I've Had a Great Day Because...

I've had a great day. Even though my new video player has joined the ranks of our many Asian appliances that don't live much past their warranty, our mailbox today had not one but two packages from Yorba Linda containing WEST WING my favourite show...on video. YEAH!

I've had a great day. Even though part of my day included a cursory perusal through the pile which has accumulated on my desk (and the floor around my desk), I'm happy and busy with "Rainbow Fish" rehearsals.

BUT My efforts have unearthed the following urgent items:

the application for a dog license,

a notice that our foreign worker levy was not automatically deducted from our bank account in April and at the point of the notice, they hadn't received my check (another fallout from the delay with SCEM!),

a notice of a warrant for arrest of the owner of this apartment (I made a call which, though automated, revealed that the arrest was coming from a summons from the Broadcast Authority - an entity we didn't know until this year needed to be paid annually for the license to have a radio or TV in your home),

the accident report for our run in with the motorcylist May 1st (insurance said to file the report at the car repair, the car repair has told me to first file the form with my insurance company),

the rental agreement signed in January that needs to be taken to some office called the Inland Revenue Authority for some kind of official "stamping,"

and the notification forms for Tyler's change of school that needs to be filed at Immigration (I've been there twice, the first time alone, in December, I found out he needed to be with me for a picture and he'd already gone with Jim ahead of me to China for the holiday, the second time was the day I had the car full of kids was in a rush to get one of them back for an appointment and spent my time at the Immigration building in the parking lot exchanging particulars with the driver of the car I hit while trying to park).

I'll get to it tomorrow.

It was a great day. Even though I took my car in to Honda for the routine 60,000 mile check up yesterday morning and I still don't have it back...(you know standard check: check the tires, change the oil and transmission fluid, check the underside for rust, give it a good waxing and vacuum, and make sure the engine is running properly?) By 5:30PM today they finally returned my calls to say it was ready ($717 total bill - good thing I told them to skip conditioning the upholstery), but I'd have to get to the shop 1/2 hour away within the next hour, and at the time I had a guest over for dinner. I'll go pick it up on my good day tomorrow.

I had a great day because the kids and I took Rascal for a long walk just after breakfast. And even though this intended aerobic walk for cardivascular fitness didn't get my heart rate above 100, even though Cameron pooped out and we sent him up the elevator early, and even though Tyler got smacked in the mouth from walking behind me while I was swinging my arms (trying to get my pulse rate up SOMEHOW). Even though they won't let dogs on the track at the stadium, and I was resorting to calling my sons derogatory names like, "You coupl'a LADIES!" to try to get them to pick up their pace, I finally gave in. Tyler and I ended up just strolling through the park hand in hand enjoying the morning and the fact that he's already 9 and still likes holding my hand, and I've adjusted to the tropics enough that it didn't feel scorching hot, yet.

I had a great day because I find that the boys actually like study time when I'm around. Tyler did 45 minutes of a Chinese revision computer game while Cameron watched. Tyler read and reported from his WHAT YOUR 3rd GRADER NEEDS TO KNOW book (he learned about quilting), and both he and Cameron practiced their penmanship. Tyler told me last week he thought it was impossible for his writing to improve. I told him his writing was bad because I had not forced him to tediously practice his penmanship perfectly when he was in kindergarten (for which he then said, "And I thank you for that!"). So, after I gave him the "PERFECT practice makes perfect" speech, we made an agreement for this first week of the holiday: We're devoting 7 days to building the strength and coordination in their large AND small muscle groups, so along with the morning brisk walks (drags), they've agreed to submitting to daily practicing their penmanship to see if their writing improves. I hope I'm right in guaranteeing that it will.

I had a great day because I finally had an opportunity to treat my Australian neighbor to the pedicure I'd promised for her birthday present...Loonni watched all the kids in the afternoon while Jackie and I had an hour and a half being pampered at the nail shop in the Mall (our Tampines Mall has one of the only 6 nail places I could find in the phone book).

I had a great day because I had a chance to slip into Starbucks for about the 3rd time all year and treat myself to a frappucino WITH whipped cream.

