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.

 

Focus on The Son

Focus on the Son

I am captivated by His incomparable majesty, unwavering faithfulness, unconditional mercy, and mysterious power. His authority always remains, He never changes and His love last for eternity.

I was once dead. I was dead in my disobedience and trespass toward the Most High; separated from truth, from light, and from hope. How can dead people chose life? Can a dead person save themselves from the charges of sin? It can’t be done. It is impossible! But by the grace of the Most High and the blood of the Son I have been pardoned. He has adopted me as His very daughter. How could I want anything more than Him?

However, even after my adoption I struggled with my old self, my sin. For so long I still felt the charges of sin weigh heavily on my shoulders. After I was revived from death, I believed by my own efforts would make me like the Son. With my effort to fix my sin it seemed to disappear for maybe a week, or a month, but then that very sin came back again and again! I was trying to clean the outside when it was the inside that needed a Healer. All I did was displaying myself as a white washed tomb. I couldn’t escape death on my own why would I think I could handle the power of evil on my own? The King did not release me from death to then desert me and expect me to fend for myself. No, he saved me from death so that I would depend and trust in Him for my progressive progress in becoming like the Son; for only He has the power over evil. We are in a spiritual battle. I will always have sin tempting me, twisting truth, and trying to separate me from the King, but I can REST knowing that I don’t need to fight on my own. The King doesn’t want me to correct myself. He wants my focus to move from my sin to the Focus on The Son.

For the rest of the life I have been giving the greatest thing to do is: Praise His Name. I was taken from death to life to bring Him glory. I am a redeemed child to forever worship the Son. Is there anything better a human can do but to abide in the Creator? He is worth y of all the Glory. All Glory belongs to Him!

Fall is in the Air kind of, just not in Southeast Asia

There are many other things to celebrate though! Ashton’s parents came to Southeast Asia this week! They connected well with the locals, especially with the college students and our Homestay Parents. Ashton’s parents have a great excitement for the work being done and a great hope for all the nations. It was good to have new blood on the field, especially well-known faces. J They are encouraging and brought many instants of laughter; especially when Ashton’s mom danced with a local woman! It left quite an impression. Hahahaha! The time of their stay flew by, but the moments given were memorable. Ashton and I are very thankful for their coming and the continued support of our loved ones. I am very grateful for the Body of the Son. Thank you Steve and Janeen for taking the time to be with us!

Speaking of loved ones – mine will be here shortly! So exciting, exciting to see them once again and to show them my side of the world! I very much look forward to the time spent with my family and Caleb, and the many moments they will have with the locals. It feels unreal that they will be here in less than 5 days! I am honored that my family and Caleb have sacrificed their time and money to come all the way around the world to see me and to take part in the work here. What an incredible blessing! I’m excited to dialogue with them about what they have tasted, seen, and heard from their new environment! There will be many adjustments such as: jetlag, the abundance of fried food, weather, and culture in general!  I am so thankful that I get to share this piece of my life with my loved ones in such a way.

Continue to keep Ashton and I in your thoughts and pr*yers. We need to be discerning, but bold with the moments the Good King gives us. By His Will we will continue in the relationships we have here amongst the locals, with the hope of them coming to the knowledge of truth. Please also pr*y for unity while Ashton and I are sharing. The Father continues to provide in this way which is amazing; but we still must be on guard against the schemes of the enemy! The English Club has about 18 Students that arrive regularly! This is wonderful! This allows continued building on the same relationships which helps a lot with being intentional. While my parents and Caleb are here they will help me in the Health Topics for English Club next week. We will be discussing the Heimlich maneuver, 1^st response (ex. Motorcycle accidents) and safe drinking water. Most of our topics must be more interactive than performed in a teaching style. Therefore, we’ll have to get crafty with our delivery! But I do believe these topics will be profitable for their knowledge, especially motorcycle accidents and the safe water. These are very common issues in my area and need to be addressed.

Until then let us all seek the Son. Let our eyes be fixed on the One who has conquered death!

Light of the World

How many more times will the ugly beast show its hideous face? It lurks behind every corner seeking to kill, steal and destroy life. The beast is never satisfied but continues in its vain pursuit to devour all who hold breathe in their lungs. The beast is without mercy, grace, or love; only death is its possession. I am but prey to its greedy claws. I am helpless, for my strength is not enough to defeat my enemy!

Woe to me a woman who deserves such fate. For I have fallen far from the Perfect Law where I remain guilty on the judgment stand. Shackles of sin are strapped to my wrist and ankles; weight that I cannot carry on my own. My weary arms collapse near my side and my head hangs low. I am without any hope of redemption. My eyes begin to shut with the blurry vision of darkness enclosing around me. I draw in my last gasp of air while salty tears roll down my face. Just as my forefathers were long ago, I too have become a slave to sin.

            Out of the darkness I hear a cry, “It is finished!” My chains break free from my body and I am set apart from such bondage. The Light of the World with holes in His hands picks me up from the ground. With radiance in His voice He says He has paid my debt. He says that I alone belong to Him. He says I am Redeemed from the Law for I am now under Grace. Praises to the One who defeated my debt, who defeated the Sin of the World! He sit on the right hand of the Father where He is forever praised! We were made to Worship Him!

