It’s really hard to put to typing what’s gone on these past days, but I want to seize this opportunity to send greetings. You may have noticed I’ve been “lingering” for awhile (smile!)…I haven’t been able to post since mid-November. During my last stay in Thailand I upgraded my blog version, and then when I reached Myanmar I found out that the new version was not accessible from this country…
When I got back to Yangon after the retreat, I realized just how much I appreciated those days of rest we had in Thailand…every day since has been like running a marathon. I remember my director telling me that it’s really easy for people preparing to leave the field to start slipping into thoughts about going home several weeks before they depart. She encouraged me to remember while I’m still here that I have been sent here with purpose. I have thought about home…about seeing my family, about what lies ahead. Believe me that I am extremely excited to come Stateside soon and learn and grow with old and new friends in the seasons that will come. But for today, there’s so much going on every moment here, and I am trying to soak Asia up while there’s time. In just a few days I will say goodbye to Myanmar…for now.
My team and I have been learning a lot about waiting, but very actively. We recently concluded our teaching responsibilities in the village and have been researching and praying for ministry direction for the new years to come. God’s ways are higher than ours for sure, so we want to proceed as He leads. One of the highlights for me in these past weeks was taking several of our students (upper teens/early 20s) to a Youth Ignite Conference put on by some guys from Singapore and Indonesia…so exciting, so challenging. Learning that true sacrifice brings the powerful presence of the Lord into our lives. Yesterday I returned from a 3-day journey to Karen State. Met some believers there and was amazed yet again by God’s creative Hand in the beauty of the scenery. Today (Christmas) we ate rice and pork with about 50 children at the “children’s home” we visit regularly…it was such a feast! To watch the kids pray will blow any American away. Such fervor, such conviction that the One to whom they speak is ABLE.
And that’s the thought I want to share with you this Christmas. The angel told Mary, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” – Luke 1:37
I’m about to conclude my journey in Myanmar, and in Asia. I know that with God the things behind and the things ahead are possible, and His grace is sufficient for the days to come as they have been thus far. My hope as we enter this new year – 2007 – is that we be filled with the knowledge of the power of God and trust His goodness. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! This is the day that the Lord has made…REJOICE! Be GLAD.
2 Christmas poems I penned this morning…
THE CHILD
persecuted, preeminent
lowly, lifted up
heavily laden, highly exalted
All men bow
Coming Soon
THE KING
Impossible truth,
Certain hope.
Imperfect lineage,
Perfect sacrifice.
Should not be for us…
But is.
Forsaken…
Risen.
Wonder, world…
Receive your gift.
Wonderful Counselor
who knows our plight;
Our peace child reigns
with mighty love;
Worship Him today,
while He can be found.
***P.S. This oxen carriage is how we got to church the other week… “Sleigh bells ring…are you listening?” Just no snow!
