Thankfulness

On this day, when millions of Americans gorge themselves on the best of their "crops", when they push back from the table to discretely undo their belts and pant buckles, when people count their blessings and practice thankfulness, when families are together celebrating life, liberty and happiness, when all I see on Facebook is "Happy Thanksgiving" or something rather close to it, when across the nation there is a widespread feeling of thankfulness...

...I grasp for something profound to say that hasn't already been said.  And I fail miserably.

So instead of searching my brain for something profound, I will instead just focus on enjoying the moment.

~Happy Thanksgiving everyone~

My Father

Know what's worse than missing someone when they're not with you?

Missing someone when they are with you.

That's how I felt this past weekend whenever I looked at my dad.  Sure, he's there physically right in front of me.  But, I feel like he's missing.  Cancer has a way of doing that to people.

He has to sleep propped up on a recliner in the living room now because he can't breath well at night.  Poor mom, all alone in that big bed.  Wouldn't be surprised if she's sleeping on the couch next to him.

Dad doesn't talk much now.  His talking is usually interrupted by fits of coughing.  He can't talk loud or long.  What's worse... he can't sing.  Singing is our love, our family tradition, our ministry, our joy.  When dad sings with his girls, he just beams.  But now, he'll have to just play the guitar for us while we sing.

The Lord's prayer is not quite as good without dad's strong male voice ushering a sense of awe.

It's just hard to go home now to see my family and feel like part of the household is missing.  A piece is gone.  Dad is still here, but he's not the same dad that I've always known.  He shows more pain, admits his frailty more readily, and surrenders his tasks more often to the able hands of his wife or daughters.

But, he's still dad.

He was outside in the chilly morning air planting bulbs.  He can still impress even himself with his guitar playing.  He gets the heartiest laughs at the dinner table.  He would pause a moment to lovingly pet one of the cats.  He is still shy around people.

Some things never change.

Although a part of my dad is missing, he is still the wonderful father that God gave me.  God did a an amazing thing when He wrought my father in the womb.

He shall be a man of quiet strength.  He shall know when to speak and when to be silent.  He shall "provide things honest in the sight of all men."  He shall have a high sense of morality, responsibility, honesty and unwavering loyalty.  He shall have a faith as solid as stone.  He shall be a man of integrity.  He shall have and impart wisdom.  He shall be called, "beloved."

***********************************************

Please join me in praying for my father, that God would provide a quite peace to flood his soul.  It would be our greatest desire for God to heal him, but we also know that God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts.  He is in control.  

I remember a night many years ago, when I complained to my father about a lingering hip displacement that was causing me much pain and agony.  I told him my woes and asked, "why do I have this problem?  Why won't God just fix me?"  My dad paused for a moment to collect his thoughts, then carefully replied with, "though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.*"

That made a profound impression on my young mind.

And now, as my dad battles his worst enemy, he is a living example of the very words he uttered that night so many years ago.  Although his modesty compels him to stay silent, I speak from witnessing him, that he believes those words.  He has that kind of trust.

And again, I'm profoundly impressed.

*Job 13:15

Sabbath Rest

It has come.

I knew it would sneak up on me quicker than I anticipated.  And it did.

School has a way of doing that to you.

I can't believe it.  I'm actually in the program I've been pursuing; the program I've been aiming at for over 3 years now.  My goal is becoming a reality.  And I'm still dazed.

I was walking across campus today from having spent a few hours studying in the library, when I happened to look down and notice the scrubs I was wearing.  How can I describe the excitement that bubbled up in me?  Wow.  I'm in my dental hygiene program.  I'm actually in.

God is good.

But now I must add that this isn't any easy program I've begun.  Never did I realize how much anatomy is hidden in the oral cavity.  And trying to learn each tooth by a numeric system is incredibly challenging.  Just wait till I learn all the facial bones, muscles, circulator system and nerves.  And how about trying to learn all that, while also trying to learn how to take a perfect radiograph (x-ray) of the teeth, probe around your patient's mouth without jabbing them, and hold a mirror in your non-dominant hand.  Oh, I know it's possible.  Lots of hygienists have done it in the past.  My respect for them has tripled, to say the least.

My 5 other classmates - all girls ranging from 20 to 26 - are just as excited.  Yet, our enthusiasm seemed to quickly get smothered under the heavy load of books to read, assignments to complete, and exams to take.  I hear more sighs; I see more yawns; I hear more groans.  I try to remind myself of how blessed I am to be in this program.  Of how blessed I am to be learning all this.  Of what a help I'll be to people who need oral care.  Then, the book load isn't so heavy, the assignments not so burdensome, the exams not so tedious.

