Jesus is Big!

Like so many others, we have been busy lately decorating for Christmas. One thing I miss most at this time of year is the Christms ornaments we have collected over the years, which are safely packed away in Kentucky. (Yes, they are number 1 on the "Bring Back" list for our next visit to the US!)

We have purchased ornaments here, but one item cannot be found in Danang (to my knowledge)...a nativity scene. I own a beautiful set (made by Home Interiors) a gift from my sister-in-law Cathy on the "first Christmas" Tony and I were married. Oh, how I have missed it! Last year, Aurora (my dear "little sister") gave me a miniature one to bring back, about the size of a coffee cup.

This year (drum roll) Tony made a trip to Saigon with one of our guests. While he was there he found...YES! individual pieces for a Nativity set.

I am VERY happy to display it...and it has made me think. It is definitely a Vietnamese rendition...

Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the child angels all have glitter on their clothing. some of the animals are disproportionate in size (the camel is smaller than the donkey). The kings wear predominantly green (with yellow and red) and the angels wear pink and blue.

And the baby Jesus is...well...big. If you could stand the figure up, he would easily tower over every other person, animal or angelic being.

This may be considered by some to be a flaw, but I think it is by design. Jesus is the most important person in the scene. He is bigger than life, death, angels, principalities and powers. Even as a Babe, the King of the Universe has arrived! Here is the Light of the World, Hope of all hopes, King of all kings and Lord of all lords...and the world will never be the same!

Maybe this Christmas, Jesus needs to be bigger in my life. More central to my personal celebration, more prominenet and unmistakeably pronounced.

Maybe I need to live, believe, act, speak, listen and work from a heart where Jesus is larger than anything else.

Maybe I need to sing louder, rejoice with more gusto, laugh longer, love more deeply, give more generously (money AND forgiveness, mercy, grace, etc.), and take more time to ponder because...

...well... Jesus is big!

May you have a large CHRISTmas celebration in your heart and home!

Multi-tasker Extraordinaire

Anna Mei poses in her latest fashion creation: a vest and belt ensemble made from a trash bag! Today, she is on to origami--so far she has made a crane, a drinking cup and a rabbit. Tomorrow...the world!

I consider myself fairly adept at multi-tasking. But Anna Mei has taken that skill to a whole new level. An event this past week proved it once again.

Each morning in our homeschool, we have a routine to begin the day. We sing, we pray, we update our wall calendar, and so on. Before moving on, I have been reading a poem or two. It has been a productive exercise; the girls have begun to write poetry on their own, without an assignment or even a suggestion.

Last week, we read a poem called "Frogs." Picking up on some recent Language instruction, I pointed out to the girls that the poem used three similes (comparisons using "like" or "as"--if you're rusty on your language arts). While I was reading, I was a little annoyed that Anna Mei was reading her own dinosaur book and writing away on a poem of her own.

When I finished, Anna Mei cheerily said, "Mom, this dinosaur has 64 razor-like teeth. Can I read my poem now?" To which I replied, "You were not listening while I read the poem about frogs. You'll have to wait." "

"I was listening!" she shot back

"Anna Mei," I began to expound, "it is impossible for your brain to do that many things at once. You cannot have read your book, written a poem AND listened to the frog poem."

"But I did!"

"All right. What are the three similes I pointed out in the poem?"

Without an instant of hesitation, Anna Mei said, "When he jumps in the water, he hits like a rock; his eyes are like metal rings; the spots on his back are like moss on a rock." She smiled triumphantly.

"Well, now...don't just sit there. Stand up and read your poem!"

Fat Morris

Fat Morris on his first day at home.
Fat Morris, an intellectual cat.

If the food runs out, he can curl up in the bowl!

We have a new addition to the family! Fat Morris is now the Brewer family cat. Anna Mei found him on the street, looking pitifully close to the end of his 9 lives. Here is his story in rhyme...

Fat Morris

Scarred up and scrawny and not the least brawny

Fat Morris

Balding and bare, some spots lacking hair

Fat Morris

Homeless and lost, to the trash he was tossed

Expected to die, but now loved by our five

Fat Morris

Huge eyes and all ears, we laugh into tears,

Pumpkin and white, five inches in height

Fat Morris

Never has kitten caused more hearts to be smitten

Fat Morris

First Day of School

Our Classroom!

Far left, Jillian, 6th Grade; middle, Elizabeth (blond) 3rd Grade; Anna Mei (with hat), 5th Grade; right, twins Joy (in pink) and Faith (in blue), 2nd Grade. 4-year-old Sally will join us next week!

Mini-Me

Imagine the surprise of Jillian and Tony when they greeted each other the other day, only to discover that they had each (unbeknownst to the other) selected identical outfits: khaki shorts, blue T-shirt and crocs! There was nothing to do but get a picture with their Vietnamese textbooks. Like father, like daughter...

Harbor Rides

Elizabeth at the harbor.

A view of the harbor in the evening.

Recently the girls and I have been riding our bikes to a nearby harbor after supper in the evenings. It is cooler then, and the harbor is only a couple of blocks away. It is on the street behind ours, so it is even further removed from traffic. It is a great place for the girls to ride: flat, quiet, and (at least in part) picturesque.

