Back Home Again!

A brief post tonight to break our silence and tell you that we're back home again after our retreat.  We absolutely feel refreshed and restored after an exciting, but arduous, past year!  We visited a retreat center where families who work all over Asia come to rest and be quiet...dozens of families just like ours, from all over the world, like-minded, who savor the time to reconnect with each other and Him.  The first year we went on retreat I thought, "Wow, this is so amazing, what a blessing!"  The second year I thought, "Oh, I see, this is essential!"  This year I thought, "Dear Lord, I hope we make it before the wheels fall of this rig!"

Once again we've been stirred up by the HS's guiding, refining more and more the vision for our work.  Though we know all too well that on this journey of following that we will likely never know a 5 year plan...and seldom a 1 year plan...so we move forward with what He has revealed to us at this time, and ask for His help to remain faithful.

I will be writing at length in the days to come about some specific issues on which through the Book, meditation, and discussions with other brothers and sisters, we have more clarity. 

We've been reminded again that the Way is one that is not easy, that calls for sacrifice, and is rich with blessing and hope! 

Tomorrow we will again rise in the dark, force our arms and legs into the many layers of clothing required...and trudge back to the school that is the center of our life Here.  We will be greeted by our fellow teachers and beloved students, with joy in our hearts to be where He wants us to be.

It seems as though our work is now compartmentalized a bit into three areas.  The first being Adoption, which since 2005 has been our primary mnstry calling.  The second, a developing program of "Orphan Prevention" if you will, about which I will write more in the near future.  The third, living our lives in the community of the school.

There is much new to report, miracles of healing in the hearts of our newest children, milestones acheived by others, even announcements to make...but all that must wait for another day...

I am so greatful for restoration...and the joy that is a wellspring in my soul...He is so faithful.