A whole new ballgame

Why do we get so set in our ways and so spoiled to what we have? I think we do it, even without realizing it, until everything changes, that is. What are we entitled to? This could certainly be debated within and between many circles.

The recent move to A’bad has been a bit of a change. Things here are wonderful. Days are more laid back and nights are quieter (except for the wedding fireworks that seem to be sounding regularly). People are much more personable, the community is tighter, and the temperament is sweeter. It’s the part of me that just isn’t a city girl that loves it out here. But with the removed megacity atmosphere, comes the removal of so many conveniences and luxuries. I am spoiled to having access to the world by means of the internet, I am spoiled to a continuous supply of running water, I am spoiled to things just working, I am spoiled to running to Target, or at least the local market, to pick up everything I need for the week. A’bad is wonderful, but it’s a whole new ballgame.

Tuesday was a difficult day. It seemed that I was bombarded with one thing after another. I didn’t sleep at all Monday night. My language helper arrived early, so I wasn’t as prepared as I like to be. The internet was out. My mobile phone wasn’t working to send or receive calls or texts. The AC units, which are only run at night in the bedrooms, caused a fire in the wiring and the electrician had to be called and come to rewire the breakers. The wiring fire took out the AC units, refrigerator, hot water heaters, and water filter. The water filter was broken, and empty. I had a migraine, aided by the lack of caffeine since I had yet to round up any coffee or Diet Coke. The househelper was here and was frustrated by my inability to answer her questions. And we were completely out of water, drinking or otherwise.

The good news is that Wednesday came and, again, the father’s mercies were new and his faithful was and is great! The water filter is still not working, but we will manage. The house has been rewired and seems to be functioning more properly. The mobile phone is working. The internet seems to come on for a few hours every couple of days. The water tank pumps water when the power is on, so we know more will come if we wait patiently. I have found some coffee and Diet Coke, so no need for caffeine withdrawal this week. The househelper is trying to communicate and is so excited when it does, in fact, happen. The father promises not to leave or forsake. I know he is here. He is so faithful to be right there each time I return to him.

I have settled into meeting with a language helper each morning. Her name is Ari. She is a precious young lady. I just love her, already. She became a believer just a couple of months ago and has the sweetest spirit. I am introducing storying to her and wanting to learn to tell short little stories or story parts, in Hindi. She loves storying already. She is a really smart girl and has almost completed her education, so she reads and writes Hindi and English quite well, yet still is intrigued by the father’s story. I can hardly wait to see what the father has in store as I learn Hindi and Ari learns more and more of his story!

• Praise the father for his faithfulness.
• Ask the father to give me strength, especially to get through the difficult days.
• Ask the father to grant language mercies that Cathy, Rachel, and I would quickly be enabled to communicate more effectively with nationals.
• Ask the father for daily opportunities to share his love and his story.
• Ask the father to bless my time with Ari, that she would be encouraged to share his story with those around her.

~Heather

Movin' on up, to the east side

The train whistle will sound in just a few hours signaling our departure. We have a plan! After weeks of wondering what the Father had in store, Cathy & I will be moving, along with Rachel, a fellow worker, to a city in the east. The three of us are thrilled to have a plan and will be intensively studying language over the next 6 weeks.

The Father has again proved Himself faithful. There has been great pruning during this time in the capital city. He has drawn Cathy & I together, and is continuing to teach us how we can best partner, encourage, and support one another.

Praise Him for this answer.
Praise Him for this sweet time in the capital city.
Ask that we would begin the next leg of this adventure with renewed vigor.
Ask that the Father would create a sweet spirit of fellowship and encouragement in our home.
Ask that we would quickly learn language and build lasting relationships with nationals.

~Heather

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles

Most often, travel for me these days is by train. India actually has the most intricate railway system in the world. It is pretty impressive! Indeed, the train station is quite an interesting place. There is never any telling what may take place or what one might see at the train station!

~Heather

It's a zoo out here!

