by Salem
A big check-off on the old "to-do" list was completed yesterday when my aunt and uncle made a special trip up from the Metroplex to bring us the laptops and other gizmos they had been putting together for us. I'm one of those lucky people who has a techy relative who knows about all the new gadgets and gizmos. Well, we are officially hooked up. We have laptops, and routers, and something called a cloud. We even have a nifty box that will somehow allow us to make phone calls to the States for free (or close to it). Who knew! Now, if I can remember all the instructions he gave us that might be a miracle - speaking of, just add that to the prayer list.
Their trip gave us an opportunity to get together with some extended family - something I always enjoy - but am especially cherishing these days. As the countdown gets closer and closer (we fly out a month from today), Nolan and I are both going through a wide range of emotions. He is better at anticipating the emotional events than I am, and I have found myself caught completely off guard several times lately by un-anticipated emotional events. I find myself getting mad at all the mundane stuff that I have to get done, because I really just want to spend our final precious days with our dear friends and family. We are doing our best to make that happen - but "our best" isn't enough for me right now.
On Wednesday night, I was at our youth service and during worship the praise team played the song called "The Stand" (by Hillsong United) that says,
So I'll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all
So I'll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours
When I get to feeling like having a pity-party for all that I am leaving behind, these lyrics really reminded me of what is most important. I don't feel bad for feeling sad sometimes. But I'm also honored to be able to serve "the One who gave it all" in this small way. (I hope you can figure out a way to listen to this song online - I am not techy - or I would have figured out how to give you a link straight to the song. Sorry.)
Love and goodnight.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
This is how I feel.
by Salem
I read a blog by a girl named Katie who lives in Uganda. If you haven't read it, you really should. She writes some pretty amazing things. When I read her post yesterday, I felt like she described just how I feel about this move to the Philippines.
She said,
I read a blog by a girl named Katie who lives in Uganda. If you haven't read it, you really should. She writes some pretty amazing things. When I read her post yesterday, I felt like she described just how I feel about this move to the Philippines.
She said,
I can see the women with their eyes wide as they tremble in front of the empty tomb. They listen to the angels words - can it be? - and they scurry terrified and full of joy.
Terrified and full of joy. I live there. It is possible to be afraid of what obedience might bring next and be full of thanks and overflowing joy and TRUST anyway. This giddy anticipation because we see all that He has done for us and we believe that He can only bring more good. Good, even in the ugly.
I'm excited about this move - full of joy - but terrified as well. Just bein' real.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
May Prayer Requests
by Salem
Hello all! May is here - boy time is flying! Our to-do list is getting shorter, but it isn't done yet. One big praise God - our preliminary missionary Visa paperwork is complete. We will have more to do with that when we arrive in the Philippines, but the stateside work is done! Yay!
We also shipped our boxes to the Philippines at the end of April. Four boxes of our belongings are somewhere between Lubbock, Texas, and Davao City, Philippines. We expect them to arrive at their final destination sometime in late June. (Pray that they do - and that all the contents are safe and accounted for!) The shipping was a lot easier than I anticipated. (Not the packing - but the actual shipping.) We drove to Lubbock with four giant boxes in the back of our van and went to the Asian grocery, which also doubles as a Filipino shipping agent. The people were so sweet and gave us lots of good tips on living in the Philippines. And, they gave us a small discount on shipping since we were going as missionaries.
I have all my needed medical supplies and textbooks. One sweet EMT gave me his high-end stethoscope, which was a real blessing to me! I also got to try out my new fetal heart Doppler on one of my pregnant friends - fun times! I've begun to work on the book reports that are required with the organization I will be serving with. Lots to read. Fortunately I find it very interesting.
I've taken the last month or so to really seek God through prayer and fasting. I figure if Jesus prepared for His ministry that way, I should at least attempt something similar. It has been a really sweet time of reconnecting with my Savior. Sometimes the sweetness gets lost in the busyness of life. It's also been a time of coming face to face with my sinfulness - not so fun - but important and productive none the less. During this time, I've specifically been praying for (1) preparation for my family and me as we transition to the Philippines - specifically as we leave a wonderful place - and as we settle in to a very different wonderful place; (2) unity among all the missionaries; (3) specific purpose/ministry for Nolan; (4) a clear mind and ability to serve well; (5) God's protection and provision. I hope you'll pray with me in these areas!