I had a great day because the infamously busy dramatist and Faith Lew came all the way out to our suburbian condo to brainstorm with me ideas of what she can to teach Chinese 9&10 year olds in a drama camp in a Yunnan village next week. I taught her the ideas for teaching English that Tyler and I had used in his kindergarten class in Kunming and she was excited about these ideas for breaking up her standard drama teaching in Mandarin with some fun ways to get kids comprehending English (and it will really impress the regular teacher and parents!). We had a simple meal of some Chicken alphabet soup I'd thrown together and gave Faith our homemade flour tortillas to try for the first time (she loved the Pace salsa almost as much as she liked all the stuff we have hanging on our walls and setting about the house), and then we sent her on her way to her next rehearsal.

I had a great day because after dribbling and shooting practice (in the house on the tiles and against the wall) with our playground rubber ball, I can see marked improvement in the boys only after 3 days. To celebrate, Tyler turns on the electric keyboard to an automatic song, crank it up to the fastest it will play and do some crazy dancing until we're all sweaty and ready for bed.

I had a great day because when we stopped what we were doing because we heard a man's voice (a neighbor) yelling and carrying on angrily, I asked Tyler if my hollering ever sounds like that; and his eyes got really big and he said, "No." I told him that when I hear someone yelling like that I always like to take a minute to pray for the person who's being yelled at, and then for the person doing the yelling, that they will somehow find peace and patience in God's love and through his power.

I had a great day because we turned on the bedroom airconditioner and read more from Corrie Ten Boom's THE HIDING PLACE, and I get to be the first one who enlightens the boys to this kind of Godly courage, and give them their first exposure to that awful war, by means of the people who emerged from the horrors with their strong faith and convictions in tact. We finished the chapter, Cameron had fallen asleep, and Tyler spontaneously threw his arms around me and said, "I love you mom."

I had a great day because I didn't clean a single dish, mop any floors, scrub one toilet, wash or iron one item of clothing, I didn't even make my bed; and yet my house looks almost spotless when I turn the lock on the front door and turn off the living room lights at bedtime. I was teaching Loonni how to cook something and I joked about my being a bad wife because my cookbooks are still so "new" after 16 years of marriage, Loonni told me in her broken Chinese, "Oh, boss-lady, that is not true! You are a good wife! Wahh, I've never met anyone who can do so many things as you!" (when I told Jim this later, he joked, "Yes, and in her 28 years she's met SO VERY MANY people in her village and factory-work experience!" The rat!)

I had a great day because Tyler's last words when the lights were turned out were, "Thank you God for giving me such a neat home." I look around in the dark at their clearly cluttered small room, shut the door of his room and put away a few of the kids books still lying around on the floor by the bookshelf in the hall. This IS a fun house, even though it's just an apartment, even though they have so much homework, even though there's no carpet to wrestle on. There's something interesting to look at, play with, or learn about everywhere you turn. And there's heaps and heaps of love here too.

Mother's Day 2002 - An email heals an old hurt

I want to tell you something about how God prompted you to write me your sweet note on "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY." He has used it in a special way. I think that you'd be blessed by the reminder of how God is working in and through us, and orchestrating the events of our lives and making all things beautiful in his time.

It's a holiday I am particularly NOT fond of because of our years of childlessness. For awhile, before Tyler came, I actually stopped going to church on this particular weekend. Even now I am always so tenderhearted toward the singles who yearn to be married mothers, or single moms who don't have a husband to rally the kids to worship her for the day, and infertle couples who face the unknown of whether God will give them the desires of their hearts. Worshipping on Mothers day is a weekend I'd just as soon skip...and all that hoo haw of the gift giving and recognition!

My MOST painful VIVID memory I recall everytime I even THINK of mother's day. It is something that happened on a mother's day when I was visiting your Sunday School Class years ago before God chose to give us Tyler and Cameron. They were passing the box of corsages, and doing the fussing over the women, and the box went past me without my even touching it. The woman next to me made a flippant comment. She meant it lightheartedly, "Well not for YOU! ....Maybe someday!" but I, in a state of hopelessness felt like I'd been kicked in the stomach and wanted to say, "Maybe Never!"

Here's another MAYBE: Maybe, after your sweet timely email, God can help me not to replay that scene next year, and be able to enjoy the ceremonies of the day!

Dear woman, thank you a million times for your support, care and encouraging words over the years. You are a JEWEL! And thinking about you always makes me smile!

Kimberly

On "HONK" and Being Different...

I saw HONK! yesterday afternoon with Lucilla.
It's a sweet wonderful new musical about the Ugly Duckling.

Everyone else in the family quacked, and he HONKED!

