Befriend

Making Memories

2010-08-17T01:14:00.004-05:00

Our week together has come and gone.
It flew by more quickly than I could even imagine possible.
There was laughter. There were tears.
There were long talks & quiet times, late nights & early mornings, times of reminiscing and, of course, making new memories.
It was wonderful. I am incredibly thankful for it; already dreaming ahead, as I smile, looking behind.

~Heather

A glimpse...

2010-08-16T01:48:00.001-05:00

Eager Anticipation

2010-08-08T05:38:00.002-05:00

I'm honestly not sure how to feel or what to think. I have known for months now that today would come. But, now that it has arrived, I still don't think my heart knows what it means.

Sarah is due to land in Delhi in about 4 hours. What will it feel like to see her today? What will my reaction be? What will I think? What will I do?

Amidst all the uncertainties that are floating around my mind, this I know for sure: The Lord is good. He created a friendship between Sarah and I in a way that only He could. His plans are perfect. As I look back I see His unfailing love and faithfulness through each and every journey. I can hardly wait to see what He has in store for the days ahead! I smile as I wonder of what our days will include. I plan to savor each moment. What an amazing Father we serve.

As I sit and wait, eagerly, with great anticipation, I am in awe of all that the Lord chooses to bless me with and count it pure joy to be His daughter, His princess.

~Heather

To India I Go!

2010-08-07T09:55:00.002-05:00

This morning I sit less than 24 hours shy of stepping foot out of the country for the first time. I am not sure my mind has completely wrapped itself around the adventure that awaits!

I think its funny that I am going to India, right now, when the world, and Julia Roberts, are so interested in eating, praying and loving in and around this country. But, I am not jealous of the adventure portrayed there. I am not longing to go to some spiritual country to find myself. I have already been found. Actually, I have been adopted, bought with a priced, sealed in a covenant with Christ.

On the ground, in India, waits my best friend! That is why I am going. I am going to see a friend. Friendship is priceless. I spend a lot of days thanking the Lord for my singleness. Through singleness I have learned the value of a friend - both how to be one and what it is to have one. No ring on a finger to demand commitment, no DNA to require loyalty. Just grace and love - because He first showed us grace and love.

Thank the Father with me for friendship. For His ability to sustain it. For allowing the plans He has for each of us to intersect, to weave in and out, and come together again.

Pictures to come!!

Sarah

The Story of Katie Rose

2010-08-07T00:16:00.003-05:00

Storying!

This summer I fell in love with storying! When I first got my project confirmation email, and caught the title of it- "Storytelling Gurus" -I was a bit taken aback and afraid. What had I gotten myself into?

Upon arrival in India, I became excited when I recived the storying materials. As I started learning stories, they came oh so naturally. I mean, one might expect that, because they are stories we grew up with, but I didn't expect to be so confindent. Usually I stumble over words and such, but once I learned these stories, all I wanted to do was share them!

To watch the women learn as we shared was amazing. As they listened, despite the millions of constant distractions (kids, animals, etc), their eyes would light up as they began to truly understand who Jesus is and what He has done for them. And then to see some of them deciding to share the stories with others, as well!

It is really rewarding when you are storying- you learn, you teach, God joins in, they learn, they share with others. God has truly blessed my life with this experience of storying.

In fact, that is how I open when I speak with a group. I tell the story of the Great Commission, and say, "That's what I did... and this is what happened!" Because God is truly using these stories- His stories- to draw for Hinself a people for His own possession! I was so glad to be part of it!

~Katie Rose (a summer M-town guest)

Prowling around like a lion...

2010-08-06T07:15:00.000-05:00

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV

The Father is at work in and around M-town!
Therefore, the enemy is on the hunt in and around M-town.

The Hindi is being learned. The stories are being shared. The light is being shone in the midst of great darkness.

~Heather

*Would you plead with the Father not to allow the enemy to be a discouragement, an obstacle?
*Would you ask Him to give His servants courage and boldness as we continue to seek to serve and share Him?

J-Nagar

2010-08-06T06:17:00.001-05:00

My heart loves to teach. My heart loves a classroom setting. My teacher's heart is filled each time I get to visit J-Nagar.

As the afternoon comes, I'm tired. As I think about boarding the hot bus, I'm exhausted. As I walk to the gate, I'm dragging.

As I open the gate and move into the yard, 25 to 30 bouncing children rise to their feet to eagerly greet me. Somehow I'm not quite so tired. From somewhere comes a smile and an excitement, as I reach for my chalk.

These children, who live in a slum and some who have never been to a formal school, take out their tattered notebooks and broken pencils. Somehow, over the months and through my limited Hindi, they have learned to read and write English.

Their smiles beam as I praise them for a job well done. Their notebooks wave in the air, as I hear "M'am, Ji! M'am, Ji!," to receive my glance over their work and a word of approval. Their faces light up with understanding as they now sound out words to read a story from the chalkboard. "This is a true story from God's word," I say as I begin with the story portion of our lesson.

These amazing children are learning stories from God's word in their heart language, reading and writing them in simple English, and blessing my sandals off while they do so! How I praise the Father who ordains our days.

~Heather

*Would you ask the Father to show the children of J-Nagar His truth through His stories?
*Would you ask the Father to draw these children and their families to a saving faith in who He is?

K-Ville

2010-08-06T05:55:00.000-05:00

About halfway between M-town and a smaller nearby town, sits a little village. K-ville is a place that only by the Lord's divine provision did we ever happen upon. Logistically, it makes no sense as to why it appeared on our radar. But, the Father is at work in K-ville.

The first visits to K-ville included a few of the M-town summer guests, who call themselves the M-Girlz. They fell in love with this little place. They met a brand new sister who was excited to learn more about being a true follower. The M-Girlz visited in her home 5 or 6 times, sharing stories, singing songs, praying for neighbors and friends.

The Father led me to accept the task of continuing visits to K-ville, to story, and to share His love and truth. Each week, I call our K-ville sister to let her know I am coming. Each week, she has not been home upon my arrival.

However, the women of K-ville greet me, and beckon me to sit with them, to share a story, to sing His praises, to pray with them, and to help them in seeking Him. These women have not yet chosen to call Him, Father, but I trust that day will come.

As I sit cross-legged on a rope woven cot pearched on a roof, I share God's story and see eyes and hearts engaged in soaking up His love and truth. Oh, how I long for the day that these women would choose to call Him, Father, and take His stories into the places that have yet to hear them.

~Heather

*Would you ask the Father to draw the K-ville women unto Himself?
*Would you ask the Father to allow my Hindi to continue to improve, to flow smoothly, to not be an obstacle in the understanding of His story?

My Heart's Song

2010-08-05T07:14:00.000-05:00

May we run this race, may we keep the faith;
may our eyes be fixed on Jesus-
That we'll not lose heart in our struggle with sin,
and through suffering know endurance.

May we arm ourselves with the mind of Christ-
To rejoice in trials and be not surprised.
May our hearts be so consumed by You,
That we never cease to praise!

May our compnay be the saints you've called,
May we all stand firm in one spirit.
That the gospel's truth may resound on earth,
that all living things may hear it.

May the fruits of faith mark the path we trod,
through the life of Christ to the Glory of God,
May our hearts be so comsumed by you,
That we never cease to praise!

May the words we share be Your grace and peace;
May our tongues speak Your proclamation-
That the many parts of the body of Christ
be affirmed in their right relation.

As we long and wait for the groom to come,
May we learn to love, and spur each other on.
May our hearts be so consumed by You,
That we never cease to praise!

When that day arrives, and their race is won.
When our griefs give way to deliverance.
We will fully know as we're fully known,
All our groans will end as new songs begin.

And a multitude from every tribe and tongue,
Wearing robes of white, will stand before Your throne,
And our hearts will be so consumed by You,
That we'll never cease to praise!

~Heather (borrowed lyrics)

Praising Him

2010-07-27T08:56:00.006-05:00

There are so many people. There is so much darkness. It is easy to believe there is no one who truly believes, no one who praises Him with all their hearts.

But, there are. They are here. They are singing His praises and seeking to share His name, to be a light in such a dark place.

Worshipping in a second language and culture has always been somewhat difficult for me. I struggle to keep my mind engaged. I struggle to understand all that is taking place. It is just one of my hard things.

Sunday, I worshipped with a group of fellowships. They meet together every couple of months, and meet in small groups for worship and fellowship weekly.

Let me tell you, these brothers and sisters have a great time praising our Father. I have begun to learn their songs of praise and follow along as the message is shared. This sweet fellowship has allowed me to be part of who they are and what they do. It is so much fun!

On a weekly basis, we are around 25 or 30, but this week, as we met as a group of fellowships, there were 300 or 350, maybe more. Weekly we meet on the front porch of a school, but this week, a building was provided. Let me promise, it was tight in there, with no room to spare (well, actually, there is always room for one more).

I love to sing out praises to our God. I love for my voice to get lost in a sea of voices singing out. Oh, how my cup is filled to overflowing as our amazing God gives so much more than we ask. How I praise Him for the blessings He bestows.

~Heather

It's Raining! It's Pouring!

2010-07-24T11:25:00.003-05:00

~Heather

Pothole Lane

2010-07-22T05:11:00.003-05:00

A glimpse of what Pothole Lane looks like today:

It is certainly holding up to its name! Just getting home is an adventure.

~Heather

Summer Blurs

2010-07-13T12:04:00.004-05:00

The summer season has given way to monsoon season.

I don't really know where the summer went. It whizzed by in a blur.

I do love the rain that has now come. I do not love the humidity or ants that it brings, but I do love the dark clouds and the sounds of children laughing and playing as the rains fall.

This summer has been like no other. It has been absolutely incredible. It has been absolutely exhausting. The Father is so faithful. He is at work!

My summer included many guests. Some came for a couple of weeks, others for a couple of months.

They persevered. They served. They loved. They encouraged. They shared stories to those who had never heard. There is nothing more I could have asked.

They were truly a delight.

~Heather

villages

2010-07-12T12:47:00.002-05:00

I love my time in the village.

I love telling stories. I love hearing stories.

I love a slow paced lifestyle. I love that no one knows what time it is.

I love that people are patient with my limited Hindi.

I love that they are eager to hear the stories of truth, stories they have not heard before.

I love that the Father is at work.

I love that the Father is drawing these people unto Himself.

I love that the Father is increasing His number daily.

Most villages have a tube pump that supplies water for the entire village.

The girls love to draw on my hands with henna,

creating designs that serve as a temporary tatoo which lasts for a week, or so.

There is never any telling who will join you on village visits.
( I laugh as I write this. There are pigs 50 yards from my front door now. Sometimes I think I live in the jungle, or on the farm, or at least in a zoo!)

~Heather

transportation

2010-07-12T12:31:00.001-05:00

There was quite an array of modes of transportation as we trekked out to villages each day this summer.

We rode bus, lots and lots of buses, with lots and lots of people.
We rode bicycle rickshaws.
We rode people movers, which are golf cart type structures in which 10 - 12 people pile in.
We rode ox carts and buffalo carts.
We rode on tractors.
We rode on anything that was moving in the right direction and allowed us to hop on.
And, the Indian philosophy: There is always room for 1 more passenger, always!

We rode on horse carts

(which was the roughest ride I have ever had,

but that may have had more to do with the condition of the road...).

We rode on cable cars.
We rode on these trucks, standing in the bed of the truck with 50 (or so) other passengers.

But, mostly we walked, and walked, and walked, and walked.

~Heather

A day at the Ganga

2010-07-12T12:26:00.000-05:00

The worship of a river is something I will never be able to wrap my mind around. There were more at the Ganga on this day than I had ever seen before. The fire and flowers are a form of worship. Baths are taken in the river with the belief that the water will cleanse people from their sins. May these devoted worshippers come to know and worship the Creator.

~Heather

Sending them out 2 by 2

2010-07-12T12:22:00.000-05:00

~Heather

Village Wedding

2010-07-12T12:15:00.000-05:00

~Heather

Moses' Mother

2010-05-09T17:14:00.010-05:00

"The woman conceived and bore a son, and when she saw he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds in the river." Exodus 2:2-3, ESV

To hold something tightly, clinging to it, protecting it, is a natural reaction. We all can name items, people or memories that we have held onto with a death grip. Laying those things down, offering them over, as sacrifice, to the Lord, is a completely different action.

Luke, recording Stephen's speech, in the book of Acts, notes that when Moses was born he was "beautiful in God's sight." (Acts 7:20) He was a precious child, indeed. He would go on to lead Israel out of slavery. He would be a conduit, through which, God preformed miracles, signs and wonders. Moses' mother saw that he was fine. She saw more than the beauty a mother finds in the face of her every child. She saw more than her eyes, his father's hair, ten finger, ten toes.

For three months, this precious woman, quietened her beautiful baby boy. Kept him closely to her, out of sight, rocked and loved him in secret in order to protect his life. The writer of Hebrews notes that Moses' parents hid him "in faith."

What happens next is remarkably fascinating. With resolve, Moses' mother begins to make a basket. A task she has surely done before. She begins to weave and paste, weave and paste, a basket for precious cargo, for sacrifice, for faith. This time she would not carry bread to a neighbor. She would not return with a basket full of produce from the market. She would not carry flowers from the field to grace her home. She would place her son in this basket. This son, beautiful in the sight of God, was no longer small enough, quite enough, to keep concealed. Still, the child was fine. Still, Moses was to be used by the Lord.

Did she cry? As she placed this beautiful boy in her handmade basket, did she shed tears of sorrow? Did she quietly kiss his cheeks and sing to him the song she had sung all her children? Did she give him one last squeeze and smell his hair?

