Pain in the suffering, Joy in the offering

So the past few messages I've heard have all been following a single theme: suffering. Now, as sure as I am that there's Someone who knows exactly where and who I am, it still feels ironic that I'm surrounded by messengers with empathetic words for me! Christal and I have been talking about healing and the Spirit. I'm reminded that suffering brings perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. So, I'm anticipating great character and tons of hope!

It feels a little pathetic to feel like I'm the one that is suffering. After all, an old friend lies in the hospital from a serious accident, a lady lies home hoping to avoid a third miscarriage, 3.5 million people are displaced from their homes from flooding, a group of Koreans are being held hostage and 41 people are imprisoned not far from here. Yet, this is where I am: Halfway around the world, away from home. Alone. Limited in being able to communicate. Missing out on events at home. Trying to find my place here. Redefining my role in the lives of others.

My heart is being molded: from a cold, glass heart, shattered into splinters; to one made of crystal, unbreakable; growing into one made of flesh; only to melt; and now being kneaded like bread, strengthened. It has been an insane journey, but I am not hopeless.