-Wow Moments in the midst of routine-
1. Many of you received our newsletter introducing you to a family that was near the end of their project. At the end of the month of March, they had their NT dedication. We just saw the video that was put together of the dedication with some really amazing photos of those that were once in darkness being introduced to THE Light in their heart language. WOW!
2. Josh is very busy with his different duties at the office. He's pilot, accountant, and in charge of making and maintaining correct info on ALL the runways that we fly to. Who knew what he was capable of! It's interesting to see how God will use you (if you're willing!) to be apart of what He's doing in many different ways. Josh recently got checked out at four different strips in one day! Wow! :)
3. School is almost over for the summer!! (That in itself is a "Wow Moment", but I'll continue.) My class is special to me in many ways. I think they'll always be important, because they're my first students. Yes, it was hard! Yes, I had to be flexible. Yes, I had to deal with things that I would rather ignore. Yes, I cried. No, no one was hurt. :) God shaped my small class of 6th graders into a close group. I was thinking of this just the other day. It's not unusual for some of my students to meet up with me and talk after church, at the Friday night game, or after a meeting. This past Friday, we had a movie night. The movie was their choice, not mine (although, I confess, I love this movie!) The Sound of Music. It was full of popcorn, sing-alongs, ice cream, and a tooth falling out. I can really see how God has used this time with my students to gel with missionary kids (MKs). It's not just with my class either. The high school students and I connect too. Yes, I'm here supporting the work of Bible Translation, BUT my target, my focus, my goal is working with MKs. Wow, what an adventure :)
4. Summer is comin' around the corner! I think at different times throughout my life I have dreaded summer. What will I do, what friends will be here, will I be at home by myself all day?? These things I asked when I was a kid, and I find myself asking them again as an adult! Life here is very transient, not many people spend more than 2-4 years here at a time before they return home for a 6 month-1 year furlough. This is the first summer that people we've gotten to know will go home for a furlough or permanently. This is sad for me. I make quick acquaintances and slowly develop deep and meaningful friendships. It's hard for me to say see you later. It's hard for me to think about what this summer of upcoming year will be like without those friends. God has provided something for me to do! :) There is another woman who has been here since the mid-70's (wow!) and she is overwhelmed with paperwork. I am going to help her scan documents and file things. It's not the most amazing thing ever, but it's helping someone that really needs it. I'm also hoping to take some online courses to help me with the renewal of my teaching certificate. So, although people are coming and going, God has provided an opportunity for me to get to know people that are out of the routine that I'm involved in. I'm very excited, because I can't wait to hear the stories :)
5. This is a moment of honesty. I like where we live. I love what I do. Yes, I do miss you. At times, I miss you more than you'll EVER know. I miss your during the tragic times- unexpected deaths, cancer, divorces. I miss you during the times of rejoicing- new relationships, marriages, babies. I miss just hanging out with you. This "Wow Moment" happened just the other day during the "read before bedtime" part of my routine.
18 And a ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to(AF) inherit eternal life?" 19 And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 20You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.'" 21 And he said "All these I have kept from my youth." 22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." 23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. 24 Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, "How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." 26 Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" 27But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." 28 And Peter said, "See, we have left our homes and followed you." 29 And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life."
How many times have I yelled out exactly what Peter said (just in the last few weeks if I'm being honest)? His words brought peace. Yes, we're missing hospital visits. Yes, we're missing holidays. Yes, we're missing weddings. Yes, we're missing births and birthdays. BUT we're seeing light bursting into and through darkness. We're seeing the advancement of God's coming kingdom on earth. We're making relationships that are eternal with Indonesian believers. Jesus says," Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life." Wow, what a promise.
I challenge you...
This is a side note, but today I was challenged by a first grader to a game of tether ball.
So, I challenge you to examine your routine or grooves and search out the "Wow Moments" from God. I think you'll have more than you think you do.
We miss you. We think of you all the time.
-Amber (for Josh)
This is the first picture Josh and I took together. It was the orientation where we met. :) Wow!