She placed Moses in the basket, the basket in the river, and her hope in knowing what Moses found would be better than the death that awaits him, in her home, should he be found out.

If you continue to read, you will find that Moses' was found. He was spared. And, his mother? She was paid to nurse and raise him. In giving up her son, she received him back with blessing.

I do not have children. I am not a mother. I am content in my station in life. I love that the Lord has led me into families to love and care for their little ones. My heart is overjoyed when I get to love on, teach, discipline and watch these precious people learn and grow. But, from time to time I feel the desire to one day have children of my own.

I do not ponder this desire long before I am reminded of Moses' mother. I think about her resolve, her understanding; and, mostly about her faith. To construct a basket, knowing is was a boat, and walk to the river, holding a child. To then kneel down, prepare the basket, love her son one last time, and lay him down. To walk to the river's edge, wade in just a bit, so as to make sure she can gently place the basket in the water.....and release her son to the sovereignty of God. This is motherhood. To know the child your bore is not yours, but the Father's. To know that you have been called to present this child, this gift, back to Him, for His purpose. To recognize the beauty of the child lies in what God has fashioned for their future. To hold a child so closely, so protectively, and let him go at the same time.

I do not merely want to have children..... I want to be Moses' mother.

Happy Mother's Day.

~Sarah

Help Tennessee

2010-05-04T20:29:00.003-05:00

It seems the time has come to help because its the right thing to do. The opportunity has risen to help because you know that should you find yourself floating in a boat, outside your home, you would want someone to empathize. The time has come to realize that devastation knows no tax bracket, industry, neighborhood or people group. Now is the time to help without the prompt of media, movie star or philanthropic trend. In the past few days, cars have been submerged in Wal-Mart parking lots, a portable school building has floated down the interstate as though it were a houseboat on the Cumberland, and people have lost immeasurably. In the past few days, Middle Tennessee has needed our help; but, we have gone largely unaware.

Please take the time to do what you can.

www.middletennredcross.org

www.hon.org

www.secondharvestmidtn.org

www.cfmt.org

surrender

2010-05-02T04:18:00.002-05:00

Lord, today I present myself to you as a living sacrifice. I long to be a vessel of honor, sanctified for your use, so today I surrender to your transforming, immeasurable, undeserved love, grace, and forgiveness. I commit myself to live in obedience to your will.

~Heather

Guinevere

2010-04-24T21:59:00.010-05:00

(I have to give props to a college classmate of mine for the template of this post. Melissa is journaling through life and country lyrics for a year. Recalling memories, brokenness and recurring question, she highlights the existential underpinnings of a country song. Check her blog out!)

I love music - songwriting to be exact. In life, there exists themes,events,thoughts,feelings,hunches, understanding, truths beyond the bounds of grammar and proper punctuation. Its a shame we do not appreciate the artistic brethren among us. People in the arts, at times, communicate elements in life that seem to evade our limited language. It's not solely in the words said, or the melody composed, the stage set or dance moved...its the whole lot of it put together at once, in cadence, syncopated, metered, segmented only to rise, fall and come together leaving you hanging on a note, a word, an idea. It's the expression that captures what we all want to say - what we know, but are at a loss to expound upon. It's as if those in the arts understand certain things better that the rest of us - like they can see in ways others cannot.

A few days ago, my local country music station played the newest Eli Young Band single.

She's got a bumper like a billboard
Covered in stickers of her favorite bands
She's got a handful of records that she turns to
When she needs to land
She's a saturday night parade through the streets
That all eyes come to see including me

She carries memories around like souvenirs down in her pockets
She should have let some go by now but can't seem to drop it
Says forgiveness ain't nothing but a lifeless tire on the shoulder of her soul
That never rolls

For as much as she stumbled she's runnin'

For as much as she runs she's still here

Always hopin' to find something quicker than heaven

To make the damage of her days disappear

Just like Guinevere

She don't hold on to nothin' new for very long
She writes you in as just one more tale and then you're gone
Cause she once fell hard cause she dropped her guard
And no one gets to stay
It's just too late

For as much as she stumbled she's runnin'
For as much as she runs she still here
Always hoping to find something quicker than heaven
To make the damage of her days disappear
Just like Guinevere

Listening to this song, I was reminded of why I desire to counsel. There exists all around us beautiful people carrying around

eclectic hurts in blue jean pockets. Men and women holding onto to life's experience for meaning, trusting the feeling of song

and living under the power of their brokenness.

People. Its about people. People who are loved or not. People who parade through life, elusive as the summer day is hot. People

whose mess is hard to avoid or whose pride sops it up as best it can. People who run long and hard and wake up to find they are

in the very spot they have tried for years to leave. People looking for a quick fix, an infomercial for happiness, a drive thru menu

of solutions to life's problem. People, just like Guinevere, are a beautiful mess.

Yes, its about people. The real kind. The kind that are only beginning to realize their messiness. The kind that are eclipsed by their brokenness.

The kind that have a heart full of questions. The hurting. The unsure. The all of us kind.

All of us. Its about all of us and our broken, fallen, sinful state. It's about the Savior who came to walk through all earth has to offer.

It's about Him making it through this earthly life unstained. About Him taking our stain, our sin, upon Himself. About Him taking the

ramification of our mess upon himself. About Him making peace with God, bringing redemption, a chance at new life, through his sacrifice

for people everywhere, just like Guinevere.

I stand five classes and eight months shy of a Master's in Christian Counseling. As I ready myself for the last leg of this race, I listen to

this song over and over increasing reminded of the adventure the Lord has begun to take me on. It is my prayer that the Guineveres

placed in my path will write me in their tale long enough to see that Christ wants to stay.

~Sarah

every hour

2010-04-23T06:10:00.006-05:00

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord,

No tender voice like thine can peace afford.

I need Thee,

Oh, I need Thee,

Every hour I need Thee,

Oh, bless me now my Savior,

I come to Thee.

~Heather

SOPI is coming! (or, has come...)

2010-04-21T12:13:00.006-05:00

SOPI is the language assessment that determines the level at which Hindi speaker is performing.

As I was hurrying on my way to catch the bus to teach in the village, I was stopped on the road by a polite young man on a bicycle. He asked, in his very best english, if I was the named person on the envelope. And, since Cathy & I are the only foreigners in the area and Heather is certainly not a Hindi name, he had a 50/50 chance. I quickly signed for and accepted the envelope, and headed on my way. I stuffed it into my bag and went on with my day.

Once I returned home from the day's adventures, I found the light yellow envelope I had stuffed into my bag only a few hours before. It still remains unopened on my table. I know what is inside. The SOPI arrived today. So, I will complete the SOPI on my Friday afternoon, that is American Friday, April 30th, morning.

Any and all prayers would be greatly appreciated.

I do know that I will indeed survive this time, however, I would very much like to do very well (as some of you may know, I am a little bit of an over-achiever sometimes). The Father has already taught me so much and shown me more of himself through this intensive language learning time. It is my deepest prayer that he will allow me to more fluently share who he is with those around me.

~Heather

A Different Kind of Classroom

2010-04-21T10:57:00.003-05:00

Today was one of the days I look forward to. After language, I headed out to the village where I help to teach now and then. It is a long, hot bus ride, but once I have arrived, that doesn't seem to matter to me anymore.

I'm pretty sure that the children teach me more than I teach them, anyways!

I was warmly (and loudly) greeted by the children as I went searching for my glasses, and hankie to wipe my face. We all settled in and began our usual English lessons. These children have learned so much. I am so proud of them. They were sounding out sentences today, which is a long way from only knowing letter names of capital letters a few months ago. They were even telling me the meaning of the sentences in Hindi to show that they were not only reading, but comprehending! It was a good day.

After I had written a sentence on the chalkboard that was propped against an outside tree stump, I gave the children a few moments to write the sentence and look at the words before we read it together. My mind began to reflect on my previous teaching eperiences and how today was so different from any I have had before.

The children age from maybe 5 to 12 or 13 years old. They are dressed in clothes that have been discarded by others. They were only able to write the sentences I gave them because I also supplied the pencil. The chalk almost allowed me to write legibly on the chalkboard. There was at least one puppy that ran between my feet and the underside of an old couch that had been pulled up. One of the students, who is likely 6 or 7 years old, had to bring her 2 year old brother with her because he was her responsiblity today. He was not planning to sit quietly while we all had school, to say the least. The teacher's almost 3 year old sang songs from a few feet away from the make-shift classroom, and the teacher nursed her 5 month old baby girl. All this in the hour and a half that I taught English, Hindi and Math!

Is this the classroom I dreamed of as I studied at Auburn? It isn't even close. But it is the one the Father had planned for me today, and there isn't anywhere else I would have rather been. How he blesses us far beyond anything we could ask or imagine!

~Heather

*Thank the Father for such an amazing opportunity.
*Ask the Father to allow these children, and their families, to come to know and trust only him.

Staying with Auntie

2010-04-21T10:26:00.007-05:00

I spent a little over a week staying with Auntie, who lives in a town a few hours north. It was a long, HOT, sweet, encouraging, fruitful, hard, mosquito-filled week. It was one of those weeks that I have had to allow my stubbornness and unwillingness to quit push me through. You know, one of those, what doesn't kill us will make us stronger, kind of weeks.

I met Auntie on Saturday morning as we prepared to travel to her home. She was a gentle spoken, small statured, Indian woman. As we arrived home to Auntie's, I began to see the fiesty lady that dwelled within that little body.

Auntie decided years ago that she didn't want to get married. She didn't want to have children. She wanted to do what she wanted to do, when she wanted to do it, and still does. Many of Auntie's familiy members have become believers, but she very clearly explained to me, "that isn't for her."

I so enjoyed the opportunity to build a relationship with Auntie, now, the week was long and hard, but Auntie allowed me to become family. She allowed me to share who I am, the story of how the Father changed my life, as well as stories from his word. She allowed me to go to fellowship on Sunday, and she even took me to join the rest of her family for Sunday lunch, which was preceeded by a word from God's word.

Auntie had an opion about most everything and enjoyed the opportunity to share it with me. My curly hair needed brushing, my clothes needed ironing and didn't fit properly, my shower was taken at the wrong time of day, I should wear shoes when I walk on the roof, I should eat breakfast every morning, oh, the list goes on.

Auntie has a sister who lives close-by, so she came in and out on a regular basis. They very often wanted to discuss my marital status. (Now this is where my favorite opinion of Auntie's is shared.) Let me remind you that Auntie has decided that she will never marry and her sister comes in complaining about her husband.

As they asked when I would get married, I gave my usual reply, "My life is in God's hand. I want to have a husband and children, but it will be in his way and time." To this, the sister responded, "Marriage is very important." Auntie asked if I had a friend in America. I told her I didn't have a male friend right now that I was planning to marry, to which she immediately responded, "Are you looking? 'Cause if you are, you only have one eye open!"

I had to laugh. Oh, the irony of the marital advice I have received from a chosen to be single, Hindu, Indian woman.

Auntie has already called several times to check in on me and has made me promise to come by each time I head north. I will always be thankful for her allowing me to be part of who she is, thankful for her patience with my not so beautiful Hindi, and prayerful that she will one day call herself a believer.

~Heather

A Year in Review

2010-04-07T11:06:00.008-05:00

Today marks a year, how can it be?

Sometimes it feels like it surely has been three.

As I look back, I am amazed at all the Father has brought me through.

As I look forward, I choose to be in wonder of all He plans to do.

My God is faithful, always by my side,

so, tonight, I rest in Him and desire, above all else, to simply abide.

~Heather

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

The monster we call Sopi

2010-04-06T07:59:00.002-05:00

Today, as I ponder the woman that I am, I am amused.

I was just thinking, "I love being the teacher, so why don't I love being the student?" Then, I realized, I love to teach children who need to be taught in a different, unique way.

In the same way, I like to learn through hearing and experiencing, through ways that are somewhat unique.

Studying Hindi has been fun. It is so encouraging to finally understand what Auntie is asking. My heart glows when a friend comments on how much my Hindi has improved. I have loved learning Hindi from my friends and neighbors, and even from Bollywood films.

However, I have reached the language learning stage in which a classroom with a teacher and textbook is necessary.

Sopi evaluates my language. She lets me know the level at which I am speaking. She has said that eventhough I can talk with Auntie now and can handle business transactions, my Hindi isn't, well, sophisticated or eloquent.

So, I am off to Hindi school. I started class this morning. The teacher gave me homework, and, it wasn't to watch a Bollywood film!

But, to conquer Sopi, I will do my homework and my best to study, and learn, beautiful Hindi.

Sopi, watch out! Here I come!

~Heather

*Thank the Father for this opportunity for me to increase in my Hindi abilities.
*Thank Him for the provisions to be in a good Hindi learning environment.
*Ask the Father to give me the ability to absorb and process so much Hindi in such a short time.
*Ask that the Father allow my Hindi to reach the place that I can clearly share His stories and truth without "Hindi hiccups," for this is really what matters.

We've a story to tell to the nations!

2010-04-05T07:18:00.007-05:00

Saturday was cookie day. The cookie icing had dried, the cookies were packaged, and I was off to spread the story.

Now I had a picture of the cookie package in my mind and knew who I wanted to share cookies and stories with, but I didn't know exactly how it was all going to work out.

I had the privilege of sharing cookies (and tea, and tea, and tea...) with my sweet neighbors, and some of the people I interact with daily. They were so pleased, and received the "Easter Biscuits" with a smile. Each sat and listened as I shared the Resurrection story in my very best Hindi (which still needs a little work).

Everyone listened, some just smiled, others had questions. There were those who had heard this story before, and those who had never heard it.
May they each choose to allow it to change them, from the inside out.

