excited to see the teamwork within my loved ones and the response from the college students. Everyone seems to be having a good time!

Peewee Motorcycles

This was an experience in itself! My family drove motorcycles in the crazy traffic of my country during their stay! It was exhilarating, hilarious, interesting, nerve-racking, and heightened stress all at the same time! I will never forget the high shrinks of my mother and the roaring laughter of my father as they swerved around the unexpected potholes and oversized trucks for their first night ride. But there was so much they were able to see and witness. They saw the uniqueness of the culture face to face while riding alongside the locals. The rides provided insight as well as common ground with new people they met. Mother never missed a moment with her camera in one hand and her other arm tightly strapped around my father. Thankfully my father and Caleb did splendid in their driving on the unfamiliar roads. Each location we arrived safely with always a new story to tell.

Volcano Kaba

Please let me give you a visual of the start to our adventure for the day. First, we all (Dad, Mom, Caleb, Ashton, roommate/dear friend Rachel, dear local friend Delita, our driver and I) piled into a vehicle at 6:50am for our 2 hours drive to the mountains where are volcano resided. We were warned it would be at least a 5 hour hike minimal for out hiking expedition. Once arrived at the base of the trail we began trekking up a skinny, broken asphalt path, while surrounded by overgrown vegetation and the loud hollers of nearby jungle monkeys! Wow.

We have met our match: The slopes of all slopes. But our hopes of reaching the top kept our legs moving even while our calves burnt due to sharp incline.

Thankfully our driver had returned to the village to send for assistance. Motorcycle men to the rescue! As we were halfway a few of us boarded the backs of the pegless motorcycles to reach the top! When we all finally arrived the view was well worth the climb! It was spectacular! I have never seen the Father’s creation in such a way! The odor of rising sulfur incapacitated magma resting beneath the crust and enclosed by magnificent towering pillars of rocks covered by the majestic clouds. It was time of amazement, fellowship and challenge for our bodies.

Ultimate Frisbee - Rustic Style

On this particular day our place of game was located in a dried, dusty concealed field situated directly down our street. Every Sunday evening many locals and foreigners gather together to play Ultimate Frisbee. While my mom sat in the nearby grass chatting and taking photos with the girls, I played alongside my Dad and Caleb. The time was full of astounding catches and victories! Caleb used his long arms to block throws while a young local all gave us a run for our money!

Wrap Up

Overall, the time spend together was rewarding. I not only have the blessing to connect with locals in this culture, but now I have the blessing to share that connection with my family and Caleb. Thank you Dad, Mom and Caleb for constantly investing into my life and joining me in my time here. I am very grateful for your support and dear love for me.

New Ongoing Exploration of Southeast Asia Culture

The ball of snow is rolling down the mountainside with great speed and increasing mass! So thrilling! Ashton and I have many locals who are so willing to assist and accompany us in learning about their culture. Memorable conversations and impactful connections have left us with hearts of excitement, desire and encouragement. The King is gracious to His children. He has provided much for us, in this we rejoice!

Our main help has been through our Homestay Family and a friend of the English Club. They have provided interviewees, translation, and new information. Recently, we have been taught about traditional dances of our region, the upcoming festival: Tabot, and are now partaking in the International Seminar that is occurring on the University campus. The first night of the seminar, Ashton and I were invited to a formal dinner. We ate traditional food and enjoyed fantastic performances. There were two specific performances displayed: a traditional dance representing the hardworking labors of the rice fields, and the other a dance representing the traditional bride and groom. They were all exquisite in their movements covered in mesmerizing colors of fabric. As for the melody, the dancers where accompanied by the beating sounds of men playing skinned covered drums as they bellowed in a variety of tones.

We continue to find the beauty of this place. But we must never allow beauty to overlook the needs in this area.