Hello, 2012: Cheesegift

New Year's eve: i arrive home and am told there is a note by my bed. Yay! Beside my bed lay a scribbled note of appreciation- serving notice that my friend had given me some cheese, which i could find in the fridge. Cheesegift! This was a New Year's eve joy.

Here in Asia, cheese isn't a part of life- so, spare the slice of american cheese on a McDonald's burger when we happen to eat there, we don't eat cheese. But we remember it fondly. So cheese is a truly a delightful treat. Already a lover of cheese- and all the more in these circumstances- I was so pleased to receive this thoughtful gift. A cheesegift of New Year's cheer!

Happy 2012. We are off to a good start.

last hours of 2011: dumpling making

What did you do on New Year's eve? I learned to stuff chinese dumplings! These little morsels, often known Stateside as pot stickers but here as jiaozi ( jow-zih ), are popular cuisine whether steamed, boiled or fried. My coleader and i got to join a small local fellowship as they gathered to make jiaozi, pray for one another's needs, and of course, eat jiaozi. It was fun to be immersed in their lives in this way, and to learn that i am... not a good jiaozi stuffer. Mike of course got the hang of it immediately- the group reached a consensus and bestowed on him their unfortunate praise: "Mike, you make jiaozi like a girl." It was amazing. I on the other hand, was rather less skilled. The girl instructing me looked at my product with amusement and compassion. When i laughed and said it was bad, she shook her head and composing herself countered: "Its special." These are the joys of the groups limited english- their comments could not have been more perfect. Haha. Turns out i am pretty decent at eating jiaozi, though- even if the way i use chopsticks is special, too:)

Mmmm.

Actual Christmas

All the plotting and planning and late night wrappings paid off. My girls were so excited when i stuck my head in their room and called them out of bed... wearing a silly Christmas sweater and reindeer antlers:)

My co-leader Mike and I were up early cooking - eggs, pancakes, and muffins. It was a lovely little breakfast. Then we "moved to the leather" (retired to the couches) to open presents.

I had been wrapping little gifts and stuffing their three stockings since before we left Maui. It was such great fun to see my team all so delighted. Then there was tears when i "found some more gifts stuck in the chimney" and they turned out to be gifts their families had sent to me in Maui, which we "smuggled" over here in secret. So rewarding to see them blessed and feeling so loved. My dear and sneaky family even did the same for me- sending a precious little stocking of joy over with my co-leader. It was such a merry little Christmas.

The afternoon was full of skype calls, the whirring of Mike (all aglow) playing with the radio controlled helicopter i gave him, the girls happily rereading their cards from home, and then... me and Mike hitting the kitchen again.

We took on yesterday's unfortunate chicken and soon had him rinsed out, poised in a small glass baking pan ( all of this has to be cooked in a counter top toaster oven) and amply stuffed and surrounded with onions, carrots, butter and garlic. The tiny turkey stand-in went in the oven shortly after noon. By sometime after two (with only a couple bastings in between) the finished product emerged- a far cry from the fowl first seen at the market. The apartment was flooded with homey and delicious smells. In in a tiny kitchen and tiny oven, we pulled off a fantastic Christmas meal at about three o'clock in the afternoon. It was great fun to prepare and everything tasted amazing. We were all so stoked in our happy little Christmas haven all day.

In the evening, friends from the other Maui team came over for spiced cider and a movie...it was a great and cozy and family-like close to our Christmas festivities. Such a blessing from the Lord to all of us. Such a merry little Christmas.

Breakfast- a great start to a merry little Christmas!

Opening stockings:) i am such a great reindeer.

Me and Mike take on the pigeon-esque turkey stand-in ...don't you love our sweaters??!

We cracked ourselves up all day.

Not posed. They really were that excited for the roasted chicken as Mike carved it up at dinner!

The finished product. (Food picture- sorry, Trina.)

You'd maybe have to live on rice and dumplings in Asia for several weeks to appreciate how joyous and welcome this homey feast appeared to us, and how lovely it tasted:)

Yay for our Merry little Christmas!