How blessed are we who get to be part of His story!

~Heather

*Praise the Father for allowing me the opportunity to share His story!
*Ask the Father to continue to bless my Hindi efforts and allow me to further share His stories in a way that would be best understood, believed, and accepted.
*Ask the Father to allow His story to remain on the hearts and minds of those who heard it this week. Ask that they would seek after Him.

Even when it seems it may be impossible...

2010-04-01T12:17:00.005-05:00

Some say I am independent; some say I'm stubborn.

My mother would tell you that I am just like my father.

However, there's something my Daddy often reminds me of, "When your Mama gets something on her mind, there is no stopping her. You know that."

So, this week, I may be most like my mother.

Easter is my very favorite. It is hands down, the best holiday.

Easter means a Sunrise Service at the Teel's house, dying eggs with Ellie & Mason, taking a long drive with Sarah, singing Miss PattyCake songs with preschoolers, stuffing little plastic eggs, a fantastic day of corporate worship, but above all else, it is celebrating the Resurrection!

This year, as I have been preparing for Easter, I have known it was going to look a little different, but I have wanted it to be special.

I decided I wanted to have colorfully decorated, cut-out Easter cookies to present to my neighbors & friends as I share with them the story of the Resurrection. I had a picture in my mind of what this should look like (that's where Mama and I get into trouble)!

I only ran into a few snags along the way...

my neighbors & friends won't eat eggs or anything baked with eggs, the eggless recipe calls for cream cheese, I have only a glass baking dish, I don't have any idea how to find or make food coloring, I have never made cookie icing, and I have been down with Bronchitis all week.

But, when I get something on my mind, it will happen, or I will do my very best at making a valiant effort at it and may, in fact, die trying.

So, I have learned...

If you talk to the right experienced overseas cook, she might have an eggless cut-out cookie recipe.

If you drain plain yougart overnight through a loosely woven cloth, you might get cream cheese.

If you can explain what a cookie sheet is and what it is made out of and used for, as well as what size your oven is, in the local language to the worker at the kitchen store, he might round up something that resembles a cookie sheet.

If you talk to enough locals and the right store owners, you might find that someone does have coloring (other than hair coloring) for sale.

If you scour the internet, you might find a recipe for cookie icing for which you have all of the ingredients.

If all of these somewhat possible situations fall into place, you might end the day with colorfully decorated, cut-out Easter cookies!

So, indeed, the day has ended well. I have a kitchen counter lined with colorful, cut-out Easter cookies. I have worked on a simplified version of the Resurrection story in Hindi. I am planning to visit with neighbors and friends on Saturday in hopes to share a cup of tea, an Easter biscuit (cookie), and an amazing story.

~Heather

*Join me in pleading with the Father to soften the hearts of the people of M-town.

*Ask that He would allow my Hindi to be understood.

*Ask that He would guide me to the divine appointments that He has made.

*Ask that He would use these days to change lives for eternity.

Everyday Occurrences

2010-03-25T06:31:00.002-05:00

As I rode atop the rickshaw to language class, a crowd was gathering beside the road. I watched and wondered what they were doing.

I searched the scene; they were gathering around a large tree. They were tying red string, offering flowers, placing candles, sweets, and idols around the tree.

Later I learned that worship of this tree had begun only hours before. The tree had caught on fire sometime in the early morning hours.

It had been suggested that this tree was holy, because it had caught on fire. Therefore, the tree had become an object of worship.

Some worship in amazement, some worship in fear. May those who worship created things come to know the Creator of all things.

~Heather

Some days

2010-03-25T06:03:00.004-05:00

As I sat in the hospital neurological clinic waiting room, I was greeted by the smiles and gazes of beautiful children. These children were so much like other children I have loved and served.

They live with a variety of abilities. These children don't walk, they don't use words to speak. These children and families learn to live and function with very special needs.

As I watched parents and others interact with these children, I gazed in wonder, and somewhat of a sense of longing.

A smile swept across my face as one would giggle with glee as a song was sung or a game was played.

Some days I miss serving special needs families in their homes. Some days I miss the classroom. Some days I miss the joy of seeing a child master a new skill.

The work the Father has before me looks so different now than it did in years past. Some days I wonder if I am up to this challenge. Some days I wonder what the days ahead will include.

Today I am choosing to be thankful for today and the task that is before me, but I will always look back in amazement and look forward with wonder.

I am planning to soon visit a center that provides services for children and families with special needs.

Please join me in asking the Father for His guidance in how He may choose to involve me in the special needs community of M-town.

~Heather

A birthday to remember

2010-03-07T05:45:00.009-06:00

Children's birthday parties bring to mind hamburgers & hotdogs, clowns & balloons, laughing & playing.
An Indian First Birthday Party (especially for a little boy) is unlike any 1st birthday party you may picture.
Ridit's first birthday party was certainly an unforgettable night.

The party had dancers, DJ's, a host & hostess, animals dressed in costumes, fried snacks, cake, sweets, a full sit down dinner, a train for children to ride, take home boxes of Indian sweets, and professional photographers & videographers.

Even the invitation was quite extravagant!

~Heather

Color Day

2010-03-01T00:10:00.004-06:00

I think we are offically part of the community now. The ladies came to get us this morning to come out and play "Holi." And, when things started to slow down and we were evidently cold, Auntie told us it was time to go in to take a warm shower and put clean clothes on.

We are truly blessed.

~Heather

Sights and Sounds of Holi

2010-02-28T10:37:00.007-06:00

Lighting the fire and burning the wheat

(to earn the blessings of a good harvest)

~Heather

Holi

2010-02-28T10:30:00.004-06:00

~Heather

Spring has Sprung

2010-02-28T02:27:00.004-06:00

Last week took with it the cool weather. I wonder how many days will come and go before I will have to turn on the ceiling fans and air conditioning. The cooler weather certainly had its perks! On the other hand, my laundry dries in a couple of hours, rather than a few days.

The weather is merely one aspect of the changes that are currently taking place.

With the Spring weather comes the Hindu holiday Holi. Holi is a celebration to welcome spring and win the blessings of the gods for good harvest. Many very large fires will be lit and worshipped around tonight. Tomorrow everyone will "play Holi," by throwing water and colors on one another.

Please join me in pleading with the Father to protect the people of M-town from accidents caused by the fires and play.

Ask the Father to allow those we love to become dissatisfied with worshipping created things, that they would come to bow and worship the Creator of all things.

Ask the Father to give me opportunities to share his Truth in these days.

Ask that with Spring, the Father would bring the people of M-town to a heart knowledge and acceptance of Him.

~Heather

Celebrate!

2010-02-27T03:31:00.003-06:00

Tuesday was Cathy's birthday. We took the opportunity to have a bit of a neighborhood celebration. It was a wonderful time of celebrating Cathy and fellowshipping with our neighbors and friends.

* Join me in thanking the Father for placing us in such a warm, loving, and accepting community.

* Ask the Father to draw the M-town families to Himself.

~Heather

Have you grieved your sins?

2010-02-24T08:06:00.009-06:00

I have heard it said that until one grives their sin, in light of the Cross, salvation is never really understood. Have your sins grieved you?

I used to take offense to this idea. Do you?

Recently, while running errands, waiting at a stop light, I was prompted to give a homeless man money. I do not normally do that. I am well aware of the likelihood that my money has gone to purchase the gamut of harmful substances or behaviors. However, that day, I felt the stern prompting of the Holy Spirit to give the few dollars I had in my wallet. His name was Joe. And, as Joe turned away, after thanking me, he looked back, made steady, clear eye contact and said, "My name is Joe, would you pray for me please." Probably just a good homeless person tactic, right?

As I drove away, I began to ponder the concept of prejudice. I thought a lot about how it is used as explanation. I wondered how prejudice is conceived in the heart. I thought about the different angles of prejudice - the scoffing at the poor, the contempt for the rich. The black man who cannot find a job because he is "probably lazy or sells drugs." The white girl who does not need help or does not deserve to be sacrificed for because "Daddy will probably take care of it." Why do we insist on trading tit for tat?

I continued to ponder about prejudice and pray for Joe. Then came the young man on McCart. Disbelief met aggravation as I and other cars had to stop as someone began to cross the road at a less than safe time. Aggravation was met with conviction when this young man came clear into view. His gait, mannerisms, and draw hands and arms revealed that he was not only struggling with a physical handicap, but a mental one as well. I watched as he crossed in front of me, saddened that he could not make such a basic decision as when to cross the road safely. What would prejudice decide about this young man?

My mind settled on the accusation some would make, of the possibility that this boy's wrongdoing has led to his physical and mental state. Judging by his garb and skin tone, maybe drugs had rendered him handicap. After all, sagging jeans and a dark skin tone most often mean drug use, right? Its likely that this young man could have snorted enough crack or drank enough alcohol to induce mental damage, or cause a physical accident, resulting in handicap, right? Joe is probably homeless because all his money goes to buy booze, don't you think? Maybe Joe is so irresponsible that his choices put him in his homeless situation, right?

And there it was, clear and convicting, "But for the grace of God am I." But for the grace of God have my sins not rendered me paralyzed, handicapped, homeless, outcast, poor, societies burden, less than desirable! Then, I began to grieve. How could I qualify my sins as not that bad? How can I take the grace that God has shown me and use it as a crutch to not realize the offense I hurl at a perfect, loving, Holy God? How could I stand, covered in Christ righteousness, given to me, not earned by me, through His horrific death by crucifixion, and be so proud as to think that my sins would not bereave God because they are not classified as socially unacceptable?

I was broken. Broken of a proud heart. Broken of an assuming arrogance. I have begun to grieve my sins. I have begun to love my Savior all the more. Please, please won't you join me?

"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death." - 2 Corinthians 7:10

~Sarah

Tea for tea?

2010-01-29T10:12:00.005-06:00

I remember the first time I heard someone say that they were offering T4T. I had heard that it came from China. Well, I knew they drink tea in China, so I thought it must have something to do with having tea. I was quite mistaken. But, certainly never did I imagine that it would be something that the Father would allow me to see in action.

T4T is Training for Trainers. It is a method of training believers to then go out and train others, who in turn, train others. It is a vision of multiplicity. It is something that I have dreamed of seeing take place, but I don't think I ever imagined that I would.

Storying is my heart. It is what I love to do most. I love to share His story with preschoolers and senior adults, alike, whether in North America or half way around the world. I am most comfortable with my shoes off, sitting on the floor, sharing a story from God's word.

ST4T combines this dream of multiplicity with my passion for storying.

Through a series of circumstances, I was given the opportunity to join 5 amazing ladies and their incredible professor, from the states, in the big city to lead an ST4T conference for national women. I was humbled by the opportunity that was placed before me. I was intimidated by all that I don't know and all the Hindi I don't yet understand. I was almost convinced that this was impossible. I was sure that these friends who had come from so far away would be terribly disappointed in my inabilities.

Suddenly, the Father spoke. As if audibly, I heard, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor 12:9) A relief came upon me. It wasn't possible for me to do this. It was only by surrendering my weakness to Him that this dream could come true. Only through Him could this dream become a reality.

"Great is Thy faithfulness," resounded in my heart throughout the week of the conference. Flexibility was the word of the week; fluidity was required. The plan changed more often than I could keep up with.

These friends had come with the intention of leading a 5 day conference for a large group of national women. On Sunday evening, I heard the pastor announce that a 3 day training would be offered and only 10 national ladies had been invited. Immediately my mind began to spin. What was I going to tell these ladies who had come so far? All I knew to do was to calmly assure them that we would keep busy and there would be purpose in every day.

We began the conference on Monday with 11 national ladies present. Typically, we expect that number to decrease each day. Women have responsibilities that very often are required to take priority over events for them. Monday night we prayed that those 11 ladies would return, and Tuesday morning there were 14 ladies. Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, we prayed that again they would return. Wednesday there were 16 national women hungry to learn more of His story and how to share it effectively.

As Wednesday approached (the final scheduled day of the conference), I became anxious about what I would plan for Thursday. Wednesday came to a close and the women attending the conference were disappointed that they had been given such a limited time to be out sharing the stories in the community. I proposed that we meet back on Thursday, with the only plan being to share stories in the community for a few hours. To my complete amazement, the always late (hours late) South Asian women, were, in fact, 10 minutes early and ready to run to tell His story to their neighbors and friends!

Thursday's program was coming to a close. Again, I didn't have a plan for the coming day (which is quite unusual for the planner that I am). The pastor approached us and asked us to come to another church to train the ladies there with the ST4T stories and principles. I was elated with this opportunity, and with the fact that now we had a Friday plan.

I hoped a couple of the ladies who had been with us since Monday would be there, but I wasn't sure who would join us.

As we reached the roof of a building, we were in the open air. There was construction taking place immediately on either side of the building. The tin roof over our heads was home to a large, and noisy, flock of birds. We had arrived at the church where the one-day training would take place. It was loud. Dirt was blowing in on the breeze. I knew the day would be different from all of the others.

Indeed, it was different. Three of the national ladies who we had trained decided to join us for this one-day training. I spoke to them. I explained that we could really use their help. I shared with them that they had learned everything and that they could in turn teach the stories and method to these new ladies.

The ladies spoke right up; they jumped right in. They were training! They had been trained, and were now training. It was ST4T right there before my eyes.

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

~Heather

Snapshots of my days in the big city

2010-01-29T10:10:00.006-06:00

We headed off on a great adventure.

Not quite sure of what was in store!

The conference began.

Stories were shared, learned, and practiced.

We prayed for guidance and boldness.

We spent time in homes.

We were thankful for the time we had together.