And, once in a while, when my screensaver kicks on as my computer dozes, I see pictures of India.  Then, I'm reminded of why I'm doing this.

Already, I've learned so much in the program (and it's only been two weeks!).  So many things I would do differently if I were to be in India again.  I can't imagine how much I'll know after two years of this!

How happy I am to have the Sabbath.  I really need it after an exhausting week of school.

Yet, I had two exams to complete online this weekend.  When I got out of class Friday at noon and realized that I only had a few hours till sundown and that I had hardly had enough time to study for my two exams and that the Sabbath was smack in the middle of my weekend, a sudden feeling of panic enveloped me.  Realizing my predicament, I internally freaked out.

But then, I remembered something.

Before school began, I emailed my lead professor and explained to her about my Sabbath and my desire to honor that day by abstaining from doing or thinking of school on my rest day.  I politely asked if there were any exams, assignments, field trips or the like that would fall on my Sabbath and would she please let me know ahead of time so I could make arrangements if necessary.  She replied sweetly that they would do their absolute best to work with me.

She then forwarded my email to several of my other online professors.  I then later found out that all the professors had gotten together and planned out their schedules to that all the exams and assignments would not be on Saturday, or would be over a two-day period so as to allow me to make each deadline.  Wow.  Isn't God good?!

So, I was talking with one of my classmates Friday about the weekend.  I made mention of how I would have to leave the library at 3 to get some things done before sundown and wouldn't be able to study till Saturday night.  She is familiar with SDA's and she asked me, "is it because of your Sabbath?"  I replied the affirmative.  She commented, "that's so cool that you just take a whole day of your week and not even think about school.  You must feel so refreshed after it."

I opened my mouth to respond, but closed it feeling a bit of shame.  How could I ignore the beautiful truth of the Sabbath rest?  She was right.

So I laid my plans for the weekend at His feet, knowing that He would bless my desire to keep His Sabbath holy.  I claimed His promises and entered into the Sabbath hours with nary a burden.  And I had a wonderful Sabbath indeed.

And guess what?  I got both my exams done Sunday morning bright and early.  What a relief.

"The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath..." 

Success!

After so long of planning this health expo with the Kamiah church, we finally did it!  Wow.  What a wonderful feeling!

We did it during BBQ days, so we had a constant flow of people coming through the lines.  105 people filled out the questionnaire, but more went through than that.  Probably had around 130 people go through our health screening stations!  Praise the Lord!

Welcoming people

Find out your health age! 

So many people, we were sometimes backlogged! 

Will administering the step test to check fitness level

Volunteers resting!

Blood pressure station

Kerri aiding a lady through the BMI station

Blood glucose and cholesterol station

Will giving advice to a woman

Filling out the questionnaires

The step test station was popular to young and old!

What a blessed opportunity!  Some of our staff got to pray with people and several invitations to join us for church were given.  The majority of people were really interested and open-minded.  We not only gave them helpful advice on how to have better health, but we made loving contact with our community.

Yay for health evangelism!

Proud to Be Called Chicken

Just watch.  It's worth the 11 minutes.

"...how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"

Overflowing

Just finished an incredible youth conference in Montana.  How could you be more blessed?

The theme was Filled.

Every speaker was great.  I left there feeling immensely blessed.  There are several changes I want to make to my lifestyle and habits now.  It's like a refreshing spring cleaning.

Now, for the hardest part... sticking to the goals I set while at the conference.  Yes, it's difficult in some ways, but "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!"

Yes, I am filled to overflowing.

"My cup runneth over..."

Simple Things

Sometimes, it's the simple things in life that make it the most pleasant.  But they are also the things that are most overlooked.

I'm trying to practice taking time out of my day to:

Don't let life slip by without your enjoying it's simple pleasures...

The Essence of Christianity

I'm reading through the 28 fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist church and came upon the  15th: The Lord's Supper.

Being a 5th generation Adventist, I'm quite familiar with the once-a-quarter communion service.  So familiar, that I sometimes feel like I'm just going through the motions.

But not anymore.

Read this story that I came across:

A Buddhist monk once asked a missionary to suggest a scene that would represent Christianity.  Artists were to decorate a hall on the monastery grounds with murals and reliefs that depicted major world religions.  After some reflection the missionary began to share the account in John 13.  The monk "said nothing as I read," the missionary recounted, "but I felt a strange, awesome quietness and power as the passage described Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet."  In that culture, discussing in public anything having to do with matters of the feet is considered very poor etiquette.


