Updates??

I haven't sent an email update in a LONG long time. I will do it this weekend. So much has been happening out here but I need to get it organized to update y'all.

Remembering my Grandpa

This past summer, I lost my grandfather. It was in the midst of a lot of difficult little things in Guam and I  couldn't fly back for the funeral. I was hoping he would live well into his 6 month expectancy so that I could see him when I was going back the next month, but he passed about two weeks after he was diagnosed. Maybe it was longer. Time is a more difficult concept out here.

My grandpa is my dad's father. They were so close. I have great memories of my grandfather and my dad together, and it makes me think about what I would do if I lost one of my own parents. This was my first close loss, and I don't really know think I handled it. Found out via Skype...was unwillingly counseled... cried...then had a glass of Cab with some McDonalds. A glass of wine is what I do with my family, and it was enjoyed in honor or memory of him (good advice that came out of the uninvited counseling).

Anyway, I remember my grandpa from my childhood. He always had red delicious apples hanging in a basket in the garage of their home in Connecticut. He taught me a few Polish words (all I really remember is my last name and "little table"). He was always into computers, even had an iPod years before me. He was an exec for GE and I found a signed note with a picture from the recent George Bush in his home office. Who was my this man?? I don't know about his work life or successes, even though through overheard testimony he had a successful worklife, but I do know that his smile would be the reason I'd want to spend time with him. My grandpa was never tired of learning or trying new things, though he did it with wisdom. He took classes on Apple computers. He once found a recipe for potato latkes in the newspaper and was making them when I stopped by unannounced. I know that he twisted copper wire into beautiful trees that he fastened to large stones. I have one now. 

It is hard being far away from loved ones, especially knowing they aren't doing so well. I'm not going to pretend otherwise.  I do know, however, that my grandpa believed and I will see him in heaven. I have that assurance. I pray my family has that peace as well. Even though we're all so far apart, there will be one day where we will never feel that again. That's part of my assurance too. I love being where God has me, and know that He will redeem the loss and suffering I feel as I focus on him. It's ok to miss my grandpa, and its ok to look back on experiences and regrets (of course we have them..not spending enough time, etc). Those things will be used for good eventually. I have a joy in knowing that even though I didn't get to say goodbye, I will just wait years before saying hello again.

Prayer and Fasting for October

PIU did something amazing to start off October, which I was blessed by and got to be a part of. Check out Dave's blog for the story.

Must Read

I just finished this book by David Platt- and I think it's a must-read for any American Christian looking for their purpose in Christ.As an American serving overseas, this past year has been a battle in separating that which is my culture and that which is Christ's culture. Unless we're removed from it, I am not sure we can really separate the two. Is the American Dream getting in the way? Are we aiming to please our culture or to please Christ?

David Platt writes that "God has designed our lives for a collision course with the world." Don't we want to be used to have an impact? I have a lot to say about this book, and a lot that I learned. When you read it, we'll discuss it.




I am linking the Amazon site to you- it's about ten dollars cheaper here than in the bookstore. I hope you're inspired, encouraged, and challenged.

Learning from our Dog

My roommate Sarah told me about "cat and dog theology", which seems to stem from A cat would say something along the lines of "I am great and that's why you treat me well" while a dog says "You are great that's why you are good to me."

I had the whole morning and early afternoon off, and decided to sleep in. When I woke up, I put on some shorts and a t shirt and took Bear outside as part of his morning routine. I was walking around with Him enjoying the only breeze I'd probably feel for the day, when I decided that after he did what he needed to do I would take him out. I wanted to go to one of our most beautiful war memorial parks, Asan Beach, and go for a jog while Bear could do whatever it is that dogs do.

After he finished with his business, I was walking back up to the apartment, expecting him to follow me. He didn't. Instead, he decided to sniff one bush in the middle of our complex. I was calling for him, but he wouldn't come. He wanted to, but he wanted to stay. He had one eye on me and one eye on the bush. I wanted him to hurry up so I could take him to a bigger and better place, but he had no idea. I couldn't communicate that to him, either, so I just walked over, put his leash on, and he gently followed me back.

We finally ended up at Asan. I think the short time we spent there made both of our mornings- I've never seen a happier dog then when we're outside playing. If we can do this for our pets, how much more can our Father do for us? He gives us good gifts, provides for us, and has something better in mind then we can often even imagine. He washes us of our filth and leads us to rest. Bear had no idea that we were going to the beach. No matter how much I called his name he kept one eye on the little bush he was smelling and the other eye on me. He had no idea.

When we talk about really focusing on Jesus, I think we talk about knowing that He knows what He's doing and that we can trust him to lead us. Sometimes He has to come get us while we have one eye on Him and one on the figurative bush. I want to obey my master in the same way that I want my dog to obey us- to know and trust us in what we do, to be disciplined when wrong, and to be guided into paths that please us. Bear is not capable of  having the kind of lifestyle he has without a rescuer, such as Sarah and myself. He would otherwise just be a street dog or have been put to sleep in the shelter where we got him from. Just as we are nothing without Christ, our rescuer. If we know this to be true, then why do we feel the need to keep one eye on Him, and one on the familiar, when we will be abundantly provided for beyond our measure of knowledge and means of control when we keep both on Christ?