Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton's Newsletter
WHY DON'T YOU JUST POP ON OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD?
Singapore is positively exciting, exotic and really easy for even the most pampered tourist. In fact this little city/nation is practically perfect if you only stay for less than a couple weeks. From the northern part of Singapore you can see Malaysia, and from the south you can see Indonesia. So, while you're here, you may want to add a couple other stamps to your passport. You think Southern California is multi-ethnic? Wait ‘till you see Singapore! We’ve Chinatown, little India, Malay Village as tourist attractions, but it is a virtual mosaic as you walk along the streets. We’ve the world’s best zoo, terrific shopping, GREAT FOOD, and efficient and clean public transportation. Stay in a nice air-conditioned hotel and we’ll show you the many wonderful sights and give you a window into our lives here. Besides what you’ll find in the tourist books, here’s what else you’d get if we could host you here.
We may make you join us for a bit of Chinese studies. We’ll go over some new vocabulary, or sing along with some Chinese karaoke! In Singapore it’s not a necessity, but speaking Mandarin goes a LONG way with people we meet and work with. At a lunch last week a Singaporean asked me to order, hoping we might get some freebies thrown in! Children take compulsory "Mother Tongue" in school, which is either Mandarin Chinese (78%), Malay (15%), or Tamil - an Indian language (7%). They take school pretty serious here, as well as instilling National pride in the children. It is quite a sight to pop by school at the end of the day and see the flag lowering ceremony with 1000 children singing the National Anthem. Our children are nearly the only Americans we know attending local schools; but so far, they are flourishing.
From this technologically sophisticated island, we spend a lot of time on the computer. Email is the way we do nearly EVERYTHING, even with Singaporeans; or SMS. Do you have that back home? My goodness, the way we send these messages back and forth! Sometimes I just think, “Dial the number and let’s TALK to each other!” And the Internet. Broadband! Wow! I even do much of my grocery shopping on-line. I don’t have to ever feel “out of the loop,” even living on the other side of the world! I have a database of sketches for worship on the web and people are downloading it from all around the world. Recently another Christian in theatre wrote me that his newest musical “Gospel Blues” was having it’s first showing and being broadcast over the internet from the Pacific Northwest. So, I didn’t even have to miss out on a premiere! Let’s all sing “It’s a Small World” shall we?
About bringing along a care package with food: NO need! We live out in the suburbs with Singapore’s "heartlanders" (ethnically traditional immigrants), but we have discovered many downtown stores cater to westerners. I stumbled upon a store a few weeks ago which had handmade tortellinis, escargot and a few other things I would never even buy from an Irvine Ranch or Bristol Farms! If we want it, and are willing to pay for it, many American food items can be found. After 5 years in Asia, we have become quite used to the foods here too. In fact, we prefer it! My little boys would rather have instant Chinese noodles over PB&J for lunch! We find we just don't crave old favorites, AND since there's no way you can bring us Krispy Kremes, we'll just have to keep satisfying the donut cravings when we're in the States!!!
As we’ve learned from living in Chinese culture, when it comes to eating out, we will fight you for the check! It is our pleasure to treat you, because God has been faithful to us. In fact, we have not yet had to re-use ANY tea bags. It is amazing & admittedly sometimes scary to live by faith as far as finances go. Like most missionaries, we are financially supported by individuals who sense God’s leading to be part of his work here). This still blows me away, even though it probably shouldn't. We have always supported other missionaries and still do. It's just kind of surprising when you're on the receiving end! We live like the average Singaporean in a Government Housing Apartment. We’re not extravagant, but we’re comfortable. AND HERE'S THE BEST PART (just so you’re not shocked when you visit): we have a live in domestic helper! YES! Someone else does my house work, and God has brought an honest, hard working girl we can trust. Isn't that strange? We live in what looks like a clean inner city ghetto – in groves of high-rise concrete buildings -- but nearly all the professionals who live around here (who don’t have extended family living with them), have foreign maids. So, as they say, “when in Rome…” It is quite a luxury!
But just so you don’t think it’s all wonderful, and plan your visit to be a more permanent one, I must warn you about adjusting to the life here. The HEAT and HUMIDITY is insufferable, you will have virtually no circle of friends or family as support, it is a crowded city culture where people have built not only high buildings but high walls around their hearts. They are very busy and don’t warm up to foreigners (‘cause most expats are here a short stint, stick together and don’t warm up to them). There are no babysitters. Singaporeans, if they do speak to you, love to comment on how easy it must be to adjust to their convenient lifestyle (not!). Honestly, after our 2 years of language study in China, I was really ready to get back to MINISTRY in Singapore! My husband and I had taken a year searching the world for where we BOTH could best use our experience and giftedness as missionaries. We’d sensed a clear leading that Singapore was the place and we moved to the suburbs to dive in to typical Singaporean life. But, while waiting for a suitable maid, homemaking means dishwashing by hand with no running hot water, more clothes to wash & iron because we sweat so much and the children wear uniforms to school, walking in the heat to and from the grocery store, mopping, lots of dust from local construction, and keeping track of children’s school bus schedules, (one son got home from school at 7:00PM!) To tell the truth, living here felt like a 4 star prison! I felt like I’d come to Asia to grow old. But God had (has?) some important whittling to do with my character, true love for him, and understanding that He doesn’t really give a hoot what I accomplish for him, but who I am in him. Sometimes this whittling has felt more like a sledgehammer (especially when we had daily jackhammering on our building for months on end). But having journeyed this valley, I feel I can better empathize with weakness, loneliness, and what it’s like to feel nearly hopelessly lost even though I'm eternally saved. I'm (a bit) more humble, slower to be critical of weakness in others (unless it is poor customer service), and hopefully a better encourager. Maybe I’m even more Christlike!
But we didn’t move here for the lifestyle. We live overseas because of our conviction that Jesus didn't lie when he claimed to be "the way, the truth, and the life" and that "no one comes to the Father except through me." There are so many people who haven't even heard his name yet, let alone have had a chance to decide to follow him. It's not very popular in these pluralistic days to be so "narrow minded," but the Bible is pretty clear on God's jealousy about being the only God, and Jesus' claims to offer eternal salvation only through his sacrifice on the cross.
I'm glad to live in a generation where missions and missionaries are compelled by the truth but full of grace. There's a lot more intentionality about loving people, serving people, blessing people, and along the way sharing our convictions and letting the Holy Spirit convince people. Our calling here is to enable the local Christians. Empower them. Our success comes from seeing them fruitful as witnesses and missionaries. So that's the motivation for leaving the comforts of US. We found Singapore to be a place where both Jim and I could use our unique strengths (his in leadership development and mine in theatre) to be part of God's kingdom work in this world. Just a couple of little specialized cogs in the work He's doing around the globe.
Let me know when you’re coming!
4/19/2002
Why We're Here
I loved reading your letter and it is so refreshing to hear someone say they love their live! You are one who has heard the applause of heaven, and chosen joy instead of grumbling! YEAH! I'm reading a book by Max Lucado right now with that title, THE APPLAUSE OF HEAVEN. It's great to think that God is our cheerleader he loves us so much!
My boys are 9 and 5. Tyler finally came after we'd been married 8 years and has his dad's head for math and his mom's artistic temperament. We didn't want to go through the what-ifs of infertility again, so we adopted Cameron, who is practically perfect except that he is so tactile & sensual, we'll have to lock him up at puberty and arrange an immediate marriage! Both boys are bilingual...we all now speak Chinese!
That is something that until 1996 I had never even considerred and I'm still kind of trying to figure out what my place is in this Chinese world. I do have this deep sense of conviction that there is a reason, so I persevere at a bit of language study to keep up with Tyler and review the easier words with Cameron. It is NOT EASY to learn Chinese!!! Singapore's national language is English, but all children take "Mother Tongue" in school, and for Singaporeans this is either Mandarin Chinese, Malay, or Tamil (an indian language). They take school pretty serious here, and we are the only caucasian foreign family I know who has children in the local schools taking Mother Tongue (virtually all Americans put their children in the American School, or homeschool). We work pretty hard at not putting too much pressure on the kids and having fun, and it is working for now. It helps that both boys are NOT shy, and have a healthy self-confidence (Ty's is a bit TOO healthy).
There's a lot of aspects of living overseas that are fabulous, and others no so great (biggest being missing family & friends, missing convenience, familiarity, and the terrible heat and humidity here!). My husband Jim and I felt that our lives had been pretty cushy and we needed the stretch of living overseas to deepen us through some hardship (imagine, wishing hardship on oneself!). We still have a lot of growing to do, as we have seen sides of ourselves come out in the pressure that we didn't know were there!
But the main reason we live overseas is because of our conviction that Jesus was who he claimed to be, and he didn't lie when he claimed to be "the way, the truth, and the life" and that "no one comes to the Father except through me." In college I became really convicted about Jesus' last words to "go into all the world and make disciples." The last words of anyone are pretty important to pay attention to -- and these were the last words of a man who had just proved by resurrection that he was the incarnation of the living God! There are so many people who haven't even heard his name yet, let alone have had a chance to decide to follow him or not. It's not very popular in these pluralistic days to be so "narrow minded," but the Bible is pretty clear on God's jealousy about being the only God, and Jesus' claims to offer eternal salvation through his sacrifice on the cross.
I'm glad to live in a generation where missions and missionaries are more grace-full and we don't go around beating people over the head with our Bibles. There's a lot more intentionality about loving people, serving people, blessing people, and along the way sharing our convictions about Truth. So that's the motivation for leaving the comforts of US. We found Singapore to be a place where both Jim and I could use our unique strengths (his in leadership devleopment and mine in theatre) to be part of God's kingdom work in this world. Just a couple of little specialized cogs in the work He's doing around the globe.
