It’s raining softly. The kids have left for school. All is quiet here except for the sound of the rain, and of birds, most I could not identify even though I’ve become familiar with their calls.
I am outside under the roof of the porch of our guest house, feeling all relaxed and satisfied, and very much at peace.
This space has become another “outdoor office’ for me. I’ve written many sermons and quite a few school papers here. As well, it’s where we do our reading together with the kids. A sacred space for me. And I am again in awe as to how many such places I have been given. Out in the kayak, the dock, the deck, our back patio at home. And here at Hot Springs.
Tomorrow we leave.
Ken and I have already begun the packing process this morning, working first on our personal clothing and items, and then tucking in all that we’ve collected from our market visits. We can’t come home without something for our amazing Sponsors and Supporters. And we haven’t forgotten the grandchildren.
The packing process also includes what we will bring home with us that cannot be put in a suitcase. At breakfast this morning, both of us agreed that this trip has more than met our expectations. What we felt we came to accomplish, and what has been accomplished in us, in our own minds and hearts, has been amply provided.
We’ve most certainly deepened our relationships with Suradet and Yupa, the other staff here, and the children themselves. We were able to bring tangible gifts of love from the children’s Sponsors. We learned about the Fruit of the Spirit and can now recite them in English. We read countless books to the kids, and handed out prizes for their efforts. Two sermons were given, one by myself on the benefits of wisdom, and one by Ken and I on how to build a strong marriage, both seemed well received, and we just release them for God to work as He sees fits in the lives of these dear people. Ken has had another on-the-ground experience to keep the work he does back in Canada in good context.
Most significantly, perhaps, we were able to get a solid grasp on planning for the development of the other property we will eventually need to move to. Ken’s passion and skill for site plans and blueprints was not only necessary for this trip, but was also truly encouraging for Suradet and Yupa. It was such fun for me to watch Suradet and Ken working on this together, especially since this is a vital part of the ministry for which I am not equipped.
We honestly cannot think of a better way to mark our 45th anniversary than spending time together here midst the love-work God has invited us into as a couple. On our wedding day, all those many years ago, we never would have imagined such a rich investment of God’s Spirit in our lives. Never.
The promise that comes to mind, this soft-rain morning on the porch at Hot Springs is this.
“He who began a good work in you, will be faithful to carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
But we are amazed at what God has done, and that we somehow got to be a part of it.
And that we get to keep watching how He’s going to carry it on to completion.
No outings, no big plans, to big expectations except to pack, and reflect, and be fully present in these last hours.
Likely this will be the last longer post/report until we are back in Canada.
But we’ll keep you posted as we go along.
You never know what surprises might be waiting in the next 24 hours that will be post-worthy.
And thanks to everyone who has been supporting us and praying for us and cheering us on.
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