Maybe not lions & tigers & bears, but on a recent trip to N town, we saw cows, monkeys, pigs, sheep, camels, an elephant, buffalo, dogs, chickens, and goats. He has certainly called us on a great adventure!

~Heather

Shifting

I stand, I stand in awe of you. I stand, I stand in awe of you. Holy God to whom all praise is due, I stand in awe of you.

This morning, I am reminded of who he is and why he has brought me here. Amidst this time of continual shifting, he is God. He is an everpresent rock. He is to be worshipped and adored. He has brought me here to share his story, so that others can do the same. What an honor that he would choose to use us, his children, to spread his name.

The plans are continually changing. I am in D, and even as I am so ready to move on, to get to do whatever the next thing is, I am thankful for time to draw close to him. The what and where of the plan is changing, but the calling remains the same. He has made it clear that he has brought me here to share his story with the women who do not yet know it. Being surrounded by those who have never heard his story, and do not yet know him, makes the hot days tolerable and the waiting worthwhile.

I am thankful for the reminder that the most important thing each and every day is to spend time with him. I pray that I will remember this, even on the days that are so full of tasks and responsibilities.

Ask that the father would draw me closer each day and that he would provide clear direction in such a transitional time.

Ask him to grant wisdom in each decision and patience to wait on his timing.

~Heather

~A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words~

**www.gingerivey.com**

When Seeing Stinks...

Sometimes it's not fun being the one who can see the situation for what it is, for more than those around you can recognize it to be.  At times, I find myself in these situations; especially, as I am walking close with the Lord.  

Right now, someone dear to me is hellbent on spiting.  At least, this is how it seems.  So insecure is she. So unsure of most everything, she finds herself barreling down a path she has convinced herself is right.  She is headed for disaster and will take advise from no one. What are we to do? 

Waiting on the Lord is not a passive state. Just as, walking in obedience is not always active. What am I to do? If I speak, I risk exasperating.  If I remain silent, I risk my silence being viewed as approval. 

I have a hard time believing that she must experience great hurt to learn. This is the advice I have received from dear friends. 

What is the role of family in someone's personal decisions? Does speaking the truth, in love, encompass speaking when it will not be heard?  

All I know is that she is headed for disaster - and she is taking people with her.  It's not fun to be in this position. Especially, when you do not know to speak or remain silent.   

~Sarah

What will the days bring?

Grace, grace, God's grace; Grace that will pardon and cleanse within. Grace, grace, God's grace; Grace that is greater than all my sin.


He offers so much more than I deserve. I am ashamed that I get so frustrated. Why is it that I think I deserve to be in control? I identify so well with Paul's writing in Romans. He shares, "I do not understand my own actions. I do not do what I want, but the very thing I hate." (Rom 7:15) A Know-it-All Control Freak is not what I want to be. It is something that I dislike seeing in myself and others, but it seems that I am so often this person.


The Lord is showing me and teaching me new things about himself, myself, and others, everyday. I know so little; he knows everything. I sacrifice so little; he sacrificed much. Everything feels completely out of control; he created everything, it is all under his control.


I truly believe that now is the time for South Asia. I believe that he is going to do things in the days to come beyond what we can even imagine!


Every day is full of countless unknowns. There are more unknowns today than maybe I have ever experienced. I like a schedule. For me, a plan, including a detailed "to-do" list, is a good thing. This week, my plan and to-do list have been deemed void. There is nothing wrong with them, but they will not be needed or come to fruition at this time. There are possibly big changes in the air. Change is so often for the better, however, it is quite often extremely difficult.

What will the days ahead bring? That is yet to be known. As each days comes, a new measure of trust must be extended. He has a plan. Changes do not surprise him; they surprise only us. May we each seek to share his story with those who have not heard, no matter the cost or inconvenience to ourselves.

Ask that the father would help me to be faithful to his calling.
Ask that he would bring a peace over the decisions that must be made.
Ask that he would give an abundance of grace to extend.