And it is amazing to live by faith...individuals financially support us as God leads them to "partner" with us...that still blows me away (even though it probably shouldn't - we have always supported other missionaries and still do - it's just kind of suprising when you're on the receiving end!). We've been taken care of financially thus far, and have had the money to live like the average Singaporean, make visits to the USA every 18 months, and go back to China on school holidays every year and a half too, AND HERE'S THE BEST PART: like many Singaporeans: we have a live in domestic helper! That's the GREATEST perk of living here! Someone else does my laundry, ironing, and dishes and house work. Isn't that strange? We live in what looks like a clean inner city ghetto - a high-rise concrete building -- in a grove of otehr high-rises -- but all the professionals who live around here, without extended family living with them, all have foreign maids! Very strange! We were without this kind of help the first 9 months here, and without a car, and honestly my life felt like a prison sentence in hell (it is very hot here and the apartment isn't airconditioned). God did a lot of stretching for me that first year (as in "my identity is NOT in what I accomplish for him, but who I am in him") but I am so glad that we have a helper now so that I can have the liberty to do something besides hang the laundry out to dry (and get mildewed in the humid weather!).
So, I get out and do some coaching, performing, writing, teaching in using drama as part of worship, outreach etc. I won't go into it all, but I'll copy a short monologue I'm helping a woman work on this week. I wrote it for an Easter pageant the year Tyler was born.
OK. Enough from me this morning!
It was great to hear from and about you. Send me your address sometime.
Blessings and continued GREAT joy,
K!Mberly
My boys are 9 and 5. Tyler finally came after we'd been married 8 years and has his dad's head for math and his mom's artistic temperament. We didn't want to go through the what-ifs of infertility again, so we adopted Cameron, who is practically perfect except that he is so tactile & sensual, we'll have to lock him up at puberty and arrange an immediate marriage! Both boys are bilingual...we all now speak Chinese!
That is something that until 1996 I had never even considerred and I'm still kind of trying to figure out what my place is in this Chinese world. I do have this deep sense of conviction that there is a reason, so I persevere at a bit of language study to keep up with Tyler and review the easier words with Cameron. It is NOT EASY to learn Chinese!!! Singapore's national language is English, but all children take "Mother Tongue" in school, and for Singaporeans this is either Mandarin Chinese, Malay, or Tamil (an indian language). They take school pretty serious here, and we are the only caucasian foreign family I know who has children in the local schools taking Mother Tongue (virtually all Americans put their children in the American School, or homeschool). We work pretty hard at not putting too much pressure on the kids and having fun, and it is working for now. It helps that both boys are NOT shy, and have a healthy self-confidence (Ty's is a bit TOO healthy).
There's a lot of aspects of living overseas that are fabulous, and others no so great (biggest being missing family & friends, missing convenience, familiarity, and the terrible heat and humidity here!). My husband Jim and I felt that our lives had been pretty cushy and we needed the stretch of living overseas to deepen us through some hardship (imagine, wishing hardship on oneself!). We still have a lot of growing to do, as we have seen sides of ourselves come out in the pressure that we didn't know were there!
But the main reason we live overseas is because of our conviction that Jesus was who he claimed to be, and he didn't lie when he claimed to be "the way, the truth, and the life" and that "no one comes to the Father except through me." In college I became really convicted about Jesus' last words to "go into all the world and make disciples." The last words of anyone are pretty important to pay attention to -- and these were the last words of a man who had just proved by resurrection that he was the incarnation of the living God! There are so many people who haven't even heard his name yet, let alone have had a chance to decide to follow him or not. It's not very popular in these pluralistic days to be so "narrow minded," but the Bible is pretty clear on God's jealousy about being the only God, and Jesus' claims to offer eternal salvation through his sacrifice on the cross.
I'm glad to live in a generation where missions and missionaries are more grace-full and we don't go around beating people over the head with our Bibles. There's a lot more intentionality about loving people, serving people, blessing people, and along the way sharing our convictions about Truth. So that's the motivation for leaving the comforts of US. We found Singapore to be a place where both Jim and I could use our unique strengths (his in leadership devleopment and mine in theatre) to be part of God's kingdom work in this world. Just a couple of little specialized cogs in the work He's doing around the globe.
And it is amazing to live by faith...individuals financially support us as God leads them to "partner" with us...that still blows me away (even though it probably shouldn't - we have always supported other missionaries and still do - it's just kind of suprising when you're on the receiving end!). We've been taken care of financially thus far, and have had the money to live like the average Singaporean, make visits to the USA every 18 months, and go back to China on school holidays every year and a half too, AND HERE'S THE BEST PART: like many Singaporeans: we have a live in domestic helper! That's the GREATEST perk of living here! Someone else does my laundry, ironing, and dishes and house work. Isn't that strange? We live in what looks like a clean inner city ghetto - a high-rise concrete building -- in a grove of otehr high-rises -- but all the professionals who live around here, without extended family living with them, all have foreign maids! Very strange! We were without this kind of help the first 9 months here, and without a car, and honestly my life felt like a prison sentence in hell (it is very hot here and the apartment isn't airconditioned). God did a lot of stretching for me that first year (as in "my identity is NOT in what I accomplish for him, but who I am in him") but I am so glad that we have a helper now so that I can have the liberty to do something besides hang the laundry out to dry (and get mildewed in the humid weather!).
So, I get out and do some coaching, performing, writing, teaching in using drama as part of worship, outreach etc. I won't go into it all, but I'll copy a short monologue I'm helping a woman work on this week. I wrote it for an Easter pageant the year Tyler was born.
OK. Enough from me this morning!
It was great to hear from and about you. Send me your address sometime.
Blessings and continued GREAT joy,
K!Mberly
4/14/2002
No Need for a Care Package
About a care package, We may live in the suburbs with the "heartlanders"(old Chinese immigrants) of Singapore, but we have discovered some of the more cosmopolitan stores downtown that cater to the ex-pats.
I found JASON'S a few weeks ago while waiting for Jim downtown. This oasis had handmade tortellinis, ESCARGOT and pate to name a couple of the things I was suprised by (and would never buy!)!
We've even found a Tony Roma's. So, I don't think we've any shortage. We have become quite used to the foods here too (in fact, my boys would rather have instant Chinese noodles over PB&J for lunch!). Over the last 5 years, we find we don't crave old favourites (guess we're not as homesick as we were!). AND there's no way you can send fresh donuts...so we'll just have to satisfy THOSE cravings when we're in the states!!!
(from an email to Jill Kaminski)
I found JASON'S a few weeks ago while waiting for Jim downtown. This oasis had handmade tortellinis, ESCARGOT and pate to name a couple of the things I was suprised by (and would never buy!)!
We've even found a Tony Roma's. So, I don't think we've any shortage. We have become quite used to the foods here too (in fact, my boys would rather have instant Chinese noodles over PB&J for lunch!). Over the last 5 years, we find we don't crave old favourites (guess we're not as homesick as we were!). AND there's no way you can send fresh donuts...so we'll just have to satisfy THOSE cravings when we're in the states!!!
(from an email to Jill Kaminski)
Should We Move Back to China?
Jim and I talked last night about the possibility of moving back to China in a few years...I told him my pre-requisite was that both of us take a course in general handyman stuff or we'd end up divorced in China. Stuff breaks ALL THE TIME there and neither of us can do much more than put in a lightbulb (and sometimes have trouble with that!!). We'll see how the climate for the ministry we can do opens up there. I could forseeably continue networking and writing over the internet from anywhere. Can you imagine how suprised people will be when they order a script (rarely happens, but) and I write back and tell them to mail the check to CHINA?
Funny thought.
RE: When Feeling Ignored, Assume the Best of Others
I have decided that every time I feel slighted I'm going to assume it was an error, or unintended. And when I approach people about it, it always turns out that this is true. I almost missed out on making one of my best friends in Singapore by not following up on one thing that she'd not responded on which felt like a real "in your face" kind of rejection. However, it turned out she'd overlooked it, and felt terribly.
I'm enjoying reading THE APPLAUSE OF HEAVEN right now, among other things. I need to go over the DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF little book too. Finally feeling like I've a healthy rhythm to life with a car, a dog, the kids happy, and being in a play that rehearses in the mornings - which is affording me an opportunity to really get to know some people. I'm starting to feel like myself again.
(from and email to Dave Calkins)
Funny thought.
RE: When Feeling Ignored, Assume the Best of Others
I have decided that every time I feel slighted I'm going to assume it was an error, or unintended. And when I approach people about it, it always turns out that this is true. I almost missed out on making one of my best friends in Singapore by not following up on one thing that she'd not responded on which felt like a real "in your face" kind of rejection. However, it turned out she'd overlooked it, and felt terribly.
I'm enjoying reading THE APPLAUSE OF HEAVEN right now, among other things. I need to go over the DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF little book too. Finally feeling like I've a healthy rhythm to life with a car, a dog, the kids happy, and being in a play that rehearses in the mornings - which is affording me an opportunity to really get to know some people. I'm starting to feel like myself again.
(from and email to Dave Calkins)
4/02/2002
A Big Week in Singapore
We had a great time in KM this December. We still really miss China, and for us it is even more refreshing to visit China than the states (no feelings of obligation in China - just the joy of seeing people we care about and seeing who else we'll meet while there). It was a perfect trip even with the TIC's we encountered daily (stories from China are SO much more interesting than here!)
But we still feel we're best used for the kingdom here (though we're learning to break our Americaness that it's all about personal fulfillment and more about joy in obedience!). I am beginning to thrive...though it's been a rough road.