"When I finished reading, there was a moment of silence.  He looked at me with incredulity and said, 'Do you mean to say that the Founder of your religion washed His students' feet?'


"'Yes,' I replied.  The usually placid moon face with shaved eyebrows and head wrinkled up in shock and amazement.  He was speechless, and so was I.  I swallowed very hard several times, and we were both caught up in the drama of the scene.  As I gazed at him, the look of incredulity on his face changed to a reverent awe.  Jesus, the Founder of Christianity, had touched and washed dirty fishermen's feet!  After a few moments he gained control of himself and rose to his feet.  'I see now the essence of Christianity.'"


Do you see it?

Market Witnesses

Wind, rain and late helpers won't stop us from making the most of our first farmer's market of the season!

It never stops surprising me what an effective means of outreach this has become for our family.  First, we get to interact with people on a personal level, making friends.  We offer them organic produce and allergy friendly products, all of which are as healthy as we can possibly make them.  

Then, we provide music... sacred music.  

And they just love it.

We even get a few young people join us in song... once strangers, now friends.

It's pleasant to see.

Lessons from Lazarus

I heard a sermonette the other day that touched me deeply.  I drank in every word, hoping that I could later write it all down so I wouldn't ever forget it.  I finally did.  I will share it with you here, the story that took on new meaning for me.  I hope it does for you too.  Here it is in my own words:

John takes the time to describe an event in the life and ministry of Jesus… an event that had profound effects on many people and that ultimately led to the discussion of Jesus’ demise.  But what we see as a wonderful miracle for Lazarus and his two sisters is actually a beacon of hope to many of us today.

  Jesus loved Lazarus, Mary and Martha.  They held a special place in his heart.  He often visited their home in Bethany and found it to be a place of rest and refreshing.  When Lazarus fell deathly sick, the sisters sent Jesus a message saying, “…he whom thou lovest is sick.”  John often used this sort of title for people of special interest to Jesus.  John chose to list himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”  Not only does John mention Lazarus as one that Jesus loved, but he repeats himself only two verses later saying, “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.”  Okay, we get the point. They were his special peeps and he cared for them deeply.

  But the story gets interesting from here.  You’d think that upon hearing that his beloved friend was sick unto death, that Jesus would immediately rise up and go to see Lazarus to at least say goodbye!  Or maybe even heal him.  He could have even spoken a word like he did for the centurion, and Lazarus would have popped up out of his deathbed.  But instead, Jesus just waited two more days.

  What confusion this must have caused the disciples!  They know how deeply Jesus cared for Lazarus and his sisters, and they know that the man is near to death’s door, and yet, Jesus seems to be oblivious to the pain and sorrow this was causing Mary and Martha.  He seemed completely distant and uninterested… like the god that creates everything then just sits there watching and waiting while we wallow in sin, pain and loss.

  When Jesus finally says, “let’s go,” he takes the time to tell his disciples that Lazarus is “sleeping” (i.e. dead).  They think that’s fine and dandy until Christ then pops their bubble with “Lazarus is dead.”  The disciples must have thought, “Boy, he took that well.”  Still, no emotion on Jesus’ part is portrayed in the Biblical account.  He appears stoic.

  When Jesus arrives in Bethany, two grieving sisters greet him.  Martha, who first meets Jesus, says, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” 

  If… the word that we are all familiar with.  “If God is real, why does He allow all this pain?  If God really cared, I would never have suffered this injury.  If God loves me, why did He allow me to be abused?  If God is love, why all this?  If, if, if… our deepest, most heart agonizing questions often are prefaced with the word if.  We question God.  We shake our fists at Him, saying” why”?

  Mary had the same resentment and anger.  She basically asked the same thing… “Where were you???”  Where were you when I was diagnosed with a terminal illness?  Where were you when I suffered through that loss of a loved one?  Where were you when I endured ridicule, abuse and pain? Where were you, God?  Why do you seem to sit silently on the bleachers while we are down in the arena being torn apart by life’s circumstances? How could you be loving?  How could you even care?  If you really cared, why didn’t you DO something???

  “Jesus wept.”

  The shortest verse in the Bible, and yet packed with far more meaning then we give it credit for.

