New Provisions

Yesterday, 15 year old Eli thanked God for where we’re currently living. In his prayer, he said it was comfortable and nice to be here. I’d have to agree. The Lord has been too kind. It was also right after our National Director (who happened to live below us), without our asking, installed an air conditioning unit on one of the windows in the living room area. If there was one thing to complain about, the heat might have been it, but that was quickly rectified by the gesture and service. Because it was him who did it, it all the more brought home the message of not just a giving, but a serving God (like Jesus). Thank you, Papa God. We are in a two-bedroom, long and spacious apartment. Both Evan (on a mattress) and Eli (on the couch) sleep in the living room but neither seems to mind it. We are grateful and content. There are times when the bathroom (there’s only one) literally has a line up from any few of us six but we have kept the tempers down and are living in harmony.

This brings me to the next provision which is a place to go to for an extended time of prayer. I was able to get away for my usual time of quiet once a month and ended up doing it next door, the actual OMF Guest House. It’s a big, beautiful house with nine rooms that people can stay in. The rooms; instead of numbers, are assigned the following names: Trust, Love, Joy, Peace, Harmony, Praise, Hope, Serendipity, and Tranquility. There have been many times coming back to Toronto where I’d find myself disturbed by the sirens wailing in the city. It’s one of the things I adjust to since we hardly ever hear sirens (from fire trucks, ambulances, or police cars) in Chiang Mai. Here, not two days would go by without hearing it at least once. Sometimes, upwards to three can be heard in a single day! In the past, for the first few days, sirens would jar my peace. In the Mission Home and here, there is such a peace that blocks out all the outside noises. Yes, the noises (and sirens!) are there but like a cloak, I remain unperturbed because of the peace that shrouds me. I stayed there to pray and it felt just right. The cost for OMF members to stay is $8.75 per day with breakfast so it is VERY affordable. It also had a piano which I was able to play, making the place perfect for me. I initially asked to stay in the Trust room as I thought it was where I spiritually needed to be. I was assigned to the Harmony room instead and as I prayed, I sensed that it was what the Lord was going to do in our family. Harmony somehow eluded us several times in Chiang Mai but it’s a gift the Lord is giving us this season. Yes, Lord!

Lastly, I’d like to write about the 2003 Pontiac Montana van that the Lord provided us with. We’ve been able to drive it around for a week now and it is surely fitting our needs. Our sons had claimed their seats and are in process of finding out how to use the DVD player. It has automatic sliding side doors, power windows and locks, and with the push of some switches can move the driver’s seat up, down, forward or back. It is super cool for the price of $3,250.00. The Lord is good and greatly to be praised. I’m sure I’ll have much to write about in the days to come. =)

Home

Even in laughter the heart may ache…
Proverbs 14:13a

My family and I arrived here in Toronto last Sunday. I should probably feel great about being home but that’s not how I feel. I’ve actually been blessed to come here for a few weeks every year for the last three years. That was intentional so I could help take care of my mother who has Alzheimer’s and visit her, Evan, and my father. After each of those visits here, I’d returned to Chiang Mai, where “home” was. Being here this time is different because we’ll live here on Home Assignment for one year. Another family now lives in the house we rent in Chiang Mai. We are supposed to be “home” now. Somehow, it just doesn’t feel like it yet. I actually feel lost and disoriented.

Maybe it’s just because of how we spent the first few moments since arriving. Instead of a sibling, we were greeted at the airport by friends who used to live in Chiang Mai. Then we immediately joined the rest of the Home Assignees for supper. Two of the assignees were co-workers in Chiang Mai too (!), and a third one visited me there. Maybe that’s why it’s felt so extra strange. Four friends that we used to work with in Chiang Mai are here with us but we’re in a different place, we’re not in our usual context. Since arriving that night, we’ve been attending meetings pertaining to being back in Canada from morning until around 9 p.m. Our sessions end today, Friday, at noon. Thankfully, Evan was able to join us for that Sunday night’s meal. It was good to see him and the rest of our sons catching up with him. Ethan was literally all over him. We had to ask Ethan to get off Evan as Ethan was sitting on his shoulders while they were watching TV! =)

Maybe being “home” feels strange because we had no money until Eng got some yesterday. We tried to use our bank card but none of the passwords we used worked. Only later did I realize that we used an old card and not the current correct one.

Maybe it’s strange because we’re staying at a guest house instead of at my parents where I normally would be as soon as I get here. For various reasons, it’s not feeling quite right.