We prepared for a final training on Friday.

And had to say our last goodbyes.
Praying that the time we had together and the stories that were
shared will carry on long after we are gone.

~Heather

A birthday to remember

2010-01-29T10:00:00.000-06:00

Monday was my birthday. I don't love celebrating my birthday. I don't like to stand before a group and be found at the center of attention. I am a behind the scenes kind of girl. So, deep down in my heart, I may have been disappointed if my birthday had gone unmentioned, but it was much better than running the risk of being put in the spotlight. I assumed I was pretty safe since I was spending the day with brand new friends.

We were staying in a hotel just on the outskirts of the big city. As I was finishing getting ready, I heard 5 voices singing "Happy Birthday." I peeked out to find the sweet faces of these 5 new friends who were visiting from the states. I stepped out of my room to find balloons and some of my favorite treats. These precious girls wanted to make my birthday special.

The day opened with these new friends showing love. Following breakfast, we spent time in worship together. We sang some of my favorite songs of praise. I sat on the floor, bare-footed, and shared one of my favorite stories from God's word.

The ST4T conference began and we sang out praises with national women in their heart language. I saw national women equipped to share the stories of how the Father has changed their lives with others who don't yet believe. The day closed knowing that the Father is truly at work in my heart, while He is at work all over South Asia.

Indeed, it was a special day.

~Heather

Cost, or Offering?

2010-01-29T09:19:00.006-06:00

My days in the big city have come and gone. They were filled with awe and reflection. Awe of what a mighty, faithful God we serve, and reflection on what I am willing to sacrifice for Him.

I spent a week of my time in the big city with five amazing young women from SEBTS, and their one fearless male leader. It was a remarkable time, in terms of results seen, as well as those unseen. Truly amazing. We opened each day with worship. We sang; we prayed; we dove into His story.

Wednesday morning, I shared the story of the woman with the alabaster flask of ointment (from Luke 7:36-50). This woman was willing to offer all that she had to Jesus. She poured out on Him the most costly thing she owned. Did she consider it a cost, or an offering?

I began to wonder, "How often do I see things I give to the Lord as a cost, rather than an offering? Am I willing to give to Him the most costly thing that I have?" This woman received the same salvation that I have. It is my prayer that I would all that I have for all that He has given me.

After our time or worship each morning, we headed to a local church to train women to use His stories to share with those who do not yet believe. The women that we trained understood cost. I wonder if they saw what they gave as cost, or offering.

Sheila was a dark-skinned, quiet lady who wasn't eager to share her story. After the first day of training, we wondered whether she was a true believer, whether she would return for another day of training.

To my utter surprise, she was right on time and ready to begin day 2. Day 2 began with going out in small groups to share the stories that had been learned on the previous day. As we headed out, Sheila was in my group.

We were warmly invited into the home of one who worships many gods. One of the women in the small group I was with shared her story. Immediately following, I heard, "my husband doesn't know I am here." These words were coming from Sheila. "He beats me when I come home, if he finds out I was at church," she continued, "so sometimes I can't make it to church." Her voice grew to be louder, more confident. "Jesus has changed my life. He has given me all that I need. He gives me peace and hope. He loves me. I choose to worship only Him. He wants to change your life, too. I want you to experience the peace that He can bring you," she shared with our host.

Sheila continued to share stories from God's word and encouraged our host to trust Jesus, and worship Him only.

Sheila understood cost. Or, did she count it an offering? Would I be willing to make such a sacrifice?

~Heather

She came back

2010-01-08T13:41:00.005-06:00

The afternoon had come. I was tired. My Hindi had been lacking all morning. I was hot. I was ready to call it a day. But we were again invited in.

As I stooped my head and stepped through the doorway, I was greeted by the smell of gasoline. I'm not sure where we were. Was this a home; was it a shop? Was it maybe both? The man inside grabbed a broom to sweep over the dirt floor. He quickly placed an old curtain on the floor upon which we were to sit.

As we spoke with the man, I asked if he was a believer. He assured me that he was. I encouraged him to seek to be used by the Father to reach others. Again, he assured me that he did. As we continued to dialogue, the crowd of onlookers continued to grow.

Amongst the crowd, two non-believing women were found, each seated on opposite sides of the room in make-shift chairs. A friend who had come in with me began to share the story of truth. One of the women listened intently, the other continually looked around the room. As my friend approached the climax of the story, the second woman excused herself to escort her young son to school.

Just as the story concluded, the woman who had departed earlier quietly slipped back into the room. Following a moment of quiet, my friend decided to repeat the story, beginning at the point at which the lady had departed.

As story was completed for the second time and the women were asked to respond. I assumed that they had only listened out of courtesy, and that the comings and goings from the room had only aided in providing additional distraction.

To my utter amazement, each of the two women proclaimed that they believed the story to be true and wanted to ask the Father to give them salvation.

I'm ashamed of myself. Who am I to assume that He isn't at work? He continues to prove to me that He is faithful and that He will use our most feeble attempts of serving Him to do really amazing things.

I was tired, but I went in, sat down, and struggled through communicating the Father's love to people who are not so different from me. And because so, there were angels singing as the Father's family increased by two more.

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

~Heather

Overwhelmed

2010-01-08T11:11:00.002-06:00

I am working with some friends in the big city this week. During the day, we have been going into the city and seeking to follow the model provided in Luke 10.

Today as we walked about, talking with ladies, I was completely overwhelmed by the task at hand- sharing the truth with those who have yet to hear it. There are too many. The task is too big. There aren't enough of us, and too many of them.

As my head swam with questions and I sought to find a solution, there was a gentle assurance, a strong piller amidst my shifting thoughts.

"This isn't your task, my daughter, it's mine. I will use you. I want to use you. I can accomplish far beyond anything you can ask or imagine. Remember that I am the one who puts the moon and stars in place and roves about the earth drawing people to myself. This is my task, and I have a plan. Just walk obediently, and I will use you."

The sweet reminder and assurance of a Father who loves his children.

~Heather

Big city, here I come!

2010-01-06T23:46:00.004-06:00

This village girl has packed her bag and headed to the big city. Don't worry, it won't be for too long, then I will be ready to return to M-town. I am a village girl at heart, for sure.

I have been given the opportunity to help lead a team of friends from the states in sharing His stories, and training others to do so, in Mumbai. I am thrilled with the opportunity. I know the Father has amazing plans in store for the days ahead. You can stay connected with what we are up to and what the Father is doing by checking out the links in the "Stay Connected" post below.

*Thank the Father for this amazing opportunity.
*Ask the Father to use each of those in Mumbai this week in a mighty way and that He would call the people of this city unto Himself.
*Ask the Father to allow my Hindi to flow smoothly and increase each day.
*Ask Him to use me to draw others to Him.

~Heather

Stay Connected

2010-01-06T23:29:00.002-06:00

Mumbai is the pulse of India. The city is a contrast of Bollywood and slums, commerce and unemployment, rich and poor. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Mumbai, India, has about 21 million people in 300 square miles. That is 70,000 people per square mile. It has been said that if you embarked on the task of talking to every person in Mumbai for one minute – working eight hours a day, seven days a week – it would take you 120 years, and that's if no one were born during that time!

But today teams landed in Mumbai to do just that – to start talking, to engage the people of Mumbai in spiritual conversation!

Join these teams of musicians, students and leaders in their search to find persons of peace as they share stories of life change through Jesus.

Email Heather for "staying connected" contact info.
~Heather

Hard Days

2010-01-06T12:30:00.000-06:00

Cathy & I have found ourselves in hard times right now. Hard days come, and hard days go, but sometimes they seem to stick around for a little while.

As I left for the airport in the wee hours of the morning, heading off to this great adventure, my heart stung. This was an assignment for Cathy & I to complete together. However, the situation has left me to complete it alone.

Most days, in South Asia, you find yourself not feeling great, but just pressing through, knowing that tummys and heads, noses and throats, they just don't love living in South Asia. Most days we just feel kind of "yucky."

On Friday we decided that there was something more to Cathy's "feeling yucky." So, we headed to Delhi, grabbing what we needed to stay for the night, see the doctor, and return home.

After a series of lab tests, Cathy was diagnosed with Typhoid. Now Cathy is going to be just fine and at the top of her game again soon, but for right now, we are having hard days. I had to leave Cathy in Delhi to recover and march on to conquer this adventure solo.

I don't understand why the Father is allowing these hard times, but I am thankful that He is an ever-present help in time of need.

*Thank the Father for good medical care for Cathy.
*Ask the Father to heal and encourage Cathy.
*Ask the Father to use even these times to draw Cathy & I closer to Himself, as well as, together as a united team.

~Heather

Sacred Marriage

2010-01-01T11:39:00.006-06:00

Over the Christmas break, I aspire to read books that have been waiting on my shelf for my eye and pen. Sacred Marriage, by Gary Thomas, finally got the read it deserved. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Does God have more for marriage than a dutiful commitment to remain until death effectively separates? While other marriage books focus on practical issues, encompassed in marriage, like communication, parenting, finances and sex, Sacred Marriage primarily focuses on a theological view of marriage and its details. Calling into question our purpose in marrying, Gary Thomas succeeds in introducing a kaleidoscope view of marriage centering around the opportunity to be refined by the Father.

Every encounter, conflict and event of marriage has opportunity to teach us and draw us nearer to the God we profess and love. Marriage provides a place for sin to be exposed - scary as it may be. Struggling and conflict teach forgiveness.

Thomas lays out the idea of building a sacred history; a story to be treasured, and not disregarded. This sacred history is a tool to teach perseverance. Thomas advocates what he calls "falling forward." He promotes moving toward your spouse, in love, compassion, forgiveness, all the while recognizing they are married to a flawed human being, as well. As one continues to fall forward, servitude is brought into focus. Marriage is fertile ground to cultivate the servant heart displayed by our Savior.

Perhaps one of the most encouraging chapters deals with becoming more aware of God's presence, through marriage. As spiritual insights develop from your sexual relationship, with your spouse, and character develops from everyday struggles, a sensitivity, to God and His moving, grows. Being aware of God's presence lends itself to seeing your marriage with a mission. Your marriage has purpose. A calling and mission is laid out for you and your spouse. Gary Thomas reins all his efforts into helping your realize that, while your calling is unique in aspects, holiness is a common denominator of all purpose in marriage.

Gary Thomas' straight-forward, thick, some times dry style of writing may prove to be more difficult to sail through; but, give it your full attention. Let this be a step towards more fully recognizing marriage as a beautiful picture, painted by God, to reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church. Begin to see your marriage as a Gospel issue. Know that aiming for less than displaying God's redemptive work, in your life and marriage, is handicapping the potential for joy in the life of your marriage. Recognize that if you choose to give up, to quit, you are playing in to Satan's hand and excitement of marring the Gospel displayed in the most passionate, beautiful actualization embedded in creation. And, if you are single, like me, read this book and know that if God calls you into marriage, you can enter with a weapon to fight against the Enemy and for the glorification of Christ.

~Sarah

A peek into my heart...

2009-12-11T03:40:00.005-06:00

Each time I sit down to blog and type in a post title, a new song comes to mind. Cathy & I worship together a couple of times each week. It's such a sweet time. We love fun, new songs, but it is funny to me that we always find ourselves going back to the hymns of old. They just always seem to give me the words that my heart is feeling.

I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene.

Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness;

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed, thy hand hath provided;

Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

~Heather

All in a Day's Journey

2009-12-10T10:13:00.004-06:00

An email came on Friday evening that threw the schedule for a loop, to say the least. We were informed that we needed to make a quick journey to the bordering country in the north. Now, when I say "quick," that is a relative term. It needed to take place soon. It did take place soon; it did not happen quickly.

See, there was a possibility that we would be required to remain outside of India for a couple of months. I found it quite challenging to locate and pack all that I may need for two months in a small, carry-on sized suitcase. However, I did, in fact, pack what I decided I needed, if indeed, we had to remain out of our country for an extended amount of time.

The Father provided way for us to exit and reenter the country within the week. What a blessing! I am thrilled to be headed home to M-town. We haven't yet made it there, but hope to continue the journey shortly and reach home by noon tomorrow.

The following is a short recap of the today's return travel:

Just after breakfast, I finalized the repacking of everything for the return trip.
We walked the long driveway with all of our belongings in tow.
After a short walk down the road, we perched ourselves, and our bags, on a bicycle rickshaw.
The rickshaw took us to the border (approximately 5 or 6 kilometers) and stayed with us the duration of the immigration process.
After reentering India, I bargained with a taxi to bring us to another city.
The taxi journey lasted just over 5 hours.
During that journey, some road rage got the best of our driver, and he pulled over to physically and verbally fight with the driver of another vehicle.
A small, mild mannered man had ridden in the taxi with us and got out of the car to quietly encourage our driver to let things be and continue our travels.
Once reaching our destination, we were dropped off at the train station.
We are now waiting for the train to come. It is only running 30 minutes late, so far.
We will board the train for a 9 1/2 hour trip to M-town.
Once we reach M-town, we will climb the steep steps of the city bus to ride about an hour, to a point close to home.
We will drag ourselves down Pothole Lane and finally reach home sweet home.

Home again, home again, jiggity jig!
I will certainly do a jig, if I have the energy to do so.
Every single day is full of adventure!

~Heather

*Praise the Father for traveling mercies and the ability to exit and reenter the country without difficulty.
*Praise the Father for His guidance in each step.
*Ask the Father to guide others as they will have to complete a similar journey.
*Ask the Father to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual renewal.
*Ask the Father to ordain opportunities to share the story of the Birth of His Son during this joyous season.