  Finally, we see emotion; we see grief.  Jesus wept.  In the Greek translation, it means that Jesus shed real, wet teardrops.  This is one of the few instances in the Bible where Jesus shed tears.  Jesus was moved by the sorrow and pain he saw in the faces of his beloved friends.  Jesus wasn’t crying over Lazarus, for he knew what glorious miracle he would perform. No, instead, Jesus wept with those he loved.  He shed humanity’s infamous tears.  His divinity was shadowed as he wet his face with his own teardrops.  His eyes probably got swollen; his nose may have started running; his beard got wet.  He groaned and may have even wailed.   He was truly weeping.

  Jesus asked to be taken to the graveyard.  He went to the place where everyone had given up hope.  He found himself in the place where Mary and Martha’s broken dreams, shattered hopes and splintered trust were buried.  He was in the graveyard where they had given up.  Everything had died with Lazarus.  Nothing was left but a tombstone as a memorial of their loss.

  Where’s your graveyard?  Where is the place where you gave up, where you felt totally helpless and alone?  Where did you say, “I’m done.  I give up.  I can’t make it any longer.  I’m hopeless.  I just want to bury my dreams and hopes?”  This is the place where you felt utter despair and hopelessness.  Your trust was broken, your life was marred, your heart was scared, your dreams were shattered, your fire was extinguished, and your expectations were singed.  You gave up trying.  You threw your hands up in desperation and left your everything there in the grave, left with nothing but a gnawing and empty void.

  Jesus has asked to see your grave.  He knows your heartache and despair.  He knows what you’ve been through.  He’s seen it all.  He’s wept with you and cried with you.  He’s shed tears with you.  It’s not because of your buried dreams.  No, it’s just because he sees you in pain.  He sees you ready to drown in hopelessness. 

  And yet, he sees a better tomorrow.  He sees your dreams and hopes resurrected.  He knows that the things restored will be sweeter after the grief of losing them.  It’s at the time when you are ready to give up that he can resurrect your life.  He can’t resurrect anything if it wasn’t first dead. He wants to make it a glorious dawning for you.  He wants to take your life’s shattered bits and pieces and shape them back together.  He wants to heal your broken heart, mending it tenderly so that you can be a living testimony of his loving care.  He wants to take that which should have been ugly and make it something beautiful to behold.

Will you let him?

Reflections on Tomatoes

  You know something I learned while washing dishes and staring at the row of store-bought tomatoes lining our windowsill?  They all look the same.  They are the same shape, same color, same size, same spherical perfection.  If I were to study them, and someone would then mix them up, I probably wouldn't be able to put them in the same order that I had studied them in.  They look too much alike.

  Our garden tomatoes on the other hand... they each have their own personality.  Bug bites, large, small, round, oval, heart-shaped, just-plain-warped, red, greenish, orange, yellow... they're all different.  They are unique.  They aren't just a bunch of cookie cutter tomatoes, picked at the same time and ripened at the same time.  They are hand picked when they are at their prime - twisted or small, it doesn't matter.  And you know what?  They taste way better than those beautiful, perfect, store bought tomatoes.

  I also noted that although our garden tomatoes may have bug bites and be warped, we don't really care.  We know what they're made up of and where they're from.  We know that as soon as our tongue makes contact with the juicy red plumpness that we'll care less what the outside looked like. 

  Now, I'm not really a tomato expert, neither am I that fond of tomatoes (I used to sell them because I wouldn't eat them).  I can stand them in any form but their whole form.  But still, I must admit (with a little sheepishness) that our garden tomatoes far outpass the store bought beauties we are forced to buy when our gardnen's out of commission. 

What lesson did I draw from this?  I'm sure you can guess.

  There's a common notion that people pass along that goes something like, "the beauty's on the inside" or "inside beauty."  It stems from the realization that some people may not be beautiful on the outside but they have that winning personality, or the sweet disposition, or an upstanding character.  This is the "beauty" that we hint at in those phrases stated above.

  I know of several young ladies who have no "knock-out" type looks to speak of and yet they have won a place in my "good lookin' ladies" list. Why?  Because they have the "inward beauty of a meek and quiet spirit."  Their personalities and characters have made them beautiful.  They are the home-grown garden tomatoes.

  On the other hand, I know of another set of ladies who may have the bomb hair or the gorgeous eyes or the incredible facial features, and yet lack in the area of inward beauty.  And you know what?  They aren't on my list of "good lookin' ladies.  Why?  Because they may be snotty, whining, fussy, rude or even too girlie for me.  They become unpleasant to be around and thus their looks mean nothing.  They are the store-bought beauties.