For the month of July, we are staying on the second floor of this building, at the apartment on the left (the one with the open window).

They say, “Home is where the heart is.” I guess the bottom line is, my body is here but my heart has yet to join me. I noticed that during times of interaction this week, I wasn’t quite ready to engage with people yet. I’m not ready to make new friends. Perhaps after I properly grieve the ones I lost in Chiang Mai, I’ll be more intentional.

We also still don’t know how our days will look so everything about being here has the strange feel to it. After all the meetings this week, what then? Our sons need to be registered at their schools. I need to upgrade my educational requirement so I can keep teaching ESL in Chiang Mai. Eng wants to learn Mandarin and most importantly, we have to meet with our supporters and share about our work in Chiang Mai. We should also mobilize and encourage others to be involved in missions.

In our session this morning, we were asked, “Will you endure your time here until you truly go home? Are you feeling a sense of truly belonging elsewhere? Is there an ache to come home?”

I’d have to answer with, “No, I won’t endure my time here. I aim to thrive in it with God’s help. No, I honestly don’t feel like I belong in Chiang Mai even though that’s where home’s been for the last seven years. I was back in the Philippines in April this year but I didn’t feel like belonging there either. The term “nowhereian” suits me just fine but I do feel the ache to come home.”

We sang a song with the line “Come and fill your lambs” so I asked God to fill me. Next thing I knew, I was crying. Yes, it’s the infilling and the presence of Papa God that soothes and relieves the ache to come home. Heaven, where I will always be with God, is home. Thankfully, some day, I’ll be there.

Double Delight

Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;
sing praise to His name, for that is pleasant.

Psalm 135:3

We’ve got a day to spend with my high school friend who lives in Sunbury on Thames outside of London and then tomorrow we’ll board our plane to go back to Canada. She offered to take us to Windsor Castle or visit Hampton Court after a buffet meal. Then we’ll have BBQ at their place for supper. It sounds like another wonderful day. It shouldn’t surprise us that God will bless us just as much. He’s been so faithful to do so for the last two weeks that we’ve been travelling in Europe.

God is undeniably too good. Following our trip to Rome, Italy, the Vatican City, and Paris, France, we made our way to Eibergen, Holland. We stayed there for four days and enjoyed our time. Our host, another high school friend, and her family, went out of their way to make our stay very pleasant. Even their friends were very kind to us. As if to punctuate a point, the Lord audibly told us what He was doing. When our friends took us to see an old church on Zwillbrock near the German border, we entered it. The choir must have been practising for the next day’s service. They sang “Amazing Grace” as we walked in and followed it a few songs later with “Great is Thy Faithfulness”. Yes, what an amazing God you are, Papa, so faithful.

We took a walk in the German woods and coupled with the Dutch countryside, truly satisfied my soul. We have such a creative God! Our host also served us French duck dishes (“Cassoulet” and “Confit de Canard” with white asparagus) when they found out we ate mostly sandwiches in Paris because of their exorbitant prices. We still got to enjoy French cuisine even though we were already in Holland. =)

Of course, none of the travelling would have happened if not for Ryan Air, a no-frills type of airline (like Air Asia). Although very strict with their baggage regulations (or you pay fines!), their economical airfares made it possible for us to do what we did. A Dutch friend said that at one point they had a seat sale and it cost two pounds and fifty pence to travel to London! We didn’t pay ours THAT cheaply but we were able to afford it. [Note for those travelling with Ryan Air, only one hand carry is allowed on the flight which means no backpacks, purses, computer bags, etc., are allowed.]

Yesterday, we saw another close friend who lives in Wales. It was good to spend time with her around Trafalgar Square since it was also Canada Day and then later having some Chinese food at Soho, their Chinese district.

We were also hosted by friends who owned a long, narrow, canal boat. Staying with them for two nights while floating around Wolverhampton to enjoy the English countryside refreshed our tired bodies and gave us the rest we needed for more sight seeing in London. The Lord knew exactly what we needed.

The Lord used the Suddells, the Vander Meulens, the Sears, and the Bruces to host us so that our paid lodging was minimal. It’s a remarkable blessing to not just travel to see popular sites but get to visit with old friends, strengthen relationships, establish new ones, and feel united because of God. What a blessing it has all been!