In the evenings, the boats are settling in for the night. By day they are fishing vessels, but they are also home to families. The boats are small, with makeshift living quarters—sheet metal, tarp, wood. The only visible hint of modern life is a small red or blue flashing light on each boat that can be seen as the sun disappears in the night sky. As the sun sets, these rugged pioneers repair nets, shuffle boxes and bags on the deck, or sit in the welcome breeze that is nearly always found on the water. Our friend tells me that commonly two or three boats will travel together for safety and mutual help. Throughout the year, these little groups will move from one area to another, looking for a good catch. Because of their movement, the children who live on the boats cannot attend school. The system here does not accommodate transfer students; children must begin and end the year with their class. So, most of these children grow up illiterate. It is a cycle of poverty and dogged perseverance.

Knowing this about the “boat people” tempers the beauty of the harbor for me. The colors of sky, mountains and sea are breathtaking; the boats rock gently, quietly as if putting their occupants to a peaceful sleep. Yet evidence of their difficult lives is there, too: piles of trash bags, some ripped open by rats, dead fish, dilapidated stools, tools, and the chipped paint on all of the boats. Contradictions abound.

On another note, we have had a couple of guests here with us for a few days. Two girls from Dai Loc are taking college placement tests here in Danang. The testing begins early—they leave the house about 5:30 in the morning. They return for lunch, and then have to be back at the testing site by 1:30. Today, one of the girls finished about 3:30, the other got out after 5:00. Not surprisingly, they returned to eat a good supper, then study for a short while before falling asleep.

Speaking of supper…Bee took the day off to attend a wedding in the countryside today. We sorely missed her and her cooking skills. The girls did enjoy a rare opportunity for “western” food mid-week. They had hotdogs with their rice at lunch and we had spaghetti and meatballs for supper (with lime jello). Happily, we look forward to Bee’s return tomorrow!

In the “Giving Thanks” category: the government has refrained from turning off the electricity every couple of days. The newspaper indicates that, at least for July, we will not have regular, frequent power outages. Yea!

Lastly, from “If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em”… Tonight at bedtime, I noticed that Elizabeth was lying on the floor, breaking tiny crumbs onto squares of toilet paper. I asked what she was doing. “I’m making a hotel for ants,” she replied happily. Regrettably for Elizabeth, that little venture is now out of business.

That’s our day. The girls are in bed now (though I can still occasionally hear Faith and Joy giggling). I hope your evening is as peaceful.

Grace and peace!

Summertime in Danang

Faith and Natalie holding their fish on the beach.
Poster for Squid Rings...like onion rings, only not.

Gas station crowd. An interesting challenge.

Hello, all—

It’s about 10:30 at night, still hot, so I sit here directly in front of an oscillating fan. I could unplug the computer and take it upstairs to an air-conditioned room, but I find myself a little too lazy tonight. This is our third summer in Danang and it is the hottest yet. To make the situation even more blissful, the city government has been cutting the power off every third day, from 6 in the morning until about 6 at night. Tomorrow is the day, so I have been getting ready tonight. We are heading for the pool after breakfast. I am finishing up computer work tonight, and organizing books and cross stitch for poolside. The girls’ swimsuits and towels are all together, ready for the morning. The pool is beside the ocean, so most often there is a pleasant breeze. Still, by the end of the day, we feel baked, broiled and a bit fried.

During the last power outage, I had to put gas in the motorbike. The closest two stations were also in the power shut-off, so the third station I came to was packed out. Bikes were pulled in from every direction. There is no order to the process; you simply squeeze in and keep pushing your way to the front.

Another item of interest to me is a new taste-treat offered by Lotteria, a fastfood-type restaurant at Big C. It’s “Squid Rings”—just like onion rings, only chewier and, well, not as tasty.

Marissa, Audrey (another Orphan Voice staffer) and I went to a local beauty shop to have our hair washed (a nice treat). They do a great job and include a head/neck massage for about $3. We have decided to go back regularly and enjoy this bit of pampering; next time I’m getting a manicure, as well for another $1.

Orphan Voice has been hosting a “Sports Camp” for 3 weeks. Each morning, the children are brought to our “play site” for volleyball, Frisbee, swimming or soccer. The camp begins at 7 am and ends about 10 before the hottest part of the day. Frisbee has been a new experience for most of the kids. Anna Mei has perfected her own special move—she does a cartwheel over the Frisbee, then picks it up and throws it as she finishes her “move” and slides into the splits. I’m sure most of the Vietnamese kids don’t know what to make of it.

Anna Mei and Elizabeth went to the countryside with Duc and Linh last week for a couple of days. While they were there, they helped make some food deliveries to families. Elizabeth really loves that—she is getting to know the families with children and remembers their particular situations. I am so happy that she does not shy away from children who are suffering. She reaches out to them in such a sweet and genuine way.

Jillian is amazing us all with her understanding of Vietnamese. She is fast becoming the family interpreter. She has been babysitting for an English family with 2 children, 3-year-old Jack and 1-year-old Natalie. Jack is very outgoing and full of energy. He is usually pretending to be Spiderman, Superman, or Buzz Lightyear. The other day when Jillian arrived at their house, Laura (their mom) was struggling to get Jack to eat his lunch. She told me Jillian saved the day when she told Jack “Superman always eats all his lunch. It makes him strong.”

