The night I returned from a wonderful vacation in southern Thailand, I was greeted by a short-term visitor that will be living with until the end of December. Her name is Cherilyn and she is student teaching at CMIS for 8 weeks and rooming with me! I did not know her prior to her arrival in CM and was praying that all things would work out seeing that I was not sure if she was a Christian or not. She grew up in Bolivia as her parents were missionaries there. I was so excited to have a Christian girl room with me!! I told her that I had prayed that she was a Christian and that if she ended up not being one, I would try and convert her...ha ha!! Anyways, her and I are getting along wonderfully and she is such a joy to hang out with! We have already had several funny moments and I am sure in the next 6 weeks we will have even more.
Her arrival was definitely divinely appointed because the last two weeks have been rather difficult for me emotionally. The reality of being across the world is finally starting to settle. I love it and do not plan to leave here. I am actually praying about staying here in Thailand longer or traveling to another country and teaching/ministering there. In the beginning, I was sad because I had to say goodbye to friends and family, but now the reality of missing significant events in my family's lives is very difficult. I did not really think about that, until I had to face it head on. It began on my dad's and cousin's birthday. Watching them open their presents over Skype was emotionally devastating. Thank God for Skype, but this new experience of not "being there" is very hard. On top of that, my aunt and uncle just found out that they are adopting a baby girl, from birth, and she will be arriving December 6th. When they told me over Skype, I was hysterical! I am missing this amazing moment in my family's life. How do I deal with that?
These last 2 weeks were filled with depression, excitement, joy, sadness, and confusion. I still do not know the solution to these feelings, but the Lord continues to show His Faithfulness and Gentleness. The day that I was emotionally a wreck, I received a package in the mail from the College Group with fun "American" things plus encouraging notes. The Lord knew that I would need that encouragement and knew that I needed that reassurance that people haven't forgotten about me! What an awesome God! He is so loving and gentle! I felt His arms of comfort and peace fill me as I read each verse written by dear friends.
Please pray for me, especially during the holidays as it will be difficult. However, I am thankful that He has given to me people here who have become my "family." The Lord provides even in ways that we didn't think possible.
I love you all! May the Lord fill you with same love and gentleness as He has shown me.
Psalm 68:6a
"God sets the lonely in families..."
Hi Cynthia, We've been reading about you in Thailand and praying for you. You write about misssing your family events. I remembered a time when we were on missions trip to Tabasco, Mexico and it was my mother's b-d. I tried to call but I couldn't get through(in the days before cell phones. It was the first time that I had not been able to talk to her on her special day. I walked back to the house where we were staying, feeling so sad but was reassured knowing that God had sent me. Be sure that we think of you often. You are stuck on the fridge and we pray for you several times a day.We have even seen you on other fridges around town. Love, Maria
ReplyDeleteEven when you are in God's will, things are tough. But, when we know we are in His will, it's all worth it and we can rest in his strength. Read Luke 14:26-27 Wer're going to get in touch with you on Skype. Enrique
Thinking of, and have your Blog as a favorite on my our computer. God Bless! Dan White and Family
ReplyDeleteHAPPY THANKSGIVING!
ReplyDelete-Dan