Monday, September 27, 2010

Egg salad...that's what happens!

What happens when you are boiling eggs for Tuna fish and then you realize you don’t have a can opener? Egg salad…that’s what happens. Just a little something that happened to me today . Random I know. But life here in Bacolod is going super! I am finally moved into my apartment. And I am realizing what all you need to make a home run…even if only for one person. For instance, the can opener.

These past weeks I have been staying with Wade and Joanna Allen. They are another missionary family that live here in Bacolod and they have been a blessing from above! They have taken me under their wing and have helped me ease into life here in Asia. Carly and Caleb, their kiddos, have been fun to be around and have become my little sister and brother! When God takes you away from your family He always gives you another! That I have learned many times over. And I am so thankful for it. It just shows what a detailed, caring God He is. He knows what we need…even if it is a little brother that drives you crazy sometimes! Love you Caleb!!

I am now on somewhat of a schedule for daily life. I have language class every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. And in the afternoons I go to the market and practice! The other day, after my first class I rode a Jeepney (a form of public transportation) all by myself using what little language I know so far. I was so excited! Even though it may seem like a small feat…in life you must look for those! Sometimes those small victories are what can keep you going! And I have also been looking for the little ways that God shows up in my life here. I got this idea from a book I was reading a couple of weeks ago. The book is called Captivating by John and Stasi Eldridge. I highly recommended it for women. But the idea was to be aware of those moments that God gives you a smile from above. For example, I was in this store a couple of weeks ago and I heard on the stereo, over the loud speakers Nicklecreek playing. Now, I know…that is kind of random and you might be thinking how in the world does that have to do with anything spiritual? Oh but it does! God knew I needed to hear something familiar. He knew I needed to hear something that I recognized. So He gave it to me. Over the sounds of people speaking a language I do not understand, over the sounds of the hustle and bustle of a busy store…He gave me Nicklecreek. What is God giving you to smile about that you so easily overlook? Maybe it’s that random flower on the side of the road, the smile of your child under the dirt and mud from playing outside, or that fresh cool breeze out of nowhere. I challenge you to look and find that smile from Him. Ask Him for one. But be ready to receive it as well! And remember to thank Him for it! Maybe it’s not having a can opener for the tuna when what you really needed was an egg salad that reminds you of mom’s.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Two Weeks

First of all....Rebekah, do not faint! :)
I cannot believe that its possible that I left home two weeks ago today. Life has been a whirlwind of activity just getting over here to Bacolod and settling in. God has been so very faithful in giving me just what I needed when I needed it. I have felt the prayers of you all back home and I am so grateful for them.
My apartment is just about ready for me to move into and that has been fun and exciting fixing up my own place. I feel like such a grownup! Even the electric bill with my name on it was pretty exciting, though I doubt it stays that way. :)

So my apartment might need a "little" mopping! I'll post pics when I get it all finished!


first night at GMAs


My welcome in Bacolod. Made my heart smile!

I travel "light" :)

Its been amazing to see God work out every little detail, from my getting everything ready to leave, to the journey over here, my arrival, just everything! God's timing has been absolutely perfect! I just continue to stand in awe of Him and am humbled that He called me, just an ordinary girl from Mississippi, to carry His light to the Asia Pacific region.
I'm praying for you all as you carry His light to whatever part of the world He has placed you, whether that is in school somewhere, at a job, with your family, wherever you are there is where He has called you. Shine your light for all to see and know that I am praying for you.
Please continue to pray for me as well, there is such comfort in knowing that I'm being lifted up in prayer. There are still many adjustment days coming, times of homesickness and feelings of being overwhelmed, but our God has been faithful before, He WILL be faithful again! And I am so excited to be here in this place, at this time!
Hugs to all of you!
~Sarah