Wish you could've seen it with me. We would've wept together!
Because of having just talked to you the night before, I was especillay tender toward the mother - she really loved her baby and even though she diddn't really "get" him, she stood up for him to others and went searching for him when he was missing.

Your call meant alot to me.

And then this recurring song "DIFFERENT." The lyrics touched me on many levels...Lucilla sitting next to me, single and an artist in singapore (who's parents are both deceased), my always having been the odd one in our family, Tyler's being the only caucasion in his school and his being forced to study Chinese, and Cameron's having been adopted and the issues he'll have being brown. People are forever asking "Why he so dark what?"
You'll have to see it when it comes around, or pick up the album. It's the kind of show we'd have done at RHCC for dessert theatre - a great message and uplifting! So different than the rest of what's coming across the secular stage these days.

Anyway, Happy Mother's Day.
I love you so much,
and miss you terribly.

Kimberly

A Bit About Singapore and the Pleasures of Pets

from email with Elaine Bent, Texas

E: You all are on my prayer list, and I pray for you every day. I pray all will continue to be successful and that the bumps in the road will be smoothed out by God.

K: Thank you! This past week was REALLY full of difficult things that I won't go into, and it was a WONDERFUL week of joy and strength. I'm sure because of people praying after I'd send that last email.

E: I finally found out where Singapore is! Malaysia. You are quite a fer piece from China, Lady. I remember hearing about Singapore during W.W.II. And I knew it was Asian. That is all I knew about it. Oh, yes. The Japanese invaded it, too. I assume that in Singapore you are not under threats to be a missionary like you were in China. Since China is so much against missionaries, how do you go to China to teach and not be at risk? I have read about their treatment of missionaries, and you told me how careful you all had to be while you were there. My ignorance makes me afraid for you when you go there. I believe God will be with you, but I guess I am just a coward.

K: Philippians 4:13! Jim just got back last night from being in China - a 10 day trip. Meeting up with leaders of various ministries and denominations there. There are dangers, but there's a real excitement about what God is doing , and the thrill of the sensation of being on the Front Lines rather than in a more supporting role here in Singapore.

Singapore is a city nation - an island -- which has been independently governed for 35 years (used to be under Birtish Rule, and then part of Malaysia), now neighboring countries are really jealous because of Singapore's proseperity and modernity. It's a pretty sophisticated place, an oasis of civiliation in the middle of so many developing countries. Of course, we think it still has a ways to go in their civilizing (as you've read in my many emails!), but it is a remarkable little country about the size and population of say, Houston. They even have their own media - magazines, news, TV shows, movie "industry," Singaporean "stars." For such a little place, they are really into being recognized on the world scene! Kind of a "small man complex" we've got the world's best zoo, airport, largest hotel, largest fountain, even just got in the guiness book of world records for having had the largest line dancing party! Last year a church's community services did a fund raiser and made it in the book for largest tea party (6000).


E: Your boys sound like they have adapted themselves very well to their new situation. I know you are very proud of them. And a puppy! How they must love that!!

K: Our little puppy has brought joy to the boys, but I love that little creature too! Besides Paul, the other woman who is working with me to offer training to church drama teams has two girl kitties at home; her babies. I now really know I'm her friend - she just asked me last night to feed them while she's on vacation (Good thing I have a car! It's still a 20 minute drive, but it is easier for me to do it with wheels than asking someone who'd have to walk or take a bus to her house!)

Praying for One Another

From and email to Tambra Murphy a college friend...

I think we ALL ought to do more praying for each other, me included, cultivate that attentive mind & heart to the Holy Spirit's promptings to pray for one another. I don't really understand prayer much, and don't have a "gift" of intercession, but I know some do, and this week I've felt this kind of spiritual weakness. Star Warish kind of weakening of the Force.

Over the years I have always been frustrated by missionaries who through the
way they communicate seem to think that they are the only ones doing "God's
work." I have strong convictions that committed bankers, or real estate
agents, teachers, or grocery clerks, or anyone who "has been crucified with
Christ" letting Christ live in and through them, brings him glory, and
influences others for Truth as much (and sometimes more) than a Bible
translator or church planter who's packed it up and gone "to the ends of the
earth." Every believer hears God's call on their life, and every calling is
different vocationally, but there is no difference in our calling to be
wholly his whatever we are doing!

