Both Sides of the Sun - A Valentine's Story

 

To love and be loved

is to feel the sun from both sides.

David Viscott

So many Valentine's ago now, when my children were small, I decided to write them a love letter to celebrate the day.  Before this, we had made or bought little cards with hilarious or cheesy declarations of love, likely with characters familiar from cartoons or other animated movies.

This year I handed each of my children a white, letter-sized envelope with their name in fancy lettering and a heart on the front.  Yes, there was chocolate to go with.

Kristyn received it eagerly, reading my letter and giving me a lovely hug at the end, before digging into her treat.

David's response surprised me.  He looked confused at first, then crossed his arms and outright refused to accept the envelope.  "That's not a Balentine!" he insisted.  And when I tried to coax him, he cried.  It took a while, maybe half an hour of gentle explanation, plus the bribe of eating the chocolate first, before I could convince him to let me read the letter to him.

As I did, he softened.  And when I was done, he smiled and said, "Mommy, at first it didn't look like a Balentine.  But when you read it to me it felt like a Balentine."  Big hug then.

A few thoughts on love from this.

One.  Loving intentions don't always land well. 

Two.  Careful explanation and attentive listening are required to really be able to speak and hear love.

Three.  How things feel to the other person matter.  

Four.  Chocolate covers a multitude of love fumbles.

And if I could stretch one more thought out of this and perhaps other fun family Valentine stories, it would be to repeat and reinforce once again that love is not just for couples.  How ridiculous.  If you're not in a couple it does not mean you are not engaged in loving exchange; both to love and be loved.

And if you are in a couple, but love is lacking, same.  In both scenarios, a broader focus allows more love into our lives.

Just a word here to express my most profound joy and gratitude in all the love I feel is so undeservedly poured out and overflowing into my life.  Often - and days like this bring it forward - I sit in wonder at how I could ever be this rich!

So.

Today I pray that you would feel the sun from both sides.

And I wish you chocolate.

When Fri-Yay Fizzles a Bit

Friday's Happy Breakfast

Cao Tom

Fair warning, I'm going to gripe a tad here this morning.  Because, well, it's just not been that great of a week.

First week back from any trip has some challenges, so there's that.  Jet lag has been for me particularly gnarly this time out.  Not sure why, but sometimes I manage better than other times.  

And I'm used to coming back from 'perfect' weather to winter, but this year?  Wow, that's a cold blast in the face!  I know, all of you who have been living through all of January in this, I feel you.  I think I'm just here complaining about the contrast.  

And then there's the layers.  Not of clothing, but yes that too.  But in the physicality of it.  Jet lag, layered on the cold, layered on a medical test that required three days of prep, and then proved to be more uncomfortable than a colonoscopy.  True.  I'd take a colonoscopy (I've had two in my life now) over what was done to me yesterday, any day.  

And then, there's the news out of Tumbler Ridge.  Weighs heavy.  And that's all I will say about that.

Another contrast - and I've talked about this before, and I'll say up front we all need the humility - is what's called 'status inconsistency.'  That's a term missiologists use when considering the missionary life of Paul, and the wide range of status he either enjoyed or endured, depending on the circumstances and cultures in which he was serving.  Everything from being taken out and being stoned and left for dead by the highly religious folks, to being venerated and mistaken for a god by some pagan but decidedly more generous folks.  

And while nobody, but nobody ever has mistaken me for a god, anywhere on the planet and certainly not in Thailand, and I would never, ever want such a thing, there is an unmistakable comparison between the respect-based Asian way of life, and what feels like a free-for-all sport of criticizing our leaders in Western culture.  I got me some of that this week.  Still sorting it out, trying to discern how much was constructive criticism which I welcome and can learn from, and how much was just unnecessary, the process of which requires emotional energy in itself.  

So I get to this Friday sleep disturbed with an unsettled gut and a slightly discouraged ego, trying to pace out what will be two demanding weekends in a row.

Well, yay.

Why tell you any of this?  I guess because I want to be real.  And yes, I'm going to end this on the positive spin, because I believe that's essential in nurturing good mental heath.  But first, just, yeah, I've not had the best week.  I acknowledge that.

And now, the gratitudes.

Because...there really are so many.

A warm house and an oh so comfortable bed to carry me through the wakeful times.

Excellent medical attention and professional care, even for the more difficult tests.

A son who's willing to come fetch me home since I'm not allowed to drive for a few hours.

Good news about a friend's significant surgery (and what do I have to complain about anyways?).

Two important Sundays, and the important communications they represent, are falling into place.

A positive, on track meeting for our big Haiti event on Saturday, February 21st.