  I can't stress enough how important it is for girls to focus on those things which are long lasting.  Who wants a perfect beauty if she's rotten or tasteless on the inside?  Establish your own sense of purpose, your own set of convictions.  Let the Holy Spirit do His work on your heart.  You may not be perfect on the outside, but if you've been working on the inside, your efforts will start showing.

  I'm always disgusted when I see girls trying so hard to look like everyone else.  They are just another perfect tomato sitting on the windowsill, unidentifiable when surrounded by their peers.  They dress like them, act like them, talk like them.  They are those girls that, when you get to know them, you realize it's all skin deep.  There's nothing substantial.  Just going to a county fair gives an overwhelming feeling of monotony.  Surrounded by tan babes wearing as little clothing as possible, sporting a flirty attitude, I rather feel like a sore spot in the crowd.  But is that a bad thing?

   When we have developed those things that are lasting, namely a godly character and all the wonderful things that come with it, we may look different, yet we have a beauty that no perfect store-bought "tomato" could ever possess.  It can't help but shine through.  We should take care to keep ourselves well tended, but it shouldn't be an obsession.  Rather, it will just be an enhancement of the inner beauty that we've labored for so earnestly.  That's the tasty part of the tomato.

  And acquire your own personality (be it sweet and kind!).  Don't mimic what everyone else does and says.  Have your own opinions, your own standards and your own religion.  Don't be a copycat.  They're miserable to have around.

  ...And don't be afraid to get dirty!  A little sweat didn't hurt nobody (sorry for the bad grammer there... just trying to add to the point).  Get your hands soiled, your hair messy, your neck sweaty.  It all adds to the character development! :)

Being a True "Neighbor"

I got a call from our neighbor up the hill from us.  He started by thanking us for filling in the potholes on the road that's actually on his property, but used by both of us.  After that, he changed the subject completely.

  "Where do you guys go to church?  You see, I've been looking around at churches and I'd like to visit yours."

  Stunned and a little confused as to where this conversation was going, I gave him all the info so he could attend our nearest Adventist church.  He then proceeded to explain.

  He's been an LDS for as long as I've known him.  He started feeling a conviction to keep the Sabbath and has been for the last few weeks (praise the Lord!).  He's become dissatisfied with the LDS church and some of their beliefs that he thinks contradicts the Bible.  So, he's done some research and is interested in learning more about the Adventist church and will be going to one this Sabbath!

  I sat there in our office room chair, quietly listening to him, yet inside, I was bursting with excitement!  He went on and started drilling me with questions.

"What do you guys believe about the Trinity?  What about the New Testament?  Do you read the New Testament?  You believe in Jesus Christ, right?"

  I can't even remember exactly how I answered!  It was all a blur!  But I know I did answer his inquiries, for he seemed satisfied when we got off the phone.  Can you believe it?  And he came to us!  We didn't do anything to make him pick up that phone to call us... except live out our Christianity.

  What an effective means for pricking people's interest - to just let your religion become who you are; to be a living example of true Christianity; to let Christ shine through you.  While on one side we're earnestly seeking souls, on the other, we're compelling them to come and seek Christ from our hands because they see we're different.  It's a dual outreach.

  Our neighbor may not choose to become Adventist, yet I was given that little opportunity to share with him.  Did I use it wisely?  It may have been my last.

Still a Missionary

I had in mind that after my Asia trip, I would stop blogging since my mission adventures would be over.  But then someone reminded me... it's never over.  Aren't we missionaries everywhere?  Hmm... so that leaves me compelled to keep my missionary efforts in high gear and... maybe keep this blog updated with my random missionary thoughts, quotes, inspirations and news.  I probably won't update on here too often, for I don't have time to do that (which should be the case, eh?).

  As I experience life and it's trials and blessings, I'll post little snippets of it here.  As I receive encouragement to continue running the race that has been set before me, I'll share that here to encourage you as well.  And as I witness missionary efforts here in America, I'll post them on this blog to keep the fire for missions burning within us.  Don't plan to check this blog everyday for my updates... I doubt I'll even do a once a week thing.  But, I'll try to keep it up (whatever that means).

So enjoy reading and keep up the race, my friends!

P.S. You can comment on my posts.  I believe I set it up that anyone may write their thoughts and comments.  I'd love to hear from you! :)

Make My Life As Kindling...

Yes, I'm home.  Sorry it's taken me so long to blog.  I've been um... recuperating.  I haven't recovered from jet lag as well as I'd thought.  I did fine recovering when I arrived in India, but this time has been harder.  And, I'm having bowl problems.  It feels like I'm having culture/food shock, yet in my very own country!  Weird.