Here and Not There

2009-12-09T19:13:00.006-06:00

There is hardly a worse feeling than being unable to help. Not, "oh, I wish I could but I have an appointment," or "I don't know how to do that, I am sorry;" but, a literal inability to do. It is a frustrating paralyzation when one realizes that the situation requires more and is indefinitely out of reach. When a simple hug, a strong embrace, would alleviate much of the tension, the inter-turmoil, surrounding, engulfing, a precious one, but you just can't get your hands untied. What to do?

If I let this stew long enough, it leads to disgusting characteristics - a pity for myself, and because I pity myself, a slight contempt for others. Why go there?

I must interject that it is in this time that I am eternally grateful that my counseling program is hip to boundaries. We are taught to maintain boundaries, to not weave in and out of the client's experience, not to counsel from our own experience, but from objectivity. To throw someone a rope, down a hole, amongst the mud, and not climb down in the hole with them and sit. To be empathic and not sympathetic.

Heather is a long way away tonight. Days upon days are starting to way intolerably. I sit here and not there, painfully aware of my inability, wanting to trust the Lord with this situation. Isn't that where help truly begins?

~Sarah

From Time to Time I Recall...

2009-12-04T19:00:00.006-06:00

"Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding." Proverbs 17:27

Papaw did not like to venture outside of Sabine County and found particular favor for his small cedar-sided house. But there exists a hope that can make a homebody want to travel. He was tired. He was ready. And, some Septembers ago, four to be exact, Papaw went home.

Vivid memories of those few hours, before Papaw died, still float around. Dear friends stayed up late with me, drove me to the airport, gave me comfort. I flew, on Continental, from Nashville, to Houston. My cousin Anthony took me from the airport to the hospital. I was wearing a pink, long sleeve oxford, khaki shorts and slouchy, brown leather flip flops. His chest heaving sharply for breath. His swollen, taut skin. Tired family napping in the chapel, sitting in the hospital room. The few moments we shared, just he and I. And thirty minutes later, a room full of family watching, as the nurse checked his vitals, and then told us she was sorry. The sigh of emotion, relief, grief....peace.

A man, I had never laid eyes on, who's twig is somehow affix to our family tree, preached the funeral. He was long winded. But, he illuminated a bit of Papaw's character that is often the encouragement to conviction. As he labored behind the pulpit, trying to do his best, he recalled Papaw's manner of reflection, his slowness to speak, his caution in answering. He noted, "there were times when you thought he wasn't going to answer..." He went on to explain that Papaw said little that was not weighed. And, because of this, what he said carried weight.

He listened. This is probably why he was, and still is, the only one who could tell me and my mother apart on the phone. Phone rang, I answered, with my East Texas hello, and he would kindly respond, "Is this Miss Sarah?" He knew my voice because he had listened to it time and time again. Listening has a chance when you are not quick to speak. Words, that do not flood the atmosphere, are valuable.

There many days this memory creeps up on me and I long to be a woman who never rushes to speak, who weighs her words - consistently, by default. To not speculate out loud, to choose no answer over whatever half answer systematic logic can conjure. And, as I wrestle with how to be better, my heart is thankful that in dying Papaw was able to point his family in a direction called out and honored in Scripture.

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak..." James 1:19a

~ Sarah

city of villages

2009-11-23T05:58:00.003-06:00

I set out to prayer walk at least a few times each month. It's an amazing time to spend with the Father asking for His hand to move throughout M-town.

He takes this time to show me new places and to meet new people. Sometimes I find myself on a University campus and sometimes I find myself in a field; sometimes He leads me to neighborhoods of middle-class people and sometimes He leads me to the slums; sometimes I walk through busy intersections and sometimes I walk along a dirt footpath.

Last week I set out to prayer walk and found myself walking into a little village. It was a little village right in the middle of M-town.

India is a country of villages. M-town is a city of villages.

This village had such a sweet spirit. The men, women, and children were quite curious of these two foreign women walking along their paths. A crowd of children began to follow Cathy & I. I spoke to them and they giggled as they respectfully replied.

We walked by gates and saw women completing their daily chores. Many of them chose to come close to the walkway to see what was happening. These sweet women invited us in. They were not harsh, they were not rude, they were merely curious and hospitable. They offered all that they had, their time, and possibly a cup of tea.

A village is a small area in which a concentrated number of people live. These people live in tight community. They operate often as one large family.

What an amazing couple of hours is was to be welcomed into this village. It is my prayer that the Father would allow me opportunities to build relationships with those in these villages, that I would have the opportunities to share His stories, and that His stories would ignite and spread rapidly from village to village, calling these precious men, women, and children to know Him as Savior.

~Heather

*Ask the Father to lead me into villages who are open and willing to hear His story.
*Ask the Father to allow communication to flow easily and that His story would be shared in a way that is understood by all those who hear.
*Ask the Father to soften the hearts of the people of M-town and that they would choose to follow only Him.

a teacher's heart

2009-11-23T05:36:00.005-06:00

This teacher's heart often longs to return to the classroom, even if only for just a little while. Actually, any teaching could lessen the longing.

I am in language classes three times a week, but learning isn't nearly as enjoyable as teaching!

I recently spent a day with a lady, Anna, who has around 30 children who come to her house each afternoon for school. The families of these children can't afford schooling. They range in age from 5 to 12 years old. Anna doesn't have any teaching experience, but she does love these children and they in turn, love her. I have returned to Anna's home from time to time to interact with the children and to assist her a bit in teaching. Now, rest assured, Anna doesn't speak any English, so our communicating is often a bit comical.

Anna recently had a baby. The baby is just beautiful. I had planned to make a school visit on Friday. Anna knew I was coming. As I arrived, a bit late due to a long bus journey, I saw the children seated in rows on a large mat on the dirt yard, but I did not see Anna. I asked Anna's husband where she was and he reported that the baby was sick and Anna had taken the baby to the doctor's office. The children were waiting for me to arrive, to teach them.

I froze. I didn't have a lesson plan. I didn't know these children's names. I don't speak the language of these children well. But, I was there. They were there. So, away we went into unknown territory for us all!

As I taught, they often looked at me with confusion. They sometimes didn't respond. But, as I began to affirm their answers and to give them my undivided attention, their little faces lit up with a sense of accomplishment.

My Hindi has such a long way to go. But, my heart lept with joy. I was teaching. Children were learning. What could be better?

~Heather

*Thank the Father for this amazing opportunity for my teacher's heart to be satisfied.

*Ask the Father to continue to increase my abilities to communicate in Hindi.

*Ask the Father to allow opportunities to share His story with these children and their families.

*Ask the Father to draw these families into a relationship with Him.

the quiche is in the oven, well, almost

2009-11-20T10:15:00.004-06:00

It has been a difficult week, to say the least. It hasn't been a bad week. It has just been full, and exhausting. It has been one of those weeks that has been all encompassing, there have been sweet times, stressful times, disappointing times, and refreshing times.

Guests are wonderful! I have had so many guests! It is so nice to get to have guests in my home. I have been visited by people from here, there, and everywhere!

Thursday, guests were coming and I planned to bake a quiche for lunch. I was pretty excited to try something new. Now, I didn't have a pie dish, and had unsuccessfully searched for one, but decided to carry on the search. On Wednesday evening I did in fact find a glass pie dish for purchase.

Now, the electricity is turned off from around 8am every morning until 1pm every afternoon. This usually isn't a factor, because typically guests come for dinner, but Thursday's guests were for lunch. Since I had planned to serve quiche and had indeed located a pie dish, I was determined to continue on with this plan.

I decided to get up at 7am on Thursday morning and bake the quiche. I would just serve it at room temperature. However, I was up quite late on Wednesday night cleaning and preparing for the coming day, so Thursday morning I was not thinking too clearly.

Just before 7, the alarm clock sounded and in my groggy state, assembled the quiche in my new glass pie dish. I placed it in the preheated oven, and closed the door. Well, I almost closed the door. The oven door wouldn't close by 2 1/2 or 3 inches. The glass dish was too big!

What to do? Well in my foggy state of mind, I decided that if I covered the opening in the oven door, it would bake just fine. Out of sight, out of mind.

So, I just draped a towel over the door and went back to sleep while the quiche baked. I got up and turned it once just before the cooking time had passed. The electricity was turned off a little early, so the baking time hadn't even had time to lapse. I just had to hope for the best!

I served the quiche for lunch and it was quite a hit. Necessity is truly the mother of invention! Who knew that eggs would indeed bake in an open oven! Just one more adventure to add to the list! Life in India is never dull...

~Heather

hope

2009-11-20T10:09:00.002-06:00

"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:2-5

for the children

2009-11-18T14:27:00.006-06:00

Please join me in pleading with the Father to draw the children of M-town unto Himself.

~Heather

"The Bible So Song"

2009-11-04T12:48:00.008-06:00

Yesterday, I spent the day with a precious little boy. His name is Maddon and our days together usually include taking adventures or being creative. I love that.

Lately, I have been wondering how I could weave Christ's love for Maddon into our day. And, let's blame it on the seminary training, I have been wanting to communicate to Maddon the deep theological truths of our faith. How do I bundle everything that is so great about Christ, so necessary to know Him and so fascinating to be obedient too? How do you eat a theological elephant?.... One small truth at a time. While driving, I was reminded of a simple song; and, as Maddon and I drove back to his house, I began to sing:

Jesus loves me this I know;

For the Bible tells me so;

Little ones to Him belong,

they are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me.

The Bible tells me so.

There is was, everything I wanted to introduce Maddon too. The authority of God's Word, the love of Christ, the strength found only in Him....all in a song I learned when I was two. Maddon loved it! I must have sang those lines 50 times. Fifty times of telling this sweet little boy that the God of the universe loves us and he can know that because His Word says this love is so.

Yesterday started out as an average, creative, adventurous day, with Maddon. The day ended with the Lord reminding and allowing me to share in His work, to invest in a life for eternal purpose. With one little song, containing several Truths, our afternoon went from typical Maddon and Sarah Jacks fun to creative didactic.

Oh, that we do not get so caught up in ideas that we forget to sing a song....

~Sarah

Road trip

2009-10-31T03:33:00.007-05:00

I enjoy a road trip. It often makes for a long day, but usually includes adventures and sweet relationship building.

Friday, a road trip had been planned. It would be an early, early morning, but I knew it would be a great experience, so I consented. At 4:30am, we were ready to go. At 5:45am, the car finally arrived to pick us up. We were on Indian Standard time, for sure.

After picking up the rest of Vikki's family, the cars were filled, and we were on the road. In the three cars were Vikki, her husband, and 8 month old son, along with the baby's paternal grandparents, great-grandmother, uncles, great-aunts, nanny, Cathy, and I. It was quite a crowd. The destination? R-kesh, one of the towns along the sacred Ganga River. The purpose? The baby's Mundan ceremony.

Mundan is an important ceremony in Hindu communities. It is the tradition of shaving the hair of the baby boy, on an auspicious day in the 1st or 3rd year of the child's life, followed by offering the hair as a sacrifice to the sacred Ganga River. It is believed that this ritual will purify the child, that the shaving of the hair will rid the child of his past life's negativity, bestow long life, a better future, and protect the child from the evil eye.

After an almost 6 hour ride, we arrived in R-kesh. We rested and had tea at a resthouse and then made our trek to the Ganga for the ceremony to take place.

The grandfather took a dip in the Ganga and then held the baby and spoke blessings over him. After this, most everyone took a holy dip in the Ganga. They continually told us that they felt peace from doing so. Once the barber arrived, the baby's hair was shaved. The hair was collected and placed, along with money, between pieces of bread and then offered by the father to the Ganga. The family elders held large sums of mony over the baby and spoke blessings, to ensure him a properous life. The baby was wiped with water from the Ganga and was redressed in a fresh set of clothing.

After enjoying a traditional lunch with these sweet family members, we prepared for the long journey home. It was such a long day.

What an experience it was, to see first hand the darkness that is honored. My heart was saddened by the beliefs in the power of holy water and of religious ceremony.

The water was beautiful. The time was cherished. Relationships were deepened. The Father was there.

*Thank the Father for the opportunity to be part this family's special day.
*Ask that the Father would allow Vikki's family to find truth in him.
*Ask that the Father would continue to strengthen local relationships and use Cathy & I as his light, in such a dark place.

~Heather

A few points to consider about Indian road trips:

There will be car trouble.
There will be at least one flat tire.
At least one person will get car sick.
There will be more passengers in the vehicle than there are seats.
There will be absolutely no potty stops, even if you ask, so, limit liquid intake.
There will be countless speed bumps and pot holes, some of which the driver will slow down to pass over, others he will just pass over, so hold on tight.
The return trip will take longer than it took to reach the destination.

*Pictures are in the following post.*

Mundan

2009-10-31T03:23:00.001-05:00

blessing by paternal grandfather

taking a dip in the Ganga

shaving the hair

offering hair to the Ganga

~Heather

Holidays mean family

2009-10-31T03:12:00.006-05:00

Even so many miles from home, holidays are still about spending time with those you love. I consider it an honor that precious families have already begun to include us in their count.

*Please ask the Father to draw Koni's family into His family.

~Heather

Lord, open their homes.

2009-10-26T02:20:00.009-05:00

Prayer walk with me. We start and finish at the "big tree." At this tree, worship of idols takes place multiple times each day. Oh, that the people of M-town would come to know and worship the Most High God, the Creator, the Father who loves them so. Please ask that the Father would open the homes, and hearts, of households throughout M-town.

~Heather

*I tried to add music. Technical stuff isn't my forte! Sorry.*

Currently...

