~HeatherSaturday, October 10, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Days
All days are special.
Some days are really great.
Other days are just hard.
Why are they hard? Sometimes there is particular thing that makes them hard, but at other times, they are just hard for a pile of reasons and no certain reason at all.
These days seem to be a little harder than others have been. I'm reaching that plateau in language and not seeing too much progress. I'm enjoying my new apartment but it feels like there will never be a time when everything is done. I'm craving Sonic and Chili's and Papasito's. I'm missing birthday parties and other special events.
These days will pass. I know they will. I know He has called me here and I don't want to be anywhere but in the center if His will. I know there are great days ahead, so I press forward, straining toward the finish line, knowing that He is faithful in all things.
May we look back and be reminded of His faithfulness and press forward trusting that same faithfulness.
~Heather
Some days are really great.
Other days are just hard.
Why are they hard? Sometimes there is particular thing that makes them hard, but at other times, they are just hard for a pile of reasons and no certain reason at all.
These days seem to be a little harder than others have been. I'm reaching that plateau in language and not seeing too much progress. I'm enjoying my new apartment but it feels like there will never be a time when everything is done. I'm craving Sonic and Chili's and Papasito's. I'm missing birthday parties and other special events.
These days will pass. I know they will. I know He has called me here and I don't want to be anywhere but in the center if His will. I know there are great days ahead, so I press forward, straining toward the finish line, knowing that He is faithful in all things.
May we look back and be reminded of His faithfulness and press forward trusting that same faithfulness.
~Heather
Friday, September 4, 2009
Last Day
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."Jeremiah 29:11
This morning, I get ready for my last day of work, at my current job. I have enjoyed my time and the friends I have made at Kobi. And, I am so thankful that I can leave on a positive note. I am thankful that the Lord has given me the grace to finish well, the words to say to show appreciation and the awareness of the opportunity to glorify Him in the situation. I know He will continue to provide. I am comforted by His encouraging my spirit, as I continue to take steps in the direction He is leading. Sweet friends have offer to help me look for employment. They have offered to pray and have given me the kindest words of encouragement. In these weeks of unemployment, I will have more time to prepare for sessions, studying and working at becoming a better student of counseling and counselor. I love that."Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
As I step into a difficult time, financially, accompanied by the less than hopeful economic scene, I know this may not be easy. I know I will have to give up some conveniences, turn some dinner invitations down, advise the Chic-fil-a workers of my temporary absence; but, what an opportunity I have to draw near to the Father and learn more about Him, as He teaches me more of who I am in Him.
"And you have seen all that the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake, for it is the Lord your God who has fought for you." Joshua 23:3
He knows my future. He is able to provide. He causes all things to work together for my good. He will fight for me. I am His, purchased by the blood of His Son. His to mold, His to sanctify, His to love. All that He has done before and all that He will do again is greater than all that I could dream up and work to accomplish. In His will is where I want to be found.
Seeking Him.
~Sarah
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
House of peace and love
I have prayed, "Lord, make my house one that overflows with your peace and love. Use this place to draw people to an understanding of the truth."
What does a house of peace and love look like? I'm not sure it has a look. But, I know how it feels. It has a distinct feeling. I want those who come into my home to notice and feel that sweet presence of a Father who loves them dearly. I want them to yearn to know what is different about a household that serves the Lord.
I'm not on the side of the building that is full of women who bustle up and down the stairs and speak each time they pass. Don't worry, there is plenty of movement and there are lots of community members who stop in to pay a short visit and just to check on the comings and goings, as well as to get the lastest news. We provide great entertainment for the entire community!
I have hired a lady to come each day to wash the dishes and clean the floors. It takes her only a few minutes and she speaks no english, both of which are good things for me.
After only a couple of days, my house helper began sending her daughter to do the work. I learned that the lady I hired was a young widow with 4 children. She was working several jobs to be enabled to provide for her children. So, I allowed this 12 year old little girl to do the house work. Her name is Lisa. Most days both of them come by, at different times.
Lisa goes to school in the mornings and comes by each afternoon. Many days her mother has already come and finished the work, but I greet her and invite her in. I teach her a few new english words and she corrects my Hindi.
Her mother has also begun to drop by in the early evenings. She comes in to see if there are any dirty dishes in the sink and to see if she can help with whatever I am cooking for dinner. Lisa's mother has the sweetest smile and a confident spirit. She reaches out to hug me as she leaves. When Lisa comes, she doesn't want to leave.