Pre-Christmas fun (or, More fun at the wet market )

For over a month i have been plotting a cozy Christmas away from home for my team. I even packed stovetop stuffing mix and a can of cranberries in our luggage. But there is still local preparations to make... like acquiring a turkey stand in. In this case, said stand in was to be a chicken. Me and Mike headed to the fresh market- not referred to as "the wet market" for nothing... the floors are always awash in unidentified juices and the run off of frequent hose flushings. While we are at the markets often, its certainly less often that we go to buy a whole chicken (generally we purchase recognizable parts of meat that are lying out pre-cut). Happily, my local friend accompanied us and the chicken acquisition was accomplished rather easily. And by rather easily i mean with a certain amount of yelling and pointing while a lady dug through cages of fluffy white (and truly unfortunate) fowl, dippings and de-featherings, amusing translations, and finally some rather gruesome encounters with a cleaver: "Can you tell her we can do without the head?!". At last we departed with a (still warm) chicken about the size of an overfed pigeon. Haha. Some people's pre-Christmas shopping consists of a visit to the mall and a stop by Starbucks; for others, well, its looks a little bit different.

Ignore the flayed rabbits and try not to notice that she hands you your change in already grimy (and now damp) bills with same hand she gutted your chicken with... yay for fun at the wet market!

studies, friends and teaching

Life is picking up pace a bit, with lots of bible studies to host, friends to meet with, and opportunities to teach and share with both believers and nonbelievers. Its exciting to be a part of all the Lord is doing here, and to see us woven into His plan! Thank you for your prayers- we have been blessed, encouraged, and led though so many open doors already...praise the Lord!

my group...and the greater Maui posse

Just wanted to post a few familiar faces- my little group is just four people... but there is another Maui group here (besides our contacts)...friends and familiar faces. Its great to have a familiar little community in the area and have times of worship together each week.

Maui staff!! Me and the four other Maui staff involved with leading these groups.

The whole posse- me and my co-leader's little group of four...and the other two dozen Maui folks spending part of their trip here!

Its Asia!

Even though the urban city skyline is chic and modern, its still Asia- with a long and old heritage lost under the shiny international city veneer. We took time to recognize that heritage with a morning walk through a park in the city, visiting an old guard tower from the ancient city walls. Sites like this are rare in the city- many historic buildings were traded long ago for the efficiency of an urban center. While in the park, we also played a hacky sack type game with some locals- and bought one of the little shuttlecock type birdies used for the game. We may go play this popular game in parks and campuses to help us make friends and get to know local students. You can pray for me- i am the least coordinated of my group :) Haha. It makes me shy of playing- but i'm working my way into it. Soon it may be too cool outside to play, so I hope we can use this fun way of meeting people in the meantime.

a room with a view

We are blessed to be staying in a lovely apartment, belonging to some of my Maui friends that are back in the States on a visit. Their place here has a truly remarkable view- especially from the master bedroom, which i am inhabiting at present. Its kind of ridiculous, actually. I have something of a princess bed, and then this panoramic bay window... after leaving my bedroom in the cinderblock sub level of an old beach house. Its a bit much- I am so blessed to have a room with view. And this view is outstanding.

Our patio has the same city skyline view- we all just love it. Every day we just sort of wonder at the Father's provision, our friends' generosity, and what the Lord is doing in this city.

Good morning, Asia!

transit: day in/ day out

On Sunday, we departed Maui in the morning- catching last glimpses of home through panoramic windows- we hopped through Honolulu to catch a Korea bound flight and flew ten hours to reach Seoul. Thankfully, as the sun set on the glowing landscape, we were issued hotel vouchers. Far and away beyond our expectations, the hotel was lovely and we were each given our own large room. It broke our two days of flying into neat (and actually easy) transit. We were given vouchers for meals- and the hotel had a phenomenal variety of offerings which we hated to tear ourselves away from at both dinner and breakfast! Seoul was a blessing and truly refreshing stop over for us. We watched the sun rise from the departure gate and boarded our last flight, arriving at our destination in the afternoon. After being picked up by a friend thats helping to connect us here, we took our luggage to our borrowed apartment (which is beautiful and another lavish blessing) and then headed out by the glow of yet another sunset to walk along the river and get some local food for dinner. We were arrived at last.