2009-10-21T12:56:00.006-05:00

The gather up the gopher wood and pitch kind of rain is falling. Big Texas drops, the drops that result from days of humidity withheld, are showering down in common time.

In my attempt to cook more, I am making meat loaf, with turkey, instead of beef, and rolled oats, rather than bread crumbs. It's supposed to be better for me. And it is. After some trial and error, reading and specific revelation from God, I have found that I should limit my intake of refined carbs.

I am, shockingly, not very interested in marriage, for myself. I am fascinated by marriage, as a Gospel issue; however, not pining for or relying on the "satisfaction" so many of us have convinced ourselves exists only for the coupled. This realization appeared yesterday.

I have never walked this closely with the Lord. Gone are the days of convincing myself grandiose life awaits in the atmosphere of the next great stage, town, task. This is a new stride in life for me. Enjoying the journey, ridding myself of useless desires, finding wealth in relationship, reveling in God's will and realizing the responsibility to continue seeking Him. And, this seeking Him is not reflected in me having it together, displaying vast knowledge; rather, in Him and His strength and faithfulness gloriously displayed through obedience to His Word. Lord help my unbelief!

On that note, I have decided to extend my time at Seminary, by one semester. There will be days, lots of days, I will wish to be much nearer to completing my degree. Hopefully, those days will fade with presto. I have decided to let the remainder of my classes resinate.

The meat loaf is starting to give scent to my apartment. Rain drops have decreased in measure. I have officially enjoyed the current genius playlist on my iTunes to the maximum. I should create a new one soon.

Enjoy your day.

(One of a collection of recent creative efforts)

~Sarah

Diwali

2009-10-19T22:40:00.002-05:00

Diwali has officially come to a close. Hopefully the nightly midnight fireworks are also coming to an end. The holiday certainly didn't turn out as we had expected, but I know that it is what the Father had planned. I am earnestly searching for the place that I walk in step with him, daily, in all things; and find true satisfation, complete contentment, and ultimate joy in doing so.

We did get to spend bits of time with those we are coming to know and love. The time with sweet friends is something I have come to treasure. Cathy & I spent good time together. We watched fireworks from our roof, walked down the street to look at the lights, and spent time worshipping the Father. It was a good day. May we truly abide in him and seek to be guided by his plans, rather than any plans we make on our own.

Cathy & I have been distributing gifts and cards to the families around us. We wrote words of truth on those cards. May the Father allow those to fall into the hands and be read by the eyes of those whom he is drawing to himself. Ask the Father to use his words to soften the hearts of these precious friends.

I am looking forward to all he has in store. He has certainly allowed the days gone by to be quite an adventure. However, I have no doubt that the best is yet to come. It is! He will return one day. He will meet us in the air. It is more than I can imagine. May we all live each day looking forward to and ready for that day.

~Heather

The lights are being hung

2009-10-14T10:21:00.005-05:00

The children are excited. Diwali is coming! Lights are strung on homes. Gifts are being purchased. Plans are being made.

Diwali will be celebrated in our area on Saturday, and the days following. It is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, within individuals. It is a time that includes the worship of light. It is a time that people seek to drive away darkness and engulf the light of knowledge.

Cathy & I will visit in the homes of our neighbors and friends. We will take gifts with the message of hope attached. We plan to boldly share the story of The Light of the World. Join us in asking that the Father show His hand mighty this week as we share. May this be a week that we see His kingdom grow in number!

~Heather

The saga continues...

2009-10-14T09:51:00.004-05:00

Are you tired of hearing about these mice? Yes, they seem to have multiplied. Since they are still present and accounted for, I visited the carpenter today. He came and nailed boards to the bottom of my door so that the door would be flush to the floor, as to keep mice out.

To no avail, as I was lying across the bed this afternoon resting for just a few minutes, yes, I saw a little critter scurry across my floor. I redressed and gathered my belongings and headed off to the market. There is a little store not too far away of which I have become a regular. Two older men, who are brothers, own and run the shop. They know a little English and they have become quite helpful in times of need.

I entered the shop and told one of the gentlemen (in my best Hindi), "Uncle, I need help. There are mice in my house. I am not happy. What can I do?" With a gentle smile and a nod to an employee, he produced a small box. As I took the box from it, it read "Rat Kill Cake." He asked how many I would like. I asked how many he had? I bought all four. Surely they will be gone soon, surely.

*Here's my door with it's new addition, and my latest purchase, rat kill cakes.*

~Heather

Oh, that their hearts would be opened

2009-10-13T00:19:00.002-05:00

Cathy & spent time prayer walking our area this morning. We found intricate networks of roadways and pathways weaving together the peoples of M-town.

There were extravagant homes that are owned by doctors, lawyers, and professors. There were desolate homes composed of some old bricks and a tarp that belonged to families of 6 or 8.

We passed by those who were intrigued by us, and by others who did not even choose to glance our way.

Some gates were open; some gates were closed.

Some faces were open; and some faces were closed.

Some hearts are open; some hearts are closed.

May each of these hearts and homes be softened, and opened to the Father.

~Heather

*Thank the Father for where He has placed Cathy & I.
*Ask the Father to direct us to those who are open to hearing His story.
*Ask the Father to allow those who worship created things to become dissatisfied, and, therefore, search for the Truth.

An update on the "little creature"...

2009-10-13T00:12:00.003-05:00

I awakened this morning, sure I would find an exterminated mouse under my refrigerator. I gathered the necessary supplies and the motivation to move the refrigerator and clean up whatever I found. I unplugged the refrigerator. As I began to move it, I saw a little piece of sponge. As I continued to shift the refrigerator, I found all 8 pieces of sponge. That little rascal didn't eat the sponge, he just moved it under the refrigerator!

Needless to say, all I found under the refrigerator was 8 pieces of yellow sponge and some dust; no mouse was there, dead or alive. Wonders never cease!

The tubing that connects my sink drain to the main drain had been moved and was no longer attached. The house helper may have moved it; the mouse may have moved it; it may have moved all by itself. I am going to just decide to believe that the little critter decided to take the route outside, by means of the water drain. It could be true, right?

~Heather

All creatures great and small...

2009-10-12T00:27:00.004-05:00

Around here, there are a few critters, and creatures, to say the least. We have the usual instigators, mice, rats, cats, dogs, spiders, ants, mosquitoes, and then we have a few that are not so typical, monkeys (large and small), pigs, goats, large lizard-like things, the list goes on...

I have had a little practice already of trapping and killing the mice and rats. Between my apartment, and Cathy's, I am becoming well-versed in the "how-to's of rodent extermination." And then, there are the creatures that you just learn to live with because getting rid of them is just too large of a task!

However, Cathy & I had a new adventure with creatures this weekend in the hill town that we visited. There were monkeys. There were lots, and lots, and lots, of monkeys.

We had already visited a wonderful little store at the top of the path and Cathy had gotten a Pop-Tart to eat. She had opened it and had eaten some of it, but wrapped the remainder and had it in a plastic shopping bag.

As we walked down the pathway, we saw an area that we had to pass through which had monkeys on either side. There was no way to avoid the monkeys. We had to walk through them. And, Cathy had open food on her! Not a good combination.

I had already told her the story of being attacked by monkeys one day when I was with some children who were eating peanuts. We had to walk through the monkeys in order to continue on our way. There was no other option.

Cathy was convinced, that because they were scurrying, they were going to get us. I told her, "If they come for the food, give it up!" However, after all of this, I am pleased to announce that we successfully passed through the monkeys without incident. There were several minutes that it was touch and go!

It just makes me laugh. I am convinced that the Father has such a sense of humor. We have certainly done many things since our arrival in country that were much more difficult than passing through a large group of monkeys, but it was the monkeys that caused us alarm!

~Heather

*Just a note to update you: I wrote and posted this entry this morning. That sense of humor that the Father has; it has in fact been apparent today. I spent the better part of an hour chasing a mouse around the kitchen. He is itty-bitty and superfast. He would go from under the refrigerator, to in the pots, to on the gas cylinder. After getting tired and frustrated, Cathy suggested that I Google, "How to kill a mouse." There were, indeed, many recommendations. The one that I had the supplies for involved leaving out oil soaked sponges for the mouse to eat, and that is supposed to do the job of extermination. Well, there were 8 oil soaked sponge pieces in my kitchen floor an hour ago, and now there is only one. Surely this will work, surely!

My Best Day

2009-10-11T08:25:00.013-05:00

At the end of the day, one of the things I like to ask Sarah is, "What was your best thing today?" I love to hear about her favorite part of each day. I love to see how the Father is providing, protecting, and blessing each and every day.

I think the Father gives us best things each day, and best days every so often. A couple of Saturdays ago, I had the opportunity to go meet and spend the day with a precious national family. They are believers.

The woman of this family has between 22 and 25 children from the slum come to her home each afternoon to have school. The families of these children cannot afford to send the children to school. In India, there are no cost free schools, all education requires tuition to be paid, therefore, a huge population of Indians never get to spend a day in school.

This woman is doing her very best to teach, using a one house school room type approach and she hasn't had any training in teaching. The family had been asking that I come to spend some time there with them, observe, and offer any suggestions or assistance possible.

It was an amazing day for me. I didn't realize just how much my teacher's heart has missed the classroom. I loved sitting with the children and allowing them to show me all that they had learned. I loved that this sweet teacher wants to do her very best and is so open to new ideas and teaching strategies. It is my earnest prayer that the Father allow me to get to be involved with this program, as well as others like it.

M-town is well known for their production of athletic equipment. The families in this particular area weave badmitton rackets. I sat with some women who were chatting close-by and watching the children have school. Once I joined them, I saw the unfinished rackets on the ground and asked about them. The young ladies immediately showed and taught me to weave the racket. It was such fun to sit, laugh, and chat with them while we wove rackets.

We took the opportunity to speak to the Father with our new friends before heading home. What a wonderful, fulfilling day! I can hardly wait to see what else the Father has planned in the days, weeks, and months to come.

~Heather

*Thank the Father for giving me a "best day so far."

*Ask that the families in this area would become more open and their hearts would be softened, in order to understand and believe the truth.

*Ask that the father guide and protect this family as they strive to share within their community.

*Ask that the Father would reveal His plan for how we are to encourage and support this program.

*Ask the Father to continue to sustain Cathy & I as we strive to learn Hindi well and build relationships that will eternally change lives.

*Ask the Father to continue to allow good conversation about Him with my language helper, Koni, as well as all of those in our community.

The Latest Adventures

2009-10-11T07:05:00.006-05:00

Cathy & I had a beautiful a day of retreat and sweet partnership building fellowship in the foothills of the Himalayas. We so enjoyed the beautiful scenery and fresh air.

My language helper, Koni, and I made Indian parathas with potato and onions. We have so much fun when we moving language learning into the kitchen! Pictured above, we were just finishing tea and parathas.

Those of you who know me must know full well my love for organization, planning/scheduling, and timeliness. So, you may not be surprised by my current fascination with beautiful, or unique, clocks. It seems that every area has a clock tower, an idea carried over from the years of British rule, I am assuming. Pictured above, you see the beautiful clock tower of M-town, and below is the clock tower of the hill town that Cathy and I recently visited.

~Heather

A Visit to Koni's Village

2009-10-10T11:24:00.000-05:00

~Heather

Faces of M-town

2009-10-10T11:06:00.000-05:00

~Heather

Sights of M-town

2009-10-10T10:20:00.002-05:00

~Heather

Days

2009-09-12T00:54:00.003-05:00

All days are special.

Some days are really great.

Other days are just hard.

Why are they hard? Sometimes there is particular thing that makes them hard, but at other times, they are just hard for a pile of reasons and no certain reason at all.

These days seem to be a little harder than others have been. I'm reaching that plateau in language and not seeing too much progress. I'm enjoying my new apartment but it feels like there will never be a time when everything is done. I'm craving Sonic and Chili's and Papasito's. I'm missing birthday parties and other special events.

These days will pass. I know they will. I know He has called me here and I don't want to be anywhere but in the center if His will. I know there are great days ahead, so I press forward, straining toward the finish line, knowing that He is faithful in all things.

May we look back and be reminded of His faithfulness and press forward trusting that same faithfulness.

~Heather

Last Day

2009-09-04T07:07:00.009-05:00

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."Jeremiah 29:11

This morning, I get ready for my last day of work, at my current job. I have enjoyed my time and the friends I have made at Kobi. And, I am so thankful that I can leave on a positive note. I am thankful that the Lord has given me the grace to finish well, the words to say to show appreciation and the awareness of the opportunity to glorify Him in the situation. I know He will continue to provide. I am comforted by His encouraging my spirit, as I continue to take steps in the direction He is leading. Sweet friends have offer to help me look for employment. They have offered to pray and have given me the kindest words of encouragement. In these weeks of unemployment, I will have more time to prepare for sessions, studying and working at becoming a better student of counseling and counselor. I love that.

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

As I step into a difficult time, financially, accompanied by the less than hopeful economic scene, I know this may not be easy. I know I will have to give up some conveniences, turn some dinner invitations down, advise the Chic-fil-a workers of my temporary absence; but, what an opportunity I have to draw near to the Father and learn more about Him, as He teaches me more of who I am in Him.

"And you have seen all that the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake, for it is the Lord your God who has fought for you." Joshua 23:3

He knows my future. He is able to provide. He causes all things to work together for my good. He will fight for me. I am His, purchased by the blood of His Son. His to mold, His to sanctify, His to love. All that He has done before and all that He will do again is greater than all that I could dream up and work to accomplish. In His will is where I want to be found.

Seeking Him.

~Sarah

House of peace and love

2009-09-02T08:42:00.004-05:00

I have prayed, "Lord, make my house one that overflows with your peace and love. Use this place to draw people to an understanding of the truth."

