Day Ten - Wednesday, April 24, 2013

So it is day ten with Miss Elora, but it is actually our 11th day in China.  This morning Elora took away my blanket and covered me in newspaper.  What is that about?  She is so resourceful.  :)

Anyway, we are very excited about bringing Elora home, and to see the rest of the family, but it is kind of sad to be leaving China.  I know there is so much more around this country that we may never see, but even what we have seen here has been enlightening and we've enjoyed the trip.  I really thought with the way I eat, and missing family, home and our language, I would be dying to get home by now.  The truth is I have been quite comfortable here, more so every day and that has been a pleasant surprise.  Of course, I'm not delusional, I understand that if it hadn't been for Skype to stay in touch back home and some McD's and pizza I'd be in much worse shape.  In any case, I'm just thankful for this whole experience and seeing more of the world.

In some ways, all of these people and all of this travel can make you feel small and lost in the shuffle.  But for me, it is a neat reminder of how big our God is and how awesome it is that He created everything, and is personal with everyone.  The feeling of His presence all the way on the other side of the globe has been a tremendous comfort.  Any awkward feeling I have had, I just let it go and gave it to Him, because when you are this out of your comfort zone you can't control it anyway.  The truth is that every breath, every moment even at home is by His good grace.  These experiences bring me to right where I need to be, humbled.  Humbled enough to remember I need Him ALWAYS!!!  When we need Him most and are brought to a vulnerable, powerless place, we give Him room to show His power, love and grace.  I may never be able to convince others with my words or quoting a scripture passage or with a historic argument, but I can assure anyone reading this that God has again proven Himself faithful through this whole experience.

The more I live, the more my testimony to others is simply this...Psalm 34:8  "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."  It is true.  If anyone has been trying it the world's way and still finds a hole in their life, head, heart or soul, the best I can say is to humble yourself to the presence of a God that created you and this whole earth, acknowledge His son Jesus Christ as the one way to God the Father in Heaven, ask Him for forgiveness of your sins, and invite Him and His Holy Spirit into your life.  Pray on those things and seek after Him with your whole heart, even when it is hard.  His plans are so much better than our plans, even when we don't understand them.  Walk with Him and see just how amazing He is, and feel His unending love.

We love you all so much and look forward to our return home to you!  Please pray for our safe return!  God willing, our next post will be from Los Angeles, CA!