Signs

As our trip to the US draws very near, I wanted to tell you a few observations I have made about life here in Vietnam and what applications I am making to my own life...

First, it's often the little things that trip us up. If I say "bugs", you may think "big." And, we do have them, big roaches, big spiders, etc. But to me, the most pesky, frustrating and difficult to deal with of all of them is...the teeny-tiniest of ants. They are everywhere, numbering in the tens of billions (I am sure). They are difficult to see because the travel in cracks and crevices: where the door frame connects to the wall; in the lines where floor tiles meet; at the bottom of baseboards. By the time they are seen, they are covering a cup, a plate, a table. Moving the cup means that they run to your hand. It is an odd sensation; it feels like a thin, moving glove. In my life, I sometimes miss the little things that are, well, amiss. Little frustrations allowed to grow; slight discontent coddled; "insignificant", private criticisms enjoyed as personal entertainment... things small, unseen to most people, pests that run rampant and become visible when left alone. I'm asking the Lord to shine His light and reveal these pests wherever they lurk. Every thought captive. Every motive pure. Every high and lofty thing that would exalt itself against my Lord vanquished and subjugated.

Second, I've been thinking about heaven. With our trip to the US just days away, I've been looking to what lies ahead. I imagine the sights and, perhaps more, the smells. I want to stand in a beauty salon, close my eyes and breathe deep...and the Yankee candle store...and the cosmetic counters at Dillards or Lazarus. There are many spectacular sights in Vietnam...the ocean view, mountains that look as if clouds are resting on their peaks, night-time river views with lights reflecting across the water. So what makes the images of my mind so wondrously beautiful? They are home. Is that how I will feel about heaven: will it be like stepping into vivid technicolor? Will every smell, sound and sight feel like home? I think so. And thinking about it has helped me catch hold a little more of Paul's words about heaven being far more desireable.

Third, the signs. In the US, when special days are coming, the stores signal, announce and trumpet it with decorations, cards, and seasonal home decor. My first clue to the arrival of some of the holidays here is the smell of incense. To honor, remember, include the ancestors, incense is burned on little home altars, and offerings of fruit or other favorite food is placed there (one had a small bag of Skittles candy on it!). No matter how big or small the holiday, incense is always one of my clues to its arrival.

And, lastly, I have been pondering the "God-shaped hole" in every heart that makes us long for eternity. Recently I learned that when someone becomes elderly here, they become known as "the mother of John" or "the father of Jane"...the name used is that of the oldest child. So, for example, years from now, I will be known as "Me Jillian" (pronounced "may Jillian) for "mother of Jilllian. I think it is a cultural way of wanting to express that "life goes on" and the parent will live through succeeding generations. Linh told me that she did not know her grandfather's given name until he died when she was 14 years old, because the only name she had ever heard him called was "father of Quyen" (her father's name). Eternity beats within the heart of every person. We long for it. This life is short, at best. We may know the elation of many joys and privileges, but we may experience gut-wrenching heartache, excruciating pain, fear, sorrow and despair. There is more! Somewhere deep within, we know it. We hope for it.

So, these random thoughts have been occupying the space between my ears and churning in my heart. I know this message is a bit long, but I wanted to share with you while it is fresh on my mind. I don't know if I will have the opportunity to post many messages before we leave for the US.

This week, I hope you, too, will have some time to ponder the things around you. God is speaking! He reveals Himself daily and brings His Word to greater understanding as we let Him apply it to our daily lives.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance!

The Week In Pictures

Saturday: Joy lost a front tooth. "Look, Mom! Now I can eat pasghetti!"

Sunday: We returned from church to find this lizard waiting patiently for a ride in a bicycle basket with Apple the Bear. He really surprised us!

Monday: Dat and Ut returned home, after visiting for a few days while Ut had follow-up medical visits. Dat's haircut was our last preparation for him to begin the school year!

Tuesday: A couple of homeschool stories. Jillian (above) celebrates a perfect score on her history test! Earlier that morning, the girls were talking about putting on a "Plymouth Play." Jillian had assigned parts for Samoset, Squanto and Massasoit. Playfully, Dad said, "I'll be John Smith." Jillian rolled her eyes, "You can't, Dad. John Smith was at Jamestown, not at Plymouth. You'll have to be Miles Standish." (Mom's "teacher heart" was dancing!)

