...what I've been learning...

I find it helpful to ask myself the following two questions just to keep myself in check.  I thought it would be good to record them here.

 

What have I been learning about G-d:  I feel like I have been learning a lot of about G-d's faithfulness amidst the changes around me.  Even though I travel and people and culture and food and surrounds change, He is still the same-and His love for me doesn't change.  I find comfort in this steadfast nature of His, especially when I feel so frail in adjusting to the uncomfortable and unknown.  I also have been blessed to know and experience His patience with me, as I complain or grumble.  He gently breaks down my pride and humbles me as I fight the tension to seek my own physical comfort over his provision or place my security in what I have or own over who I am in Him. 

 

What have I been learning about myself:  I'm not as young as I used to be!  Hahahaha...this is funny because I know many of you are thinking..."what are you talking about-you're not as old as me!"  I think what I'm trying to say is that as much as I try to pretend, I am not able to handle the same adventures I was up to when I was in college.  Being in the rural Ph-lippines proved that one easily.  I'm okay with saying I prefer western toilets to outhouses.  Years ago I would have judged myself-harshly too!  I think this trip also emphasizes what I have been learning in letting go.  Letting go of pride, letting go of what I always thought my life should be or look like in profession, in where I live, in my own timetable, etc.  I'm letting go as friendships change due to marriage or dating relationships.  And in the letting go, I can feel so insecure and so afraid and yet G-d has been so gracious in showing me more of Him.  I can put my trust in Him instead of all these pictures I've hung on the walls of my life and strived after.  And even though it seems like my life can be like a bunch of puzzle pieces scattered on the kitchen table, I have peace in knowing the picture on the puzzle box is of Him, and not something I created out of my own understanding of my life.  So in letting go, I have been learning to be free in knowing that in jumping, in giving these things up, He is there is not only catch and carry me, but walk with me.  And I really like that!

 

Two more days in Ch-na and then I'm on a plane for Om-n.  Please continue to pr-y as my stomach is still queasy at times.  Also remember to be pr-ying as I will be in Om-n one full day and a half by myself.  PTL the have a hotel and car rental set up.  The two friends I wanted to meet up with will be out of the country and I have a few more numbers to call when I get there.  Pr-y that I will not only be safe but that G-d will have something cool in store for me, whether it's meeting up with people I know, meeting new people, or just spending good times with Him and in pr-yer.  I will be there around 10:30 pm Saturday Aug. 4th Pacific Standard Time.

 

Thanks! and I'd love to hear from you and know what you all are up to!

 

 

 

"May every part of my character and conduct make a serious and amiable impression on others, and impel them to ask the way to the master....May I never be ashamed of J-sus or His words, never be deterred from fulfilling a known duty through fear, never be discouraged from attempting it through weakness."  -from a collection of Puritan prayers and devotions