Home school Conference--One of Life's Amazing Surprises

Ruth, Isaac and I were blessed to be able to attend a week in Chiang Mai at a home school conference.  Those of you who know me well know my passion for home schooling.  I always loved being a part of co-ops, participating in field trips and doing group activities.  But since we have been in Thailand, these things have been pretty much unavailable.
But last week, we had the opportunity to travel with Sandy Lovorn and her 4 kids by overnight bus (12 wonderful hours) to be a part of a conference.  The kids had a week of testing mixed with fun VBS activities while the parents enjoyed worship, testimonies and teaching.

Besides meeting some wonderful new missionaries and making new friends, we were so encouraged.  I have been to conferences that teach how to better educate your children in just about every known subject.  But this was different.  Although it did include some of that, it was really a time of spiritual and emotional growth.  We learned about conflict resolution, meeting needs and understanding your children's emotions and beliefs, the process of healthy transition into a new culture and how to take the temperature in your home.  We opened our hearts and lives and found that our hearts were broken for the pain of our fellow workers, and our hearts were healed knowing we were not in this alone.  It was an time to be vulnerable because we were in a safe and loving environment----something we don't often find out here on the field.
I can hardly express how God met us and brought many things into perspective.  Sometimes we don't even know what we need, but God always knows.  And He surprised me when He showed up in this forum to minister life and healing to me that I have desired for a long time.  What an amazing God we serve.
My heart is so full of gratitude to God and the people who sacrificially gave of themselves so we could be a part of this.  It is rare to find people who will come all the way to Thailand--taking time from work, family and finances--just to help the kids and moms who are here supporting their husbands.  It definately is not very glorious--no salvations to report, no miracles, no healings---just playing and singing and laughing with some kids and giving their parents a chance to refuel.  Only God knows what a difference it has made in my life.  I have only one regret, that I didn't bring Ben with me.  Next year I will try to make sure he is able to be a part too.
So, if God happens to tell you to do something that seems rather insignificant, please don't ignore it or judge it according to your measure.  It could be that He is trying to meet a need that no one could understand except Him.  Go ahead and reach out and do it.  Who knows what heart could be touched.

Welcome Friends!

 

I finally decided to take the plunge and try making a blog for our family.  So, bear with me folks.  I am sure in time I will figure this all out, but for now it might be plain and boring.  Please fell free to leave me lots of comments and suggestions about what you want to see and hear from us, so I can try to please.
I don't really have a good plan for this yet.  I just wanted to give you a little taste of what our life is like and keep you posted on some of our thoughts.  We'll see how that works out.


We welcomed our newest grandson, Judah Benjamin, in January.  He is wonderful and we are so proud of him.  He is a good baby and Missy is adjusting to the new pressures of having 4 little ones.  Liberty turned 7 on February 2nd and is Missy's right hand helper.

Isaac, Ruth and I will travel next week to Chiang Mai for a home schooling conference.  We will take the overnight bus and stay the week.  They will be tested and also enjoy a vacation bible school.  During the same week, Margaret will travel to Davao City, Philippines with Pat Blount.  She will have the opportunity to visit the works going on there.  Benjamin and Ben will be holding down the fort alone.  Please keep us all in your prayers are we are apart and traveling.

We recently took advantage of our rapidly retreating spring-like weather to enjoy a camp out with the Lovorns at our horse farm.  We had a wonderful time riding and roasting hot dogs and hanging out.  The children really enjoyed riding.  We have not had much opportunity to ride, but most everyone got in on the fun.  It was such a delight to watch everyone ride.  As you can see, the sunsets are spectacular and the star gazing that night was wonderful too.

Well, hopefully I will be able to work out this blogging with fear and trembling and we will all know each other a little better as time goes on.  Let me know what you think!