A surprise 'extra' donation where very needed.

The flexibility to lay down in the afternoon when jet lag had you up and working for a good part of the night.

A calendar meeting that revealed a more doable schedule for March, quite possibly.

A husband who listens to my gripe and asks, "What do you need from me today?"

A bowl of Cao Tom with the proper sauce and dried garlic garnish (from Yupa's kitchen).

The tender comforting and reassuring Presence of a Shepherd who carries me in the meditations of the 23rd Psalm.  

Fri-yay may fizzle, but in truth, my cup does run over.  Truly.

Back on this Side of the Far Side

 

Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Where can I flee from Your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, You are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there Your right hand will hold me fast."

Psalm 139:7-10

Navigating that now very familiar territory of the 'in between' this morning, when jet lag is fresh and my soul hasn't quite yet caught up with my body.

I used to find it distressing.  But by now, having done this back and forth thing so many times I've literally lost count, I am more at ease in this gentle fog, and less likely to expect much more from myself than a slow unpacking, and not just of the suitcases.

If home is where the heart is, then I am blessed with expansive definitions.  It's become an astonishing gift of this era of my life that I travel so freely between them - my homes that is - and that my heart rests easily on either side of  'the far side of the sea.'  Rests easily....well.  Not really.  Because the bitter-sweet edge of that astonishing gift is that, no matter where I am, I am not with someones I long for.

Good thing for this gently foggy space, to feel it and own it and be welcomed back into the love here.

Gotta' get some groceries this morning, before all that blowing snow blows in.

Thank you to everyone who offered their support and prayers and encouragements to both Ken and I for this important visit to Hot Springs.  We felt it, every step of the way.

True Stories and Soft Ironies

 

I told the story again the other night.

The story of being challenged by a missionary speaker from Southeast Asia who came to our church when I was only eleven years old.  In that part of the story, the missionary said that in Southeast Asia it was so hot and then it got hotter and then it just got rainy and hotter together.  He said the food was so spicy you could hardly eat it.  He said there were spiders and snakes that could kill you or eat you or both.  He said the language was incredibly difficult to learn with tones and so many ways you could say something really, really wrong.  And then he asked, "Who wants to come?"

And I heard in my head what I believed to be the voice of God saying, "You.  I want you to go."

We walked to the front of the church in those days, when we wanted to make something certain in our hearts.  And I did that, that night.  And from then on, when folks asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said, "a missionary to Southeast Asia."  How exotic.  But really, I was convinced I was just following the direction of God for my life.

And it was all fine and good for a few years, until I met a boy.  And suddenly some realities kicked in.  Choosing a missionary life could very well mean choosing a single life.  And even though this boy and I had just started to hang out, I kind of liked hanging out, and kind of liked the idea that one day I'd hang out kind of permanently with someone.  And that poked a hole in my romantic notion of being a missionary in some exotic place.  And pressed up in painful ways against what I had thought had been so clear.

So I told my pastor, and he was amazing.  He said that I should just let God know how I was feeling about the whole deal and see what happened.  Which is what I did.  For the next six months straight I poured all my teenage angst into seriously angsty prayers.  Back then we called it 'wrestling with God in my spirit.' which is totally what it felt like.  And the whole time it was crickets from heaven.  Nothing.  Nada.  No words in my head at all.  No writing on the wall, which would have freaked me out to be honest, but would have been better than being ignored.  

Well fine, then, be like that.  All clear and directive when the missionary was there, but only stony silence now, me just pouring out my soul on my bed every night.

And finally I'd had enough.  And I just said, "Okay God.  I'll go where you want me to go.  No matter what."  And I meant it.  I did.  And in that moment of release, what I thought I heard was, "Okay.  Now just wait."

We can't really go into it all right now because that would literally be the whole story of my whole life.  how it all unfolded in due time.  Forty years to be precise, before I actually got to Southeast Asia.  

But here's the thing that dawned on me as I was telling the story again to the kids the other night.

Ken, who was that boyfriend if you didn't know, was with me in the room, here in Southeast Asia, as I'm telling this story.  See what God did there?  Ken is here.  In the end, I didn't have to leave behind what I was so afraid to give up.  In fact, he's here and every bit part of this missionary work as I am.

To be clear, this living for Jesus thing does indeed require sacrifice.  It's kind of what Jesus is all about when it comes down to it; love and sacrifice.  So I'm not saying that there's some kind of magic in surrendering everything, and now God has to do the "psyche!" thing and give you what you were willing to give up.  Sometimes you just give something up and that's it.  And there's been a lot of that in my story as well.

