More Pictures

Elizabeth in Anna Mei's latest design
Jillian in another Anna Mei original

Jillian at the beach.

A lot of sand gets moved on our visits!

Joy in the surf.

Don't worry--she's sitting in the water--and

loving every minute of it!

Elizabeth examines one of the ocean treasures that she found.

For about 2,000 dong (a little more than a dime) you can

shower off the sand.

Motorbike Mom

Here I am in the courtyard in front of the house

Welcome, Paddy!

Anna Mei's beach handstand

Hello all,

Well, I now have wheels. My motorbike is a small Yamaha, called an "Ultimate". It is white and dark blue with a camel colored seat. We had a carrying case put on the back--someplace to lock my purse while driving and to carry small bags home from the market. Already I have been practicing. I rode to church yesterday (a friend here had spent the night with us and she rode in the taxi with the girls). Tony rode with me on his bike since it was my first trip across the Han River Bridge from home.


Later in the afternoon, we rode to the beach. Tony took three girls on his bike, Jillian rode her bicycle and I took Faith on my bike. Everything went well. I am taking it slow and being very careful. Daily we pray for safety for every passenger that ever rides on Paddy (well, I HAD to call it something!). Paddy is a reminder that"Prayers were Answered through D and D--Yahoo!" "D and D" are the friends that made this purchase possible (I thought they might rather remain anonymous). I also get a kick out thinking I have my own little "Paddy wagon"--I must be a little off my rocker to start riding a motorbike in Danang traffic at the age of 50! Any way, I'm having a wonderful time--holding my breath through busy intersections and generously using my horn.


A couple other things I wanted to share. At the beach, the Lord brought to mind another spiritual truth that I need right now... The day was breezy and beautiful, with wave upon wave rushing up on the sand in ever-increasing arcs. I was walking along the edge, watching the water wash up, then back. It was rather dizzying. I felt and perceived that the earth was shifting and rolling. The only way to maintain balance was to keep my eyes most often fixed upon an immoveable point on the horizon. If I was too interested in the waves, I lost balance. By looking up, I could enjoy the waves that lapped across my feet; but I could also remain stable and steady against the larger waves that slapped against my knees with surprising force and speed. For me, it was a reminder to keep looking up, keep perspective, enjoy life's pleasantries and stand strong in adversity.


Last night we experienced a first. About 10pm, we heard loud music from the street. I went to the balcony to have a look. There in the middle of the street was a young man with an amplifier, electric guitar and microphone, sharing his music with the world while motorbikes, bicycles and cars went around him. Eventually, one of the little cafes next to us invited him under their tin roof shelter to sing.


And, on more thing. Anna Mei said today that one of her back teeth had chipped. I took a look and saw a rather large hole. So, we paid a visit to a dentist, with much fear and trepidation on my part. I am so glad that Tony went with us (Linh came to translate, Jillian came for emotional support). Thanks be to God, all went well. He put in some kind of filling. No pain, no fear. He did say that 3 baby teeth need to be pulled to allow room for the permanent teeth to come in. We are praying about what steps we will take, plus investigating how to proceed given Anna Mei's heart history.


Thanks be to the Father who gives every good and perfect gift! Grace and peace!

Fashion Show

Joy loves to pose in purple!
Ta da! Anna Mei shows off the back of her design.

Our family fashion designer....Anna Mei, age 8.

3 Princesses on the 3rd floor balcony, Joy is in the front, Elizabeth and Anna Mei in the back.

Joy's twin, Faith, is not much for girly dress-up games, but she would love to be a ninja warrior! Here she offers her protective services to Joy.

Joy received a bag of fabric pieces for Christmas. Today, Anna Mei designed all these ensembles for herself, Elizabeth and Joy. What a happy afternoon! Anna Mei has pleaded with me to stitch up the "dress" so she can wear it to church, etc. Hmmmm....

I am so thankful for moments like these.

Grace and peace!

Snapshot of Daily Life

Believe it or not, he's on the serving platter...just a little too "fresh from the sea" looking for me!
A rice field with the plastic "scarecrows" for rats.

Luncheon in Dai Loc--in the middle of an intersection!

Hello, all--

Summer-like weather is returning. We have actually had the AC on in the schoolroom today, and a little in the bedroom at night. Not the blistering temperatures that are coming, but noticeably warmer.

Linh and I went to Dai Loc yesterday. As we prepare for more rennovations there, we talked to the staff about the needs for the children's rooms and the kitchen, mainly. When I first asked if they needed anything, the only thing they said is that they would like to have a large serving bowl for the rice they fix at meals. We kept talking, and of course, the needs are far greater than that. Lord willing, we will have a hand in making their lives a bit easier, and their home more welcoming and comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to understand some of the Vietnamese conversation with the orphanage director. Yeah!

I had not been to Dai Loc by motorbike since before the rainy season, so the ride was especially enjoyable. I felt like a Danang-native on the bike--while Linh drove, I text-messaged someone on my phone. The rice fields are a luxurient green, decorated with "plastic scarecrows"--bright plastic bags on wooden sticks that keep rats at bay.