Today I was working on the computer, and she sat with me copying english and hindi words from a language book I let her look at. She will ask me a question every so often, or want to show me what she has written. She just wants to be close. She wants positive attention. She likes to be here. She is learning some structure and how manipulation won't get her what she wants, but I truly believe that she experiences the presence of the Lord in this house.
This is what I have asked of the Father and He has heard my plea. Great is His faithfulness.
~Heather
*Praise the Father for His answers to our every request.
*Thank the Father for making me part of this precious community.
*Ask the Father to open the hearts of Lisa and her mother to understand and believe His truth.
*Ask that the Father would make this house to be one of peace and love.
What does a house of peace and love look like? I'm not sure it has a look. But, I know how it feels. It has a distinct feeling. I want those who come into my home to notice and feel that sweet presence of a Father who loves them dearly. I want them to yearn to know what is different about a household that serves the Lord.
I'm not on the side of the building that is full of women who bustle up and down the stairs and speak each time they pass. Don't worry, there is plenty of movement and there are lots of community members who stop in to pay a short visit and just to check on the comings and goings, as well as to get the lastest news. We provide great entertainment for the entire community!
I have hired a lady to come each day to wash the dishes and clean the floors. It takes her only a few minutes and she speaks no english, both of which are good things for me.
After only a couple of days, my house helper began sending her daughter to do the work. I learned that the lady I hired was a young widow with 4 children. She was working several jobs to be enabled to provide for her children. So, I allowed this 12 year old little girl to do the house work. Her name is Lisa. Most days both of them come by, at different times.
Lisa goes to school in the mornings and comes by each afternoon. Many days her mother has already come and finished the work, but I greet her and invite her in. I teach her a few new english words and she corrects my Hindi.
Her mother has also begun to drop by in the early evenings. She comes in to see if there are any dirty dishes in the sink and to see if she can help with whatever I am cooking for dinner. Lisa's mother has the sweetest smile and a confident spirit. She reaches out to hug me as she leaves. When Lisa comes, she doesn't want to leave.
Today I was working on the computer, and she sat with me copying english and hindi words from a language book I let her look at. She will ask me a question every so often, or want to show me what she has written. She just wants to be close. She wants positive attention. She likes to be here. She is learning some structure and how manipulation won't get her what she wants, but I truly believe that she experiences the presence of the Lord in this house.
This is what I have asked of the Father and He has heard my plea. Great is His faithfulness.
~Heather
*Praise the Father for His answers to our every request.
*Thank the Father for making me part of this precious community.
*Ask the Father to open the hearts of Lisa and her mother to understand and believe His truth.
*Ask that the Father would make this house to be one of peace and love.
Special days
Sarah's birthday has just passed. Daddy's birthday is coming. Mother's Day and Father's Day are gone for this year. Maddon has turned 2 years old. Sawyer will be 1 in September. Ellie started 4th grade, and Mason has started 1st.
This is what I miss most. My heart is sad on the special days that I miss. I love birthdays and holidays and first days of school. How can I make it special from half a world away?
How can I share with you my own special days?
Yesterday was a special day. Granted, the past two days have included my chasing a mouse, who has yet to be exterminated, around my apartment. However, an amazing phone call came mid-afternoon that just made my heart smile.
Around 2 o'clock I was out at the market and the phone rang. The market isn't a very easy place to take a call, but I answered none the less. It was my sweet friend who is living in A'bad. She called to share with me how the Father is truly at work there.
Ari has continued to read the book of truth and asked to be dunked two weeks ago. She is still the only believer in her family, but she wanted to follow the Father obediently, knowing that this included going swimming. The arrangements were made for the ceremony to take place. However, when the time came, her family told her that if she did this that she would no longer be welcome as part of the family. Emotions were high and this young lady was placed in a position that most of us can't imagine. She has not yet been able to follow through in this act of obedience.
She has been sharing with her friends what the Father is teaching her. She shares stories of truth with them. She, along with 7 others, have decided to meet together weekly to share the Father's stories! These are really amazing steps for a young lady to take. She understands what the Father is asking of her and is stepping out in faith. I know that the Father has even more incredible plans in store for Ari! He is faithful and my heart is smiling. Oh, that one day this nation would share His stories far and wide, that they would sing out in one voice of praise and honor to the Lord Most High!
