Mother's Day ?

(Some photos obtained from other sites.)

Every day, we learn something new about our culture. In our minds, yesterday was Mother's Day: a time for flowers, cards, meals, and gifts to thank mom for all of her love and support. But, on our little island, yesterday was also the day set aside to mark the birthday of Buddha.
In the exact same spot used to celebrate the Franklin Graham Festival and glorify HIS name last fall, thousands of folks gathered to seek a different kind of "peace" in the midst of turbulent times.

Before giving a speech, our president performed the “bathing Buddha” ritual. Holding a wooden ladle, he poured water over a small statue of the Buddha three times while reciting: “May I eliminate all evil thoughts” on the first wash, “May I cultivate good deeds” on the second, and “May I help save all living beings” on the third. (Bathing a statue of Buddha symbolizes a fresh start in life and the care given to newborn babies.)

As mothers demonstrated for their children how to perform this ritual, we were reminded of the urgent need we have to share the true source of real peace, the Prince of Peace. He is the only One that can truly give a fresh start in life, both now and for eternity.

We celebrated Mother's Day by giving our mom flowers, a meal, and a gift. We want this small Oriental lamp to daily remind all of us of the desperate need to continously shine HIS light into the darkness.

Righteous Generation

Every Friday night, Esther gathers with about 75 local teens for Youth Group. Most of the teens are in grades six to nine. Esther leads the small group time for the high school girls. During the week, they also have other events including leaders' meetings, retreats, service projects, outreach projects, and m-type trips. We wanted to use this blog update to share photos from a recent three-day retreat.

The group is mostly Asian,

but does include a few "white-faces."

Kids from South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Europe,
New Zealand, America, Hong Kong, India,
Canada, etc. all participate together.


Wherever teenagers gather,
it requires alot of food....Korean Bar-B-Que.



One of the highlights of the weekend was a ropes course teaching the value of goal-setting, teamwork, and perseverance.

Everyone can always use a little help from their friends.

Together, we're better!

Of course, the best part of the weekend was the concentrated time devoted solely to HIM. Please remember this group on a daily basis. Many of the kids are the first and only believers in their families. May they be a generation that seeks HIS righteousness.

Worth a Thousand Words

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so we hope these photos will clearly describe the elation we experienced riverside with Jerry and our little storefront national clubhouse friends on Easter morning.

Symbolizing His death,

burial,
and resurrection.
Jerry testifying to New Life May Jerry's entire household decide to follow Him soon! Thank you for all of your support. We are on this journey together!

Sushi and Saturday School

The very first Sunday that we arrived in our new city, a co-worker introduced us to a small storefront national clubhouse. Since our national language skills were still very limited, it was difficult to sit through several hours on Sundays of classes, services, and meal times with so little understanding. But, the local brothers and sisters were super, and we really wanted to spend time with them. They invited us to attend (and assist with) their Children's Saturday School, and we have been joining them every week since then. During the past seven months, we have become more and more involved. We can now understand about 1/3 of the national language used during the stories, songs, activities, etc. Jessie has started teaching the featured story each week in very simple English (a few sentences) and very simple Asianese. We have also memorized many of the songs and pr-yers in the national language. But, most of all we have fallen in love with these children and teachers. On a typical Saturday, about 10 to 15 children attend (over 60 are enrolled). The above photo is the multi-purpose room used for all clubhouse activities. If all 60 came on one day, we'd have to move out into the street. (Of course, friends from WV remember when we did that with youth group activities every Wednesday night....so it's definitely a possibility.)

Lately, lots of moms and dads have started joining us. We think it's a great idea. We can use the extra hands. Also, the parents can practice their English skills and hear HIStory along with their children. (Most of the folks from the Children's Saturday School have not joined in Sunday activities yet.) This past Saturday, we had a very unique experience. Have you ever made SUSHI during your children's clubhouse activities? Here's some additional photos in case you want to try it yourself. After spreading cooked rice onto a sheet of seaweed, just add other favorite ingredients like cucumber, mayo, pork floss, etc. (If you want to try this at home, there are actually recipes for pork floss sushi online. So enjoy!)

Then, roll it and cut it and eat it. Or, just roll it and chow down like "corn on the cob"!

On a recent drive through the countryside, we saw farmers preparing their rice fields. They, of course, are expecting a great harvest. We too are busy each day in the fields....preschoolers, children, teens, university students, workers, senior adults, etc. Would you join us? Please daily think about the nationals in our area, and consider coming to join us in these fields. They are literally white unto harvest.