            Let us be on guard against the enemy; captivating every thought and making it obedient to the Father. Let us rest in the strength of the Son as we continue in the Battle. Let our thoughts no longer dwell in the oppression of Sin but in the Victory of the Son. May our lives be not of legalism or strife but deepening our love for the SON. He is worthy of all the glory.

Recently Ashton and I have been blessed with opportunity to investing in the young ladies of Southeast Asia. Since our time is limited we need to be discerning in whom to share the Good News with. We are seeking “People of Peace.” People who desire to hear the stories and the truth of the Son. Too many times we have come across girls who only want to hang out with the white skinned and blonde haired foreigners. We ask that the Believers would lift us up in communication with the Father in this area.

Ashton and I are learning much about the different approach in sharing the Good News. It’s so different here. Talking about the “purpose of life” is such a common conversation vs. America. We ask also for additional communication with the Father in being BOLD in the Word. We desire to be ready with answers and to explain the joy within our lives.

The English Club is growing in numbers here in our overseas home! There has recently been a large amount of females attending. This is very exciting! Before we use to have an overwhelming attendance of males…. This can be difficult when the ratio is 3 females against 12 males….. However, we are looking forward to more time with our new ladies and expecting new relationships with them!

Additional news is the coming of Ashton and I’s parents! They are coming soon! We are thrilled to share with them the work that is being done among us! We are so thankful for their willingness to come alongside us and assist in any way possible. Honestly, encouragement and support from them is a blessing I never want to take for grant it. I’m look forward to seeing how the Good King will use this time in our lives and the lives of the Asian people!

I want to thank all of our supporters in this journey! The Body is a beautiful thing. Being here I am seeing more and more the need for the unity of Believers! Until then continue to live life with your eyes set on the Ultimate Prize! Press On Brothers and Sisters!

 

 

 

 

More of Him Less of Me

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!

Moments, Memories and Life in the Making

Finally in our new home! It is a very quant but a humble home in which I am honored to call mine. The roof is made of sky blue shingles with textured cloudy concrete covering the outer walls of the house. Inside the home we have been blessed with many cultural details including a rosy pink tiling for our flooring, squatty potties, and an outdoor kitchen.  Though there are 3 American ladies living here, who have added their own interior décor taste, much of the Southeast Asia influence still remains. I think the two blends of culture complement each other very well. 

As for our neighbors we are very thankful for the intentional neighbors we have. They are already protective of us and eager to be a part of our lives; the older lady right next to us especially. Ohhh how precious this little lady is. Ok so a little background on this woman: She is short, cute, and very very talkative. The interesting thing is is that she doesn’t speak the local language here…. She speaks a tribal language in which I am not familiar with. Therefore, the conversations typically consist of her talking and talking and talking about whatever her little heart desires and us girls smiling and laughing whenever she smiles and laughs. We nod in agreement and frown when appropriate and wrap our arm around her shoulders when she wraps her arm around our waist. Even the other day she brightened our day by exhorting us to the house of the director in our neighborhood. Each neighborhood in our area has a director over the neighborhood. Therefore, when someone is moving in or if there is any issues in the neighborhood the residence must report to the director. She was very funny in the meeting with our director and honestly I don’t even think our director knew what she was talking about the entire time!  I look forward to more moments with her during our stay!

Today, Ashton and I were able to do more motorcycle lessons with our roommate Rachel. The lessons are well needed and very valuable to our skills on the road. However, due to the need for yet more lessons, Ashton and I continue to take the local transportation around our city. Local transportation definitely has its pros and cons. Pros: we always have a story to tell after we get off the local transportation. Another pro is the time where Ashton and I can learn and practice our local language with nationals who ride with us. Though we typically discuss the same things over and over again but I never get tired of same conversations. 

As for the cons they are more targeted toward the extensive time we spend on the public transportation. It takes us almost 3x longer on the public transportation vs. the motorcycle. To say the least Ashton and I are very excited for the day where we can be more independent with our travel and use our time in a different manner. We both agree: time on the local transportation has NOT been a waste of time by any means, but the motorcycle will be a huge blessing to this next transition in our stay here. In ways I will miss our local transportation moments….. Actually to help with such missing I might have to leave my motorcycle at homes some days and jump on the local transportation again.

Life is different here and the Father is using the differences to stretch us in a variety of ways. I continue to ask the Father what it means to live here on a daily basis. I want to “finish the task” He has set before us. Even when I leave this place I do not want to stop being fervent for the Kingdom. My hope is as I am being poured out like an offering here so will I continue to be poured out wherever HE sends me. My motivation and attitude and my desire for the Father should not be based on a place, but my growing understanding and yearning for His Will to be done. I want to work hard for the Father, not in a legalistic way, but in a way that is pleasing to Him. I want my life to be a sweet aroma to my King. I am so thankful He has lifted the veil from my eyes. Because of His Spirit I recognize that He did not just lift that veil from my eyes for my own good, but also so that I can be used as a vessel for His purpose in unveiling the eyes of others. He is my strength, my hope and the very reason I am alive. By His workings in my heart, I deepen my love and longing for the Son. Let this life be “More of Him and Less of Me.”