~Heather

H'ville

H'ville: A city located on the holy river. An opportunity to engage with others in spiritual converstaion. A day to enjoy the sights and sounds of India, while interacting with, and praying over the people and land.

Ask that the Father would show himself to these who are coming to worship only his creation. Ask that he would reveal himself as the creator, the only one who is worthy of worship.

an offering of milk presented to the river

a family who spoke a little English, taught us a few Hindi phrases, and allowed us to share with them

~Heather

Afraid - Faith - Excitement

I can't help but be excited that Heather has made it to South Asia. When I think about all that will take place, I know that this time is going to be wonderful. I am not so naive as to ignore the times when I am still a little sad. However, I try not to let my flesh do all the talking.

I found that there exists an ample amount of fear in Heather going overseas. This is not a surprise - but is also not welcomed to my "I'm a big girl, I can handle it" worldview.  But what was shocking came in my thought process when I chose to dwell in that fear. I realized that I approached the situation, when in fear, as if Heather were dying.(I know - morbid.) I would cry and tell Heather, "I don't want this to be over." My fear had convinced me that this was a finalization, a termination of a friendship. So convinced was I, I was morning her move as if she would not exist anymore. 

Heather and I are reading through the book of Mark. I love pacing through Scripture with her. God has spoken to my heart so much through the book of Mark.  To my fear He says, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" Faith....faith. To my entire being He tells the story of the Rich Young Ruler. The Holy Spirit reminds me that it's not in what we have and can do; but, in the things that we can't.  I can no more orchestrate my life and sustain myself that the Rich Young Ruler could sell all his possessions and give to the poor. It's not in what we can but in what we can't.  Maybe we shouldn't be so hard on the young ruler.  After all, aren't we all unable to jump some hurdle or another?

Who knows what lies ahead? Many hurdles are to come.  Some hurdles may be insurmountable.  But we cannot be afraid.  Because what is impossible needs only to be submitted to the Master's hands.  He is faithful by His very nature.  It is in our obedience, not our defiance, that we come to know His patient anger, steadfast love and redeeming plan. 

Sarah.

A new day!

This morning I woke up to a whole new life, I think.

Everything just looks, smells, sounds, and feels, well, different. My eyes are open to the amazing amount of lostness that surrounds me. My nose is stuffy, but still able to take in the aromas of a poverty stricken environment. My ears are filled with honking horns, roaring engines, barking dogs, and early morning vegetable salesmen. But, above all else, my heart is calmed by the peace of our Father. His mercies are new every morning; great is his faithfulness!

~Heather

The most difficult thing

My last 5 days in America were spent in Fort Worth with Sarah. Those days were full. They were full of so many different things.

We laughed; we cried.

Such sweet memories were made, memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. Pictures were made, Mexican food was eaten, long drives were taken, late-night talks were had.

I desperately wondered whether I would be able to get on the plane and say good-bye, for a little while. I laid in bed trying to think of ways to make the days longer or the time better.

The Lord is good. Our time was great. This will not be the last. In years to come, we will look back on it with appreciation that it was there.

The Lord has plans. He will protect and provide for each of us as we learn to live on opposite sides of the globe. He has promised me, and he always keeps his promises, always.

Knowing this, still didn't make saying good-bye and flying away any easier. Leaving my best friend was the hardest thing I have ever done, I think. Saying good-bye to what has been and what is familiar. It's just not such an easy thing to do.

But, again, I know, and today, and choosing to trust, that the Lord has plans. He has plans to prosper us, and not to harm us (Jer 29:11). Those are the plans that I want. Those are the plans that I want for Sarah, too, even more than the plans I can imagine myself.

Somewhere, I am finding joy in the sacrifice, joy in knowing that we are each walking in obedience of the Lord, joy in knowing that those who do not yet know our Father will hear his name and of his truth, and joy in knowing that there will be a special sweetness in the day that I do get to see Sarah again.

The Lord is good, for his steadfast love endures forever (Ps 106:1).

~Heather