I've done some workshops and a small bit of writing and performing. I have a small network of professionals I meet with to plan ways to network the believers here for developing and mutual growth. I feel really confident that after 2 years, in our different arenas, Jim and I have met the "who's who" and He has given us great favour with the influential people.
This week is big. Our organization is being established as a SIngaporean mentoring society, and the board meets for the first time this week - April 3rd at lunch. I feel amazed at the dream team who's coming on the board. Definitely from Him. If I talk about this with my drama friends, it really starts to sound like "name dropping," the names are so well known and respected in the Singaporean C circles, so I have stopped, unless they press me!
I begin rehearsals this week for the first major production I've committed to. A local club is putting $30,000 a production into a children's community theatre and has hired a gifted guy to produce them. Since it's a professional show they rehearse during the days and the boys will be in school, so I agreed to attend rehearsals and understudy (and mentor). We feel it's a great way to get me out of the house, challenged, and to get to know the director (whom I greatly admire). The cast who are mostly younger Singaporeans making a go at professional theatre and also know - to some degree- our friend.
So, I'm excited and a bit nervous. It will take some juggling, and we have a new helper whos still got a lot of training to do to feel confident. After 5 years of learning to live with feeling inefficient, and unproductive, or that my role is administration and wrestling with computer problems, and then the big lesson that came with it: how my identity is in who my Dad is and not what I do...which I'm not sure I've learned! I feel a little rusty about "getting out there." The producer wants me to direct in September, but we haven't found a suitable show yet (I just read a new musical version by Judith Viorst of Alexander and the Terrible, etc, it was good!), but the thought is pretty frightening at this point, though I imagine once I feel back in the swing of things, I'll be gung ho!
Kids are great. Cam just got over chicken pox, and is a charmer. Tyler is the class monitor, still doing Chinese, and has been doing work for commercials for local TV (English!). Both are sp. sensitive and Easter really touched them at different points during the week of talking about it and watching videos...so that's the most important thing!
But we still feel we're best used for the kingdom here (though we're learning to break our Americaness that it's all about personal fulfillment and more about joy in obedience!). I am beginning to thrive...though it's been a rough road.
I've done some workshops and a small bit of writing and performing. I have a small network of professionals I meet with to plan ways to network the believers here for developing and mutual growth. I feel really confident that after 2 years, in our different arenas, Jim and I have met the "who's who" and He has given us great favour with the influential people.
This week is big. Our organization is being established as a SIngaporean mentoring society, and the board meets for the first time this week - April 3rd at lunch. I feel amazed at the dream team who's coming on the board. Definitely from Him. If I talk about this with my drama friends, it really starts to sound like "name dropping," the names are so well known and respected in the Singaporean C circles, so I have stopped, unless they press me!
I begin rehearsals this week for the first major production I've committed to. A local club is putting $30,000 a production into a children's community theatre and has hired a gifted guy to produce them. Since it's a professional show they rehearse during the days and the boys will be in school, so I agreed to attend rehearsals and understudy (and mentor). We feel it's a great way to get me out of the house, challenged, and to get to know the director (whom I greatly admire). The cast who are mostly younger Singaporeans making a go at professional theatre and also know - to some degree- our friend.
So, I'm excited and a bit nervous. It will take some juggling, and we have a new helper whos still got a lot of training to do to feel confident. After 5 years of learning to live with feeling inefficient, and unproductive, or that my role is administration and wrestling with computer problems, and then the big lesson that came with it: how my identity is in who my Dad is and not what I do...which I'm not sure I've learned! I feel a little rusty about "getting out there." The producer wants me to direct in September, but we haven't found a suitable show yet (I just read a new musical version by Judith Viorst of Alexander and the Terrible, etc, it was good!), but the thought is pretty frightening at this point, though I imagine once I feel back in the swing of things, I'll be gung ho!
Kids are great. Cam just got over chicken pox, and is a charmer. Tyler is the class monitor, still doing Chinese, and has been doing work for commercials for local TV (English!). Both are sp. sensitive and Easter really touched them at different points during the week of talking about it and watching videos...so that's the most important thing!
3/27/2002
Cameron's Confession
I just put the boys to bed.
They had a fun day.
I did too.
But we're pooped.
First the Science Center (which is so well done here) which gives them a taste of science in their lives, and they always learn something new. We never stay too long, so we can go back again and again.
Then to Jurong Water park which the children loved, but was a guardian's nightmare. Due to the school holiday, the place was PACKED with rowdy kids of all ages and also full of those large innertubes konking into everyone. I'm surprised we found a locker! Kim had Luke and Addie (still not a swimmer), and I'd invited the Australian neighbor Jackie with her fearless toddler plus a 3 year old and 7 year old. All of our husbands are in Australia this week. We stuck together, and made clear to the children that we were not wandering off. We pow-wow'd and scared-them-silly about the dangers of the crowded pool, and made strict guidlelines for where they could go (ie, not past the light blue tiles (shallow section) in the wave pool).
We convinced the kids that one harrowing group-trip around the "lazy river" was enough. They didn't complain too much... because today it was "log jam river" with all the big clueless kids horsing around. For me, I was "ever dililgent lifeguard in the river" chasing/watching over the 4 boys while Kim and Jackie kept hold of the 3 little non-swimmers in a pretty swift current. We did the wave pool and spent time in the kiddie wading pool (even that was nerve wracking trying to keep tabs on where they were all the time). We took turns letting the big boys go with one of the moms down the tube slide in another pool. Phew! I was glad I'd only put 2 hours worth of parking coupons on the car!
Now the car is nearly out of gas and we're out of parking coupons. Tomorrow is the magic lantern show (a group from America who tours these authentic historical shows...part of a children's art festival), and Ty's TWO Disney shoots (Cam will stick with the Burchells after lunch while I take Tyler).
At bedtime we reviewed some Bible verses and listened to an Adventures in Odyssey CD set Tyler just got from FEFC (we've never had any of these and they are great!).
Then Cameron didn't want to pray. For the FIRST time. He usually eagerly goes first; and it always goes something like:
"Thear God, thank for this daaaay. Thank you for meeee. Thank you for I love my mom, and my daaaaad and my bruthurrrr. I love them. Thank you for I have a nice dog. And my maid Lili--I mean Loonie. Thank you that [something that happened or impressed him]. You are so biiiiiig [or mighty, or strong].
I love you God. Amen.
But tonight he was tight lipped.
I prayed then Tyler, and Cameron still said, "I don't want to talk to God."
I was lying on his bed with him tonight so I leaned over and whispered, "Is there something you did today that makes you embarassed to talk to God?"
"Yes."
"You know, you can tell God and me what you did, and ask him to forgive you, if you are sad you did something. He wants to forgive you, but you have to ask him to help you."
He took a deep breath, folded his hands across his chest and looked up in the dark and confessed his sins for the first time:
"Thear God. I know you don't like it today I go in the dark tile of the pool. Where it was deeper. My mommy said “no” and I did it. And I know it was scary with the water. And the kids. And when she said to stick together I didn't want to listen or have seff-control. I know the Devil is a roaring lion and he want to get me and devour. So please God, nex time, help me be seff-control. And I'm sorry God I want to make you happy.....Amen."
We lay there for a few minutes and had a little talk about what it was that scared him in the water, and why mommies and daddies, and God make rules that seem dumb, or not so fun, until we find out they were to keep us safe...and why we must learn self-discipline when we are 3...or 5...so that we learn to use our strength and God's strength together when we get big and the Devil's roaring gets louder, and his bites get more painful.
He's getting it; the little peanut. Hope it sticks.
More later.
K!
They had a fun day.
I did too.
But we're pooped.
First the Science Center (which is so well done here) which gives them a taste of science in their lives, and they always learn something new. We never stay too long, so we can go back again and again.
Then to Jurong Water park which the children loved, but was a guardian's nightmare. Due to the school holiday, the place was PACKED with rowdy kids of all ages and also full of those large innertubes konking into everyone. I'm surprised we found a locker! Kim had Luke and Addie (still not a swimmer), and I'd invited the Australian neighbor Jackie with her fearless toddler plus a 3 year old and 7 year old. All of our husbands are in Australia this week. We stuck together, and made clear to the children that we were not wandering off. We pow-wow'd and scared-them-silly about the dangers of the crowded pool, and made strict guidlelines for where they could go (ie, not past the light blue tiles (shallow section) in the wave pool).
We convinced the kids that one harrowing group-trip around the "lazy river" was enough. They didn't complain too much... because today it was "log jam river" with all the big clueless kids horsing around. For me, I was "ever dililgent lifeguard in the river" chasing/watching over the 4 boys while Kim and Jackie kept hold of the 3 little non-swimmers in a pretty swift current. We did the wave pool and spent time in the kiddie wading pool (even that was nerve wracking trying to keep tabs on where they were all the time). We took turns letting the big boys go with one of the moms down the tube slide in another pool. Phew! I was glad I'd only put 2 hours worth of parking coupons on the car!
Now the car is nearly out of gas and we're out of parking coupons. Tomorrow is the magic lantern show (a group from America who tours these authentic historical shows...part of a children's art festival), and Ty's TWO Disney shoots (Cam will stick with the Burchells after lunch while I take Tyler).
At bedtime we reviewed some Bible verses and listened to an Adventures in Odyssey CD set Tyler just got from FEFC (we've never had any of these and they are great!).
Then Cameron didn't want to pray. For the FIRST time. He usually eagerly goes first; and it always goes something like:
"Thear God, thank for this daaaay. Thank you for meeee. Thank you for I love my mom, and my daaaaad and my bruthurrrr. I love them. Thank you for I have a nice dog. And my maid Lili--I mean Loonie. Thank you that [something that happened or impressed him]. You are so biiiiiig [or mighty, or strong].