  I haven't been sleeping well since arriving home.  I wake up several times in the night (usually around 4 which was lunch time in Thailand).  I can't fall asleep well.  Like, last night, it took me over 2 hours to get to sleep!  Pathetic!  But, I started counting to 100 in Spanish and that did the trick.  I didn't even get to 80. But either way, I'm suffering from lack of sleep.  I only got like around 5 hours of sleep or less on the whole trip home which I'm guessing was around 2 1/2 or 3 days of traveling.  Yes, I'm very tired.

  But it sure feels good to be home.  I hadn't really felt like I was gone that long.  Seeing my family wasn't such a big deal like it was when I came back from Guatemala, but that's partly due to Skype (bless those who came up with it!).  And seeing our home after 6 1/2 weeks didn't strike any resounding chord in my heart... I was just happy to see it and hit the bed.  How undramatic.

  I have changed, though.  Yes, I have changed... a lot.  In different ways.  I knew I would.  No one can go on a mission trip and not be changed somehow.  What changed?

  What first gave me hints as to a hidden change in me, was when I came home, opened my closet and got an overwhelming feeling that I had way too many clothes.  It probably takes me just as much time finding what I want to wear that day as it does shopping for clothes (okay, exaggeration).  Life was so simple when I only had 5 shirts to choose from in my suitcase.  I began tearing through my closet.  A growing pile of clothing items started taking up floor space as unwanted/unworn/too small/too large apparel were thrown on the ground.  And there's still more than I need!  I walk into my room and immediately find things that I don't really need or want and they're promptly thrown away or in the "Goodwill" pile.  I hardly have any "but I might need this someday" or "what on earth are you doing?" thoughts.  It's almost like I'm doing a much needed "past-due-date" cleansing.

  I can't not think of all those disadvantaged people in those 3rd world countries and sit in idle repose surrounded by my luxurious living.  Sure, my family's not rich Americans (far from it), but we still have way more than we need.  Americans in general become so caught up in the pursuit of money, career, popularity and education that we begin collecting "non-essentials" that only take up space.  It's ridiculous.  Sell some of your collectables and help someone in India, for crying out loud.

  Also, my world view has changed... drastically.  Having only been to the Americas, it was a totally new experience to see the Asian countries, their religions, their beliefs, their lives, their diets and their values.  Most Indians value family.  South Korea values education.  Thailand values... um... tourism?  I don't know.  But their values change their country.  Their values could make their country prosperous or not.  Their religions have such a hold on them.  Some religions are so oppressing that it's almost as though the people are slaves to it... yet they've put the bonds of servanthood on themselves.  They trust in wood and stone and are slaves to their own fears.  

  

  I've also changed in that I've got that fire for missions again.  Sure, I always have an ember in my heart, but it's become a fire again.  I say "again" because I always get that fire when I go on a mission trip.  And every time, it grows bigger and bigger and doesn't die away easily.  But shouldn't it be that way?  We all need that fire.

  I just wish I could share some of it with the slumbering people here in the States.  If only I could kindle a fire under them and wake them up to the world's condition and the eminent return of our Lord and all the work that needs to be done.  Stop focusing on how you can get as much out of life as possible.  Instead, focus on how much you can give.  Give yourself away.

  There's a quote that I heard from a song years back that has become my motto.  I find it fitting to this desire of mine and is my heartfelt prayer...

"Make my life as kindling, to set the world on fire."

  I can change that to..."set Lewiston on fire."  Or, "set Orofino on fire."  Or Kooskia.  Or Clarkston.  If I can start a spark in one place, it can spread to encompass the whole world.  I'm going to start with my closest mission fields right now.  Will you help me start a wildfire?

Seoul Korea!

I realize that I love experiencing different cultures!

Me with some girls in the traditional Korean costume

  Whatever part of the culture it is.  On the tour, we went to the palace of a king from a dynasty of long ago.  I learned different things about the Korean history.  And I got to talk with one of the Korean ladies on the tour and I learned a ton more.  She says that Korea has a very vibrant economy right now, but doesn't have much for natural resources (much like Japan, which was a factor that played into the WWII). They put a huge focus on education, but not creativity.  So she says that they don't have many "Steve Jobs", as she put it.  And yet they're super smart, but not allowed to use those smarts appropriately.  She's disappointed that Korea is only known for the Korean War and that's about it.  I could understand that.

