January 15, 2014

We started a training program this week that gets the entire family up and exercising at 6:30 a.m. for 30 minutes. It has been great so far, but we are only three days into it. This is our fourth week without any visitors; the first time in eight months. We still miss our visitors and find the house a little empty. We are constantly looking for "the rest of us" as it always feels that we are missing someone. After lunch we are reading a book about the life of Amy Carmichael. We could relate to something we read today. Amy said that before coming to the mission field she read books where people were just waiting for the missionaries to come so that they could receive Christ and how "reality is sometimes different."

These last three weeks here in Fiji have been great. The normalcy of life and less hectic pace is a welcome change. We still feel a bit smaller in size without our American visitors and would rather have them all here with us. The children have plunged into their schoolwork. I think they too realize that our time before furlough is short and the more they work, they sooner they will be finished. What a great blessing that everyone should be finished with their grade by the time we leave in April.

Lazarus is reading aloud to us while the girls play with dolls and Little People. We enjoy such a happy life and so much like days gone by in America, like days before air conditioning and television, which although a blessing, can also serve as jailors.

Ruth's birthday and other blessings

Today was Ruth's birthday. It was a great day for all. We made her a cake and bought various items to help her cook Indian foods when she returns to America. We knew she'd be missing her family since this is the longest time that she has been away from them.

Ruth started her day by leading the morning Bible time at Labasa Primary School with over 200 students and teachers present. Later she was introduced to banana jam at Serema's then returned here to teach the children. After lunch she was able to see her family on Skype for the first time since her arrival. Watching how difficult is was for her to end the call reminded me of those first months here in Fiji saying goodbye to our parents on Skype. Serema surprised us with one of her famous chocolate birthday cakes. It is so wonderful to have family wherever you go when you have Christ in common. The children designed a scavenger hunt for Ruth to find her presents. It was great fun! After birthday cake the entire family played a board game. One of the highlights for me was seeing how each child contributed uniquely to showing Ruth love and appreciation. Praise God for days like this!

This week has been a week of answered prayers. We are seeing God move in hearts and bring about repentance and reviving a passion for Himself where once there was a passion for sin. God is blessing those around us with peace and an excitement for the work He is doing. Intercession is so sweet and we are seeing eternal fruit.

Tirzah teething

Well, this week was another great week that was full of surprises. Tirzah had a fever on and off all week as a result of some back teeth coming in. She was quite grumpy and sleepless at  night. Many times I wondered if my sweet tempered red head would ever come back. The school week went well and flew by. Each day the kids seem to get a better grasp on their schedule and responsibilities. Our morning Bible times have continued to be a daily highlight for us all. We sing a few hymns, take prayer requests and pray, recite Philippians two, and Mike is teaching from Luke. Bimla and Ruth join us most mornings; which brings our number up to nine. They are also going through Philippians chapter two with us. Another highlight is reading a chapter or two from a missionary biography after lunch. I think we realized the pace that works for our family and our priorities and are making everything else fall in place around those.

Wednesday's Bible club was well attended with a few new children showing up. Ruth started a new series on the life of Christ. We tried to lay a foundation of the Creator and promised Deliverer before and now prayerfully the Holy Spirit will open their eyes that Jesus Christ, God Who came in flesh, is that One. We only have six weeks left with these precious children before ending for the year.

On Thursday Ami's family asked us to come for the Bible study even though they are working seven days a week right now to get their sugar can harvested on time. Julia ran a fever while we were there (she is still sick with a cold). God mercifully allowed me to have some Tylenol for her so she could be more comfortable on the floor until the study was finished. These kids' participation in the ministry amazes me sometimes.

Even though we arrived home late it took the kids awhile to settle down for bed. I, on the other hand, beat them all to bed. Tirzah could not sleep and Nathan and Abbie did all they could to get her to sleep so as not to disturb mom. It was priceless to see them working together, reading her books and getting her ready (after 10 pm). Nevertheless...Tirzah, Julia, and I were up at 3 am or so inhaling steam and taking Tylenol. Tonight I plan to pull a mattress into Tirzah and Nathan's room so I don't have to go back and forth down the hall.

Today Ruth, Tirzah, and Julia were waiting in the car outside the pharmacist when three Muslim ladies approached the car and began inquiring about the children. The ladies were very interested in these white children. They asked if we would come to their home and pray for their daughter in law. They believe someone has "put black magic on her" so she cannot conceive. The mother in law was wearing a berka (complete covering) and was accompanied by her deaf sister. She told us they fast and offer animal sacrifices every week. How our hearts went out especially to the deaf lady. How can they hear without a preacher?

Tonight Tirzah, Julia, Lazarus, and I stayed home and ate pancakes and watched an American Girl movie while everyone else went to Tanya and Laki's for dinner. Julia and Lazarus are playing Sorry now; so cute!

Today we saw a banner in town advertising a run tomorrow sponsored by the police force. No starting time was listed so we might miss it, but Lazarus, Mike, and I may give it a try. A lot will depend on Tirzah. This little gal is in so much pain. The only thing that seems to make her feel better is if I stand up and hold her. She is sleepy, but lying down puts so much pressure on her ear. I'm at the computer now and she just said "stand up, Mama."

No time for editing...

Just a quick note, Tirzah is a bit sick and really clingy and whiney. We had a great Monday here. The kids are doing fine with their school work. The BJ curriculum seems to be a good fit. Having Bimla to watch Tirzah is a big help too. Especially on days when Tirzah is grumpy.

Sunday's meeting went well. Mukesh and his family did not come because their church had a prayer service. We did have the other regular attenders though and they seemed engaged.  The father of the little boy that likes Mike came for the first time with his family. Mike taught about Christ cleansing the temple. Everyone is looking forward to a joint birthday party in a couple of weeks. Six people of those who attend have a birthday in October (including Ruth).

Ami had to cancel last week's meeting. They are in the last month of their cane cutting and have to work as much as possible. We may not see them much this month. It is amazing how hard they work for so little.

Nathan and Mike had a good Bible study today and Ruth had a study with Abbie. Julia took the challenge to be the first to recite Phil. 2:12 perfectly and won a can of Coke. She sure was happy. Lauren has finished her first Barbie afghan and now she is excited to start something new.

I thought of you, Jackie, tonight. We had bean burritos with homemade salsa and roti. Now everyone is watching Andy Griffith.

Alright, I better take care of Tirzah now. Forgive any grammer or speling errers. I love you both!

I am trying to find a way to keep you, our dear family, up to date with all the blessings and great things God is doing here in Fiji. We will see if this works.

We are enjoying pizza night and so thankful that God has brought us through another week. This was a busy week. On Tuesday Lingam and his family came over for pizza. We had a great time. On Wednesday Ruth was feeling sick and scheduled to teach Bible club that day at 4 p.m. We prayed and pressed on with the day. Ruth felt better by time for Bible club. We had a good turnout. The kids were really excited about Bible Club Rally tomorrow.

On Thursday Tirzah had a high fever 9probably teeth). I wasn't feeling great either. Abbie was such a servant. She gave Tirzah a long bath and took care of her. The kids have all gotten along well and been such a blessing.

Today, Friday, we had a good school day. Tirzah still has a bit of a fever and has enjoyed all the attention. The children, especially Abbie, helped to make 83 cupcakes for the rally. We had a great time and I am so thankful for all the experiences they are gaining.

Nathan has played quite a bit of guitar this week and has tried to accompany our Bible time a few mornings.

I'll try to update again soon.

We love you!