I love you God. Amen.
But tonight he was tight lipped.
I prayed then Tyler, and Cameron still said, "I don't want to talk to God."
I was lying on his bed with him tonight so I leaned over and whispered, "Is there something you did today that makes you embarassed to talk to God?"
"Yes."
"You know, you can tell God and me what you did, and ask him to forgive you, if you are sad you did something. He wants to forgive you, but you have to ask him to help you."
He took a deep breath, folded his hands across his chest and looked up in the dark and confessed his sins for the first time:
"Thear God. I know you don't like it today I go in the dark tile of the pool. Where it was deeper. My mommy said “no” and I did it. And I know it was scary with the water. And the kids. And when she said to stick together I didn't want to listen or have seff-control. I know the Devil is a roaring lion and he want to get me and devour. So please God, nex time, help me be seff-control. And I'm sorry God I want to make you happy.....Amen."
We lay there for a few minutes and had a little talk about what it was that scared him in the water, and why mommies and daddies, and God make rules that seem dumb, or not so fun, until we find out they were to keep us safe...and why we must learn self-discipline when we are 3...or 5...so that we learn to use our strength and God's strength together when we get big and the Devil's roaring gets louder, and his bites get more painful.
He's getting it; the little peanut. Hope it sticks.
More later.
K!
2/20/2002
Me In the Middle of Turning 40
I'm just sending this to a few people who know me pretty well, and I know won't get freaked out by this letter!
Greetings from Singapore where though our work is heating up, it actually seems cooler everyday!
(Actually it's not, but our bodies are adjusting somewhat!)
We sent our pregnant helper Lili off to her home in Indonesia this morning and, barring an act of God, a new gal from Thailand will come next week...(though I am a bit guarded in being excited that we found a replacement so soon. Read: SHE ISN'T HERE YET!) Get this: Her name is LOONIE! The 9 months of delays last time we were looking for a maid was that we were holding out for a Mandarin speaking gal. This time there were actually a few options right away (could be because the economy is down?). So, they say she speaks Mandarin too (worked in a Taiwan factory for 3 years). We shall see!
Lili's had the SUPER intense kind of morning sickness where for weeks she can't keep anything down...all day and night, stays in a dark room, sleeps all the time. Bleeding stomach, raw throat, obviously no energy. We would have sent her home much earlier, but Chinese New Year made getting tickets a bit troublesome (impossible), with everyone traveling to hometowns for the holidays...She refused to see a doctor because a confirmed pregnancy would mean she could never return to work in Singapore. She's lost A LOT of weight and last weekend I was actually checking in on her to see if she was breathing still, thinking through who our guests have been. We might need them for witnesses that we were not mistreating her...in case she died! OKAY, now I know you're rolling your eyes that I'm such a "drama queen." I'm serious! It's been just a little scary.
Thankfully, she perked up a bit when we were able to get tickets confirmed on Monday, and I found some Ensure and she'd kept little bits of that down for the last 2 days. She's on her way home now with the last of her wages in hand. We'll continue to pray for her health, her future, her enduring commitment to follow Jesus in spite of the very hard life of poverty she has ahead. Last year we "adopted" a Compassion Int'l boy from Thailand (though evey one knows so little of our giving actually GETS to the kid, it is SO helpful in teaching the boys about giving and poverty for them to have the pictures and do the correspondence with this child). Waving goodbye to Lili, I wish there was a corruption-proof way to "adopt" her 8 year old boy and this baby on the way. But the Indonesian postal service is so corrupt, we all believe that the money would never get there, and then if it did, I don't know that she'd use it wisely (ie. she has no savings from working with us for nearly 2 years, but she's bought her family a TV and her boy has a new bike). The world is so full of poverty and people who don't make good decisions. God give us generosity and wisdom in how to truly HELP people!
This weekend, if you think of me, would you pray? On my 40th birthday, I'm conducting my first church drama workshop: "Beyond Bathrobes and Sandals." The one last October was postponned until now. I scheduled this one, so that I'd make sure that on my BIG DAY, I'd be doing something I like, with people who are fun and a couple who are friends! (OKAY McNair: so it's nothing like throwing a party for myself on the 50 yard line of the Colliseum...or Jim's Line Dancing party with 120 of his dearest friends, but it's the best we could manage here! And I'm not complaining!)
I've been a bit "blonde" about the administrative details, partly because the Enemy (grrrr) arranged for me to do all the housekeeping (let's not even talk about the 6 weeks of ringworm which has infected us...it IS GETTING BETTER). This has left me a bit unfocused the last few weeks. The other part is because having been let down a few times, I didn't want to put my heart and soul in it planning to the nth degree and have to change it at the last minute to accomodate for people not doing their part, or late registrations etc. (I'm sure you've had your share of those experiences even in the States, and I'm learning to flex with it here).
This MORNING after sending Lili off, while changing sheets to prepare for overnight guests, (yes that's right we have guests the next 2 nights), the church hosting the workshop called to say the space they'd offered last November (and confirmed a week ago) wasn't going to be available afterall. When I hung up the phone I had a hard time gearing up for the final administrative details of the workshop (as you may remember, administration is not a joy for me). I sat on my bed and asked the Lord, "Would it be a sin to open a bottle of wine at 9:30AM? Or should I just take a nap? Can I be angry and sin not?" Instead I read a bit of Ecclesiates about how life is vanity, and thanked him that through thick and thin He's my friend. Then, God arranged for better location (not just nicer, but free!) for the workshop before my boys got home from school!
There are 4 churches are sending teams (some really terrific adults, some who took my playwriting class last fall) for 3 training sessions. It has been really fun to plan it with 2 other Singaporeans who have become my dear friends in the process. So, I'm as Paul says, "knocked down, but [my sense of humour is] not destroyed."
(While I'm fretting my petty details, Jim has a big day today: He met for breakfast with retired Anglican Bishop Moses Tay. Perhaps THE MOST RESPECTED CHRISTIAN LEADER here. An ideal mentor if there is one! They met in order for Jim to ask him to be the President of the Board for CRM Singapore. We are pretty sure he will say yes. Jim then was hosting a luncheon for the SW China network of churches and agencies here who are collaborating on behalf of the advancement of God's kingdom in that part of the world. Pretty exciting!)
Gotta go now to do homework with those two little creatures I'm responsible to raise right.
(You got the New Years picture right? They are as smart as they are cute! Cameron just hobbled over to me leaning on a stick as a can and asked for money like a beggar. Children learn what they live...)
Have a great day dealing with your hassles!
LOVE from the other side of the pond,
K!Mberly
Greetings from Singapore where though our work is heating up, it actually seems cooler everyday!
(Actually it's not, but our bodies are adjusting somewhat!)
We sent our pregnant helper Lili off to her home in Indonesia this morning and, barring an act of God, a new gal from Thailand will come next week...(though I am a bit guarded in being excited that we found a replacement so soon. Read: SHE ISN'T HERE YET!) Get this: Her name is LOONIE! The 9 months of delays last time we were looking for a maid was that we were holding out for a Mandarin speaking gal. This time there were actually a few options right away (could be because the economy is down?). So, they say she speaks Mandarin too (worked in a Taiwan factory for 3 years). We shall see!
Lili's had the SUPER intense kind of morning sickness where for weeks she can't keep anything down...all day and night, stays in a dark room, sleeps all the time. Bleeding stomach, raw throat, obviously no energy. We would have sent her home much earlier, but Chinese New Year made getting tickets a bit troublesome (impossible), with everyone traveling to hometowns for the holidays...She refused to see a doctor because a confirmed pregnancy would mean she could never return to work in Singapore. She's lost A LOT of weight and last weekend I was actually checking in on her to see if she was breathing still, thinking through who our guests have been. We might need them for witnesses that we were not mistreating her...in case she died! OKAY, now I know you're rolling your eyes that I'm such a "drama queen." I'm serious! It's been just a little scary.
Thankfully, she perked up a bit when we were able to get tickets confirmed on Monday, and I found some Ensure and she'd kept little bits of that down for the last 2 days. She's on her way home now with the last of her wages in hand. We'll continue to pray for her health, her future, her enduring commitment to follow Jesus in spite of the very hard life of poverty she has ahead. Last year we "adopted" a Compassion Int'l boy from Thailand (though evey one knows so little of our giving actually GETS to the kid, it is SO helpful in teaching the boys about giving and poverty for them to have the pictures and do the correspondence with this child). Waving goodbye to Lili, I wish there was a corruption-proof way to "adopt" her 8 year old boy and this baby on the way. But the Indonesian postal service is so corrupt, we all believe that the money would never get there, and then if it did, I don't know that she'd use it wisely (ie. she has no savings from working with us for nearly 2 years, but she's bought her family a TV and her boy has a new bike). The world is so full of poverty and people who don't make good decisions. God give us generosity and wisdom in how to truly HELP people!
This weekend, if you think of me, would you pray? On my 40th birthday, I'm conducting my first church drama workshop: "Beyond Bathrobes and Sandals." The one last October was postponned until now. I scheduled this one, so that I'd make sure that on my BIG DAY, I'd be doing something I like, with people who are fun and a couple who are friends! (OKAY McNair: so it's nothing like throwing a party for myself on the 50 yard line of the Colliseum...or Jim's Line Dancing party with 120 of his dearest friends, but it's the best we could manage here! And I'm not complaining!)