Faith and Joy are two peas in a pod, as always. They play together with hardly a cross word ever between them. Joy is quite the jokester and is always looking for ways to make people laugh. Faith is her own “cool” little self. She knows what she likes, how she likes it, and she is comfortable with her own style no matter what anyone else thinks.

Our church fellowship has missed the presence of our pastor and his wife as they have been in the US since February. Many people in the fellowship have served in our Sunday services—leading in preaching, offering, music, communion and prayer times. It has been a great blessing. Each person has been used of the Lord to encourage and challenge our body. This time of year is always bittersweet for our church—many folks who come to teach are leaving. Some will return to Vietnam, many will not. We have been blessed by their friendship and comforted to know that we will spend eternity together.

So, days are passing by here with joys and struggles, challenges and triumphs, and just day to day demands. We often think of “home” and pray that you are finding the daily strength, wisdom and help you need from the Holy Spirit. We are learning to rely upon Him more and more, yielding, trusting, surrendering. It is the path of deep, inner joy and peace. God is good. All the time. Yes and amen.

Grace and peace!

Two Years

Hard to believe we have lived in Danang for two years now. Life here is good, but very different than what I had experienced or even what I expected.

For example, today there was a noisy, windy, pounding rainstorm with bright lightening and crashing thunder, just as our language class dismissed. Jillian, Anna Mei and I decided to wait for the worst of it to pass before we headed for home on the motorbike. After about 20 minutes or so, we were on our way, wrapped in thin, colorful plastic rain ponchos. Driving with rain hitting my face is not the most pleasant experience I have had here. It is cold, stinging and somewhat blinding. We were making our way across the Han River bridge when I felt a familiar wobble—our rear tire was flat. We exited the bridge on our side of the river, then turned back to the road that runs under the bridge and took shelter from the rain while we waited for our friend Duc to come to the rescue (Tony was in his language class at the time). Duc graciously gave me his bike to drive home while he walked my bike to a repair shop and took care of the tire. Two years ago, I’m not sure I would ever have thought I could drive a motorbike…in Vietnam…in the rain…with two children.

I don’t think I would ever have imagined myself fishing an ant out of my tea, then finishing the drink without another thought. I would not have considered using toilet paper as table napkins, chopsticks as a spatula, or flip flops as formal footwear. I would have scoffed at the idea that I would not blow dry my hair every day…or curl it…or spray it. I abhorred sweat.

There are many other things I would not have guessed. I could not have imagined the immense beauty and revitalizing breeze of the Danang coastline. I had never seen the indescribable mix of pewter, blue and gray hues as the harbor water meets the mountains then the sky on a dusky evening when clouds shield the brightness of the setting sun. I could not have possibly anticipated the sorrows and joys of children pressed down by tragedies and difficulties, then finding help and hope in so many different ways. Their stories, their circumstances, their lives…have changed me.

Daily life is challenging. From safely navigating crowded streets to dealing with authorities to communication to finding everyday items (yesterday’s challenge: mustard). But I am learning to appreciate the resiliency of the people here…and their sheer strength and bravery to press on through the difficulties of their daily lives as well.

I think I am more thankful for small things. I hope I am learning to turn to my Father more quickly, with more trust, with greater surrender. I hope I am more patient with my precious daughters, and more appreciative of their participation in our purposes here.

Times…they are a ‘changin’. And I am resolved to change with them (in the best sense). Of course, some things never change. I still abhor sweat.

Grace and peace!

Catching Up

Happy Birthday, Anna Mei!
Servicing the air conditioner

Hmmm, where to begin? Writing has been one of those things that I mean to get around to, then run out of steam and leave for tomorrow. Of course, with each passing day, a few grains of regret pile on, too. So, today I am breaking the cycle. Let’s catch up!

Orphan Voice has been busy! We’ve had a couple different groups of teams or individuals spend some time with us. Some have been our guests at the house. We have been blessed by each one. What a joy to share our work with visitors and partners! Seeing the children firsthand has changed all our lives.

School is marching right along. This past week, the girls surpassed their cumulative reading goal for the year of 8,000 pages. We currently stand at just under 8,200. We may make it beyond 10,000 pages by the time we finish our work for the year. Awesome! I am busy ordering next year’s curriculum because of the gracious generosity of a team from Massachusetts. They will save our family several hundred dollars in shipping charges by bringing the books with them this summer. The abundant kindness of our friends is touching, humbling and inspiring.

Two weeks ago I had the privilege again to share the message at the Danang International Fellowship. My title was “The Forgotten 50”—focusing on the days between the Resurrection and Pentecost. I will attach some notes in a separate email, so this won’t get too long. I did want to say that we feel a genuine, fresh move of the presence of the HS. Our fellowship together is sweeter, more anticipated, more dynamic, more tender, than ever before.

Tony, Jillian, Anna Mei and I are all officially studying Vietnamese. We take classes at a language center here in Danang. The girls and I study there four hours per week. Tony, Marissa and Enoch, along with a new Orphan Voice staffer, Audrey, study about 9 hours per week. It is very challenging.