In one home we visited, they had Double Delight roses. Later I realized that the Lord was doing just that! He was delighting us doubly over until our joy sensors were happily satisfied. Thank you, Lord, we get it and we praise you! YOU ARE GOOD.

No One Beats God

Well, never in our wildest dreams would we have thought we’d ever set foot at the Rome Coliseum. It is amazing and fascinating! After I graduated from university, I went on a Europe trip and managed to travel to the front of the Coliseum but it’s the first time for me to be inside it. It’s the first time for all of us! What an interesting place! Its mind boggling that it’s even still standing up after all those centuries past. We even saw it on the plane as it is quite imposing in size! What surprised me even more was that I started to cry when I remembered what it stood for. I cried for those who lost their lives for what they believed in. I asked for forgiveness and that healing will come upon the land. As we toured the

site, it became clear that they were uncertain that believers were in fact killed on the site. Still, the idea that men killed one another for sport or that to provide entertainment men fought animals to defend themselves or be killed and eaten just didn’t strike me as something the Lord was pleased with. I knew that what happened in that arena greatly grieved Him. May it never ever happen again.

From there, we walked around ruins and arches and soon the boys were doing antics and all kinds of poses. It was fun to fool around and just enjoy the sights. It’s been awhile since we’ve been out as a family and just enjoying ourselves. Since its Father’s Day, it was a wonderful gift for Eng that we could be together and having fun. At different times, Eng was stressed free and it was good for him to just relax. Thank you, Lord! Happy Father’s Day to you, too, Papa! =)

The trip’s highlights were seeing Michelangelo’s Pieta at St. Peter’s Basilica and his work on the ceiling at the Sistine Chapel. We also went to see the Trevi Fountain, had fun by the Eiffel Tower, went on an hour’s cruise at the Seine River, and saw Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Venus of Milo (or Aphrodite), The Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Psyche and Cupid by Canova at the Louvre. We walked in and outside of Notre Dame Cathedral, and went around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. BUT, having seen all those famous sites and literally looking at thousands of art pieces at the Vatican Museum and the Louvre, I truly marveled and enjoyed the gorgeous blue sky with clouds, in between the Arc de Triomphe. As I posted on Facebook, nothing beats God’s creative handiwork. He’s still the best.

By the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy.

Love Again

Love like you have never loved before.
Kathi Pelton

Later this afternoon, we will leave for a family vacation in Europe. Since finding out that flying via Europe on our way home to Toronto allows us to have a stopover in London at no extra costs for us, we’ve initially toyed with the idea of traveling there. The idea turned into a viable option and soon, we were having yard sales to save up some spending money. Yes, it doesn’t cost us extra to get there but we do have to eat and live somewhere! All those materialized (friends to visit and stay with, and places to live in) and so we are embarking on a never before done family adventure for two weeks. Later today, we'll leave for London and then travel to different places in Europe before we continue our journey to Toronto on the 3rd of July. It is unfortunate that Evan is not able to join us but when he studied in London, he traveled to Europe as well so at least he’s been to where we’re going (except Holland). He is now in Toronto looking for a summer job.

So, yes, it’s sad to leave Chiang Mai and with somewhat heavy hearts we leave it but the Lord has a LOT in store for us, not just on our trip to Europe, but in our year’s stay in Toronto. We are blessed to be able to visit with family and to also share at different churches in Canada the work that is happening on this side of the world. We are also grateful for the full lives we lived here the past seven years. There might be an assumption out there that it’s hard to serve the Lord overseas. I would do it all over again for half of what I gained in coming here. It’s been a tremendous blessing and I wouldn’t change a thing (Eric’s having had cancer included)!

Yesterday, our sons shared their last supper with their friends. I should say remaining friends as a lot of them (especially Eric’s), had already left to go home to their respective home countries. It was good to be gathered together and to share that sweet time with them. The Lord has been so good in providing them with precious friends.

Finally, as we prepare to leave, I choose to live and do the statement above in my new community in Markham, just outside of Toronto. Loving hurts at times like this especially because some of my friends won’t be returning to Chiang Mai. Still, regardless of the pain, IT IS BETTER to have loved and lost. =) Thank you, God, for the technology that allows easier ways for us to communicate in the future. Most of all, there is heaven for all of us, our final destination for those who believe in Jesus as Lord. No more painful moves. =) Praise God.

A New Thing!