I've been a bit "blonde" about the administrative details, partly because the Enemy (grrrr) arranged for me to do all the housekeeping (let's not even talk about the 6 weeks of ringworm which has infected us...it IS GETTING BETTER). This has left me a bit unfocused the last few weeks. The other part is because having been let down a few times, I didn't want to put my heart and soul in it planning to the nth degree and have to change it at the last minute to accomodate for people not doing their part, or late registrations etc. (I'm sure you've had your share of those experiences even in the States, and I'm learning to flex with it here).
This MORNING after sending Lili off, while changing sheets to prepare for overnight guests, (yes that's right we have guests the next 2 nights), the church hosting the workshop called to say the space they'd offered last November (and confirmed a week ago) wasn't going to be available afterall. When I hung up the phone I had a hard time gearing up for the final administrative details of the workshop (as you may remember, administration is not a joy for me). I sat on my bed and asked the Lord, "Would it be a sin to open a bottle of wine at 9:30AM? Or should I just take a nap? Can I be angry and sin not?" Instead I read a bit of Ecclesiates about how life is vanity, and thanked him that through thick and thin He's my friend. Then, God arranged for better location (not just nicer, but free!) for the workshop before my boys got home from school!
There are 4 churches are sending teams (some really terrific adults, some who took my playwriting class last fall) for 3 training sessions. It has been really fun to plan it with 2 other Singaporeans who have become my dear friends in the process. So, I'm as Paul says, "knocked down, but [my sense of humour is] not destroyed."
(While I'm fretting my petty details, Jim has a big day today: He met for breakfast with retired Anglican Bishop Moses Tay. Perhaps THE MOST RESPECTED CHRISTIAN LEADER here. An ideal mentor if there is one! They met in order for Jim to ask him to be the President of the Board for CRM Singapore. We are pretty sure he will say yes. Jim then was hosting a luncheon for the SW China network of churches and agencies here who are collaborating on behalf of the advancement of God's kingdom in that part of the world. Pretty exciting!)
Gotta go now to do homework with those two little creatures I'm responsible to raise right.
(You got the New Years picture right? They are as smart as they are cute! Cameron just hobbled over to me leaning on a stick as a can and asked for money like a beggar. Children learn what they live...)
Have a great day dealing with your hassles!
LOVE from the other side of the pond,
K!Mberly
1/14/2002
Answering Questions about Life Here
from an email to Elaine Bent in Texas.
E: I am glad you have met and are involved with some theatre people - both Chinese and American. You need to have that involvement to feed the special talents God gave you. Are the people in your class Chinese, Americans, or mixture?
K: All Singaporean Chinese. They speak English, but don't have the breadth of vocabulary we use. They've all learned a lot, and so have I. Expectations were a little high. No emerging playwrites out of the bunch, but every person grew creatively, and in their understanding of plays, and were glad to have taken the class. We'll see what develops in the future.
E: They are so lucky to have you to teach them script writing. I wish I could be there for that class, too. When you "go off" to write, do you have something special already in mind?
K: Usually some seed of something...theme, issue, conflict, circumstance. A few times we did helpful "flash writing" exercises. One we did was just like acting improvs. Everyone submitted character ideas, conflict, place, and positive and negative character qualities. Then they drew these slips and had to write a scene. It just got them writing about something. Which was the hardest for them to do - just START.
E: I can't believe BOTH of your boys are in school! They do grow up so quickly. Do they go to schools which are taught in Chinese? (I am assuming that Singaporean use Chinese for their national language. Am I correct? I really don't know.) Do you have to do some teaching of your own at home?
K: My boys schools are in English - and that is the National Language! (The English isn't always completely STANDARD English, but pretty good, just a strong accent, especially their classmates). They each have an hour+ of Chinese each day as part of the curriculum. All children must take Mother Tongue (one of three languages offered in the schools). Tyler says, can't I just call English my Mother Tongue and forget about Chinese? He and Cameron are both doing well. Their verbal skills are better than many of their classmates, and Tyler regularly scores in the high 80's on his exams (many of his classmates fail! - can you imagein faling a subject in 1st and 2nd grade?)
E: Do have a TV?
K: We have cable which offers a few extra stations. Cartoon network, National Geographic, etc. We're pretty well off in what we can get here. I have my mom tape The West Wing for me when she can. We are starved for intelligent conversation and bright friends with bigger vocabulary than most here, so we get our stimulation from having vicarious relationships with this TV President and his liberal staffers.
E: I am glad you have met and are involved with some theatre people - both Chinese and American. You need to have that involvement to feed the special talents God gave you. Are the people in your class Chinese, Americans, or mixture?
K: All Singaporean Chinese. They speak English, but don't have the breadth of vocabulary we use. They've all learned a lot, and so have I. Expectations were a little high. No emerging playwrites out of the bunch, but every person grew creatively, and in their understanding of plays, and were glad to have taken the class. We'll see what develops in the future.
E: They are so lucky to have you to teach them script writing. I wish I could be there for that class, too. When you "go off" to write, do you have something special already in mind?
K: Usually some seed of something...theme, issue, conflict, circumstance. A few times we did helpful "flash writing" exercises. One we did was just like acting improvs. Everyone submitted character ideas, conflict, place, and positive and negative character qualities. Then they drew these slips and had to write a scene. It just got them writing about something. Which was the hardest for them to do - just START.
E: I can't believe BOTH of your boys are in school! They do grow up so quickly. Do they go to schools which are taught in Chinese? (I am assuming that Singaporean use Chinese for their national language. Am I correct? I really don't know.) Do you have to do some teaching of your own at home?
K: My boys schools are in English - and that is the National Language! (The English isn't always completely STANDARD English, but pretty good, just a strong accent, especially their classmates). They each have an hour+ of Chinese each day as part of the curriculum. All children must take Mother Tongue (one of three languages offered in the schools). Tyler says, can't I just call English my Mother Tongue and forget about Chinese? He and Cameron are both doing well. Their verbal skills are better than many of their classmates, and Tyler regularly scores in the high 80's on his exams (many of his classmates fail! - can you imagein faling a subject in 1st and 2nd grade?)
E: Do have a TV?
K: We have cable which offers a few extra stations. Cartoon network, National Geographic, etc. We're pretty well off in what we can get here. I have my mom tape The West Wing for me when she can. We are starved for intelligent conversation and bright friends with bigger vocabulary than most here, so we get our stimulation from having vicarious relationships with this TV President and his liberal staffers.
Letter: 2 Working moms San Pedro CA and Singapore write...
How I have thought and prayed over your letter these last couple of weeks! I was so sorry to hear about how the economy has affected your financial stability, dreams, and not the least important your faith in God's goodness...
You said,
I LOOK AT PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT SEEM SO STRONG IN THE LORD AND SO DEVOTED TO HIS PURPOSE AND THEN HAVE TO ASK MYSELF IF MY PROBLEMS ARE BECAUSE I AM TOO CAUGHT UP IN THE WORLD'S VALUES? LIVING IN PALOS VERDES AND BEING SURROUNDED WITH PEOPLE THAT SEEMINGLY HAVE MONEY TO SPARE AND MOMS THAT GET TO STAY HOME WITH THEIR KIDS AND TAKE TENNIS LESSONS.....I HONESTLY STRUGGLE WITH THE SIN OF ENVY AND JEALOUSY.
You are right to say that I don't know you well, but I do know you well enough to observe that you've faithfully been making lemonade for as long as I've known you.
And it doesn't help to live where you do, and have all the tennis moms and PV Homes and school district etc etc to compare yourself too, and what with the Big PRAYER OF JABEZ being all the rage last year...how can you not get depressed when you feel you've been faithful to the Lord, and ask for fish, and get what seems like stones instead...YES! I do understand that.
I knew before we came back on our last visit to USA "home" in June that it would be was the first time I would wrestle with the green-eyed monster.I'd be seeing the lifestyles of my peers, and old friends, and what assortment of things their kids are involved in. I knew because I was experiencing such dissatistfaction with my own circumstances, I knew that the grass of PV would be MUCH greener!
Sitting here at home this month, reading through Christmas newsletters, gives me some of those feelings and doubts again...WHY are we investing our lives like this, when we could have had THIS???? And I revisit with the Lord what is important to HIM, and I feel confirmed in my life's decisions....and then I start wrestling with being judgmental!!! So, see, I'm not such a saint!!
I'm not going to be quick to say "Oh NO you're not too caught up in the world's values!" because I don't know what God's purposes are in bringing you two through this current valley. But I do know that an antidote is to get your eyes and heart off those who (seem to) have more, turn off the TV (with the ads), even go media free for a week or so, so that you don't get bombarded with what you don't have, or aren't like...and it that isn't weird or extreme enough, dedicate yourselves to praying this month for the poor, the destitute, the oppressed, the persecuted.God will use it to bring perspective to your current situation! In those years at RHCC as our friends nearly all bought houses, and we stayed in our apartment/condo, it always helped me to have friends and connections with people who had much less than I did!
There are so many more of these kinds of humans in this world than there are the kind who live in the neighborhoods just above you on the hill...that's such a minute percentage of these "haves" in the world. AND God's promises and love is just as profound and real to the rest of the world's population as it is to Americans, even the blessed welfare recipients in the USA who at least know there will be SOME money coming in. I feel like I'm lucky to have a relationship with the peasant mother of our babysitter in China; she rarely have more that potatoes to eat all year long (if that) and RADIATES the love of Christ, and is confident (most of the time) in his goodness to her. It is SUCH a matter of perspective isn't it? Ah, now I'm rambling... Bless you and keep faithful as you wrestle with these things.