Last Sunday we celebrated Anna Mei’s 10th birthday. It was also Mother’s Day. What a special reminder of God’s gift to our family! Anna Mei is a smart, creative, beautiful bundle of energy. Recently, Jillian got a skate board. Anna Mei attacked the art of rolling in a circle with the determination of a Gold medal athlete. She was undaunted by slips, spills, bobbles and mishaps. Before long, she was rolling along at a surprising clip, turning on a dime and continuing on. That spirit of perseverance is a wonderful thing to behold. And, when Anna Mei repeatedly expressed an interest in learning to play the flute, we decided to make that her birthday gift.

It was a household affair. Linh started the search in Danang for a flute. Not only could she not find one, stores that carried trumpets and saxophones told her that they knew of no place in the entire city where we could find a flute. Then Marissa and Linh started looking on line. A store in Danang said they could order a “flute”, but when Marissa (an accomplished flautist) went to look at it, it wasn’t a flute at all. Then we thought of Quyen (“Quinn”). Quyen helps us with household chores. Her boyfriend is a music major at a university in Hue (“whay”), which is about 3 hours away by motorbike. After a few calls, Marissa and Linh drove to Hue and were able to purchase a good quality beginner’s flute. Anna Mei began lessons with Marissa this week!

The Birthday Party was at a local pool/resort. We invited some friends, enjoyed swimming, and cake, ice cream and presents. It was a great time.

Monday morning, we were back to school. Our schedule has been a little relaxed. Our helper Chau had a motorbike accident last week. Nothing terribly serious, but she has some nasty scrapes. We’ve tried to accommodate her healing by going a little slower, giving her more opportunities to sit, etc.

Yesterday we had the air conditioners serviced. Like in the US, filters need to be changed/cleaned, and sometimes Freon added. For about $15, a repairman serviced 5 units. There is no such thing as central air here—every room has its own air conditioning unit, usually mounted at the top of a wall. The fellow who came stood on tables, chairs and desks. In the school room, he climbed the iron scroll work on the windows that is there for security purposes. As a last resort, he brought a ladder, borrowed from Mr. Bo. Afterall, how can you carry your ladder when you travel by motorbike?

We are thankful for protection and health. This past week, someone on a motorbike whizzed past Enoch and Marissa as they were driving and tried to grab the strap of Marissa’s purse out of her hand. (Wisely, she had the purse between her and Enoch on the bike.) Instinctively, she jerked back on the strap and was able to keep her bag. We are told this is not uncommon, and that sometimes people will try to pull off necklaces and bracelets as you drive as well.

Of course, the summer is upon us as well. We have seen a noticeable upturn in temperatures over the past couple of weeks. The peak is still ahead of us.

Our hearts’ desire is that we would faithfully fulfill everything He has put in our hands. Good things are happening here in the lives of our family, co-workers, and the children we endeavor to help.

May you, too, experience the deep joy that comes from a never-ending need to depend upon the One who never fails!

Grace and peace!

Happy Birthday, Tony

What a gift! A bucket of peanut butter!
And the prize for "Crazy Cake Creativity With Numbers" goes to...

We celebrated Tony’s birthday today. The girls got up early in an effort to fix their Dad breakfast in bed. But…Tony was up early, too. So, they surprised him with breakfast any way, since he was busy on the computer while they were in the kitchen.

After breakfast, the girls and I gathered around Tony for each of us to say a birthday prayer for him. Very sweet. Anna Mei said, “And Lord, please let Daddy go bowling for his birthday.” So, at 10:00 am this morning, her prayers were answered! There is a small bowling alley here in Danang. During daytime hours, a game is less than a dollar. Of course, the shoe sizes are limited, shoe rental is a bit extra, and you must buy socks if you do not have your own with you. Still, it’s a bargain. No bumpers on the lanes, and no alarms for crossing the line (most everyone we saw there today slid a few inches down the lane.

Tony helped Faith and Joy score their first points—Faith riding on his shoulders while he bowled for her; Joy having him help push her ball down the lane with a little speed and force. A few frames into the game, Anna Mei said, “Dad, you’ve bowled your age!”

The girls all made Tony cards, which were delivered in a steady stream throughout the day. Tonight at supper, we had 18 folks around tables as our staff and families joined us. Really nice time.

Tony received some nice gifts: after shave, a tie, a birthday cake, a shirt, and a bucket of peanut butter! The thing is huge and I guess it to weigh over five pounds. Someone knows how much peanut butter Tony eats!

Just a great family day. I am more thankful than ever tonight for this man that we are blessed to know as husband and father. The greatest gifts that the Father has bestowed upon me have been delivered in the person of Tony Brewer.

This past Sunday I was asked to share a brief testimony about our “love story.” I thought some of you might not know how we came to be a family.

Tony and I met at Asbury College in January of 1979. I was sitting next to him the first day of Philosophy class, when the professor opened the session with a time of individual prayer. Because I was sitting close, I could hear Tony pray. I told my suite-mates in the dorm on that day that I had either met the man that I wanted to marry, or I wanted someone just like him.