In another history lesson, Anna Mei was taking notes about Plymouth. The text said, "In selecting Plymouth as the site for their settlement, the Pilgrims looked for a place with fresh drinking water, a good harbor, and the freedom from unfriendly Indians." Anna Mei's notes said: "Good water, good harbor, good Indians."

During a fast-paced game of "Name That World Landmark", I showed the girls a picture of the Suez Canal. "It's a canal!" cried Jillian. Wanting to be the first to name the site, Anna Mei (below) blurted, "I know! I know! Root Canal!"

Wednesday: Faith shows Joy that she too, has now lost her right front tooth. We can't tell who is more excited! Twins in everything!

I can't leave Elizabeth out! She has finished two reading books this year. Keeping her busy is a challenge...she almost always finishes every subject by 11:00 am!

Dreams

At different times in my life, I've dreamed of what might come to pass in the future. Who I might marry (that one came true), what vocation I would follow, how many children, where we would live, etc., etc., etc.

Some were fanciful, some were funny, some foolish. Recently twoexperiences made me consider the "dreams" of my life with a newappreciation for so many blessings.

"When I see you with your daughters, I dream." That's what a 20-year-old said as I waved the good-bye to the twins on a swim outing with their Dad. She lives at home with 3 siblings, grandparents and parents. She works, bringing the money home to the household. "My mother doesn't love me like that," she said quietly. I tried to reassure her. Cultures are very different. Someday, she can be the kind of mother she herself has longed for.

Another woman, seriously ill, dreams of seeing her child reach adulthood. It appears unlikely, from a human standpoint. Still, she dreams of what he will become. The education he will attain. The job he will hold. The family he will raise. Her eyes study his frame while he plays. Possibilities dance in her stedfast gaze, drawing up tears of longing.

Dreams are powerful. It is a wonderful gift that God grants us to reach out and up for something bigger than ourselves...something greater, something gallant, beautiful, life-giving, noble.

May my dreaming be worthy of the One who has dreamed up a future and hope for me. Father, keep me from consuming Your goodness only on myself. Open the portals of my heart wide and deep to the world around me. And let me dream...

Grace and peace!

Bittersweet

Dat and his new bike!

Dat receives a back pack from Enoch and Marissa. Ut is on the left.

Dat gets his first piece of birthday cake ever!

Birthday boy in with decorations. Joy colored the cake picture above the balloons.

Life in Vietnam seems to move at an ever increasing pace. Here are some hightlights from the past week or so...

...we celebrated Dat's birth and life last Friday night. He had never had a party before, so he was very happy with the balloons, flag banners, cake, ice cream, special meal and presents. Duc and Linh, Enoch and Marissa, and Bee celebrated with us. Dat received some more school supplies from Duc and Linh, a back pack from Enoch and Marissa (filled with art supplies), and a bike from the Brewer clan. We had a chance to share with Dat that his life is no accident. He has a great purpose designed from His Heavenly Father. We celebrated not only the past event of his birth, but the anticipation of a bright future. Ut and Dat both expressed heartfelt gratitude. Hard to believe that four months ago, Ut was not expected to survive through September.

...on Saturday, Ut and Dat returned home to Hiep Duc. If there has been a time in Vietnam when we smiled through tears, this was it. Tony, all the girls, Duc, Linh and Sally, and Enoch and Marissa accompanied them. (I stayed at the house to work on lesson plans for the week.) Before he left, Dat followed me to the kitchen. He caught my hand and said simply, "Mommy, you will not forget me?" I assured him that would be impossible. Tony and the group got them to their home, and stocked with food. We will see them again in a couple of weeks.

...Anna Mei had a mishap at an indoor playground and chipped a front tooth. Thankfully, the gum does not appear damaged and it is not causing her pain. Also, we are glad to have an upcoming opportunity to visit our dentist in the US!

...We made a working compass in science class using a sewing needle and a bar magnet. It reminded me of the internal compass God provides that points us to Him--the Holy Spirit. Like the needle, we don't have to strive or work to be pointed in the right direction--we simply need to surrender and follow where He points us.

...We celebrated Marissa's birthday yesterday. How wonderful to share life in Vietnam with great friends! Marissa and Enoch are making a difference in the lives of children and poor families. They are a blessing to our family also.

...because of the time to order and have materials delivered, we have just scored achievement tests from last year. We praise God for good results!

All in all, it's been a great week. God is good. His mercy endures forever! Grace and peace!

A New Day

Our twin sword fish!
First day with uniforms.

The first day of school.

Elizabeth reads to Faith in the book corner.