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Isaiah 43: 18-19a

The verses above serve as the theme in the conference that my family and I are in until Sunday this week. I cannot help but marvel at how appropriate it is in our situation. Most assuredly, we are about to embark on a journey we’ve not taken before. Not only is Eric, our second son about to leave us as he goes to university in the fall but we are also going to live in Canada for a year having lived in Thailand for the last seven. The last time we were living in Canada, Evan (our oldest) was the only teen at fourteen and Eric and Eli were still boys. Ethan wasn’t even born yet! As we live there again, Ethan is the only boy and the rest have all grown. Times have surely changed!

As I ponder what our lives will be like, I realize that the Lord has done a new thing already. For starters, we’ve learned what it’s like to wait until the 11th hour. Since February, we’d advertised our house to be rented out but it wasn’t until last Sunday (the 6th) when we finally got all three sets of renters confirmed and committed to stay at our home. Since our departure date is June 16th, that left us with just 10 days to act with certainty with regard to what to do with the house (do we pack to store or pack to give up the house?). Whew! I should point out that the landlord waived off 9,000 Baht from the rent as the person wanting to rent for the month of August couldn’t pay the whole amount. In exchange, we’ll live in the house an extra year when we come back. God is good to help us sort this out, a new thing indeed!

Since the beginning of the year, Eng started to look for a Thai person to hire as new staff for his office but it wasn’t until Friday when he finally hired one. Praise God for His provision. It took awhile for the perfect person but she's finally found!

We’ve been praying for a replacement for Eng since last year but there still isn’t one. At the moment, three different people at the office will be doing his job while he’s away. It isn’t the most ideal set up but with God doing a new thing (11th hour answers), perhaps the Lord will provide just a little bit later.

With just 8 days left before we leave, we’ve been to the airport 3 times already to see friends off. They won’t be coming back. SIGH. In the next few days, we’ll see three more friends off. It’s been hard but again, the Lord’s so gracious to help us realize how blessed we are to have had those relationships. The new thing is that our hearts are helped to be more grateful than sad or upset about the losses. It is heart warming.

As we face our last week finishing off the conference, then packing and continuing to say “goodbye”, we’re preparing our hearts for even more new things that the Lord will do. I prayed with an old friend today and she commented that it wasn’t an accident that we’re leaving on our seventh year. She prayed that we’ll have a restful year, just like a Sabbath. Maybe it’s the new thing, maybe not, we await it eagerly anyway. The Lord is good and always up to something good. We can trust Him to lead and guide us. Please help us to forget the former things. We await your new things, Papa God. =) Let it come.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
Psalm 127: 4-5a

Eli, Evan, and Eric, with Ethan in front, just before Evan boarded his plane to go back to Toronto.

Eric’s Graduation and Life Beyond

In a beautiful ceremony held at Empress Hotel, Eric’s high school years ended. Considering that we had to deal with him receiving chemotherapy and radiation after he was diagnosed with cancer on his lymph nodes in March last year, we prayed real hard that he would finish and make it through his last two years. What a relief that indeed, he did! Judging from the applause he received during the graduation, we are grateful for those who prayed and are just as thankful and relieved as we are that he made it. =)

The Lord had and has been so faithful. Eric will start his tertiary education at a university in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He will pursue a degree in Computer Engineering and has received a scholarship that will enable him to study without needing to go into debt.

We thank the Lord for His goodness. As Eric starts his university studies, Evan will soon end his as he goes back for his final year in the fall. Evan maintained the required Grade Point Average to keep receiving his scholarship. Yay! Meanwhile, Eli is hoping to start 10th Grade at a local public school in Ontario. Ethan will start Grade 5 at a still undetermined public school close to our soon to be home. We will begin to live in that Markham neighborhood in August.

Eric at 5'7" with his TALL friends.

We have two weeks left before we close off a chapter of our lives here in Chiang Mai. There is a tendency to be swept away by a speeding train that would have us working round the clock so that everything is done. We still haven’t found all the people we need to live in our house while we’re away for the year. Today, our cocker spaniel of six years was diagnosed with a blood parasite. The vet patiently explained that if she doesn’t undergo the series of treatments that she needs, she will die. Life has enough concerns to keep us not just busy but awake and petrified at night. During the graduation ceremony, the encouragement was to shine and to look to the light. The light, meaning God, will not just show us the way, but will direct and lead and guide us. It will do us well to keep looking to God. His light will not just help us navigate our way but will allow us to understand where we’re headed. Thank you, Lord, for helping us shine, for being our light and for who you are (our comfort and shield) and what you do. We love you!