~Heather
*Praise the Father for Ari's boldness to step out in faith and share His truth with those around her.
*Thank the Father for allowing me to get to share in His plan and goodness.
*Ask the Father to give Ari courage to openly speak the truth.
*Ask the Father to bring the other 7 girls to a knowledge and understanding of the truth.
This is what I miss most. My heart is sad on the special days that I miss. I love birthdays and holidays and first days of school. How can I make it special from half a world away?
How can I share with you my own special days?
Yesterday was a special day. Granted, the past two days have included my chasing a mouse, who has yet to be exterminated, around my apartment. However, an amazing phone call came mid-afternoon that just made my heart smile.
Around 2 o'clock I was out at the market and the phone rang. The market isn't a very easy place to take a call, but I answered none the less. It was my sweet friend who is living in A'bad. She called to share with me how the Father is truly at work there.
Ari has continued to read the book of truth and asked to be dunked two weeks ago. She is still the only believer in her family, but she wanted to follow the Father obediently, knowing that this included going swimming. The arrangements were made for the ceremony to take place. However, when the time came, her family told her that if she did this that she would no longer be welcome as part of the family. Emotions were high and this young lady was placed in a position that most of us can't imagine. She has not yet been able to follow through in this act of obedience.
She has been sharing with her friends what the Father is teaching her. She shares stories of truth with them. She, along with 7 others, have decided to meet together weekly to share the Father's stories! These are really amazing steps for a young lady to take. She understands what the Father is asking of her and is stepping out in faith. I know that the Father has even more incredible plans in store for Ari! He is faithful and my heart is smiling. Oh, that one day this nation would share His stories far and wide, that they would sing out in one voice of praise and honor to the Lord Most High!
~Heather
*Praise the Father for Ari's boldness to step out in faith and share His truth with those around her.
*Thank the Father for allowing me to get to share in His plan and goodness.
*Ask the Father to give Ari courage to openly speak the truth.
*Ask the Father to bring the other 7 girls to a knowledge and understanding of the truth.
Life on Pothole Lane
Yes, the days continue to pass. Life in M-town is good. The days are rainy now. The rains bring an occasional breeze and lots of humidity with them. The road that runs in front of our 
apartments has extremely large potholes in it. I don't think our road has a name, and I needed to have something to call it for when I give Cathy directions, so I have affectionaly named it Pothole Lane.
apartments has extremely large potholes in it. I don't think our road has a name, and I needed to have something to call it for when I give Cathy directions, so I have affectionaly named it Pothole Lane.Most days, there are several pigs that spend their day wollering in the mud. I am quite sure a couple of them are bigger than I am! Every day holds numerous adventures and I can hardly wait to see all the Father has in store. I am completely convinced that now is the time for South Asia!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
blah
I'm tired.
Actually, tired doesn't come close to describing how I feel.
I'm utterly exhausted.
This exhaustion has nothing to do with sleeping; it has to do with rest.
It has to do with perseverance.
It has to do with resting in the arms of the Father, even amidst all the busyness and choas that surrounds me.
It so often seems that there is so much to do and so little time to do it.
He has called each of us to a task.
I am surrounded by a nation who does not yet know the truth.
There is so much to do.
"... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." (Hebrews 12:2)
"Be still, and know..." (Psalm 46:10)
I am earnestly seeking to find the balance between the two.
~Heather
*Ask Him to grant the endurance needed to run the race He has set before me.
*Ask Him to guide me in finding the balance necessary to rest in Him and run with Him.
Actually, tired doesn't come close to describing how I feel.
I'm utterly exhausted.
This exhaustion has nothing to do with sleeping; it has to do with rest.
It has to do with perseverance.
It has to do with resting in the arms of the Father, even amidst all the busyness and choas that surrounds me.
It so often seems that there is so much to do and so little time to do it.
He has called each of us to a task.
I am surrounded by a nation who does not yet know the truth.
There is so much to do.
"... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." (Hebrews 12:2)
"Be still, and know..." (Psalm 46:10)
I am earnestly seeking to find the balance between the two.
~Heather
*Ask Him to grant the endurance needed to run the race He has set before me.
*Ask Him to guide me in finding the balance necessary to rest in Him and run with Him.
the change
As one of only a handful of foreigners living in M-town, it is quite common to be seen as somewhat of an attraction. I am often looked at with inquisitive eyes. Only the most daring of school children will shout a quick, "Hello!" or, "How are you?"