It's That Time of Year

It's that time of year when several folks in our household get another year older! January, February, and March are filled with reasons for our family to celebrate: Jack and Jessie's anniversary (#23), Valentine's Day, Jack's birthday (#48), Jessie's birthday (#45), and Esther's birthday (#16). Wow, how quickly time passes!

We wanted to use this blog entry to thank everyone for all the phone calls, cards, emails, packages, and gifts that we have received during the past few weeks. Your kind words, thoughts, and deeds REALLY keep us going on a daily basis. Esther received a very special gift from her granny and papa: all the necessary books, dvds, and supplies to learn basic cake decorating skills. She's gotten alot of chances to practice lately.Each event was also an opportunity to invite people to our home to experience American foods and celebrations. For Esther's "Sweet 16" event, she wanted to host a SCUM Party. Those of you in Montana know and love playing SCUM. For those of you unfamiliar with this activity, we'll be happy to teach you the next time we see you. (It basically involves some people playing the part of royalty and some the part of peasantry and alot of laughter.) Our national friends had a blast!

Our journey for Him continues, one moment at a time, one step at a time, one person at a time. Thank you for joining us on this journey. May He be glorified in all we say and do.

The Earth is Filled with His Glory

In December, our city's zoo received a very special gift, two pandas. In January, on the first day of our Asian New Year Holiday, over 100,000 folks lined up to see them. (Our city is hoping over a million people a year will come to visit them.) Since we had been privileged to see pandas before in Washington, DC, Atlanta, Beijing, and Hong Kong; we waited until a weekday morning in late February :)

We saw a variety of animals from all regions of the world, but we most enjoyed seeing the animals native to this island (especially the Formosan macaque or rock monkey).

Our favorite part of the day, however, was definitely the Butterfly House. We stayed for quite a while watching the butterflies eat, fly, and land.
Esther and Jack even had several butterflies land right on their bodies. We were all amazed at the many colors, shapes, and sizes. Our island has over 400 different species of butterflies.

A few days later, we also had opportunity to visit a local mountain and get a look at the beautiful plants, trees, and bushes Father has place on our island:

Star Fruit trees
Papaya treesApricot blossoms
Jasmine Tea Flowers

Of course, what's an outing without food! We were pleasantly surprised to find one of our favorite foods, steamed bar-b-q pork buns, available at a snack stand at the zoo.

But, if you're not into this kind of Asian treat, you can always go down the street for pizza.

Peking Duck Pizza....Elizabeth's favorite! Here's hoping it's available on the college dining hall menu next fall.

Esther's Entries

During the past two weeks, we were blessed to travel to another country to experience some great R & R & R & R & R (relaxation, refreshment, renewal, retooling, reunion). We even got to spend some time with five friends from Montana, volunteering in the children and youth programs!!
This year, a photo and essay contest was held. Esther entered ten photos and had two selected for the show: She also won first prize for her essay entry in her age division. We thought you might like to read it too. Thanks for all of your thoughts on behalf of us and the people we serve.
I have eight Asian Cinderellas. In Asian culture, eight is a lucky number. Although I do not believe in luck, I know that I am incredibly blessed to have met them. Outfitted in cuteness, they can instantly light up a room with their smiles. However, my Cinderellas do not live in a fancy palace or even a regular house. You see, these Asian beauties are orphans.

Having fended for themselves most of their lives, they long for attention. They have no parents or family members to love them the way they deserve, yet these girls are truly amazing. Each has a story behind her beaming smile. Some were found in garbage cans, some were dropped off on orphanage steps, and a few have physical deformities. All of their faces display the hardships they have undergone, but mixed with the sorrow is hope. They cling to the momentary joy of being loved and count down the days until the “foreign aunties” come and bring them toys. When we enter the room, pony tails swoosh and polka dotted dresses twirl as they came rushing towards us. Their bare feet dance next to ours, their tiny hands reach out to be held, and their little hearts beat with undeniable strength. They overflow with laughter and curiosity. As they chime in with the praise music we sing together, I can see their expressions of joy. They are so grateful for a few toys. They are so happy with the simple act of having their fingernails painted, and their joy in cuddling stuffed animals is contagious. They live simply, play hard, and love deeply.

The only tiaras they will ever wear are paper birthday hats, but they are all precious jewels in the eyes of God. My eight Asian Cinderellas may be fatherless in this world, but they have the Prince of Peace and King of Kings watching over them.