The Strength of Friends

Some friends, you can hang out with multiple times in a single week. And some, you can see just once in a long stretch of time. Still, in those moments, you connect. Sharing dreams and disappointments, hopes and reality, strengths and struggles. How encouraged I am to be surrounded by friendships such as these. To learn about what others encounter and to share what I have encountered - all within the same amount of time, I am in awe. The strength within my friends astounds me. And not that it is all that surprising, but they empower me by the lives that they live. I watch, observe and wonder. How do they do it? How encouraged I am that they endure all that they do, and still thrive. I struggle with the little things I see and fight through the things I cannot see. Yet they have a faith that surpasses mine. They exemplify this amazing sense of hope, of strength, of courage. I am greatly encouraged.

Curriculum Writing

Tonight, I finished writing my last lesson for KM. It was a struggle to get through, mostly because I am realizing that I am beginning to transition out of things here at home. This Sunday, Michaela came up to me, with her eyes beaming. She said she's coming to Bali! She had found out just minutes before and it was exciting that she would want to shre that news with me! Just the afternoon before, I was talking with her dad. He definitely wanted to go. How great that they could experience a bit of Indonesia together! I found out Monday that there will be 18 adults and 13 kids coming to Bali in August! I certainly hope to learn enough of the language to have a feel for getting around. I was JUST beginning to get used to the idea of moving. It had been surreal for so long! And now, THIS dream is coming true, too - so much more surreal! As big as our dreams may be, maybe I'm not dreaming big enough!! Indeed, a distinct honor to be connected both in the states and in Indonesia.

Why Worry?

Each time I get discouraged, frustrated, anxious, weary, I'm reminded and encouraged to have more faith. Nothing extravagant beyond my reach, just a little more. Today, I received a message, straight from Indonesia. Expenses were looked over for my one year (Others who have gone before me have moved there indefinitely, so it is significantly different). Yippeee!!! We’re closer than we realized.

Thank you for walking in faith with me - exploring the new adventure together. So MUCH appreciated!!!

Being Chinese

A lady stopped in the store. (We have a support-raising, stationery raffle going on through the end of March). She'd lived in Indonesia for 3 years with her family. Her husband worked to get the phone system set up - whoo hoo! Yes, I can have a cell phone and internet access! What IS the political climate of where I'm headed? Seems safe, but overall - I, and others, wonder, "Why Indonesia?" You're Chinese, you look Chinese - Chinese aren't well liked in Indonesia. I have much learning to do - the language, about the culture, adjusting to the prayer calls over the loudspeaker. Indeed, it will be different. How grateful I am to be so well supported. I definitely couldn't do it without the moral support, being able to wrestle with the thought of all that it entails to go, being allowed to choose this. It is exciting to have customers stop in for a visit. It is exciting to learn so much along the way. I haven't even arrived and I'm learning so much! Just wanted to say thanks for reading and all your support. By the way, we're approaching 30%!!!