What does a house of peace and love look like? I'm not sure it has a look. But, I know how it feels. It has a distinct feeling. I want those who come into my home to notice and feel that sweet presence of a Father who loves them dearly. I want them to yearn to know what is different about a household that serves the Lord.

I'm not on the side of the building that is full of women who bustle up and down the stairs and speak each time they pass. Don't worry, there is plenty of movement and there are lots of community members who stop in to pay a short visit and just to check on the comings and goings, as well as to get the lastest news. We provide great entertainment for the entire community!

I have hired a lady to come each day to wash the dishes and clean the floors. It takes her only a few minutes and she speaks no english, both of which are good things for me.

After only a couple of days, my house helper began sending her daughter to do the work. I learned that the lady I hired was a young widow with 4 children. She was working several jobs to be enabled to provide for her children. So, I allowed this 12 year old little girl to do the house work. Her name is Lisa. Most days both of them come by, at different times.

Lisa goes to school in the mornings and comes by each afternoon. Many days her mother has already come and finished the work, but I greet her and invite her in. I teach her a few new english words and she corrects my Hindi.

Her mother has also begun to drop by in the early evenings. She comes in to see if there are any dirty dishes in the sink and to see if she can help with whatever I am cooking for dinner. Lisa's mother has the sweetest smile and a confident spirit. She reaches out to hug me as she leaves. When Lisa comes, she doesn't want to leave.

Today I was working on the computer, and she sat with me copying english and hindi words from a language book I let her look at. She will ask me a question every so often, or want to show me what she has written. She just wants to be close. She wants positive attention. She likes to be here. She is learning some structure and how manipulation won't get her what she wants, but I truly believe that she experiences the presence of the Lord in this house.

This is what I have asked of the Father and He has heard my plea. Great is His faithfulness.

~Heather

*Praise the Father for His answers to our every request.
*Thank the Father for making me part of this precious community.
*Ask the Father to open the hearts of Lisa and her mother to understand and believe His truth.
*Ask that the Father would make this house to be one of peace and love.

Special days

2009-09-02T08:10:00.009-05:00

Sarah's birthday has just passed. Daddy's birthday is coming. Mother's Day and Father's Day are gone for this year. Maddon has turned 2 years old. Sawyer will be 1 in September. Ellie started 4th grade, and Mason has started 1st.

This is what I miss most. My heart is sad on the special days that I miss. I love birthdays and holidays and first days of school. How can I make it special from half a world away?

How can I share with you my own special days?

Yesterday was a special day. Granted, the past two days have included my chasing a mouse, who has yet to be exterminated, around my apartment. However, an amazing phone call came mid-afternoon that just made my heart smile.

Around 2 o'clock I was out at the market and the phone rang. The market isn't a very easy place to take a call, but I answered none the less. It was my sweet friend who is living in A'bad. She called to share with me how the Father is truly at work there.

Ari has continued to read the book of truth and asked to be dunked two weeks ago. She is still the only believer in her family, but she wanted to follow the Father obediently, knowing that this included going swimming. The arrangements were made for the ceremony to take place. However, when the time came, her family told her that if she did this that she would no longer be welcome as part of the family. Emotions were high and this young lady was placed in a position that most of us can't imagine. She has not yet been able to follow through in this act of obedience.

She has been sharing with her friends what the Father is teaching her. She shares stories of truth with them. She, along with 7 others, have decided to meet together weekly to share the Father's stories! These are really amazing steps for a young lady to take. She understands what the Father is asking of her and is stepping out in faith. I know that the Father has even more incredible plans in store for Ari! He is faithful and my heart is smiling. Oh, that one day this nation would share His stories far and wide, that they would sing out in one voice of praise and honor to the Lord Most High!

~Heather

*Praise the Father for Ari's boldness to step out in faith and share His truth with those around her.
*Thank the Father for allowing me to get to share in His plan and goodness.
*Ask the Father to give Ari courage to openly speak the truth.
*Ask the Father to bring the other 7 girls to a knowledge and understanding of the truth.

Life on Pothole Lane

2009-09-02T07:45:00.009-05:00

Yes, the days continue to pass. Life in M-town is good. The days are rainy now. The rains bring an occasional breeze and lots of humidity with them. The road that runs in front of our apartments has extremely large potholes in it. I don't think our road has a name, and I needed to have something to call it for when I give Cathy directions, so I have affectionaly named it Pothole Lane.

Most days, there are several pigs that spend their day wollering in the mud. I am quite sure a couple of them are bigger than I am! Every day holds numerous adventures and I can hardly wait to see all the Father has in store. I am completely convinced that now is the time for South Asia!

blah

2009-08-27T10:36:00.002-05:00

I'm tired.
Actually, tired doesn't come close to describing how I feel.
I'm utterly exhausted.
This exhaustion has nothing to do with sleeping; it has to do with rest.
It has to do with perseverance.
It has to do with resting in the arms of the Father, even amidst all the busyness and choas that surrounds me.
It so often seems that there is so much to do and so little time to do it.
He has called each of us to a task.
I am surrounded by a nation who does not yet know the truth.
There is so much to do.
"... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." (Hebrews 12:2)
"Be still, and know..." (Psalm 46:10)
I am earnestly seeking to find the balance between the two.

~Heather

*Ask Him to grant the endurance needed to run the race He has set before me.
*Ask Him to guide me in finding the balance necessary to rest in Him and run with Him.

the change

2009-08-27T10:13:00.002-05:00

As one of only a handful of foreigners living in M-town, it is quite common to be seen as somewhat of an attraction. I am often looked at with inquisitive eyes. Only the most daring of school children will shout a quick, "Hello!" or, "How are you?"

As I walk through the community, it is often my intent to smile and make eye contact with each woman I pass, in the hopes that, after a moment, I will receive a smile in return. When possible, along with the smile, I extend a Hindi greeting.

The responses of women vary. Sometimes I get a smile, sometimes a head-nod, sometimes a verbal greeting in return. But, always, there is a curious look in their eyes. This look says, "Who are you? Why are you here?"

Each day I walk down the dirt road that runs beside my new home. This is the path I take to get to the main road. I find women, children, families, and animals all along the way. With some, I have talked, with others, I have laughed. With many, in my broken Hindi, I have attempted to share a bit of who I am, and find out more of who they are.

Saturday was different. Saturday as I walked along the road, I received smiles. I received greetings. I received invitations to be part of the lives of those along this long dirt road. As I reached the main road, I smiled. My heart smiled. On Saturday, to those who comprise my new community, I was no longer an outsider. I belonged. I was welcomed.

Great is His faithfulness!

~Heather

*Thank Him for giving me a sense of belonging.
*Ask Him to increase my ability to communicate with those along the way.
*Ask Him to soften the hearts of these and to draw them to Himself, so that they may come to know the truth.

A place to call home

2009-08-15T05:24:00.009-05:00

The time has come! I am officially settling into a new home in M-town. It is wonderful to be settling, and feel like I have a place to call home. Thank you for asking that the father would provide the right place. Cathy & I each have our own apartment, but they are quite near one another, which is perfect!

The apartments are surrounded by multiple families. We are already building so many new relationships. We are so excited to see what he has in store for those we are getting to know, and already love! May these relationships be the beginning of something truly amazing, eternally amazing!

~Heather

*Thank the father for providing this home and for the relationships that are already beginning.

*Ask the father to bless and multiply the relationships that have already begun to take root.

*Ask the father to provide the right language learning setting and to bless our language learning efforts.

Only the beginning!

2009-08-06T09:53:00.002-05:00

The saga continues. Well, it has been days and we are officially negotiating for the third or fourth set of apartments. Everyone has a reason for not wanting to rent to us. We are trusting that the Father will make a way for us to be just where he has for us. He continues to demand our total surrender and require nothing less than trusting fully in him. His strength is perfect, when our strength is gone.

In the meantime, we are staying with the S family. They are wonderful, truly. They have welcomed us into their home and lives with open arms. Last night, we were a family of 7 in a two bedroom/ one bathroom house. Tonight, we will increase to a family of 9, our supervisors are en route to M-town!

~Heather

*Thank the father for the S family, their support and encouragement, as well as, their welcoming us into their family & home.
*Thank the father for being all-sufficient.
*Ask the father to provide homes for Cathy & I.
*Ask for favor in the eyes of nationals, that they would become people of peace and goodwill.

A day in the life...

2009-08-02T03:54:00.007-05:00

The first days in M-town have been full. Every day is an adventure. We laugh, we cry, we sing, we shout. God is faithful, and we are his, so we trust.

What does a day in M-town look like? Well, every single day is a brand new adventure. There is never any telling what the next hour will bring. Monday was one of those days!

Monday morning, the alarm sounded and the day began. Cathy & I had agreed to help prepare for a training that was to begin at 10am. The center for the training had been rented, but the floors needed sweeping and to be mopped. The beds had to be made, and the bathrooms had to be cleaned. Now, I know it won't surprise you that we did these things, but imagine it in a salwar kameez, complete with dupatta (large scarf)!

A couple of hours was enough time to finish that task. I don't think I have been quite that hot, nor have I sweated that much since an Alabama July mid-afternoon softball game. It was just hot and humid! But, the opportunity to serve made the task sweeter.

We have a friend who also lives in the city, Ashley. Ashley has only been in country a few weeks and wanted to go to an open market, one that only takes place on Mondays. So, we told her to come on over and we would head out. In the meantime, the househelper was here, so I was trying to continually dialogue with her in Hindi. Before Ashley arrived, a sweet national girl stopped by for a visit. It was a wonderful opportunity to speak with her, share a snack, and be encouraged by her testimony.

Ashley arrived during Monica's visit. Shortly after Monica took her leave, Ashley, Cathy & I walked down the road and caught a local bus. This happened to be my first Indian bus experience. I typically use alternate forms of transportation. The bus was quicker than a bicycle rickshaw, but it was quite crowded, to say the least. We arrived at the market and shopped for a while, mingling with so many women and picking up a few new items, as well.

After finishing up at the market, we headed back to the bus route to catch a bus back to the home of the family with whom we are staying until we have apartments of our own. During the bus ride back, a friend called and told us to hop off of the bus and go to the apartments that we are wanting to rent. We reached the apartments and the property dealer was not in sight. I called and I had misunderstood. He was expecting us at his office. We waited and he came to the apartments. He reported that we would not be able to rent the apartments that we wanted, the owners were not comfortable renting to us. So, on to the next plan. There were two other apartments that we looked at and agreed for the negotiating with the owners to begin.

We left the apartments and grabbed a rickshaw back to the house. We arrived and showered. The water ran out between my shower and Cathy's, but returned after some time. Some friends who happened to be in the area stopped by. I greeted them, served them some cold water, and got them settled. A few minutes later, a national stopped by with her 1 year old little girl. We sat and chatted a little while. Supper had to be started and since the house was full, we would be serving a houseful!

When bedtime finally came, exhausted only grazed the surface of my condition. I praise him because his mercies are new every morning and his faithfulness is great!

There is no typical day. The only constant right now, is the necessity of flexibility with the ever-changing plan. These are good days, they are hard days. We are hearing language and seeing culture take place all around us. It is such fun to continue to interact with people more deeply every single day.

~Heather

*Ask the father to allow Cathy & I to be enabled to rent apartments and get settled soon.
*Ask that my language abilities would increase quickly.
*Ask that the father would provide language helpers that would become long-term partners.
* Ask that the father would call the people of the state of UP (where M-town is located) unto himself.
*Ask that the father would continue to strengthen Cathy & I's relationship, that he would use us to encourage and support one another, and to share his love with those around us.
*Thank the father for his continued protection and provision.
*Thank him for new friends.

Goodbye A'bad

2009-07-18T10:38:00.008-05:00

The A'bad days of Cathy, Rachel & Heather have come to a close. It was an adventurous 6 weeks. We laughed, we cried, we learned from one another, we served one another, we thrived and survived, together.

Rachel has moved on toward her new assignment now. We miss her being with us, but can hardly wait to see what the father has in store for her months ahead.

Cathy & I are currently taking Hindi Intensive classes in the capital, but a move is coming soon! We have decided to move to M-town. We will complete our language learning time there, begin forming networks & relationships, and hope to get to tell and craft some stories over the next several months. These are exciting times! May he continue to show his hand at work in, around, and through us!

~Heather

*Ask the father to give us the stamina to finish Hindi Intensives well.
*Ask the father to grant us great housing, quickly, in M-town.
*Ask him to give us wonderful relationships with national women who will be captivated by his amazing story, that they would come to know the truth, and that he would use them to draw others into his family.

Brokenness

2009-07-18T09:23:00.007-05:00

Brokenness, brokenness is what I long for.
Brokenness is what I need.
Brokenness, brokenness is what you want from me.
Take my heart and form it.
Take my mind, transform it.
Take my will, conform it,
to your's, to your's, O Lord.

Brokenness is what the Father wants us to bring to him. Brokenness is truly what we need. Only the Lord can heal our brokenness. But, is brokenness really something we long for?

The Father is at work. He is at work in me, and I pray that he is at work in you. I am quite stubborn. I like things done my way. I like to be in control of how things are done. Too often, my strong, independent spirit becomes an obstacle. I have to often ask the Father's forgiveness for doing things my own way, rather than his. He loves each of us so much though, so much that he doesn't ever stop working on us, to mold us and make us who he has for us to be, vessels through which he chooses to work. I want to be one the father chooses to work through.

In order for the Father to work through me, I must allow him to empty me of myself and fill me with himself. This means altering my prideful, I can do anything, WonderWoman attitude, and coming before him, and others, humbly, to be used to love, share, and serve.

