I know what it’s like to get behind on this…I remember why blogging can be ditched…you get so behind and then you think…ah…”what’s the use”…but, here I stand…back in the game…
We celebrated a wonderful July 4th here in Thailand…the consulate threw a fun party for all Americans…full of all things USA – bouncy castles, games, burgers, pizza and Miguels Mexican grub (which SHOULD be in the USA, but is thankfully located here!) We had so much fun with friends (our former co-workers from Okinawa were even here to enjoy it with!) and Buddy even got himself into a Magic Panda suit and tormented friends who didn’t know it was him.
I have mentioned before that living here has made me more patriotic than ever…having lived around the military for so long, we find ourselves more aware than ever of the unique privileges we sometimes take for granted as Americans. I couldn’t wait to celebrate those things that I often took for granted this year. I was especially struck by our blessings when I casually asked my Thai teacher if she was ever planning on going to the US…She looked at me as if I asked her to solve the theory of relativity. An absolute blank stare and she proceeded to tell me that 1) It’s too expensive, 2) She couldn’t get a visa even if she tried and 3) She couldn’t get a passport because of reason number 1. Wow. I was speechless….I’ve been traveling around with my little blue passport since I was an infant. To think that she never even considers (for her LIFETIME) coming to America, made me realize (again) how unbelievably blessed and privileged and rich we are.
On a personal note, the more recent days have been remarkably filled with two very distinct NO’s from God. I think it’s so funny that we often say, “I just wish God would tell me!” because I don’t really enjoy it when God does do that but the answer is NO. What I really wish for is Him to say very clearly, “YES” to all my fervent and casual requests of Him. It has been a good discipline to remind myself of the things I believe about WHO He is and HOW He views me. As I told my friend recently, confident and guilt-free people sometimes need a divine kick in the teeth and I think I was due. Neither of those requests to God were hugely life-changing, but they were No’s nonetheless and I’m realizing how much I don’t like being told “no”. So, pray that I would continue to remember His grace and trust Him for the plans He has for me.
We’ve got new visitors and Angela Velker arrived this morning to begin helping shape up the DTS that begins in less than 3 weeks…things are starting to get happily busy and fun!