Maui...

...Seoul...

...Arrived!

last day with dad

After a few great days together, my dad flew out this evening... but not before we enjoyed a final day of sunshine, rainbows, sand and sea. It was a fitting end to a refreshing weekend. Now, the countdown to outreach has begun: three more days till departure...

blessing alert: my dad is here!

This past weekend, my dad flew in to spend several days with me before i leave for outreach. He is such a joy and blessing everywhere he goes:) In this case, that means Maui! Even in the last minute crush of my errands, preparations and course closing duties, its such a refreshment to have time with him as a haven in the midst of everything. We've eaten at all my favorite local places, got our feet in the sand, done some of my pre-outreach shopping, taken friends out to gelato, and tonight we plan to watch the sunset from the beach. Its a blessing to enjoy my dad's fellowship and care for these few days- i love that he flew out here to spend this short time with me. He's such a blessing and refreshment to me!

Dinner at the Paia Fish Market never disappoints

Gelato with some of my close girlfriends

momentum can be stressful

I haven't had time to write in the last week. I haven't had time for much of anything! I went through the entire day with my hair in a bed-head braid and never got around to fixing it until well into the evening when i finally paused in front of a mirror. My brain has felt almost as disheveled as my hair. The momentum of our impending departure for Asia is hurling me headlong through each day- and with everything I have to do before we go, that experience can be stressful. I have been trying to diligently take time to focus on the Lord and step back from the clutter of responsibilities to breathe; its not easy. But if i don't stay on track there, i can win every battle and lose the war. If I miss Christ in my busy-ness, I forfeit everything, and my busy-ness is for naught. For to Whom are my days? My breaths? My prayers? My labors? And if not in, to, through, and for the Lord- than what? This is where i find perspective. Perspective that holds off the weight of the momentum, and honors God by setting the striving of stress aside. Easy? No. Vital? Yes.

John 15.

In the midst of it all, I have to say: i love my life. There is always grace for what i am given. (But granted, not always a lot of time to update my blog:)

get your chopstick fingers warmed up...

Last night my co-leader Mike and I took our outreach team out to eat Chinese fast food at a rather greasy little local haunt. While tame compared to the actual fare sometimes encountered in the alleyways of Canton, it deviated from the standard american Chinese food and was challenging enough for the girls: Kelsey had to give up the fork she was harboring "just in case", and the salt stewed duck egg and crispy pork fat were flushed down with lots of coca cola. It was a good time together and served to get our chopstick fingers warmed up... and our "just embrace it" attitudes on:)

Wow- I am going on outreach with these people in a couple weeks!

I think its the MSG.

Yep. Definitely MSG ;)

this week in SBFM

This week in the SBFM course which is currently underway here in Maui, we are watching a video series by the late Francis Schaeffer. Titled How Should We Then Live?, this series examines the rise and decline of Western thought and culture. Dr. Schaeffer uses the exploration of art, music and literature to follow the shaping of Western thought since the first century. In just ten videos, each a half hour long, Francis Schaeffer offers a coherent overview of how our culture and world got to where it is now, how this deviates from a Biblical Christian Worldview, and how we should then live. I truly appreciate the work of Francis Schaeffer, one of the most outstanding Christian thinkers of our time; his writings have been a valued influence in my life over recent years.

To interested readers, I highly recommend the book (by the same title) on which the video series is based, however, to those less inclined toward heavier reading, I recommend the videos. The video series unpacks the same material simply but without sacrificing depth. Although dated and low budget, i think of it as a vintage gem, loaded with truth and insights.

less than one month until departure!

Its under one month till my team departs for China- and we are continuing to build our team dynamic and see our students equipped with skills to teach Scripture and share the gospel. Its an exciting time- even though I am busier than i like. But thats kind of been my whole year. God's grace is sufficient though and I continue to rejoice in the privilege of sharing in what God is doing everywhere He opens the doors for me to serve.

me and my outreach student Noelle:)

Romans 12:19

Non vosmetipsos vindicantes, carissimi, sed date locum irae, scriptum est enim: “ Mihi vindicta, ego retribuam ”, dicit Dominus.