Dai Loc being a more rural area, there were many animals roaming the streets. I had to smile, one stray cow was standing calmly at the door of a karoake cafe, looking as if she was waiting to enter. There were all manner of fowl running around loose--chickens, geese, ducks, etc. They seem oblivious to traffic.

Over the months that we have lived here, fish has become one of my favorite foods. Bee has fixed all kinds. Last night, when Linh and I returned, supper was on the table...but I just didn't have the heart to eat the big fella on the platter.

A great day, all in all. So much for which to be thankful. I pray that is your experience, too...Grace and peace!

Appearances

It just looks like we live in a city--the herd that walks past our house a few times a week says this is their home!

It's not a "pin-up" pose--don't you know a mermaid when you see one?

Hello, all--

There is a saying here: "Vietnam....where "yes" means "maybe" and "maybe" means "no." Things are not always what they appear, are they?


Today in church...everyone came with a smile. There were hugs. Niceties were exchanged. From outward appearances, just a gathering of happy folk who gather weekly to grin about their "easy" lives here. But we all knew. The smiles were real, but sometimes they shared a tear. The niceties were sincere...we really wanted to know "how are you?" The hugs were brief (mostly), but they carried heartfelt emotion. Because in our little gathering of believers, we knew...
...one had lost her mother this past week, but won't be able to travel home to the US for the funeral
...one had a co-worker receive our Father's message and join our forever family this past week
...one had problems with her local employer, who had not disclosed to officials that a foreigner was employed, and her visa was revoked. She leaves on Tuesday, just six months into what she planned to be a 2-year stay
...one will begin an exciting new work this week with young girls...one just arrived a couple weeks ago from Michigan.


So, "Blessed Assurance" brought a rolling tear, or two. When we sang "Who am I? I am Yours" it was a decision to trust the heart of the One who holds the future. We sang in celebration, in faith, in hope. In all appearances, it was just the "music portion" of our worship service.


From all appearances, I was facing the increasing temperatures with my bicycle for transportation. I am a wimp. I have never pretended to be anything else. I knew that the heat would get to me. It was only a matter of time until I would give up biking...and the freedom that goes with it. One phone call changed all that. I received word that a very generous donation was going to purchase my motorbike. Hallelujah! Thank You, Father! Thank you, dear friends!


Yesterday, for Valentine's Day, we took the girls to the beach. It has warmed up, so there were swimsuits and sand toys (uh, digging tools), and towels. Standing at the edge of the surf, I observed that if I stood still, the ebb and flow of waves washing ashore eroded the sand under my feet and it was difficult to maintain my balance for long without moving. The more I "dug in" my heals, the harder the time I had standing upright on the shifting ground. I had to laugh a little. Isn't that a picture of life? Things are always changing, sometimes with a tidal wave, most often from the rhythmic movement of time. If I refuse to move, I may fall on my face (or...the other way). The more I set myself to "stay put", to demand "my space" and "my way"--the greater the danger of a fall. In the surf, and perhaps in life, the only way to stay balanced and upright is to stay on your toes and keep moving forward, even by inches. It looked like I was standing still, but I wasn't.


I have chosen to laugh this week at a few other appearances...
...it looked like a tablespoon, but it's really a thick piece of foil that bent in half under the weight of a scoop of (soft) ice cream.
...it looked like a child's new shoe, but one trip up the stairs revealed that it was really two piece of cardboard glued together with a thin layer of black rubber for a sole.
...it looked like a wafer decorated with paprika; it was a wafer all right, but one that lit of ball of fire on your tongue (that ain't no paprika, son).
...it looked like a piece of crunchy cardboard, but it was...delicious! (and the "rice-thingy wrapped in a lettuce leaf" was yummy, too. I skipped the dipping sauce...it is ALWAYS hot!)


In the scheme of the universe, you may appear to be small and insignifiicant. But the Creator of it all knows you by name. It may look like someone has "messed up" your life, in even thwarted your purpose. But the One who holds you in His hand is all-wise and all-powerful. He laughs at what we call a "power play." May that reality give us all cause for rejoicing this week!


Grace and peace!

Contradictions

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Barrel of trouble or tons of fun? It's all in perspective. Top: Anna Mei loves for Einstein to play with her hair. Bottom: Shasta in the arms of a favorite buddy, Faith.

Hello, all--

These days have been busy as ever, but seem especially to bring to my mind the bittersweet realities of life. We have received news of friends and loved ones struggling with tragedy, deep inner wounds, and loss. Yet in the midst, there is the promise of new life, the anticipation of a spring time for the soul. I am choosing to reach toward healing, toward help and strength that are outside the bounds of human wisdom and ability.