Seven years later we had our first date. Yep, you read it right…7 years to the first date. We had both left Asbury (I transferred; Tony graduated). We wrote for awhile, then lost touch for about 3 years. That’s when the Pastor of the church where I served on staff asked if I could locate Tony and see if he was interested in a teaching position at the Christian school begun by our church (Tony’s bachelor’s degree is in Education). He did end up coming to the school, and months later we had our first date on April 17, 1986. Although Tony was gone for most of the summer to graduate school in Virginia, we called and wrote letters. He proposed during a phone conversation in July and we married after he came back from his summer classes, on August 23, 1986.

Wow…the years have flown by. How glad I am that the Lord has led my path in just this way. I hope as you reflect on the journey of your life, you also see evidence of the goodness of God. Even through hard places, maybe especially in hard places, or in times of waiting (like…7 years) He strengthens and upholds; He shapes and molds.

Wishing you many tender joys from His hand this day…

Grace and peace!

Makes Me Chuckle...

Here are a couple of things that made me smile this week...

This is Joy in her Easter dress...


Our friend Linh took Joy to shop for shoes to wear with her new dress. Here is Joy's selection...she could not be talked into the pretty buckle shoes!

And, lastly, forget "Two men and a Truck"--this is furniture delivery Danang style. He is bringing a new mattress for Jillian's bed. :)

Quang Tri

Another highlight of February was the visit of a good friend from the US. A retired Marine colonel (and Vietnam veteran), he now frequently visits Asia as part of his work. Our family is always delighted to see him! On this brief visit, we took a couple days to visit some of the places he knew as a soldier. One of those places was Quang Tri. As the northern most province controlled by the Republic of Vietnam (the South Vietnamese) during the Vietnam war, Quang Tri was the location of brutal battles as both sides fought for control.

We traveled northwest of Danang to Quang Tri Province. We spent a little time in Hue (pronounced “whay”), where emperors ruled for centuries. The palace is now a tourist site, offering elephant rides, gardens, and ornate gold covered thrones. It is reminiscent of The Forbidden City in China: expansive grounds with many buildings. Some housed the emperor’s wives. Linh told me how favored wives were in danger for their lives, especially if they became pregnant. If the child was a boy, there was added jeopardy to both their lives. Women taken to be the wife of the emperor never again left the grounds. I could not help but think of women of poor means whose selection to that elite group meant trading the freedom from poverty to having no freedom at all. What a choice.

The battle site of Quang Tri is now also a tourist area. There is a small museum, largely intact bunkers, and a US helicopter and plane. I tried to imagine how it might have been for the brave men stationed there. I thought of my own brother, a Vietnam vet (now deceased). Wish I could ask him if he had been there.

A few people wandered the grounds, selling dog tags from American and South Vietnamese soldiers. I held them in my hand, but they held my heart. Names after name, home states, religious beliefs, blood types…I was keenly aware that each of the cold metal rectangles stood for a living, breathing human being. Part of me wanted to buy all the dog tags, and part of me wanted to make them stop selling them. It seemed profane to me, to sell the dog tags in the face of the sacrifices made on that hill.

Any way, if you are veteran—or if you love someone who is, I just wanted to say thank you. I appreciate your service. I wish my own brother were living so I could tell him.

With Good Friday nearly here, I am thinking about another sacrifice willingly made. I am thankful for that one, too. May we all live lives worthy of what has been given to us and for us.

Grace and peace,
Cindy

Shopping Spree

I have been promising the girls (and most specifically, Joy) to go shopping for Easter dresses. Today was the day. Well, at least tonight was the night. Shopping here poses many possibilities. We can go to the market and bargain for each and every item we buy (which I find exhausting). We can go to Big C, gather an entourage of on-lookers who follow us throughout the store, right through the check-out. We can look for a small shop and risk higher prices. Or, we can go to our friend, who sells children's clothing out of her business office.

Tonight we visited my friend. She buys clothing at outlet centers in Saigon, most likely where the clothing is made. There are many namebrands: Gymboree, Gap, Old Navy, Children's Place--even some Ralph Lauren. Other brands are Australian or British. We arrived about 6:15pm, after the office was closed. About 15 plastic bags of various sizes were in the middle of the floor, and we were invited to plunge in. Every bag was packed full of new clothing--from fancy dresses to sundresses; pants; shorts; tops; even some hats, house shoes, and underclothes.
The girls loved it. They used an empty office as a changing room and had a grand time trying on different styles.

Of course, at the end of the shopping session, we had a big job folding and returning the clothing to the bags. We all came home happy. The girls have a total of 4 dresses, 2 skirts, 3 pairs of capris, 6 tops and a cropped denim jacket. Dad and Mom are happy, too. All 16 pieces came to a grand total of about $55.

Life is full of exchanges. We shop from bags in an office instead of at a mall. But the tag on Faith's Gymboree pants says they will cost about $30 in the US. I paid about $3. There are limited sizes and no "restocking." Still, to find the right dress in the right size brings some big smiles. All in all, a very good night.

Grace and peace,
Cindy

Back in the Swing

Wow! After a long absence I hope I am back for the "long run"! Computer/server problems have prevented me from accessing the blog...very frustrating. But, thanks to Enoch, all is well once again!