  Anyway, the funnest part of the tour for me, was to eat at a local restaurant.  I ordered something called Bi Bim Bap.  It was a red rice topped with an assortment of vegetables.  It was delicious except for the fact that they put a blob of runny egg on the top.  I tried to gingerly pick the egg off with my spoon, but was horrified when the whole thing burst upon my touch and started to run onto all my delicious vegetables!  I've never been a connoisseur of eggs and actually pretty much despise them unless they're fried really well.  Thankfully, because I choose to be vegan and I'm actually allergic to eggs, I don't ever have to search hard for an excuse not to eat them... except when they've exploded onto your whole lunch.  Yuck!  I picked around the egg as much as possible, but was still disgusted when I would get a slight taste of it.  Oh well.  Otherwise, the meal was wonderful!  I got to try kimchi, which was yummy except that it was a tad too spicy for my taste.  And, hey!  I've gotten pretty good at eating with chopsticks now!  I'm pretty proud of myself! :)

  I sat with two gentlemen who turned out to be so very nice!  King is Thai and so we talked a lot about Thailand and it's culture and what not.  And Bob is from New York, a single man who loves to travel and has been vegan for over 15 years!  He loved talking about eating vegan/vegetarian and I found that we hit it off really well.  He mentioned that he does green drinks whenever possible and I couldn't contain myself!  When I told him we did green drinks, he laughed long and hard.  He couldn't believe it!  It was a fun conversation, to say the least!  And now, King is considering trying the vegetarian thing!  How neat!

  Anyway, both guys stuck with me as we explored the walking souvenir street, which was a relief to me.  There wasn't much new that I hadn't seen from Thailand or India.  Seems like these Asian countries have a similar taste in... pretty much everything.  But I bought a scarf (I love scarves!) and some postcards.  I had to get something from Korea.

  We also visited a Buddhist temple.  I didn't have the guts to walk inside in the middle of their worship service.  It reminded me a lot of Catholicism... the candles, the huge statues (of Buddha), the prayer beads.  It all seemed vaguely familiar, yet foreign at the same time.  Pillows were placed on the floor and several ladies were doing some sort of prayer that involved them kneeling with their face to the floor then standing up, then kneeling, then standing... a workout in and of itself.  Who needs a gym when your Buddhist?

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  But, I was saddened to see these dear people so steeped in their religion of works.  Near the temple was a tall structure that was some sort of prayer thing too.  Several people were seen walking around it. According to Dam Bi, our tour guide, the people walk around it so many times to ask their petition.  They pause at different places to bow with hands together, praying.  Then they continue on their journey around the structure... for who knows how long.  And then, they walk away fully believing that they've been heard.  By whom?

  But I was surprised to learn that South Korea is half Christian and half% Buddhist (after learning this, I looked it up.  Here's the stats - 46% no religion, 23% Buddhist, 30% Christian.  Not too bad).  That's more Christian then a lot of other Asian countries.  Like India, which is 80% Hinduism and only 2.3% Christian.  That's a sizable difference.

Anyhow, I did enjoy my tour a lot and was thankful I took it.  I was really tired after, for I hadn't gotten hardly any sleep since Sunday night.  But it was worth it (the tour)!  What a great experience!

The Beginning of My Journey Home!

I’m sitting in the Incheon airport, South Korea.  This is the beginning of my journey home.  I still have a long way till I’ll be in my own country, among my own kin.  I think as soon as I get on the plane that will take me to Seattle, that's when I'll get the nervous excitement.  But right now, I'm waiting for my transit bus that will take me on a tour of Seoul!  I'm super excited!  Four countries in one trip is pretty good (India, Nepal, Thailand and South Korea).  I'm getting my fill of Asian countries.

  My bus leaves in 35 minutes.  I have an 11+ hour layover so this is an excellent option for the adventuresome type like me.  I love immersing myself in a new culture and this is no exception.  I should see a temple, a palace, a marketplace, a plaza and a stream of some sort.  What a great experience!  I can't wait!  I've charged my camera battery with plans to take pictures of my adventure!

  It was sad to leave the Rawlings, but probably not as sad as it could have been being that I'm heading home.  But still, Elyssa teared up as I was leaving and I could feel tears sting my own eyes.  It's always hard leaving dear friend who have become like family.  And we don't know when we'll see each other next.  They have plans to come to the States this summer, but you don't know what can happen.  I just pray God will bless them and their ministry immensely.