Last week we spent some great family time with Nolan's brothers and parents at his brother's house in Plano. We did some fun outings like a Rangers game and the Ft. Worth zoo - but most of all we enjoyed each other's company. The guys only left the ping pong table long enough to eat, watch the NFL draft, play video games, or go to the park to throw the football. It was a great week, but hard knowing we won't see his brother's again for a long time. We are thankful for the time we did enjoy! We were also able to spend one afternoon with my mom's parents and several aunts, uncles and cousins. It was lovely to connect with them as well before we leave the States. We are so blessed!
Finally, I would ask that you pray for our housing situation in the Philippines. The directors of our mission organization are searching for a suitable residence for us. But it is hard as things don't function the same there as we are used to here. For example, there isn't a real reliable real estate market - word of mouth is your best bet. We've seen pictures of three places - only one would (barely) meet the space requirements our family will need. We aren't real picky, but we would like 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. We would really prefer 2 living areas - so we can use one for school/play. Location - close to the clinic - would be ideal. And, of course in our budget. God provided a wonderful home here in Perryton when we moved here eight years ago, and we are trusting Him to do the same in Davao. Would you pray with us for this?
Hello all! May is here - boy time is flying! Our to-do list is getting shorter, but it isn't done yet. One big praise God - our preliminary missionary Visa paperwork is complete. We will have more to do with that when we arrive in the Philippines, but the stateside work is done! Yay!
We also shipped our boxes to the Philippines at the end of April. Four boxes of our belongings are somewhere between Lubbock, Texas, and Davao City, Philippines. We expect them to arrive at their final destination sometime in late June. (Pray that they do - and that all the contents are safe and accounted for!) The shipping was a lot easier than I anticipated. (Not the packing - but the actual shipping.) We drove to Lubbock with four giant boxes in the back of our van and went to the Asian grocery, which also doubles as a Filipino shipping agent. The people were so sweet and gave us lots of good tips on living in the Philippines. And, they gave us a small discount on shipping since we were going as missionaries.
I have all my needed medical supplies and textbooks. One sweet EMT gave me his high-end stethoscope, which was a real blessing to me! I also got to try out my new fetal heart Doppler on one of my pregnant friends - fun times! I've begun to work on the book reports that are required with the organization I will be serving with. Lots to read. Fortunately I find it very interesting.
I've taken the last month or so to really seek God through prayer and fasting. I figure if Jesus prepared for His ministry that way, I should at least attempt something similar. It has been a really sweet time of reconnecting with my Savior. Sometimes the sweetness gets lost in the busyness of life. It's also been a time of coming face to face with my sinfulness - not so fun - but important and productive none the less. During this time, I've specifically been praying for (1) preparation for my family and me as we transition to the Philippines - specifically as we leave a wonderful place - and as we settle in to a very different wonderful place; (2) unity among all the missionaries; (3) specific purpose/ministry for Nolan; (4) a clear mind and ability to serve well; (5) God's protection and provision. I hope you'll pray with me in these areas!
Last week we spent some great family time with Nolan's brothers and parents at his brother's house in Plano. We did some fun outings like a Rangers game and the Ft. Worth zoo - but most of all we enjoyed each other's company. The guys only left the ping pong table long enough to eat, watch the NFL draft, play video games, or go to the park to throw the football. It was a great week, but hard knowing we won't see his brother's again for a long time. We are thankful for the time we did enjoy! We were also able to spend one afternoon with my mom's parents and several aunts, uncles and cousins. It was lovely to connect with them as well before we leave the States. We are so blessed!
Finally, I would ask that you pray for our housing situation in the Philippines. The directors of our mission organization are searching for a suitable residence for us. But it is hard as things don't function the same there as we are used to here. For example, there isn't a real reliable real estate market - word of mouth is your best bet. We've seen pictures of three places - only one would (barely) meet the space requirements our family will need. We aren't real picky, but we would like 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. We would really prefer 2 living areas - so we can use one for school/play. Location - close to the clinic - would be ideal. And, of course in our budget. God provided a wonderful home here in Perryton when we moved here eight years ago, and we are trusting Him to do the same in Davao. Would you pray with us for this?
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