Now for catching up...

February was eventful. The lunar new year holiday, Tet, was February 14. That meant that the city effectively began shutting down on February 7, and by the 12th, schools and businesses were on holiday. Tet is beautiful...flowers everywhere, colorful lights up and down all the streets at night, lots of cleaning and sprucing up with painting, etc. Looking at a very full schedule over the next weeks, we took a few days off for vacation at Tet, spending a few days in Hoi An, a quaint tourist hot spot about 45 minutes from home.

The weather was spectacular. The girls went swimming three times a day, and enjoyed riding bikes and a trip on jet skis. They loved it! Jillian rode with her Dad, Anna Mei and Elizabeth each rode with an employee from the rental place. Anna Mei's "guide" let her drive. He was Vietnamese, but got plenty of practice on one English word during his outing with Anna Mei: "Slow! Slow! Slow!"

For the Vietnamese, Tet is also a time of focus on family. It is the time of year when everyone travels home and there are frequent visitors. Children receive small red envelopes with gifts of money. Everyone is expected to have two new outfits. "New" is the operative word for everything, which makes the time leading up to Tet a time to be especially watchful against theft. One teenager we know had his own new jeans stolen from his clothes line at home while they were hanging out to dry!

Incense is everywhere, altars for ancestors are heavily decorated and supplied with food, money, and other valuables. It is not uncommon for people to build small fires on the side walks or roadside to burn items that are then "transported" to those already in the afterlife. Bicycles, clothing, furniture, even money--anything may be burned that a person thinks his departed loved ones may need.

For us, though, February's greatest event was not Tet. It was the opening of Promise House! Seven children arrived on February 23. Since then, the number has doubled, with more children expected over the next few months. Eventually, Promise House will be home to thirty children. The children come from tragic backgrounds of poverty, hardship, neglect, grief, and hunger. What a wonderful blessing to know they are now eating well, attending school and experiencing the nurturing love of dedicated caregivers.

You will be seeing more of these precious children on the blog!

Of course, when good things are happening, the enemy of our souls seems to get into gear as well. There have been so many challenges, mostly cultural and political. Daily life here sometimes seems to be similar to waltzing on a tightrope, without a net. Many have felt changes here. Some are having to leave, others are dealing with close scrutiny, many questions, investigations.

In the end, we entrust our lives and activities to hands stronger than our own, a mind abler than we can perceive, a heart of limitless compassion. And we find joy.

Grace and peace,

Cindy

Anna Mei's Day In Pictures

" Okay, Anna Mei, here is your math problem..."

"I'm thinking...I'm thinking...."

"It IS the right answer ?????? Whoa!"

A Busy Day

Jillian, Joy and Elizabeth transfer the food to the new refrigerator.
Can you tell we are excited?

Jillian, Joy and I say good-bye to our old model. Yea!

Hello, all—
It has been an eventful day.

First off, let me say that I am no longer taller than my refrigerator. There’s a new Panasonic in the kitchen now…415 liters in size (14.6 cubic feet). It is much larger than the old one, which lacked a separate freezer compartment and still had to be manually defrosted, creating a large puddle in the floor. The girls have thoroughly enjoyed the “playhouse” they made from the box. Tonight, four of them are sleeping in it. Jillian is the lone voice of sanity that opted for the bed. J

This evening, the three older girls (Jillian, Anna Mei and Elizabeth) and I began some formalized motherly chats about “becoming women.” Jillian has been looking forward to it for weeks now. Elizabeth begged me to let her join in; Anna Mei is alternately interested/not interested. When I told Elizabeth she could be “in the group”, she struck a pose and started singing, “I’m the Statue of Puberty.” Ha! We gathered in a cozy circle over hot tea, and began with Scriptures from Psalm 139 and 1 Corinthians 6. It was a good discussion and we will continue round 2 next week.

Riding with Tony on the motorbike today, I noticed that so many of the motorbikes do not have turn signals. It is customary here for the passenger on the back of the bike to provide the signals: you simply stick out your right or left arm (depending on the intended direction) and vigorously shake your hand.

Our household is turning into a band! Jillian received drums for Christmas. Joy and Faith are now taking piano (and loving it—Joy can play the melody of “Silent Night” with no mistakes), and Jillian, Anna Mei and Elizabeth have begun to learn to play the recorder in our music time. They are all doing well. I am loving it immensely!

Work is progressing quickly at Promise House, the new orphanage here in Danang. Looks like children will soon move in. Remember them. Their ages are 5-12, so the transition from all that they have known (even if it has been terrible deprivation) may be difficult and frightening for them. We are looking for ways to make it easier.

Related to Promise House…a great praise. Tony was interviewing someone for a job there, and during their discussion, the applicant joined the faith. Remember this young man also.

That pretty much covers our day here. It is night now. I am off to bed…if it is not raining in the morning, Jillian wants me to take a bike ride with her to the beach at about 5:45 am.

Tonight, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness for this happy life.

Grace and peace,
Cindy

That Lock Has To Go

It is morning in Vietnam! Earlier, I went out to the courtyard to unlock the gate for the day.