  You know what's so funny?  After all this traveling around I've done, I have become way more comfortable in an airport than I've ever been.  I don't get the jitter bugs as much, I'm not constantly worried, I know what to do at each security, and I find my way around every airport with ease (except for Mumbai, India.  That was horrible).  And here, I'm planning to take this tour of Seoul... all by myself (well, without a traveling partner, that is)!  I wouldn't have even thought of that a few years ago.  I've come a long way.  

I'd better go prepare for my tour.

A Much Needed Update!

Wow.  It’s amazing how busy I’ve been without having a chance to blog!  Or maybe, it’s because I’m enjoying myself so much I find other exciting things to do.  Maybe it’s both.  Probably so.

Mango Sticky Rice!

  Either way, I’ve been enjoying myself immensely and have started having feelings of sadness that I’m leaving so soon (tonight!).  Several people have mentioned that there’s an option that I can stay longer because Korean Air offers the first flight change free of charge.  So I could change my departure until one of two weeks later!  I can’t help but chuckle!  Aunt Lynette, Lisa Sharon and Mrs. Steck have all hinted at the idea (or maybe more than hinted… suggested strongly).

At the Night Safari!

  Yet, I am ready to go home.  I miss my family, especially my dad whose health hasn’t been the best since my leaving.  He caught pneumonia, which is a scary thing with his immune system being shot from his recent surgery.  So I’m anxious to get home and see him and help my mom.  If I stayed here longer, I’d want them to come here too! :)  I’m jealous of my time with them.

Riding a huge tortoise... not.

  What have I been doing since being here in Thailand?  Well, I swam in the pool with the kids almost everyday last week.  I’ve helped cook and clean.  I went to a Sunday night market, which was pretty awesome since I could get mango sticky rice!  That made the whole thing worthwhile!  I hope to go back this Sunday night.  I went with the family and the Mackins (a dear women and her adopted Chinese daughter) to the Night Safari, which was pretty cool!  We got to see all these neat animals in their nocturnal states!  I saw an albino raccoon, which was so cool and a giraffe stuck its head in the tram we were in and begged for food.  I never knew giraffes were so BIG!  That was my favorite part of the whole Safari!  I was only disappointed that I couldn’t take any pictures because it got too dark.

  Let’s see… oh! And we went to a sticky waterfall!  That was incredible!  The water has a lot of calcium in it, so the calcium has deposited and created this awesome cascade of waterfalls!  And you can walk right up the face of the falls, which made things even more interesting and exciting.  We found two freshwater crabs.  That generated a mix of excited shouts and nervous chattering.  Some were poking curiously at the creature while others watched nervously perched atop a safe location away from the action (Can you guess which group I was in?).  After walking around on the waterfalls a bit, we had a fabulous picnic lunch.

At the Sticky Waterfall!

Our picnic lunch

Micah looking for fish

 

Looking at the freshwater crab

 A freshwater crab!

  This last weekend, there was a retreat held here in Chiang Mai for missionaries in the south Asian countries (Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, etc.).  It was at a fancy hotel in downtown Chiang Mai and quite a number of people came.  I was able to see the Sharons, who I haven’t seen for years!  And the Stecks!  What fun it was to see all these missionaries come together!  The main speaker was a huge disappointment, so we didn’t attend any of his meetings, but rather stayed in the hotel room and read our Huguenot story and drew.

  I’ve taught Elyssa and Micah a little bit about shading techniques in drawing.  Elyssa’s really gotten the hang of it!  She’s into horses so we’ve practiced drawing horses and making them as realistic as possible.  She’s done really well, although she claims it’s mostly me.  But I disagree… I help her, but she’s learning.

A foal.

Elyssa's second drawing.  Incredible!

Destiny, Lisa's Karen baby

  Right now, the “Rawling hotel” has no vacancy!  There are a total of 26 people here!  That includes all their babies and us, but still, that’s a lot of people in one house!  The Stecks (4), Lisa Sharon and her baby (2), Myers (4), Adams (or, at least some of them) (8), Sunny (1), Mackins (2), Rawlings (4), and me!  Pretty full.  Babies crying, fingers typing on computers, boys swimming in the pond behind the house, girls making lunch, mothers chatting… it could easily be called chaos.  I’ve done my share of babysitting.  All the Karen babies are so cute!  Several of the missionaries have “adopted” them.  There are a total of 6 adopted Karen babies here.  My favorite is Lisa’s, who is such a happy little girl!  It doesn’t take much to make her smile!  I just love her!

  Well, I leave tonight.  I have mixed feelings, but mostly, I’m excited to get back to my family!  I miss them so much!  And my friends… I miss them too.  I look forward to catching up with some of you as soon as I can get back! :)