Blessings & Joy,
Kimberly

Choosing to be Thankful

I need to persevere in prayer!

We need to keep asking others for prayer as well!
This week I've had an especially strong sense of this.
That realization of our need for Divine protection, and how the prayers of others give us some kind of stronger "covering" or protection.

Surely every believer is dependent on God and need the prayers of others; but being in vocational cross cultural ministry, I think we are especially targeted by the Enemy. He's not happy about our life choices, our wholehearted submission to Christ, or that God is blessing our efforts.

I know I'm preaching to the choir, but it's not enough to be abiding in Christ, and develop spiritual disciplines, and on our own be asking for his power and protection. We need each other!

Perhaps I've sensed this recently because we've been reporting to our supporters how great things are going this year. Maybe they've relaxed in their intercession for us, thinking, "Thank you God that you've brought them through those hard times of adjustment..." We've convinced them that we're not suffering in Singapore, God is blessing the work and "enlarging our territory," and yet...

Yesterday afternoon, we attended a disheartening time meeting the Tampines Cell Group from our church (the first meal with anyone from our church after attending for 10 months). I spent the time at this lunch constantly asking God to give me his love for the other people in the room. In my flesh I was tired of initiating in conversations and meeting for the x-thousandth time timid-yet-proud people; feeling like an alien under slilent scrutiny, bored, critical; and even angry with the other children. They were deliberately ignoring Tyler and Cameron. One boy Tyler's age rebuffed every effort Ty made to initate conversation or play (at one point, all the children got up and walked out of the room when Tyler asked them what they wanted to do). I know this sounds pitiful, but I spent part of the afternoon hiding out in the kitchen/laundry room, wondering how Jim could be so great at mingling, while watching the rain fall out the 11th storey window and holding back the tears. Me. The extrovert. Not anymore.

Jim drove us back to Tampines in order to see a matinee of Spiderman (which we loved and I'm sure was written by Christians), and before parking, we were in another car accident (the 3rd one in less than 2 years, and the second one in the car we purchased 6 months ago). As I opened my door to get out at the curb, two people on a motorcyle were trying to whiz past in the small amount of space between our car and the curb! They ran into the edge of my door, seconds away from hitting me (or Cameron, if he had "hopped out" right when I asked him to). I was so panicked that the motorcyclist was injured, not thinking first of fault, just sick at the thought of how in an instant life can change. I found myself thinking, "And I haven't even made it in to report the last accident yet, let alone paid the attorney $1500 for the damages to the other parties car." "Wasn't I just yesterday telling Jim how scared I am driving with all the motorcyclists zipping around on these roads?"

And then I was suprised by the overwhelming compulsion in my heart:

"I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!! I just want to GO BACK TO AMERICA where these kinds of things don't happen with such regularity!!!"

The young man must have thought it was his fault because his knee was obviously in pain, his bike had some damage, and our car obviously will need repair but he didn't want to file a report, or go to the hospital, or even give us his name. We called the police and they just told us to report it to our insurance. The Honda repair guy and I are already on a first name basis after being in for repairs for wrecks and other kinds of freak damage 3 times in 5 months already, so boy is he going to be suprised to see me again.

The enemy was at me yesterday in obvious ways: Rehearsing in my mind what seems like an extraordinarily unusual amount of accidents, mishaps, stolen bikes (and stolen other things...), broken appliances (etc.), sicknesses (that we can't seem to get over), even just a spirit of clumsiness: daily spilling and dropping and breaking things at home... How easy it is to entertain what feels like a justifiable pity party!

But I listened this time to the Holy Spirit and chose to honour God by thanking him, remembering a thankful heart can help us be resistant to discouragement, negative thinking,and cynicism. I realized in amazement how God protected us. How close we came to getting hit by that bike. I was reaching for the handle of the car door to get out 3 seconds before, and decided to turn back to the kids to say something first...

How very thankful I am for that obvious act of protection, and all the other times he protects us unknowingly.

How thankful that so far, inattentiveness or clumsiness results only in breaking a small thing like a new vase before it's out of the wrapping from IKEA, and not a broken back, or worse. The enemy wants me to be fearful, seeing danger everywhere (a new sensation for me), when God wants me to find courage through him, and trust in his protection. And he wants us to thankfully recognize his sovereignty in all things so that when he allows pain, we know it is only his divine joy that will give us strength and joy to not be defeated.

Amen?

Fondly,

Kimberly