It seems to me that in Vietnam, as in life, even padlocks can outlive their usefulness. We have used the same heavy padlock on our front gate since our arrival here. Every night, we secure the gate into our courtyard, and also during the day if we leave the house. It's been a useful lock--it is heavy, it has kept unwanted visitors out, and at times it has been used to keep little residents in. :)

But, I think it may be time for the lock to go. For several weeks now, when it is unlocked, the whole lock comes apart. The key is hard to turn, and if you're not careful, when it does open, the heavy bottom part of the lock will fall on your toes. There is some visible rust, and the lock only stays together when it is completely engaged.

Hmmm...it got me to thinking about the situations and attitudes that I have "locked up" for safe-keeping. So, I've been taking inventory this morning. Holy Spirit, what is locked in me?
-forgiveness withheld?-grief treasured to a near form of spiritual worship?
-furnaced anger occasionally stoked to roaring heat?
-regret replayed and relived until I am sufficiently miserable?
-hardships or difficult circumstances trotted out to evoke excuse or pity?

Maybe it's time to get rid of some locks in my life. How about you?

Here in Danang, the old lock goes, but another will replace it. Can I trust my Father to throw away the old locks and put in some new ones?
...rest in knowing that I am forgiven
...comfort that no loss is beyond His help
...humility to release offense to His judgment and resolution
...acceptance that He is touched with the feeling of my weaknesses
...courage to believe that He is the victory

After every meal, we have a little saying that we repeat together. More than a statement of unity, it is a prayed "life-statement" to the Lord Himself: "My heart, Your heart, one heart. Jesus is Victor." Can you pray it from your heart today?

Grace and peace!

Learning is caught not taught

A view of the plaza where we can ride beside the river.

The crew is in front of me. Elizabeth, Tony (on the left), Jillian, Faith and Joy on the right. Where's Anna Mei? Leading the way, of course!

Sword fighting on the plaza!

A fishing boat on the Han River.

“Mom, guess what Dad is doing now?”

It wasn’t hard to figure out. It was New Year’s Day. We had taken the girls on a bike ride to the Han River bridge. Relaxing on the plaza, the girls had made fast friends with a group of five Vietnamese kids. They were ragged and thin. In and out of the river they waded, catching fish with their hands, splashing, playing. Two of the boys had plastic swords. Faith had had the forethought to put her collapsible sword in the basket of her bike, so she was ready for fencing. It’s amazing how much communication goes on without language!

They kids played up a sweat. Nearby a street vendor sold cold sugar cane juice. I was reading on bench by the river when Elizabeth popped the question. “Mom, guess what Dad’s doing now?” I didn’t even look up. “He’s buying sugar cane juice for everyone,” I said. “Yep,” she said, “That’s nice, isn’t it?” I nodded, smiling.

It was a great bike ride. A beautiful day. Lots of fun and laughter. And sharing.

Grace and peace!

Happy New Year!

Elizabeth is drinking sugar cane juice, served (like all drinks here) in a baggie.
Anna Mei at the start of another wonderful creation!

I love this picture...the girls taking a break from a bike ride along the Han River. Anna Mei was doing cartwheels nearby!

Bathing beauty at the Red Beach Resort pool. For a small fee, you can swim all day!

Faith loved floating on the raft.

Pretty great way to celebrate the new year, eh?

Always Learning

Even after living here for a year and a half, I find life amusing and sometimes surprising.

The week before Christmas, I was invited to sing at an outreach service held at a local Vietnamese church. The service was in English, and many university students were invited.

In the afternoon before the service, we were invited to a “party” at the church. Tony was preparing to preach the next day, so I took the girls and, thankfully, Quyen. The “party” turned out to be a Vietnamese service with food at the end. There were songs, prayers and a message. The event was held at Bee’s church and she had taken off the day at our house so she could cook at the church. It was late afternoon, so all the girls fell asleep during the service.

After we ate, I called a taxi to go home. In a few minutes, a taxi pulled up out front, honking for us. Clearly, the driver wanted us to hurry. He stood outside the taxi, motioning for us to move quickly across the dirt driveway. Just as we got in the taxi, Faith noticed that she had left a small stuffed animal inside the building. So, we had to stop the driver so she could run back in and get it. He was noticeably unhappy about it.

Just as she was coming back, another taxi pulled into the church area. He, too, began honking—but not at us. He was pointing at our driver, who promptly got out, opened our doors and motioned for us to get into the second taxi.

I was perplexed until Quyen explained. When we called for the taxi, the “main office” dispatched a car. Many taxi drivers heard the dispatch. One of them was close and he came first, unbeknownst to the dispatcher. Some of the drivers here steal fares. If they can beat the dispatched taxi to the fare, and get away before the driver who was sent arrives, no one knows who took the fare, and the driver pockets the all the money. But, as in our case, if the dispatched taxi sees who is picking up the fare, he reports it to the main office and the offending driver is caught (and most likely fined). No wonder the first driver was in such a hurry! I had to laugh…I’m sure he never dreamed that he would be trying to herd 7 girls (4 of them under age 10) into his “getaway car.”

