For those reading this in the U.S., I doubt that you think very often about the fact that you are in North America. I know I didn’t. Here, we are constantly reminded of the fact that not only do we live in Mongolia, but that we live in Asia.
I would also guess that most of you, when you pick up your Bible, pick it up expecting to be encouraged or blessed or perhaps challenged. I know I do.
So, the other day when I picked up my Bible and read the following verse, I confess that I really just wanted to go back to bed:
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself (2 Corinthians 1:8).
Bernie was quick to remind me that if you go on to read the rest of the passage, God delivers. Another confession here – I don’t really like having to be delivered. You don’t get delivered from pleasant or easy. You need to be delivered from painful or difficult.
Let me clarify that so far the affliction we have experienced since our arrival in UB has been minimal, practically non-existent. We have it remarkably easy here so far. I’m very grateful for the cushion God has given us. I know there will be hard times ahead. But I know that when they come, there is a God who will deliver us in His time.
After I regrouped and began to read again, I finished my reading with this:
You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for
the blessing granted us through the prayers of many (v. 9).
There are so many of you praying – holding the ropes for us. I am humbled; I am grateful; I am blessed. Thank you. Some day we will all give thanks together for God’s blessing upon this land because God has answered our prayers.
On a lighter note, here are some things I miss that I took for granted:
1. Safety seals on food products.
2. Non-smoking sections in restaurants.
3. Grass
4. EPA pollution controls.
5. Ease of communication.
6. Friends
August 25th, 2006
I’ve been asked when I was going to put up another blog, so here it is. To my blog friend Beth at National Office (whom I’ve never met) maybe you won’t need Kleenex for this one :). I encourage those of you reading this blog to share your similar experiences in the comment section.
• I can walk to the corner video store and buy a Shania Twain CD, but I haven’t been able to take a hot shower for three days (and we won’t have hot water for another week).
• We can’t buy contact lens solution here, but I can buy my specific brand of Clinique makeup (if I want to pay $45 for it).
• My entire family can go to the movie theatre, watch a movie produced this year in English and have popcorn and cokes for $15, which is less than I can buy a can of Crisco to make biscuits ($18).
• Bernie can have filet mignon for the same price as a cup of Starbucks Coffee in the states. You can buy a bag of Starbucks coffee here, if you want to pay $38 for it.
• After looking for two days for a 9 x 13 baking pan (both my Pampered Chef ones broke in transit), I found one for $29 or I could by one in a baking set for $96 (the same set they sell at Walmart for $9.99). If I wanted cookware, I could buy an entire set for next to nothing.
• Jonathan and Cori can watch Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network, but I have to hang my clothes on a line to dry.
• Apartment complexes have Internet access available, but no elevators.
• If I want entertaining TV, so far I have come across the following dubbed in Mongolian: Gilligan’s Island; Shrek; Walker, Texas Ranger; and America’s Funniest Home Videos. Which would you pick if you were me?
• Our home in Mongolia never had rain until we arrived, and our home in the US hasn’t had rain since we left.
• I’m as tall my refrigerator, but I need a step ladder to get into the bathtub.
The real anomaly is the one in our hearts. I am so grateful for the things we have that we thought we were giving up, but are quite content without the things we did. I am not a contented person by nature. I am learning “in whatever situation I am to be content…â€? (Phil. 4:11). I am grateful for the home God has provided, especially the location. I am grateful for the team God has given us to work with and the unity we are already starting to experience. I am grateful for my husband and his leadership through this process. I am grateful for my children and what great troopers they have been.
I am grateful to God for His indescribable Gift and the privilege to be a part of bringing that Gift to this country and this people.
August 12th, 2006