There is so much comic relief in living here--for us and our Vietnamese friends. We are as much a mystery to them as they are to us. Duc, Linh and Bee cannot fathom the joy the girls get from the puppies. I think they see Einstein and Shasta as furry, disease-prone, noisy, destructive, bundles of trouble. That's quite a load for a puppy to carry! :)

Someone recently asked me what I missed most about the states. I think it is simple shopping--not a grand shopping spree, but just being able to go look at a variety of items and make a selection. Whether it's food, clothing, or even glue--most often, there is one choice: take it or leave it. The other day, I was at Big C in the "baking aisle." It made me drool for Wal-Mart or Kroger--or even Save-Alot. There was one brand of sugar, one kind of wheat flour, one brand of powdered sugar. No baking soda, baking powder, cream of tartar, vanilla or food coloring. One bag of cake mix. No frosting, no pancake syrup, no cake pans, muffin tins or cupcake liners. Some stores carry some of these items, so finding them is a bit of a scavenger hunt. But, there are so many lighter moments. The girls are excited about having a "Valentine" party in our school tomorrow. So, today we walked to a little store a couple blocks behind our house to get some treats. The man who has the store speaks a little English. When we were on the way, he came running toward us from across the street. Turns out he was visiting someone and his store was locked up (at 3:00 in the afternoon). When he saw that we were going to his store, he ran out to open up just for us. We bought a liter bottle of 7-up, six little bags of chips, and a large package of wafer cookies--all for about $2.25. When we returned home, Bee was completely perplexed at the purchase. How do you pantomime "Valentine school party"?

It is simple things that continue to bring me the greatest joys. Studying the faces around the supper table, spontaneous eruptions of celebration because our weekend menu includes chicken and dumplings or potato soup. Goodnight hugs and kisses. Sleepy faces waking with smiles to puppy kisses and tail wags.

Another joy--I have been asked to lead the worship each week at the church. What a blessing!

We appreciate your prayers. Much is happening. And everywhere we look, more to be done. May the Lord reveal His goodness to you in ever-amazing ways that touch your heart and strengthen you in every way. Grace and peace!

My Seaside Lessons

Lining up for the race
The big finish!

Enjoying a picture-taking opportunity!

Hello, all--

If one bike ride to the beach amazed me, then I am definitely bowled over, having now completed three trips! The second was the most difficult--a very windy day, with most of the ride home riding into the wind. It was a hard go for me and for Anna Mei. But...we made it! On the third trip, Jillian was my companion, having returned from her excursion to the countryside. Not surprisingly, the travel time with Jillian was nearly cut in half--she didn't need to stop as often as Anna Mei (I use the term "need" loosely--Anna Mei likes to stop more than she needs to!).


Any way, there is something about the sea that makes me meditate on the things of God in a different way than I otherwise would. Perhaps it is the sheer expanse of it--an unending view of deep waters. On our second visit, the wind made the waves much higher. It was an awesome sight, waves cresting higher and higher, with a sheet of white blowing off the top as the wind caught the foam. The sound was deafening, but the words that came to my mind were "the roar of peace." The rhythmic ebb and flow of the crashing waves was musical, even comforting. Of course, that is the case because I watched from the safety of the shore. In the distance, I saw a boat bouncing and swaying. I dare say that its occupants did not find the same peace in the churning water. Isn't that the reality of so many things in the kingdom? Watching the mighty hand of God move from the vantage point of safety enabled me to peacefully enjoy the beauty of swirls of white and blue. If I am in the middle of the storm, looking to a feeble mass of wood for safety, clutching in my own strength and resources--my response is fear. I recognize that one's vantage point has little to do with outward physical location and everything to do with one's inward reality. The heart rested on the goodness of God can find ease while standing on the rocking vessel. The wandering, doubtful, skeptical soul finds no comfort in the safety of the shoreline--only noise and a sense of insignificance.


Another point I have been pondering came after our third visit to the beach. While we were there, the girls decided to have some races. With Tony at the starting line, and me to judge the finish, they raced back and forth. It was a lesson in celebrating our differences and accepting varied personalities. At the start, all the girls would line up like Olympians. At the signal to run, three of the five would shoot out from the starting line. Joy would usually sit dow to build a sand castle; Elizabeth would run a few steps, then return to spend time with Joy. Jillian, with eyes focused on the finish line, usually shot across it first, then kept running without breaking stride. Anna Mei crossed the finish line, then immediately broke into a victory dance (the victory was that she crossed the line), and Faith would be almost at the finish, then see the inviting waves and veer off course to play in the water. Isn't that a picture of life? All kinds of people, running the race from different perspectives, goals, and plans on how to finish a happy race.


One other humorous note (at least to me). On our last visit, a group of Vietnamese approached me to try out their English. I think the group included a couple of sisters and their friends--all in their 20s. They asked if I would take their picture, with my camera. Mind you, I had no way to give them a print, and they did not have email. They just wanted to see the display of their picture on my digital camera. It gave them immense pleasure. :)


May we all find enjoyment in such little things, without demanding more, more, more. Every day is a gift in itself. If we are able to hold close those that we love, let us count ourselves blessed. Even more, think for a moment of the indescribable blessing of being one who is loved and known (and still loved more) by the One who created it all.


Grace and peace!