You said,
I LOOK AT PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT SEEM SO STRONG IN THE LORD AND SO DEVOTED TO HIS PURPOSE AND THEN HAVE TO ASK MYSELF IF MY PROBLEMS ARE BECAUSE I AM TOO CAUGHT UP IN THE WORLD'S VALUES? LIVING IN PALOS VERDES AND BEING SURROUNDED WITH PEOPLE THAT SEEMINGLY HAVE MONEY TO SPARE AND MOMS THAT GET TO STAY HOME WITH THEIR KIDS AND TAKE TENNIS LESSONS.....I HONESTLY STRUGGLE WITH THE SIN OF ENVY AND JEALOUSY.
You are right to say that I don't know you well, but I do know you well enough to observe that you've faithfully been making lemonade for as long as I've known you.
And it doesn't help to live where you do, and have all the tennis moms and PV Homes and school district etc etc to compare yourself too, and what with the Big PRAYER OF JABEZ being all the rage last year...how can you not get depressed when you feel you've been faithful to the Lord, and ask for fish, and get what seems like stones instead...YES! I do understand that.
I knew before we came back on our last visit to USA "home" in June that it would be was the first time I would wrestle with the green-eyed monster.I'd be seeing the lifestyles of my peers, and old friends, and what assortment of things their kids are involved in. I knew because I was experiencing such dissatistfaction with my own circumstances, I knew that the grass of PV would be MUCH greener!
Sitting here at home this month, reading through Christmas newsletters, gives me some of those feelings and doubts again...WHY are we investing our lives like this, when we could have had THIS???? And I revisit with the Lord what is important to HIM, and I feel confirmed in my life's decisions....and then I start wrestling with being judgmental!!! So, see, I'm not such a saint!!
I'm not going to be quick to say "Oh NO you're not too caught up in the world's values!" because I don't know what God's purposes are in bringing you two through this current valley. But I do know that an antidote is to get your eyes and heart off those who (seem to) have more, turn off the TV (with the ads), even go media free for a week or so, so that you don't get bombarded with what you don't have, or aren't like...and it that isn't weird or extreme enough, dedicate yourselves to praying this month for the poor, the destitute, the oppressed, the persecuted.God will use it to bring perspective to your current situation! In those years at RHCC as our friends nearly all bought houses, and we stayed in our apartment/condo, it always helped me to have friends and connections with people who had much less than I did!
There are so many more of these kinds of humans in this world than there are the kind who live in the neighborhoods just above you on the hill...that's such a minute percentage of these "haves" in the world. AND God's promises and love is just as profound and real to the rest of the world's population as it is to Americans, even the blessed welfare recipients in the USA who at least know there will be SOME money coming in. I feel like I'm lucky to have a relationship with the peasant mother of our babysitter in China; she rarely have more that potatoes to eat all year long (if that) and RADIATES the love of Christ, and is confident (most of the time) in his goodness to her. It is SUCH a matter of perspective isn't it? Ah, now I'm rambling... Bless you and keep faithful as you wrestle with these things.
12/19/2001
Merriest of Christmas Celebrations in China
Returning to our home from 1997-1999:
Kunming, China
The weather was beautifully cool and comfortable.
Old friends were warm and welcoming.
Every desire "To do," "To see," or "To eat" while in China, was happily checked off the list.
In addition to old favourites, we also have some new friends, new experiences, and new things to love about our old city.
Our kids love China, too. Its a place where young boys can be BOYS (read: less civilized than what we work on in other places!). They got really dirty, ate sloppily, played rowdily and noisily, and ran around in public to the approval of the onlooking adults! Again They both got so much astonished affirmation for their Chinese language ability. We pray that this will buoy them through their Chinese studies in Singapore.
Jim had great meetings with in-country workers, good follow-up to the meetings he'd coordinated this fall.
There are growing signs of Plastic Christmas. Big blow up Santas. Little stuffed Santas. Tape-on-the-wall Santas. Gaudy tinsel garlands. Fake Christmas trees. Tacky ornaments, and "Merry Christmas" banners hung, sprayed or painted on lots of store windows. Commercial Christmas is catching on in a big way. And yet there was NO public sign of the star of Bethlehem, shepherds, wise men, or a baby in a manger.
For 3 weeks I'd carried in my purse some pretty little pages with the "Story of Christmas" in Mandarin Chinese. But in the entire time there I hadn't found any appropriate opportunity to give even one away.
Our last night we attended the 7th annual Christmas program for the International School (Primary through High School). This year it was held in a large hall at the Yunnan Arts Institute. The place was packed by the time we arrived, and I could only find seats at the back of the standing-room-only large auditorium. In the last row, I struck up a conversation with a number Chinese girls seated behind me. They were dance majors and had seen me the day before when I visited their campus. Behind them were 30 or more students from the Arts Institute who had also heard about the free program. The concert was lovely, and with the kindergarteners acting out the traditional Pageant, it very clearly told the Christmas story...in English. The students behind me were amazed at seeing a stage full of foreign kids singing, and portraying, and believing, this ancient story. When at the end, the audience of a few hundred, lifted the roof with harmonized Carols proclaiming the birth of Christ I knew it was mystifying to these young observers. Yet they didn't understand the words. "We don't know this story, but our English is too poor." They said to me. I reached in my bag and handed them the tracts. "I've got the story in Chinese here if you want it. You can give the rest to your friends in the back." They were so suprised, and thankful; and I passed them back with a prayer that continues for those little seeds planted.
Kunming, China
The weather was beautifully cool and comfortable.
Old friends were warm and welcoming.
Every desire "To do," "To see," or "To eat" while in China, was happily checked off the list.
In addition to old favourites, we also have some new friends, new experiences, and new things to love about our old city.
Our kids love China, too. Its a place where young boys can be BOYS (read: less civilized than what we work on in other places!). They got really dirty, ate sloppily, played rowdily and noisily, and ran around in public to the approval of the onlooking adults! Again They both got so much astonished affirmation for their Chinese language ability. We pray that this will buoy them through their Chinese studies in Singapore.
Jim had great meetings with in-country workers, good follow-up to the meetings he'd coordinated this fall.
There are growing signs of Plastic Christmas. Big blow up Santas. Little stuffed Santas. Tape-on-the-wall Santas. Gaudy tinsel garlands. Fake Christmas trees. Tacky ornaments, and "Merry Christmas" banners hung, sprayed or painted on lots of store windows. Commercial Christmas is catching on in a big way. And yet there was NO public sign of the star of Bethlehem, shepherds, wise men, or a baby in a manger.
For 3 weeks I'd carried in my purse some pretty little pages with the "Story of Christmas" in Mandarin Chinese. But in the entire time there I hadn't found any appropriate opportunity to give even one away.
Our last night we attended the 7th annual Christmas program for the International School (Primary through High School). This year it was held in a large hall at the Yunnan Arts Institute. The place was packed by the time we arrived, and I could only find seats at the back of the standing-room-only large auditorium. In the last row, I struck up a conversation with a number Chinese girls seated behind me. They were dance majors and had seen me the day before when I visited their campus. Behind them were 30 or more students from the Arts Institute who had also heard about the free program. The concert was lovely, and with the kindergarteners acting out the traditional Pageant, it very clearly told the Christmas story...in English. The students behind me were amazed at seeing a stage full of foreign kids singing, and portraying, and believing, this ancient story. When at the end, the audience of a few hundred, lifted the roof with harmonized Carols proclaiming the birth of Christ I knew it was mystifying to these young observers. Yet they didn't understand the words. "We don't know this story, but our English is too poor." They said to me. I reached in my bag and handed them the tracts. "I've got the story in Chinese here if you want it. You can give the rest to your friends in the back." They were so suprised, and thankful; and I passed them back with a prayer that continues for those little seeds planted.
11/30/2001
Letter to a Friend - at the end of our 2nd year in Singapore
FINDING SOME OLD CORRESPONDENCE ON MY COMPUTER:
Your letter arrived last week when my folks were here for 2 weeks around Thanksgiving. Mom and dad came right after the boys finished their school year. They are great travelers, and good sports. The weather was nice (I'd say even "cool" but I know they wouldn't!). What a whirlwind! Jim tried to keep business as usual with ministry appointments and teaching. Jim’s had quite a bit of traveling this fall. I’m really happy to see him succeeding at what he does well. Language study in China, and getting started here had its place in humbling both of us, but it’s nice when in ministry to feel you are making a visible & significant contribution to Kingdom work!
Compared to your responsibilities, I don’t have a plateful, and avoid using the word “busy,” but I had a meeting last night starting at 9:30PM (about ideas for an Easter musical -- this guy writes for TV, but doesn't write well for stage, and the drama leader asked me to meet with the two of them to help them brainstorm) It was fun to meet, and be creative, but can you believe that time?
We sent my folks to the airport at 4:30 AM yesterday, Lili went home for a month to Indonesia on the 6:30AM boat (first time since living with us and first time home after giving her life to the Lord). It was a LONG day catching up, and regrouping! Then, Jim and the boys left for China this morning at 6:30! I stayed behind for 4 days and will meet up with them on Wednesday. We’re all excited about spending the Christmas season in China again. Our Chinese connections there are such an open slate for understanding the real meaning of Christmas, and this window of naivite and openness will only last so long! As much as I miss being in Christmas pageants, nothing beats teaching Christmas carols to English language students in a Communist country. And being in a place that so resembles the political and economic culture that Jesus was born in is profoundly worshipful for me. Who’d’ve thought I’d change my Christmas decorating tastes so drastically?
It is SO weird to think that I am the ONLY person in the house right now…what a treat! Going to try to catch up on administrivia (we both hate it so it piles up, especially when some of it is having to re-do because of computer problems). Having the time alone will more than make up for the tasks on my to do list.