Today i was reading this verse in a parallel Bible and the Latin (I confess, i love dead languages) really struck me- even though my knowledge of Latin is limited at best. I am reminded again and again to trust the Lord, Who with everlasting Faithfulness stands in perfect Justice and unutterable Mercy. Truly, we can entrust ourselves in Him, as 1 Peter 2:23 explains that Christ Himself did.

fun in the forrest

This Saturday, i went hiking Upcountry with a group of friends. We had a great time, and took some fun photos. My favorite is this one of my outreach team co-leader Mike and me- having a ninja battle in the woods:)

Its a good thing we can set aside our work, rest, and get out and enjoy the fresh air a little. The current school is in still in full swing while we have been growing busier and busier with outreach now just a month away! Thank the Lord for rest from our work, friends that encourage us, and the a day in the forrest to enjoy both!

rainy day and high hopes

Today is the rainiest and coolest day in months. Waking to this cloudy and brooding day delighted me. The rain and cool is a welcome change of pace...and it is the perfect setting for a cozy start to the weekend. Starbucks peppermint mocha season has just begun- and a particular sort of weather is necessary to embrace such beverages in Maui. Today's weather is perfect, and after work, i have high hopes of going in to nearby Kahului to cozy up with a seasonal beverage. A rainy day has produced high peppermint mocha hopes within me:)

Introducing...

...my outreach team! You will remember my coleader Mike from posts over the past year- its a privilege to be leading the team with a trusted friend. Our students are the lovely Kelsey and Noelle- from Minnesota and Washington, respectively. I'm really excited at the Lord's having brought the four of us together to serve in Asia these coming few months! Please keep us in prayer- collectively, our team needs a few thousand dollars still before our December departure. Thanks!

half way there

We have reached the halfway point in this fall's SBFM course lecture phase- which means we have just another six weeks till outreach. Yay- we're half way there! Also exciting: we bought our tickets this weekend! Yay! Securing tickets is a definite milestone and marks a half way point in team funding as well, as tickets make up nearly half the trip cost. Yay- we're half way there! Praise the Lord we have come this far and that He is continuing to make a way for each of us. Please remember me and my team in your prayers as we continue to eagerly prepare for this outreach.

ps. Please pray also for our China visas- we sent our passports & applications off this morning!

team building gone girly

As you may have guessed from the distinct lack of blog entries lately, my schedule has been swamped. The good news is that although i am busy, not every thing i do is administrative. Besides lectures, grading, and meetings some of the things i need to do are less structured- like finding time to do some team building with the girls i am taking on outreach. It still takes time and still has to fit into the already cozy schedule, but lets face it- doing mud masks and eating french fries isn't the same as going to a logistical meeting:)

Meet Noelle and Kelsey- my outreach team girls:) I am stoked to spend a few more months with these two young women, supporting and mentoring them as they step into this challenge.

why we love the Lord with all our heart, mind and strength:

"The heart cannot exalt what the mind rejects."

Dr. Stephen C. Meyer

afternoon coffee hour(s)

I love to sit and regroup over coffee in the afternoon. Life is not always conducive to this practice, however when circumstance allows, this is my afternoon ritual. And its hereditary. My dad is all about afternoon coffee. When he and i were traveling in Europe we definitely made an afternoon of it- daily. The moments below are glimpses into some of my more well-traveled coffee respites...

Paris

Edinburgh

Segovia

Nice

Rome

October: over ten years ago

Just a little glimpse into the Octobers of years past...

This is a photo with a bunch of my friends on an outreach to the Hawaiian island of Molokai, in October of 1998. I'm up in the left:) Can hardly believe that night was thirteen years ago.

In Manitoba, Canada in October of 2000, for a wedding with friends from YWAM. (This is scanned, so theoretically, i could have the date wrong, but i had this penciled on the prints.) And yes, thats me in the boots. Apparent evidence that my boot habit started over a decade ago.

I have such fond memories of this trip eleven years ago. It was such a perfect Fall weekend, and such a sweet reunion with friends.

Time really does fly...and here i am, back to October again, over ten years later...