Rachel Writes

Carol and friends got us the movie Brave . I like it. The kids liked it. But this post isn't about the movie, because although I liked it, my feelings about being brave feel even more intense than dealing with large, wild bears. War. Rape. Refugees. The Democratic Republic of Congo. My heart stopped. http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/27/opinion/congo-war-ignored-vava-tampa/index.html Division in the Church. And yet. And yet. I'm hopeful tonight. Because I'm brave. Because the battle is the Lord's. I am confident in a good God. I don't hear Him lately. But I see His work. One morning at a time. One clothed and fed child at a time. One breath at a time. One verse repeated. One bowing of the head. Small can be brave. Slow can be brave. Flawed yet believing is brave. Smiling through tears is brave. Honesty. Love. Giving of self. Receiving from others. Thank you.

So in a previous post I had noted that I'm affected by, even afraid of, people scoffing at me. I even specifically mentioned Tim Minchin (which maybe I shouldn't have. I like the dude a lot. Maybe it's not fair to mention people by name, even if they are famous. You have any thoughts on that? It's not that Tim's always scoffing, just sometimes) So scoffing-- what's the difference between a truthful, humorous comment (enlightening) and scoffing? Without Goggling it, (maybe I'll do that later),  I think it comes down to intent. Having humor while making a corrective judgment (offer?) is a very good thing. Humor is essential to good living. Of course, humor needs to be used in the context of a trusting and established relationship. Scoffing isn't about truth and the person's betterment. (even though there may be truth behind scoffing). It misses the mark because it's about putting another person or idea down. It's about getting the last laug...

I'm feeling a bit down tonight. I made enough mistakes today, ruffled enough feathers, to warrant feelings of discomfort in myself. I'm mad at myself for making mistakes. But as I'm typing this, I'm taking a step back. Wait a minute. That's okay. I admit my mistakes. I'm not going to repeat them. And if I do, I'll try again to NOT TO.  So, there is an update on me. And us. We're in America. We've had a great week of Good News Camp (missionary speakers and counselors of the best group of 8 year old boys ever). The whole family made the journey to Chicago (after stopping over with Kara and then the McGriffs) and back (mission headquarters and time with the Clintons (check), time with Vic and family (check), parks and playgrounds with Tyler (check), Lincoln Park Zoo with Joy Gwon (check), and Taylor U (check). Loving Ty Time! Tyler is a great person Yeah, free zoo! Whit's favorite Our very own Joy Gwon! ...

We're Stateside and loving lots of things about that. (I do miss you, Philippines! Don't worry.) This morning, the kids are at VBS, the baby is sleeping, and I can type! It's been weeks! Phew. Just had to get that out. So I read Psalm 40 this morning. (vs 1-3) I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet upon the rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.. Nice. Here's my question. What are people "seeing" and fearing that makes them put their trust in the Lord? The face of the Lord? The Lord's rescue (taking me from mud to rock?) Both? Because that leads me to something I'm struggling with as I look at the muck at my feet (I'm not being all dreary-- we've got lots of blessings, but we have some messes, or at least some wor...

Earthen Vessels, I'm taking the cue from you and writing my lists of transition anticipation and anxieties. July 11 to January 10, Micah, Rachel and kids are Stateside. Ahhhhh!s: (1) The word missionary. Ahhh! World domination and oppression anyone? Okay, listen, I still get freaked out explaining that we're missionaries to new people. That's such a loaded word. So, I do actually try to give a synopsis of what we do. But lots of people say, "So you're missionaries?" Right. We are. For better or worse. Hopefully for better! (2) Lots of presenting (Like/dislike relationship) (3) Jet lag (4) I will miss everyone here. :-( Too sad to really even write about that. Ya'all know about that. About moving away from good friends. This is only for 6 months. Tear my heart out! HURRAYs: (in no particular order) (1) CVS-- I miss you instant photos, coupons, store of a thousand things. (2) Mom and sister time (in-laws too, of course). YES. (3) Seasons! Wh...

Whit, we love your endearingly sweet spirit, your zany side (No, YOU'RE zany!), and your reflective moments. Happy birthday, buddy. Never to be out-done, princess Sojo shows us her circus moves (Yes, we did see Madagascar 3.) Tad says, "Are ya kiddin' me?" Believe it or not, she chose this pose The Man Yes, eating paper Peace out!

REFLECTION Our day starts with a barrage of requests. Help with clothes, the potty, food. It needs to be that way. It should be that way. And my kids feel secure when their requests are answered. And that's what Jesus told us to be like. Childlike. That's right asking. God, I need this. Please, You are the Giver, please, give this to me. TO DO LIST I need to make a timeline for a short video that we can use at camps and churches. We have a bit of packing. And I need to scan our airline tickets so we can get our Exit Clearance papers. Not too many essentials left! We'll be seeing some of you soon.