Welcome to the Rodeo

Wow. Wow. Wow. NEVER A DULL MOMENT. I’m in a place where I literally think every piece of me is being refined by the Almighty. What a treasure it is to be in the discipline of the Father and how true it is that we need him in all things.  

Ashton and I have been out of our home-stay for almost a week now. Life is changing so much. I feel like we are constantly transitioning modes from fast to faster. At the moment we are in the process of moving into a new house with another roommate. Her name is Rachel. She is phenomenal. She has already been in country little shy of a year. I believe all three of our personalities complement one another. I believe the Father knew exactly what He was doing and continues to do with our new living arrangements. 

Though living on our own is going to be wonderful blended with a new taste of freedom and seasoned with adventures…… it also means we have a completely new set of lessons to learn, meaning “it’s time to grab that rascally bull by his horns!” Example(s): #1 Learn what and where to buy groceries. #2 Learn how to cook food in foreign kitchen. #3 Learn how to cook food in foreign kitchen when guest are present in home. #4 Learn how to do decrease the number of mosquitoes inside your house! #5 Learn how to balance social life, with responsibility, and well needed sleep time. The list goes on and on and on…. Before in our home-stay, Ashton and I were truly blessed with a very giving, and providing family. They took us shopping, an occasional meal in town, a trip to the mountain, Sunday morning to an extravagant wedding and of course the always enjoyable Magnum Ice Cream Bar run! Really they spoiled us. My proof is in the additional weight gained :) They feed us very well, never did I go to bed hungry :)

Our home-stay Mom and Dad where extremely generous and took great care of us, especially when we were sick. They became family more and more each day, just like I see Ashton and I become more and more like family with our supervisors, Rachel and the local friends we have been blessed with. The adventures and memories we had with our home-stay will always stay in my memory. But I look forward to the new memories Ashton and I will make while being in yet another new environment.

I’m thankful that when we left the home-stay it wasn’t good bye, but a simple see you around :) Ashton, Rachel and I live right down the road from our home-stay! This means definite visits! I’m thankful we get to build on to those relationships. 

Wherever you go, whatever you do, or whatever changes and shifts in your life, there is beauty in all seasons. 

Life is crazy here in country. I’m serious. I’ve never been so “up in the air” with plans, timing, or goals. Nothing here is convenient or holds consistency……. This can be super frustrating at times. Transportation is hectic and even when you walk down a street or shop in a local market people stare at you as if you were an interesting zoo animal. BUT I am glad to say Ashton and I are still being strengthened by the Father even in all the frustrating, and culture shocking moments. He uses all things for the good of those who love Him according to His will!

The Harvest is plentiful here, but how true it is of the few workers. We are constantly reminded of the dark world we live in. BUT there is hope! Hope in the ONE who can truly save! He never leaves nor forsakes us. We are not alone. He give us the words, strength and discernment needed. Let us continue to make our lives more of Him and less of self! Let us continue to be Kingdom focused!

Where My Rest is Found

There are so many things to see here, so many things to learn, so many things to take hold of and so many things to try. It can be exciting, but also overwhelming. One moment I'm enjoying riding an elephant and the next moment I'm reminded of the fallen world we live in when I see the chains strapped around the ankles of this massive animal. I hope that whatever country I'm in I will never forget the Grace that was given to me and the call I received.

Everywhere I look I'm reminded of where my rest truly belongs, in HIM.

Ashton and I have had quite an adventure here in Southeast Asia. Actually I feel like we have a unique adventure each day; even if we remain at our homestay all afternoon long studying our language. I have been blessed with an incredible traveling partner and friend. We learn much from one another and continue to speak truth into one another's lives. It is truly a blessing.

Altogether, we have been blessed by incredible friends here that are becoming more life family each day. They are encouraging, supportive, uplifting and have wonderful personalities.

I do miss home, the one's I love. I desire to be with them. Being here makes me appreciate each and every one of them. Though I look forward to the day I see them again, being here is extremely valuable. Being here in Southeast Asia is where I'm to be in this season of my life.

I want to be in complete surrender to the ONE who gives me the very breath I have. He is whom I find rest in. I find rest in Him in the crazy, busy, overwhelming days, and I find my rest in Him when I struggle with being away from home. He holds me together. He is my sustainer.

There are many more things I hope to explain further on in the blog. Like the wedding Ashton and I attended and the time we have had with our homestay family!!!!! There are many things to processes, so many things to say. As for now I will leave you with this: HE IS WORTH IT ALL. I'm very thankful for the opportunity we have been given. Ashton and I rejoice in the work that is being done here and the hope that is yet to come!

P.S. I have forgotten my camera cord to upload pictures on my computer. However, Ashton didn't so if you want to see pictures from our trip so far I encourage you to check out her blog! Incredible pictures! Plus you can hear more about our stay through her eyes!