Wow, how time flies. I realize that my last post was in 2011. Boy, does time get away from you and quickly. 2011 was a tough year as I lost my Dad on December 6th. I was grateful to be able to return to the US for the funeral and to be with my family for a period of time.
I returned to the City of Heavenly Water February 1, 2012 and was able to finish my term. We saw God's goodness in several being added to the Kingdom during that time. Yet, my last year+ on the field in East Asia was some of the toughest times I had experienced over the last several years of living overseas. There was much grief, loneliness, and spiritual warfare. I cannot even begin to describe the emotional, physical, and spiritual toll that it took on me.
My term ended and I returned to the USA, March 10, 2013. I came back to the US feeling numb in many ways seeking rest and restoration. My first month was spent just trying to get my bearings about me and learn how to live in America once again. The Lord blessed me with many speaking opportunities over the next several months telling others what He has been doing in East Asia. It was such a blessing being around folks who have such a heart for the nations and spreading His love around the world. I have also been able to visit with family and dear friends. I even had a couple of projects to do for my Mom in which I was able to listen to good praise and worship music and sermons as I pressure washed her house and stained her decks. Sometimes good old fashioned manual labor can be good for the soul.
In God's goodness, He has given me the time, rest, and restoration that I have needed. He has been so gracious to me in allowing me to pour out my heart to some dear friends and receive godly counsel and instruction. He has reminded me over and over again of His constant steadfast love for me. The Lord has also allowed me this time with my precious Mother who has put up with me through these months of getting my feet back on the ground. She is my hero and when I grow up, I want to be like her!
I praise God for His infinite goodness, mercy, and grace that would save a wretch like me and who would grant me such a time for healing. I seek to know Him more and walk in His ways for His own glory. So now, I wait....
I have been in the process of trying to return to Asia since November. The wait continues as I pray and ask for God to open doors so that I may return. Cloud City is my expected new home as I make preparations to return. In the process of rejected visas, I have been reminded that God's throne is fixed and that He shall see His will accomplished. No rulers or kingdoms on this earth have the last say. Provers 21:1 says, "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes." He will open doors in His time and way...so, I wait. May He be glorified, even in the waiting!