I was sad to read the tone in your letter about this “season” of your marriage. You are often in my thoughts and prayers not just because you’re my friend, but because you’re my friend who has no small amount of responsibilities (even if your partner were pitching in more, it would still be HUGE). I hope that the art class works, or you find some way to be connecting and enjoying just the two of you. And putting some fun in your life!
I do remember to pray for you regarding your struggle with your weight. I must have written something insensitive and I’m sorry for that. Really. When I think about how you describe the daily struggles and being robbed of your joy, and wanting to be a victor for the right reasons. I naively want to argue with you, and tell you to take it easy on yourself! You must be being too hard on yourself! …and then I stop and think that I trust your judgments about me, so why can’t I trust your own judgment on yourself? I do hope you are not walking this path alone and that there is an encouraging trustworthy friend, or a program, or group… in addition to your prayers and your understanding of God’s grace on those days when you aren’t “victorious.” I just hate to think of you unhappy.
For us, God has given gracious clear windows these last few weeks, in giving us specific guidance, and answers to prayer, even in small details. Confirming we are in the center of his will – even about plunking down that wad of cash for a car – which caused more than a little flinching on our part as you can imagine! It still is so mind boggling and scary… I’m a bit paranoid about getting in an accident. I was in a monsoon-ish rainstorm today and pulled over for more than an hour to let it pass.
Our lease was up last month. We didn’t find a suitable/affordable place to move more centrally, and felt that after buying a car, then next priority was finding a school where Tyler could be in morning session (almost all schools have 1, 3 & 5th go to school in the afternoon). The school which was our 2nd choice originally has now gone to single session and has approved a transfer for Tyler (which is amazing to me – there are only about a dozen schools in the whole city who have only morning session…and we just “happened” to be on campus, looking around, when Tyler’s previous principal called the new principal about his transfer…turns out they are friends, and now the new principal knows that we had a good relationship with the previous school…You know Chinese and the guanxi system…it does help to be a friend of a friend!)
We had thought about holding Cameron back this year. But his teacher gave me some very reasonable reasons for keeping him on track (even though he is the youngest in his class with a cutoff date only 16 days past his birthday). He’s developing really well, and has matured a lot as he approaches 5.
Tyler did exceptionally well on his exams and his attitude about homework has improved. This is a comforting relief, since we have NOT followed the local culture in giving the boys extra “tuition” classes (tutors), with the hopes that they will still stay up with the others. That Tyler and Cameron feel successful in school while still having some semblance of a life where they can play, and be children…that is a BIG relief. We still have not found another American family who has put their children in the local school system, so you can imagine the self-doubts that can creep in!
My playwriting students are loving the course, but NO ONE has had the time to actually start writing anything!!! I'm giving them December off to catch up...while I go to China (and try to do some writing myself!). It's been enough of an outlet for this “ministry” of mine to re-ignite my passion and keep mommy happier at home (to have creative challenges besides what's for dinner, making Chinese lanterns out of recycled materials, and using crazy voices while reading storybooks). A few theatre acquaintances have turned into real friends for me in the last few months...and that has been a great answer to prayer. It was specifically what Jim said was my main problem the last 4 years: no weird friends.
Jim has been in a 4 year relational desert too (but isn’t this typical of all men?). He hasn't found any guys he enjoys and can see on a regular basis, though he's working on it. Outside of the group of pastors he’s mentoring, and his involvement with some missions leaders, he meets once a week with one Singaporean who's a bit older, but has never been discipled or grown much in his walk. We’ve come to realize that for emotional health, we need to cultivate some friendships with some other Americans. There is a family we know who has a 9 year old son. The husband is a New Testament professor, and the wife is the American School librarian & music teacher. They’ve been here 12 years (sent out from Byron McD’s former church in Yucaipa). As we’ve gotten to know them (through baseball last year) we respect and like them, though they are pretty straight arrow Conservative Baptist types (if you know what I mean, and I know you do from your AWANA circle!). We're also praying about starting a group for mentoring recently married couples who are also connected with theatre somehow. We have about 3 potential couples in their early 30’s who have expressed an interest…or have hinted about wanting that…and I know of 2 other potentials.
P.S. (Added the next evening when I turned on the computer to write something new)
AH! WOW! The new Microsoft Office has a great feature: It recovered what I was working on last night…so it isn’t lost after all. I may call you later anyway, to hear your most recent news. This goes in the mail tomorrow! -K
11/12/2001
At Least Singapore is Cleaner than China
Jim’s hobnobbing with SW People’s advocates out-of-country this week in Chiang Mai… I think they were smart to ask him to facilitate the planning of it this year. It is SO up his alley in networking. Yeah JIM!
Kids are still in Singaporean school and this week will finish their second full year: K1, and P2. Tyler still complains about the Chinese writing but gets lots of kudos around town everyday for his verbal skills, so that helps (though I CRINGE at his Guandong accent!!). We have made a few friends in the neighborhood and actually found some little boys to play with, in our building, who converse at home in Mandarin, AND are about the same age. Never mind that they are physically & verbally abusive of their poor mother, and only like to play Nintendo, watch Digimon, or eat junk food. When Tyler and Cameron go up to those kids house (not super often thank goodness) I am on my knees!
I’ve found a few theatre friends, which has helped my outlook on everything else! They needed me as much as I needed them and I’m regaining some of my dormant passion. I was starting to worry that those kinds of “go for it” feelings were going to end up only in the history of my youth and young adulthood. I’ve been teaching a class on Playwriting. I agreed if they would call me a facilitator instead. I DON’T do lectures. 30 adult believers from a number of clubs here in town…and they are learning a lot (So am I – Having people “write from what they know, about values or issues important to them gives great insight into the culture!). They are really hungry to have a creative outlet! But they have a LONG way to go!
Still plugging away at learning Chinese – trying to keep up with Tyler’s P2 studies. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that we’d come back to live in the motherland someday. But for now we’ll just have to visit, and keep our hearts open and vision clear. We’ve sure missed the adventure of China. Singapore is stifling!
Kids are still in Singaporean school and this week will finish their second full year: K1, and P2. Tyler still complains about the Chinese writing but gets lots of kudos around town everyday for his verbal skills, so that helps (though I CRINGE at his Guandong accent!!). We have made a few friends in the neighborhood and actually found some little boys to play with, in our building, who converse at home in Mandarin, AND are about the same age. Never mind that they are physically & verbally abusive of their poor mother, and only like to play Nintendo, watch Digimon, or eat junk food. When Tyler and Cameron go up to those kids house (not super often thank goodness) I am on my knees!
I’ve found a few theatre friends, which has helped my outlook on everything else! They needed me as much as I needed them and I’m regaining some of my dormant passion. I was starting to worry that those kinds of “go for it” feelings were going to end up only in the history of my youth and young adulthood. I’ve been teaching a class on Playwriting. I agreed if they would call me a facilitator instead. I DON’T do lectures. 30 adult believers from a number of clubs here in town…and they are learning a lot (So am I – Having people “write from what they know, about values or issues important to them gives great insight into the culture!). They are really hungry to have a creative outlet! But they have a LONG way to go!
Still plugging away at learning Chinese – trying to keep up with Tyler’s P2 studies. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that we’d come back to live in the motherland someday. But for now we’ll just have to visit, and keep our hearts open and vision clear. We’ve sure missed the adventure of China. Singapore is stifling!
11/01/2001
Letter to Cameron's Birthmother 2001
1 November 2001
Dear Crystal,
We so often think of you and hope you are doing well. It is nearly a month before Cameron turns 5 and you will be so pleased to hear that he is growing into such a fine little boy. I wish I had time right now to make a picture review of his year, like I did last year, but it’s been a busy season, and I’ve had some computer problems…so, I’ll get this written now, and find the right pictures to catch you up on your most beautiful creation.
He is still the MOST delightful little boy I’ve ever known. His kindergarten teacher says that he starts her day every morning by telling her how wonderful and beautiful she is. Though he is the youngest in his class, in a bi-lingual school, he is not just keeping up, but doing as well as any of the other kids. He is now reading very simple books – has learned how to sound out English words, and he recognizes many Chinese characters too. He’s learning a little Malay/Indonesian too! He can write (even has spelling tests!) in both Chinese and English. He also loves memorizing verses (see the list of those he’s committed to memory – he’s quite amazing!) We have a chin up bar at home and he’s learning to pull up on it to build his muscles. He wears one of his 3 Superman costumes almost every day.
Like a typical little brother, he follows what big brother likes and so we have a lot of talk in our house about Digimon and Pokemon (cartoons) and Dinosaurs. This year Cameron is now old enough to play together with Tyler and since they have similar interests, they are very cute when they are getting along (they bicker quite a bit, but that’s pretty normal. They love each other a lot too!). We spend a lot of play time building forts out of mattresses and sheets, and dressing up in costumes.
We had a great time this summer in California – Disneyland, Legoland, California Adventure, a trip up the coast, to the mountains, on a boat, on the train…It was a perfect 6 weeks, crammed full of adventure and love from Grandmas and Grandpas, Uncle and Aunt, cousin (Cade now 2), and loads of friends who wanted to spoil the children!
We’re looking forward to a visit over Thanksgiving from my parents. We’re counting the days until they come! This year we will go to China in December, Indonesia & Malaysia in January, and to Venezuela in June next year. Hope to fit a trip to Cambodia in there too as the boys have some missionary friends who live in there. So he’s going to need new pages in his passport soon! Tyler has begun doing some commercial work for the Disney channel (the satellite in Singapore serves all of Asia, Middle East and Australia, so Tyler has been in some ads for Australian market), Cameron is so photogenic, but is a bit camera shy. He’s wowed the directors, but still doesn’t want to cooperate in camera. I bet this year he’ll get some work too – he’s so adorable when he puts on the charm!