But as I'm telling the story, I glance over at Ken, and the softness of the irony hits me.  

Who knew?

Well, yes, God.  God knew.  

Have I mentioned how much I love it when it works out for Ken to come along to Thailand with me?

Only three days left.  It's been a fabulous time.

Surely Goodness and Mercy Follows Me Today

 

Because Hod is a far enough drive away from Hot Springs, we are on our way the day before the wedding, and stay over in a lovely guest house about five minutes from the church.  I've mentioned before that Suradet is officiating, so it makes the most sense for us to arrive ahead of time, get our bearings, and even get to see some of the preparations underway.

I truly LOVE how many flowers there are at any special event here, especially a wedding, since the long growing seasons make them so available and affordable.  We get settled into our guest house and find some pad Thai for dinner.  

That's when Suradet casually asks if I would be willing to offer a prayer at the ceremony.  In a culture that highly values participation, it is very common for any visitor to be asked to say something or do something, even at the last minute.  So, of course I'd love to pray a blessing over Anachali and Chaichana.  Both are newly ordained pastors in the Korean Methodist Church, and are beginning their married life with a strong understanding of their combined call to ministry.

I spend a little time then before bed, writing the prayer out.  I want it to be meaningful and solid, and to make sure I am pronouncing things properly.  Side Confession:  Since the incident that one time with one mistaken word where I said 'poop' instead of 'key,' I'm just a bit leery about these things. Especially for a wedding!

Feeling ready, and a really happy to have been asked, to be honest, I tuck into bed looking forward to sitting in the congregation the next day, ready to do my little part.

We arrive about an hour ahead of the scheduled time, and are quite comfortable waiting in the shade while folks gather.

The Bride is from the Poh Karen tribe, and it is such a happy thing to see all those guests arriving all decked out in tribal finery, climbing out of the back of the truck.

The day is cool and sunny and perfect.  Everyone is smiling and enjoying their chit chat.  I'm getting the chance to practice some of my Thai as Suradet introduces us to so many of his friends from Bible School and other settings.  I find out from someone from the village how to say "prayer" in Poh Karen - An ten ter.  I write that down on my little piece of paper with my notes.  I've gone over it again, and I'm relaxed and ready, happy to have such a small part in all of this.

However.

About fifteen minutes before the service, Suradet invites me to walk through with him how things will go.  He takes me to the entrance.  When everything is ready, he will be the first in the procession, he tells me.  I am to follow him at a slow pace, and go with him right up on stage where there is a chair set aside for me with all the other pastors who are also in attendance.  Like, Oh.  I'm now in the procession.  Okaaay.  Going with this.  Sorry Ken, looks like you'll be holding on to my purse, and please won't you take some pictures.

Then, about five minutes before the ceremony, Suradet arrives back to where we had been standing, now wearing the clerical gown of his denomination used for special occasions.  And doesn't he have one for me too?  Well then.  Okay.  Still going with the flow.

These things used to throw me a little.  I like planning.  I like knowing what's coming, as much as is reasonable and possible.  But by now I've mellowed, or by now God and Thailand together have helped form me into something less rigid, or by now I am better able to find the fun in the unexpected, or all of the above.  And I find myself filled with delight to be sharing this awesome moment of ministry together with Suradet, all decked out and walking down the aisle to begin the celebration of such a beautiful and hope-filled thing as a wedding.

Honestly, the whole time, hearing my name being announced during the procession (that I am a missionary from Canada serving with Ajahn Suradet at New Family Foundation), sitting on the platform facing the congregation, singing old familiar hymns in Thai, being right up in the action as the Bride and Groom say their vows, all the proceedings and everything...that whole time all I could feel was an increasing sense joy that I get to do this, that I get to be here doing this.  With Suradet, and with Yupa and Ken too.  And all these amazing people who love and live and serve Jesus on the other side of the planet.

When it comes time for the prayer, Anachali and Chaichana get right down on their knees.  I'm holding a microphone and my notes, but Suradet indicates that I am also to lay hands on the Bride.  It's just a tad awkward as I really do want my notes, and I have to lean over, which makes it all at a weird angle.  But we all manage, and there are enough affirming murmurs from the congregation at just the right points to assure me that I am being understood.  At least I hope so.  I can only ask the Holy Spirit to lay the blessing down on the couple in a way that is meaningful to them.  And then, amen.

And then some pictures with all the ordained folks in a row.  And then family.  And then speeches and thank yous now, not at the reception.  And a bit more music.  And we all walk out while the children and the women toss flower petals at us all.  And a new adventure for two fine humans begins.