We officially have the first week of the new homeschool year under our belt! It feels good, but it has been a busy and tiring week. The girls are off to a great start!

Here are some updates from our home...

Ut arrived this week from the hospital. She is gaining strength daily. Last night I went to sit with her for awhile. She speaks no English, so beyond greetings, I just sit on the side of her bed and hold her hand. Last night she started crying. I thought she might be in pain, so I called Linh. Linh talked to her on the phone, then told me, "She is not in pain. She said that no one has ever shown love to her like this--ever. It makes her cry for joy that all of you care for her and Dat." Then, Ut wasn't the only one crying...

Bee was clearly frustrated and unhappy. And, if the cook ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. :) Turns out she was unable to keep up with kitchen duties, as well as helping in the house. So, in exchange for a reduced salary, she is now only working in the kitchen. Quinn (age 20) has joined us to help with laundry and housework, especially during the school year. Quinn is a believer and speaks some English. Bee is happy again. Quinn has been a blessing. This week, Quinn's 14-year-old brother, Ung, has been with us while his parents attend training at their church. He has been a good friend for Dat and Jillian to play cards and ride bikes.

The girls asked if they could wear uniforms this year. So...after the first day of school, we did a little shopping. The "normal" uniform here is navy skirt/pants with a white shirt/blouse. We wear uniforms Mon, Wed and Fri. Tues and Thurs are "street clothes" days. That way, one uniform each does everyone. Sally wanted to match, so she got a uniform also. Cute!

I was privileged to share the Word at the international church last Sunday. I spoke on Psalm 84: The Life That Worships. Worship that is rooted in relationship (v.1-4), resolute in suffering (v.5-7) and radiant with confidence of God's provision and presence (v. 8-12). Charles Spurgeon called Ps. 84 "The Pearl of the Psalms."

Have faced some personal disappointments, but we look to Jesus as our source for everything. He is faithful. I just want my heart to remain soft, teachable, and ever pointed to Home. I was reminded of God's "built-in compass" that draws us to Him today when we made a compass in our science class--amazing.

I pray that you find also that, whatever we face, God is good, His love endures forever. Sing praise...
Grace and peace!

Reminders

Jillian with Dat.

As you can imagine in our work here there are many daily details to attend to. Plans to be made; arrangements for translators, drivers, etc.; contacts to be made; schedules to outline--with all their details from bathroom breaks to food to driving time to ... on and on it goes. Sometimes the children themselves can get pushed to the background. Then, mercifully, the Lord gives us a reminder.

Today at lunch, I asked Dat when is his birthday. He didn't bat an eye. He just said simply, "I don't know." I tried not to visibly flinch, but my heart was pierced with the weight of what he was saying.

Dat is 14. Yet thoughts of cake, ice cream, games, presents, a gathering of family and friends--they are nowhere in his memory bank. His mother loves him--but in their struggle to provide her son with food, shelter and education, all made more difficult by her own debilitating illness, there is no room for balloons or songs.

Dat is not an isolated case. Most of the children we have contact with would say the same.

Our hearts long to tell them they are specially made, lovingly handcrafted by a Heavenly Father who has created them with worth, dignity and destiny. They are important enough to be fed well, to have clothing and education provided. They are valued enough that it matters if they have a safe home, a comfortable bed, curtains at the window, and a place to hang their hat.

For me, that sums it up. They are why I am here. I want them all to know that they are not outcasts. They are not the bottom, they are not less, they are not alone.

So every outing, every activity, every provision, every renovation--it is all worth it. At the end of it all are children who may have no inkling that they are loved by anyone.

So thank you, Lord, and thank you, Dat, for reminding me today. The work is important. The details matter. They are sending a message. Pray that it will be received.

Grace and peace!

Thankful

Marissa and Enoch at the western medical clinic following the bike accident.

With Joy's leg healing so well; Ut regaining strength after a successful surgery; and all but one box of our homeschool material here at the house, I have been counting blessings today.

Last week, Marissa and Enoch had a mishap on the motorbike. Swerving to miss a bicycle, while in a patch of gravel, (returning from Dai Loc) the bike slid and both went skidding on the pavement. The result: some ugly scrapes on shins, hands, feet and forearms; a couple of gaping wounds; sprained wrists; sore bodies. But, thankfully...the cyclist was not injured, all wounds are healing, strength is returning. Without a doubt, it could have been so much worse.

Life is precious, friends are dear, the Lord is near. So much for which to be thankful.

Grace and peace!