As I walk through the community, it is often my intent to smile and make eye contact with each woman I pass, in the hopes that, after a moment, I will receive a smile in return. When possible, along with the smile, I extend a Hindi greeting.
The responses of women vary. Sometimes I get a smile, sometimes a head-nod, sometimes a verbal greeting in return. But, always, there is a curious look in their eyes. This look says, "Who are you? Why are you here?"
Each day I walk down the dirt road that runs beside my new home. This is the path I take to get to the main road. I find women, children, families, and animals all along the way. With some, I have talked, with others, I have laughed. With many, in my broken Hindi, I have attempted to share a bit of who I am, and find out more of who they are.
Saturday was different. Saturday as I walked along the road, I received smiles. I received greetings. I received invitations to be part of the lives of those along this long dirt road. As I reached the main road, I smiled. My heart smiled. On Saturday, to those who comprise my new community, I was no longer an outsider. I belonged. I was welcomed.
Great is His faithfulness!
~Heather
*Thank Him for giving me a sense of belonging.
*Ask Him to increase my ability to communicate with those along the way.
*Ask Him to soften the hearts of these and to draw them to Himself, so that they may come to know the truth.
As I walk through the community, it is often my intent to smile and make eye contact with each woman I pass, in the hopes that, after a moment, I will receive a smile in return. When possible, along with the smile, I extend a Hindi greeting.
The responses of women vary. Sometimes I get a smile, sometimes a head-nod, sometimes a verbal greeting in return. But, always, there is a curious look in their eyes. This look says, "Who are you? Why are you here?"
Each day I walk down the dirt road that runs beside my new home. This is the path I take to get to the main road. I find women, children, families, and animals all along the way. With some, I have talked, with others, I have laughed. With many, in my broken Hindi, I have attempted to share a bit of who I am, and find out more of who they are.
Saturday was different. Saturday as I walked along the road, I received smiles. I received greetings. I received invitations to be part of the lives of those along this long dirt road. As I reached the main road, I smiled. My heart smiled. On Saturday, to those who comprise my new community, I was no longer an outsider. I belonged. I was welcomed.
Great is His faithfulness!
~Heather
*Thank Him for giving me a sense of belonging.
*Ask Him to increase my ability to communicate with those along the way.
*Ask Him to soften the hearts of these and to draw them to Himself, so that they may come to know the truth.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
A place to call home
The time has come! I am officially settling into a new home in M-town. It is wonderful to be settling, and feel like I have a place to call home. Thank you for asking that the father would provide the right place. Cathy & I each have our own apartment, but they are quite near one another, which is perfect!
The apartments are surrounded by multiple families. We are already building so many new relationships. We are so excited to see what he has in store for those we are getting to know, and already love! May these relationships be the beginning of something truly amazing, eternally amazing!
~Heather
*Thank the father for providing this home and for the relationships that are already beginning.
*Ask the father to bless and multiply the relationships that have already begun to take root.
*Ask the father to provide the right language learning setting and to bless our language learning efforts.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Only the beginning!
The saga continues. Well, it has been days and we are officially negotiating for the third or fourth set of apartments. Everyone has a reason for not wanting to rent to us. We are trusting that the Father will make a way for us to be just where he has for us. He continues to demand our total surrender and require nothing less than trusting fully in him. His strength is perfect, when our strength is gone.
In the meantime, we are staying with the S family. They are wonderful, truly. They have welcomed us into their home and lives with open arms. Last night, we were a family of 7 in a two bedroom/ one bathroom house. Tonight, we will increase to a family of 9, our supervisors are en route to M-town!
~Heather
*Thank the father for the S family, their support and encouragement, as well as, their welcoming us into their family & home.
*Thank the father for being all-sufficient.
*Ask the father to provide homes for Cathy & I.
*Ask for favor in the eyes of nationals, that they would become people of peace and goodwill.
In the meantime, we are staying with the S family. They are wonderful, truly. They have welcomed us into their home and lives with open arms. Last night, we were a family of 7 in a two bedroom/ one bathroom house. Tonight, we will increase to a family of 9, our supervisors are en route to M-town!
~Heather
*Thank the father for the S family, their support and encouragement, as well as, their welcoming us into their family & home.
*Thank the father for being all-sufficient.
*Ask the father to provide homes for Cathy & I.
*Ask for favor in the eyes of nationals, that they would become people of peace and goodwill.
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