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!