I wonder in the months we have lived here how many drivers have been sent to us and been disappointed that we had been “stolen” when they arrived? Hmmmm…that might explain why they are sometimes slow to come. J

The moral of the story: Don’t try to cut in line to get ahead. You never know when the Lord will use a 7-year-old to expose your deeds!

Grace and peace!

Living in the Tens

Hello, all—
Happy New Year!

The coming of a new year always encourages me. I enjoy the opportunity to begin again, to have a fresh start, a clean slate.

A few weeks ago, I started thinking about the significance in my own life of 2010. I began thinking about ways my life could be better by incorporating activities that could be done in just 10 minutes a day: reading a good book, cross stitch, power nap, etc. But then, a phrase began recurring in my thoughts…living in the tens. It captured my interest. I did a little investigating about the number 10 in the Bible. And I was amazed.

The number 10 refers to a completeness of order, marking the entirety of anything—there is nothing wanting, the cycle is complete. With numbers, the whole “decimal” system consists of so many tens, of which the first is a type of the whole (10, 20, 30, etc.).

The Bible contains many references to tens. Here are just a few (and I do mean a few of the entire list I have compiled)…
There are 10 generations from Adam to Noah; and 10 more from Noah to Abraham.
10 Commandments
10 Egyptian Plagues
10 Trials that proved Abraham’s faith
10 Rebellions of Israel in the Wilderness (Nu. 14:22)
10 Gerahs paid by each man at a time of Census
10 righteous people would have saved Sodom and Gomorrah
In the Tabernacle: 10 Linen curtains, 10 Pillars, 10 sockets ,The ground plans and elevations proceed by tens
In the account of Abraham’s servant finding a wife for Isaac in Genesis 24: 10 camels, 10 shekels of gold, a 10-day stay, and 10-thousand blessings

I could go on, but I think we get the picture: 10 is a number of significance in the Bible. I will mention one more, it is the 10 words used throughout Psalm 119 to refer to the Word of God. They are: Way, Precepts, Ordinances, Judgments, Statutes, Testimony, Commandment, Law, Righteousness and Word. One of these words is found in every verse of Psalm 119, with 3 exceptions (vs.90, 122, and 132).

Still, I have kept searching, trying to surmise what meaning there might be for me in the phrase, “living in the tens.” If you are like me, there are some things that need completing in your life. Maybe some attitudes that need to come to an end. Situations that need to come to a conclusion, instead of continuing like a circular roller coaster, up and down, only to begin again. In my own life, I want a new season of fellowship with God, of fruitfulness in ministry, of spiritual strength and wisdom. Ahhhh…but how to get there?

Then, I was reminded of John 10:10. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal, to kill and to destroy. But I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” I see here three keys to living that abundant life.
The first is discernment. We must discern who or what the thieves are. Of course, Satan, the enemy of my soul and yours, is at the top of the list. But, I think we give him too much assistance (at least I know I do). It is like the saying…”We have met the enemy, and it is us.”

So, who or what are the enemies in my life that come to steal trust, joy and commitment? What thieves work to kill the loving relationship with my heavenly Father? Who or what threatens to destroy my fruitfulness in God’s kingdom?

I listed a few thieves, you can probably add more…
Pride
Unresolved anger or bitterness
Being double-minded: wanting the ways of God at times, wanting my own way at others
Habitual sin
Indifference
Nurtured or coddled sorrow, regret or hurt
Fear
Disappointment

Only the Holy Spirit can reveal the “thieves” that some to steal, kill and destroy in each of our lives.

Secondly, living an abundant life will require some discipline on my part. I must walk toward all that the Lord has for me. He will not “drop it” on me without my assent and participation. Jesus said that we “might” have life—it is not a given, but it is available. I must follow through on what He puts on my heart to do. Obedience. Surrender. Mother Teresa said, “I do not pray for success, I pray for faithfulness.”

The third component of abundant life is delight. It is not merely “life” that Jesus offers, it is “abundant life.” And I say, “Yes!”

I have confident hope that the goodness of God awaits us. Why? Because of Romans 8:38, 39, which lists ten (of course) things that can never separate us from the love of Christ: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers; nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

And, if that is not enough, consider the ten “I Am’s” from the Gospel of John:
"I am the Bread of Life" (6:35).
"I am the Bread of Life which came down from heaven" (6:41).
"I am the Living Bread" (6:51).
"I am the Light of the world" (8:12).
"I am One that bear witness of Myself" (8:18).
"I am the Door of the sheep" (10:7,9).
"I am the Good Shepherd" (10:14).
"I am the Resurrection and the Life" (14:6).
"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (14:6).
"I am the True Vine" (15:1,5).

This is our God. Sufficient for every need. Tender in every sorrow. Reassuring in every quandary. Whatever we lack, He has.

As we enter 2010, I want to live “in the tens.” That is, I want to experience in complete fullness all of what the Lord has for me. I want to defeat the thieves that come to steal, kill and destroy and I want to live in abundance…abundant faithfulness, abundant obedience, abundant joy, abundant wisdom, abundant fruitfulness.

It’s a new decade…the decade of “the tens.” May God grant us a spiritual harvest of the life He desires to give us!

Grace and peace!