He still loves puzzles. He has started to play some educational computer games. Luke is still his best friend, but he often talks of a girl named Vanessa in his class…he
says he likes her because she’s fat! His best friend in school is a little boy from Hong Kong. So, Cameron is learning to speak English with a Singaporean accent too.
We have a maid who lives with us (common in this part of the world!) and she loves the boys, and Cameron LOVES her too. She didn’t get passed 1st grade in Indonesia, so she likes learning things with him.
If you saw him you’d probably see things about his personality that are a lot like you! Since we didn’t know you very well, we wouldn’t see these things, but you would. They are surely there. He has the cutest way of praying, and running, and the positions he is in when he sleeps. He’s completely hopeless right now when it comes to eating neatly, but he is so polite, and sensitive. He is not easily offended, can be a great actor (when it comes to crying, or being punished, or caught doing something naughty), makes the funniest faces…
I imagine sometime this year he will begin to understand that a woman named Crystal Cooper brought him into this world, and gave us the precious privilege of raising him and having another son. He notices, but still doesn’t make an issue of why his skin is brown (beautiful, perfect skin, by the way!). He is surrounded by so many races, that he doesn’t feel different, and it hasn’t been an issue. He sometimes hears us use the word “adopted,” when people ask why he looks so different – but e often find that Asians don’t even consider this…they just think he doesn’t look as much like us as Tyler does! I am so glad for the very sweet letter you wrote to him, and the pictures you passed on. They will mean so much to him as he gets older.
You are, as always in our prayers with thankfulness.
These are the verses Cameron has memorized (New International Version)
Psalm 119:105 1 Chronicles 16:34
Mark 10:43 1 Peter 5:7&8
John 14:15 Matthew 6:9-13
Genesis 1:1 Psalm 119:11
Ephesians 6:1 Mark 10:27
Psalm 56:3 Psalm 100
Proverbs 3:5-6 Philippians 4:11b
Ephesians 4:32 Galatians 5:22
Proverbs 15:1 1 Chronicles 4:10
John 3:16 Isaiah 41:10
Ephesians 6:10-11 Deuteronomy 6:5
Philippians 4:13 Psalm 133:1
Romans 5:8 Romans 3:23
Matthew 7:12
Dear Crystal,
We so often think of you and hope you are doing well. It is nearly a month before Cameron turns 5 and you will be so pleased to hear that he is growing into such a fine little boy. I wish I had time right now to make a picture review of his year, like I did last year, but it’s been a busy season, and I’ve had some computer problems…so, I’ll get this written now, and find the right pictures to catch you up on your most beautiful creation.
He is still the MOST delightful little boy I’ve ever known. His kindergarten teacher says that he starts her day every morning by telling her how wonderful and beautiful she is. Though he is the youngest in his class, in a bi-lingual school, he is not just keeping up, but doing as well as any of the other kids. He is now reading very simple books – has learned how to sound out English words, and he recognizes many Chinese characters too. He’s learning a little Malay/Indonesian too! He can write (even has spelling tests!) in both Chinese and English. He also loves memorizing verses (see the list of those he’s committed to memory – he’s quite amazing!) We have a chin up bar at home and he’s learning to pull up on it to build his muscles. He wears one of his 3 Superman costumes almost every day.
Like a typical little brother, he follows what big brother likes and so we have a lot of talk in our house about Digimon and Pokemon (cartoons) and Dinosaurs. This year Cameron is now old enough to play together with Tyler and since they have similar interests, they are very cute when they are getting along (they bicker quite a bit, but that’s pretty normal. They love each other a lot too!). We spend a lot of play time building forts out of mattresses and sheets, and dressing up in costumes.
We had a great time this summer in California – Disneyland, Legoland, California Adventure, a trip up the coast, to the mountains, on a boat, on the train…It was a perfect 6 weeks, crammed full of adventure and love from Grandmas and Grandpas, Uncle and Aunt, cousin (Cade now 2), and loads of friends who wanted to spoil the children!
We’re looking forward to a visit over Thanksgiving from my parents. We’re counting the days until they come! This year we will go to China in December, Indonesia & Malaysia in January, and to Venezuela in June next year. Hope to fit a trip to Cambodia in there too as the boys have some missionary friends who live in there. So he’s going to need new pages in his passport soon! Tyler has begun doing some commercial work for the Disney channel (the satellite in Singapore serves all of Asia, Middle East and Australia, so Tyler has been in some ads for Australian market), Cameron is so photogenic, but is a bit camera shy. He’s wowed the directors, but still doesn’t want to cooperate in camera. I bet this year he’ll get some work too – he’s so adorable when he puts on the charm!
He still loves puzzles. He has started to play some educational computer games. Luke is still his best friend, but he often talks of a girl named Vanessa in his class…he
says he likes her because she’s fat! His best friend in school is a little boy from Hong Kong. So, Cameron is learning to speak English with a Singaporean accent too.
We have a maid who lives with us (common in this part of the world!) and she loves the boys, and Cameron LOVES her too. She didn’t get passed 1st grade in Indonesia, so she likes learning things with him.
If you saw him you’d probably see things about his personality that are a lot like you! Since we didn’t know you very well, we wouldn’t see these things, but you would. They are surely there. He has the cutest way of praying, and running, and the positions he is in when he sleeps. He’s completely hopeless right now when it comes to eating neatly, but he is so polite, and sensitive. He is not easily offended, can be a great actor (when it comes to crying, or being punished, or caught doing something naughty), makes the funniest faces…
I imagine sometime this year he will begin to understand that a woman named Crystal Cooper brought him into this world, and gave us the precious privilege of raising him and having another son. He notices, but still doesn’t make an issue of why his skin is brown (beautiful, perfect skin, by the way!). He is surrounded by so many races, that he doesn’t feel different, and it hasn’t been an issue. He sometimes hears us use the word “adopted,” when people ask why he looks so different – but e often find that Asians don’t even consider this…they just think he doesn’t look as much like us as Tyler does! I am so glad for the very sweet letter you wrote to him, and the pictures you passed on. They will mean so much to him as he gets older.
You are, as always in our prayers with thankfulness.
These are the verses Cameron has memorized (New International Version)
Psalm 119:105 1 Chronicles 16:34
Mark 10:43 1 Peter 5:7&8
John 14:15 Matthew 6:9-13
Genesis 1:1 Psalm 119:11
Ephesians 6:1 Mark 10:27
Psalm 56:3 Psalm 100
Proverbs 3:5-6 Philippians 4:11b
Ephesians 4:32 Galatians 5:22
Proverbs 15:1 1 Chronicles 4:10
John 3:16 Isaiah 41:10
Ephesians 6:10-11 Deuteronomy 6:5
Philippians 4:13 Psalm 133:1
Romans 5:8 Romans 3:23
Matthew 7:12
9/28/1997
Packing for China (email to Lynn)
Subj: Late night musings
Date: 97-09-3013351101 EDT
To: (Howard & Lynn Hankins)
Dear Lynn,
Here's my first email to you!!!
Last night l took some time to write out some things l was thinking about...
My sister in law Kelly sat on the floor. Between us was a pile of paraphernalia that l was sorting and packing for our two year move to China. We leave Thursday morning. It seems as if all of my earthly possessions are in various piles strewn about her house, waiting to find their place in one of my 11 pieces of luggage. Since Jim and I started staying at their place about a week ago Kelly's done a lot of confounded head wagging. "You seem so calm. Are you really? I mean, I just get overwhelmed watching you pack."
Funny, I did feel pretty "calm." i had been working hard, making decisions, taking care of personal business, trying to think through what must be ordered, communicated, or deposited, etc. before we get on a jet that will take us to a land of aggravating inefficiency. And yet I'm more than calm. I'm even "eager" at this point. i think often about the fact that for all
My careful planning, I‘m going to forget something important...but it doesn't bother me to even imagine myself dealing with the oversight once we get there. And it's not like I can just let my fingers do the walking.
Jim last week, and the first night he was gone, my tough little Cameron and I got very little sleep, if any. He was a baby in pain. With 6 days to go 1 spent the afternoon at Kaiser and we were prescribed some antibiotics for a double ear infection. Wouldn‘t you know it? And, as I have confessed often, it is the children's health has been my greatest fear about moving to a place where there may not be any Western doctors or medicine.
"People must be praying." I answered. It's the only possible reason...well, that, and I've been high on adrenaline for weeks. BUT, since I'm doing this well under the circumstances, I hope they don't stop praying once we get to China and the adrenaline wears off.
As I was out on an errand that evening, musing about this "calmness" I have, i started thinking about an old gospel song. "Power in the blood."
I really couldn‘t get it out of my head. As I sang it to myself, I enjoyed thinking about the fact that it truly is the power of Christ‘s blood, that sacrifice which provided a way for me to be God's child, with all the rights and privileges, AND POWER, as his heir. Power that gives us strength to rise above our life's circumstances with unexplainable peace and joy.
THIS is exactly what the Chinese are dying to hear about. This is the "good news" that Christlans have to share with those who l'm under oppression. Chinese people are not Interested m hearing about "escaping hell." They live in a kind of hell already. The "afterlife" is not even something they think about.
But, expose them to a powerful way to have hope & Joy in what seems to be a poweriess and hopeless life, and then we'll have gotten their ear, and then, Lord willing their souls will follow.
"There is power, power,
WONDER WORKING power
In the blood
Of the Lamb
There is power. power. wonder working power In the precious blood of the Lamb "
I pray you all also expenence the same power in llfe today.
Rising above,
Kimberly
(PS My hymnbook is packed, hidlng, under a lot of non-religious items. Do you remember any of the verses?)
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