Written by Amy. . . . .
So much has happened in the past 4 weeks I don't even know where to start! First of all, I want to say that all of you have been an incredible support to us over the past 8 months. We are deeply grateful for your words of encouragement, prayers and financial support. We seriously could not have done it without you! We love you all and pray God's best for you.
It all started about 4 weeks ago, March 17, 2005. After hearing from Notre Dame, Duke, and Harvard (all negative), Chris and I began to feel incredibly discouraged and questioned whether we really heard from God or not. We both felt that we heard from God, we were sure that God wanted us to get involved in the liberal world using that as an opportunity to bring new issues to light, get people thinking about things that matter. We saw it as a true mission field, a place where many Evangelicals will not go. We were laughed at and discouraged, but knew this is where we had to be. After hearing from three schools Chris decided to apply to a school we knew he could be accepted to. One week later Chris found out he was accepted to Yale Divinity School in New Haven, Connecticut. We are humbled that God has given us this responsibility. I use the word "we" because even though I'm not going to graduate school I feel a peace from God about supporting Chris and walking beside him. I am thrilled for this opportunity!
This morning I was reading in Genesis. Abraham is frustrated with God because He has not yet given him a son. God speaks to Abraham and tells him He will give him a son, but Abraham and Sarah take matters into their own hands. Abraham sleeps with Sarah's maid and she conceives. So many times we try to take matters into our own hands after God has clearly spoken to us. I am so thankful He is a gracious God with abounding patience. We know that God's hand was in this, He was in that room when the committee made their decision to accept Chris and that is humbling and draws us to our knees in gratitude. Hopefully next time we won't try and take matters into our own hands. :)
After we found out about Yale my parents had just arrived for a two week visit. It made it even sweeter to be with people we love to celebrate. The two weeks my parents were here went by as if it were two days. Much was accomplished and we are excited to see the ministry moving forward by leaps and bounds. God has been faithful to this ministry as we are faithful in serving Him. We have two administrators coming on in August which is a huge answer to prayer. Right now we are praying about finding houseparents for the girl's home. Please pray with us as this has been a constant concern over the past 8 months. We are waiting on the Lord and trusting He will bring the right people.
We've also had a YWAM team here for the past 3 weeks. I had the pleasure of going on a 4 day bamboo rafting trip with some them. Unfortunately Chris was not able to go as he had to stay back for a leadership conference and teach. The experience was so neat and also eye-opening. We lived just like villagers for 4 days - very exhausting and challenging, but also fun! The purpose of this bamboo rafting trip was a 4 day youth camp for Karen Hill Tribe kids. We had times of worship/devotion in the morning followed by rafting all day and then an evening meeting. The YWAM team also shared some skits with the kids. It was amazing to see some of these youth worshiping the Lord with such passion. I was encouraged and felt privledged to be a part of it.
The last day of the camp I fractured a bone in my foot walking down some stairs which were more like a ladder. :) It has been frustrating and confusing for me. I know that God is sovereign, but I find myself asking why now? I am leaving in a little over a month and this has to happen now? God is teaching me to SLOW down and be patient - something I have never been good at.
Now for Son Khrang - apparently there is a Thai New Year festival. The festival is basically a 3 day water fight involving adults and kids alike. Quite the experience I must say. We rode in the back of a truck for 4 hours and were sopping wet after we arrived at our destination. People stand on the side of the road waiting for foreigners to drive by so they can soak them. It's all fun and games during this festival - shops close down all week long and everyone participates in this crazy holiday - what an experience!
We will be leaving here in a little over a month and it is overwhelming to think about. We have one girl at the home that has chronic ear infections and is in need of surgery. We will be bringing her back to the states with us so that my uncle can operate on her. It certainly will not be easy, but her condition is affecting every part of her life and we are excited for her to experience freedom from this pain.
Recently I have made the decision to stay on with this ministry working as the sponsorship coordinator. This is a ministry I feel deeply connected with and I am blessed that God has brought this opportunity up for me. My job will involve taking care of monthly sponsorship, corresponding with sponsors, sending and receiving sponsor mail, and working with Tutu on translating letters. Please pray with Chris and I as we continue to raise funds and seek the Lord in this.
We miss you all and look forward to seeing you back home!
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