Ken receives extra points for eating unidentifiable food at the luncheon, without complaint.  It's okay.  Yupa found him some Coke, so it was all good.  And also, all pictures credits, except of this one where I told him to smile, are due to him.  Love that guy.

It's a cup-overflowing kind of day!  All this, and heaven too!!!  

And it gets better.  

We're barely on the way home when we find out that Miki, one of our original girls at Hot Springs is actually also in Hod for the day!  We select an Amazon Cafe as rendezvous point, and - oh happy thing! - I get to spent about 20 delightful minutes meeting her little girl for the first time, and finding out how well she's doing.

I'm almost too happy to sleep in the car on the way home.  Almost.

This trip has been so full of happy already, even without the wedding trip.  So all this extra just feels so....extra.  So much of the goodness that is described in so many places, but perhaps most famously in Psalm 23.  "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life."  I felt followed by it today.  And led by it, and surrounded by it, and covered by it today.

Blessings and congratulations to Anachali and Chaichana.

May God fill your lives with love and strength to serve Him faithfully every single day.

Amen

Heading to a Wedding

 

We're off on a little outing today and tomorrow, heading southwest for a two and half hours drive up a little in the mountains.  Our destination is the wedding of An and Chana.  An, the Bride, has served here at Hot Springs as a Bible School intern on more than one occasion when I've been here, and asked specifically if Ajahn Ruth (and Paw Ken) would please come along with Pastor Suradet (who is officiating) and of course, Yupa.  How sweet.

We are packed and ready for a scenic ride today.  Staying overnight for the wedding that will be held Wednesday morning.  This will be my third Thai wedding, but every one has been different so far, and I am all curious and excited to be present for this one.  Interesting fact this time out:  There is an indication of the colours guests are to wear (on reverse of this invitation shown), and I'm fascinated to see if I can figure out why.  Pictures I'm guessing?  Good thing men are fine in black pants and a white shirt since Ken brought that with him.  Good thing I have a peachish-pinkish outfit that fits the colour scheme.  Also good thing that I consulted with Yupa first!

I just love it when we get the chance to spontaneously experience the special life celebrations that make up this vibrant culture.  Even with Western influences - as seen by the wedding attire pictured on the invitation - there's so much more that is authentically their own.  

Of course this means an Amazon Cafe pit stop is in the plans.  Road trip!

Not sure if we'll have internet connection the whole time, so stay tuned for pictures and stories and such.

Thai Skies and Slow Days (that Go Fast)

It's always a mysterious thing how we can be accomplishing a fair bit in any given day, yet the pacing and general sense of the place is this relaxed.

Our arrival Tuesday evening has given way to what is now already the end of our first week, and it's hard to know where the time has gone and how it could actually be Friday.  Sure, we lose a day in the time change, so that's a big factor.  And this trip we also prolonged the whole experience of getting here by dealing with a missed connecting flight in Taipei.  I'll give it that.

Even so, we have packed in more than one strategic planning meeting, two meet-and-greet dinners, two evening worship times with the kids, and today a visit over to the new property.    Zoom calls home for mentoring and meetings, connecting the Sponsors up for a "different kind of Valentine," and getting set to begin our English time today after school, and - poof! - the week's rolled into a very satisfying wrap.  That includes some very necessary afternoon naps to balance off the jet lag.  

I truly love every iteration of Team that I get to travel with.  AND, there's something uniquely good when Ken and I can be here together.  He is intrinsically involved in what God has called us both to do in their season of our life and marriage together, but mostly holds down the fort at home.  To have him be here, doing his best to sing along in Thai at worship times, remembering the kids' names, sitting at the table with graph paper and pencil, and a fancy rolling ruler, pulling Suradet aside to measure something in light of our big cite planning meeting yesterday, it's all part of what makes me love him more.

So, on this already-Friday, I am realizing I do need to take more pictures!  Which I hope to do when we visit the property later on.  

Actually did get some good shots 

of us marking off the dimensions of the building plan.

But also just of the kids themselves, especially with Ken.  And of course, sorry, not sorry, of the sunrise.

A little fun with some big leaves.

January in this part of Thailand could not be more perfect in weather.  Not too hot during the day, quite chilly actually (16 C) first thing in the morning, and no humidity to sweat about.   I know back in Canada there's snow and windchill, and, as cozy as all that sounds,  I am okay with missing all that right now.  

Just taking in these moments.  Grateful, oh so grateful.

Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,

and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Even when I am old and gray,

do not forsake me, O God,

till I declare your power to the next generation,

your might to all who are to come.

Psalm 71:17-18