The last months have been full of lessons on humility. I am so thankful that the Lord doesn't give up, he just keeps working on us and loving us. He accepts us each and every time we return to him. The task that is ahead is so much larger than anything any person could accomplish in and of themselves. The father has used and is using this time to show us that he is still in the miracle making business. He is, and will continue to be, at work in, around, and through us.

These weeks and lessons haven't been easy ones. Hindi has become difficult for me. I haven't enjoyed the learning process that must take place. My body isn't handling life overseas near as well as I would like. I have experienced hospitals in two countries in less than a month. Cathy & I have been on the move and without a home of our own since our arrival. We are so ready to settle. I miss people and places in America. I miss getting to be present for special occasions and I miss being part of ordinary days. These are just hard things.

I know that our God is faithful. I look back and see his faithfulness. I am choosing to look forward and trust his faithfulness. He has truly amazing plans. He will see his plans come to fruition. What an honor it is to be part of them. There are incredible days behind us, and before us. May we humbly choose to accept each opportunity as one through which to praise him!

Brokenness, brokenness is what I long for.
Brokenness is what I need.
Brokenness, brokenness is what you want from me.
Take my heart and form it.
Take my mind, transform it.
Take my will, conform it,
to your's, to your's, O Lord.

~Heather

*Ask the father to continue to heal my body completely and to protect me from further illness.
*Ask the father to allow Cathy & I to find wonderful homes quickly in our new city.
*Ask the father to grant sweet relationships with fellow workers and nationals in our new city.
*Ask the father to provide the mental capabilities and attitude to learn Hindi well and joyfully.
*Ask the father to continue to mold me into a vessel that he can use to make himself known amongst the nations.

Worth it all!

2009-07-15T10:23:00.000-05:00

On a hot Sunday morning, Cathy, Rachel & I were worshipping the father with our fellow workers in A'bad.

Rose is a househelper of one of the families. She speaks no English. We usually speak only Engish during worship. It was hot. The electricity had been out for quite a while. Worship usually lasted about 2 hours. This particular morning it lasted over 3 hours. Sometimes a few nationals joined us for worship. On this morning, one of our Indian brothers was happy to translate the entire service (which is why it lasted an extra hour).

The father had a divine appointment for us on this, our last Sunday in A'bad. He allowed us to see his hand at work. He called Rose to be a daughter in his kingdom. She accepted. The angels in heaven rejoiced. Our hearts leapt for joy. The father reminded me, "This my child, is why I have brought you here."

Mornings like that last Sunday morning in A'bad make it all worthwhile.

~Heather

*Ask the father to continue to reveal himself to Rose.
*Ask the father to use Rose to draw her family, and others, to know and trust only him.
*Ask the father to allow there to be many more mornings of seeing new brothers and sisters added to the fold.

More to come...

2009-06-09T10:58:00.004-05:00

Life is a great adventure! Living cross-culturally is a fairly wild adventure. Each day is sure to bring about something new.

Last week I became quite ill. Not to worry, I am doing much better now. However, I did spend a few days in a local hospital. I am so thankful for the services that were provided, but, it was an extreme cultural experience, to say the least.

I have thoughts to share and stories that will be priceless, but am just not quite ready to share those yet. I will share them as I am able to fully process this crazy experience. Know that the father has continued to provide for and take wonderful care of me.

Please ask him to continue to strengthen and heal my body so that I am able to soon be up and going, as strong as ever.
Please ask him to protect Cathy, Rachel, and I from illness. It certainly seems to be the enemy's sharpest and most relied upon weapon these days.

~Heather

Ari's Family

2009-06-09T10:40:00.002-05:00

Ari comes each morning and patiently assists in the learning of Hindi. Some days are certainly better than others, but she is ever patient, continually listening to and correcting my toddler-like Hindi sentences.

Ari happened to join us for fellowship and worship on Sunday morning. She became a believer just last year. Monday morning as she arrived for a language session, we had a sweet, honest discussion about believers in this culture, especially regarding how they are viewed by those who have not yet become believers.

Ari brought her cousin with her to fellowship on Sunday morning, so I enquired of whether she was a fellow believer and of her siblings, as well. Ari's cousin, Pippy, has two older brothers, one who is a believer, and one who is not. Pippy's father is a believer, but her mother is not. Ari has two younger sisters, neither of whom are believers. Also, her father is a believer, but her mother is not. As the conversation continued to get more complicated in trying to label members of Ari's family as being believers, or non, she finally looked up with the most gentle, compassionate expression on her face, and said, "I am praying for the day that my whole family believes."

Please join Ari and I in pleading with the father to bring this desire to complete fullfilment.
Ask the father to use Ari to make an eternal difference from within her family.
Ask the father to use me as an encouregement for Ari.

~Heather

Big Changes

2009-05-30T21:10:00.007-05:00

Big change happened over the Memorial Day weekend. I retired my Toile bedding for the summer. This is HUGE. Some of you may know my habit of becoming attached to things. And, well, the toile was known to make a few road trips. But, I am moving on to a new pattern. And learning to let go one day at a time..... :)

On another note, it was nice to have my Mom and sister, Kimberly, in town for the weekend. I had really been looking forward to taking some of my family to my church, to introduce them to the fabulous Dr. Wicker. Heather and I just love him -- and I knew they would, too.

~Sarah.

life's journey

2009-05-30T06:07:00.018-05:00

We are all on a journey. Journeys have a variety of destinations and purposes. Some journeys turn out to be more adventurous than others. Many come to South Asia on a spiritual journey. These wandering hearts are often misguided and looking for peace in all the wrong places.

We took the day to spend some moments experiencing and praying over some of the spiritual strongholds of the area, including the Triveni Sangam, a confluence of three rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati). The Saraswati is invisible and is said to join the other two underground.

This Sangam is known to be sacred amongst Hindus and it is believed that a ritual bath will wash away all one's sins and free one from the cycle of rebirth. The Sangam is also a respectable location to scatter the ashes of a loved one. The family accompanies the ashes with great pomp and circumstance to show honor to the deceased and offer the ashes to the gods as a last sacrifice.

Join us in asking the father to reveal himself as Creator and Redeemer, especially to those who have set out on a spiritual journey. Ask that their hearts be spurred on to continue searching, until they find eternal peace in him.

~Heather

I have so far to go...

2009-05-23T05:39:00.005-05:00

The more I learn, the more I realize that I have to learn. Isn't it like that with everything? Several years ago, I was at a particular place in my life that drew me very near to the Father. It was then that I realized how much more there was to learn and experience, of and in him.

The past week was full of cultural experiences. There were, of course, the good, the bad, and the ugly. There always are, I guess. Because I want to be seen as confident, I often come across as someone who is quite familiar with and understanding everything that is going on. I have a bit of a knack for playing it cool, for shooting from the hip. When I am shaking in my boots, I want it to look like I have it all together, like I am confident in my knowledge and understanding of every situation.

Well, don't you worry, the Father is allowing me to see every moment that I have so far to go.

I want to know the Father's story in such a way that it freely flows from of me.
I want to communicate that story on a heart level with those around me, in their heart language and in a way that is most meaningful to them.
I want those around me to hear my heart's song.
I want to find myself in perfect harmony with the Father.

I don't just want these things, they are what I long for. May each day he give me the courage, the energy, and the humility to get one step closer.

~Heather

A few "snaps" to share

2009-05-22T06:07:00.002-05:00

Recent Realizations

2009-05-19T15:19:00.006-05:00

As the Spring semester has come to a close, I have wound down quite a bit. Slowing down and not having so many things to be focused on has provided the space and time to realize. Below is a list, ever growing, that I am becoming aware of:

1.I am auditory. All the way. I enjoy reading; but, as far as soaking up information, give it to me MP3 style. It takes me forever to read and process. But put it to me over speakers and I am on it. This is probably why I enjoy NPR so much.

2. My all-or-nothing worldview/way of approaching things permeates everything I do. My faith, my work, my school, cleaning my apartment....everything.

3. I need to find a balance. Scratch that. I need to know what 'balance' is and then find it.

4. My unsocial tendencies are working against me. When I do stop, from work, school, etc, I find that I am deeply lonely. Not just bored. Lonely.

5. My knack for shooting from the hip, ability to build my parachute on the way down, figure out what I need to do and know, reliance on my ability is severely hindering my relationship with the Lord.

6. I work too much; and, when work is too much, I work some more. (Thanks, Daddy) I need to learn to enjoy.

7. I take myself too seriously.

8. I don't know how to see my good qualities.

9. I am hating this list right now.

~Sarah

on purpose

2009-05-18T11:29:00.004-05:00

The most quoted phrase from the book of Ester is sure to be, "for such a time as this." The father has been teaching me this week more of what it means to be purposeful. I am often found saying, "The father has good plans. There is great stuff in store."

I memorized Jeremiah 29:11 as a youth. The father does have plans for us. I know that he promises that they are plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans for a hope and a future. However, it is easy for me to get caught up in the plans to come and forget to be purposeful in the "right now." The father is teaching me that he does have plans and a purpose, and eventhough much of what he is teaching us and molding us for might be still to come, there is purpose and meaning in each day.

May we find his plan and purpose in each day. May we not sit idly by waiting for a huge plan and purpose, only to miss the everyday wonders and miracles that are wrapped in opportunities to share his story. May we earnestly seek to live each day, "for such a time as this."

~Heather

A whole new ballgame

2009-05-14T02:43:00.006-05:00

Why do we get so set in our ways and so spoiled to what we have? I think we do it, even without realizing it, until everything changes, that is. What are we entitled to? This could certainly be debated within and between many circles.

The recent move to A’bad has been a bit of a change. Things here are wonderful. Days are more laid back and nights are quieter (except for the wedding fireworks that seem to be sounding regularly). People are much more personable, the community is tighter, and the temperament is sweeter. It’s the part of me that just isn’t a city girl that loves it out here. But with the removed megacity atmosphere, comes the removal of so many conveniences and luxuries. I am spoiled to having access to the world by means of the internet, I am spoiled to a continuous supply of running water, I am spoiled to things just working, I am spoiled to running to Target, or at least the local market, to pick up everything I need for the week. A’bad is wonderful, but it’s a whole new ballgame.

Tuesday was a difficult day. It seemed that I was bombarded with one thing after another. I didn’t sleep at all Monday night. My language helper arrived early, so I wasn’t as prepared as I like to be. The internet was out. My mobile phone wasn’t working to send or receive calls or texts. The AC units, which are only run at night in the bedrooms, caused a fire in the wiring and the electrician had to be called and come to rewire the breakers. The wiring fire took out the AC units, refrigerator, hot water heaters, and water filter. The water filter was broken, and empty. I had a migraine, aided by the lack of caffeine since I had yet to round up any coffee or Diet Coke. The househelper was here and was frustrated by my inability to answer her questions. And we were completely out of water, drinking or otherwise.

The good news is that Wednesday came and, again, the father’s mercies were new and his faithful was and is great! The water filter is still not working, but we will manage. The house has been rewired and seems to be functioning more properly. The mobile phone is working. The internet seems to come on for a few hours every couple of days. The water tank pumps water when the power is on, so we know more will come if we wait patiently. I have found some coffee and Diet Coke, so no need for caffeine withdrawal this week. The househelper is trying to communicate and is so excited when it does, in fact, happen. The father promises not to leave or forsake. I know he is here. He is so faithful to be right there each time I return to him.

I have settled into meeting with a language helper each morning. Her name is Ari. She is a precious young lady. I just love her, already. She became a believer just a couple of months ago and has the sweetest spirit. I am introducing storying to her and wanting to learn to tell short little stories or story parts, in Hindi. She loves storying already. She is a really smart girl and has almost completed her education, so she reads and writes Hindi and English quite well, yet still is intrigued by the father’s story. I can hardly wait to see what the father has in store as I learn Hindi and Ari learns more and more of his story!

Praise the father for his faithfulness.
Ask the father to give me strength, especially to get through the difficult days.
Ask the father to grant language mercies that Cathy, Rachel, and I would quickly be enabled to communicate more effectively with nationals.
Ask the father for daily opportunities to share his love and his story.
Ask the father to bless my time with Ari, that she would be encouraged to share his story with those around her.

~Heather

Movin' on up, to the east side

2009-05-09T07:13:00.007-05:00

The train whistle will sound in just a few hours signaling our departure. We have a plan! After weeks of wondering what the Father had in store, Cathy & I will be moving, along with Rachel, a fellow worker, to a city in the east. The three of us are thrilled to have a plan and will be intensively studying language over the next 6 weeks.

The Father has again proved Himself faithful. There has been great pruning during this time in the capital city. He has drawn Cathy & I together, and is continuing to teach us how we can best partner, encourage, and support one another.

Praise Him for this answer.
Praise Him for this sweet time in the capital city.
Ask that we would begin the next leg of this adventure with renewed vigor.
Ask that the Father would create a sweet spirit of fellowship and encouragement in our home.
Ask that we would quickly learn language and build lasting relationships with nationals.

~Heather

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles

2009-05-04T09:16:00.004-05:00

Most often, travel for me these days is by train. India actually has the most intricate railway system in the world. It is pretty impressive! Indeed, the train station is quite an interesting place. There is never any telling what may take place or what one might see at the train station!

~Heather

It's a zoo out here!

2009-05-04T08:49:00.007-05:00

Maybe not lions & tigers & bears, but on a recent trip to N town, we saw cows, monkeys, pigs, sheep, camels, an elephant, buffalo, dogs, chickens, and goats. He has certainly called us on a great adventure!

~Heather